Thanks for putting this together. Glad the tent structure help up well. Regarding the leaks at the zippers and near the vents, I mentioned this in our messages (and you explained it well at the end) but for people that might not have caught that I’ll explain the situation. For the vents, I’m not sure what happened here. The vents have quite a bit of overlap and are sloped uphill when closed, so they should keep out rain when they are closed. The splatter looks pretty widely distributed, so I’m not sure how that happened. It seems like some of this was from before the vent was closed. To have it happen after the wind would have to push water uphill, which maybe happens but seems like it would take a very strong gust to do that, and if so, it could happen in a lot of tents. Maybe it was something else like condensation getting knocked off, or water that had previously splattered through the vent and then somehow getting knocked off. It’s hard to say what happened but the vents should normally keep out water because they are sloped fairly well and there is a decent bit of overlap between the top and bottom. For the zippers, the X-Mid and X-Dome use YKK AquaGuard zippers which are the same zippers as most tent brands including Hilleberg. They are sometimes referred to as ‘waterproof’ but really they are only water resistant because they do have that seam down the center where the two halves joins. Any truly waterproof zipper is really too heavy for a tent. Many other brands use these over top of a tent floor where they can drip on the floor, whereas here I design the doorways to be more protective because (1) the wall is quite steep so any leakage will run down the inside of the panel and still drip at the same spot at the bottom, and (2) the zippers are only above the vestibules so even if it did drip, it wouldn’t land on the floor area. I think this is a good arrangement with a highly water resistant zipper + steep wall + only above the vestibule. We've been using this for about 5 years in the X-Mid with good results. We could add a flap over it to take it up another level, but flaps are prone to snagging in the zipper and add weight, so I prefer not to do that since having the zippers steep and above the vestibule already makes the consequences low. So it is true some water can seep through the zipper, but the occupants should still be well protected.
A very fair test S and i think your comments are very balanced and fair. I'll certainly buy one for 3 seasons when the solid inner is available but its not a uk 4 season tent and i dont think Dan would say it is either. Great vid. A
Thank you for a solid video putting the tent through its paces in stormy conditions. Your reviews have always seemed fair and balanced to me, which I appreciate. Cheers to you.
Hi. This looks a very good tent and tested very well. Think your going to have problems in most tents in that weather to be fair. I like the design, the ease of putting up and the space that you seemed to have. I'd say all in all a good through hiking tent. Thanks for showing us the tent.
Great vid, re the zip, it's hard to make any zip fully waterproof but if you give it a good spray inside and out along the zip with a silicone spray, that'll do the job.
In 3 seasons it can still rain. Leaking zip is pretty bad. I guess, this can happen in many tents given the right conditions. I have experienced it myself with other, high quality tents.I know many others are anticipating the solid inner, which would at the very least, reduce the anxiety of this, especially if it has a dwr coating.
The zippers are YKK AquaGuard zippers, which are the same as most tents. They are sometimes called waterproof, but they are actually only water resistant because they still have the seam down the center. There is no waterproof zipper available that is reasonably to use on a lightweight tent, so we use the same YKK AquaGuard zippers as most brands (e.g. Hilleberg, MSR etc) while only positioning them above the vestibule and on a steep wall, so while they are not totally waterproof any drips would likely just run down the inside the drip at the bottom hem, or at worst, drip in the vestibule.
@@Sneaky-Sneaky We could do a flap but even in driving rain like this, the few drops that might get through are still going to run down the inside and drip at the same spot, so it doesn't really change anything. At worst, here you get a few drips in the vestibule. A flap would help but add the risk of annoying snags in the zipper. We've been using these zippers above the vestibule with no one having a substantial issue for about 5 years now, so I prefer the simpler snag-free design.
@@durstongearIt's a fair point Dan and I have amended my initial comment accordingly. Light weight has to save weight, all tents have their compromises, or you should just stay at home!
This is a fair discussion as if you saw water coming in having seen this video you would bear in mind the dripping into the vestibule and be better able to relax about it. I agree a solid inner is something that would be useful for uk hiking. The other comments about extra guy out points might require dynena attachment points and make it too complex for average users. Putting the tent in a rotating wind tunnel and testing its limits over short and long durations seems to be something worth doing to really get to the limits of the tent. 80 kph winds are something that can happen unexpected in the UK on multi day hikes but the number of such hikes is very small where you are away from alternative shelter. I've seen it though where people went out and then where in 85kh in a 4 season tent they were okay, in a msr access it varied but the tents deformed a lot violently.
Really good video. I had the Durston 1 click away from buying, and after watching your vid, I closed the webpage and will buy the Terra Nova AS instead. Had really high hopes for the Durston, but a leaking zip is a no no for me. Especially with our great UK weather.
A fair review, unlike those from others trying to woo Durston into getting free gear. I’ll stick to my Hilli for now, a bit heavier but I’m not keen on carbon fibre poles and those pole junctions.
Nice one 👍 Was going to take mine out last night for the first time for a snow camp at Glencoe but chickened out at the last minute and took my Hilleberg. Wish I had taken the X dome now as it was totally calm no wind at all and not too cold 😢. Think it is definitely a 3 plus season tent that can do some 4 season stuff in the right conditions (like last night) and when we can get hold of a four season inner 👍
Nice one Steven, I've got mine for the Pennine way and I use trekking poles, which after seeing your vid will make the structure even more secure. I used a Lunar Solo on the path in September and it worked well but a lot wetter than a the leaky zip; which incidentally also leaks on my Soulo. You didn't get wet and a cold tent is good for keeping off condensation. well done!
It’s cool looking tent Stephen, Bob’s looked spot on on the hilltop on Saturday. I don’t know what season it’s meant to be but I’d guess about 3.5 if you’re using big pegs and sturdy poles. Very photogenic as well 👍
Thankyou, an interesting video and one that I will note when I buy a new tent soon. I like the idea of external poles, but I don't like tents where the poles are pushed through a sleeve. A small matter, where did you buy your little radio? As regards rain. my first tent a Zepyros One was water-bombproof and my second tent a Marmot Pulsar was as well. My present tent a Lanshan One, my favourite, has never leaked either. I consider myself very lucky.
Mine eventually arrived 😁 and im due to go up Scotland in Jan and im a wee it nervous... The solid and mesh at the bottom of the inner, i remember Dan posting about that and it had something to do with his preference as he could see out when lying down.
On diving dry suits we always used to run beeswax down the zip. It keeps it lubricated and keeps dirt off, but also fills any gaps with a waterproof material. Wonder if that would help with these 'watetproof lite' zippers?
Is this any competition for the Hilleberg Unna? Will Durston ever make it with some Dyneema? The leaks in the zipper and the vents seemed a bit more than ideal. Do you call it a failure for the leaks? Storm Darragh seemed a fair test. Thanks for the demonstration…from an old veteran, retired in the US, foothills of the east Tennessee Smoky Mountains.
The Unna is over double the weight of the X-Dome, so the Unna is more sturdy. I think the X-Dome should be sturdy enough for most people, but it won't be as sturdy as a 2 kg tent. I do hope to make a Dyneema verison. The zippers the same type as most tents. No waterproof zipper is light enough to use on a lightweight tent, so they are only water resistant (same as the X-Mid) and then we position them so they are on a steep wall and only above the vestibule, so a drip is not going to land on the interior. Usually it would run down the inside and land at the same spot, or at worst, drip in the vestibule.
I assume the guy out point on the vent is to help it cope with strong wind? Best hope it doesn’t rain at the same time! I don’t like the idea of a leaking zip either, my Helm has a flap over the zip and I don’t think it has ever snagged on it. I do like the idea of this tent though, and pleased to see it coped in the wind without trekking poles (I don’t use them either). There’s a good chance I’ll order one of the April batch. Another good vid mate, thanks for making it.
Dan makes exceptional tents! Really!!! But this is not a replacement for a Hilleberg or Fjällräven in these crazy conditions! But I am glad to see it tested in strong weather! This tent is amazing!
A somewhat innovative, ultralight, freestanding tent. 3 season sounds about right for a sheltered pitch or nearby hostel. Definitely gonna need to carry a bit warmer, heavier kit with that mesh inner. Not bad.
Good video mate and a fair one. Personally never fancied this tent from the off but i have just bought the duraton xmid 2 which i think is brilliantdothe spatter doesnt look like condensation thats for sure.
Another superb honest and accurate video. Was looking at this tent but if im being honest id now steer clear until the zipper and vent system is modified. Quite a big issue having a leaking zip and vents letting in...for me anyhow. Take care, keep the vids coming. ATB , Trev.👌
I put a comment on the video about this, but essentially there are no truly waterproof zippers light enough to use on a lightweight tent, so we use the best available (same zippers as other brands including Hilleberg) and since they are only water resistant we position them so they are on a steep wall and only above the vestibules. I'm not sure how the vent splatter happened. It was hard to tell in the video but I think some was from before it was closed. The vent does have a good amount of overlap and slope.
@durstongear ah l see, great to hear your explanation too, a refreshing change. Would a storm flap over zipper perhaps be a solution? I think with vents you always run the risk of some ingress if blustery rain. Thank you for the reply. I am in the market for a new tent i hoped this is the one. Take care and thanks again!
@@TheNorthEastWildcamper Thanks. We could do a storm flap - I just don't think it's worth it. Even in driving rain like this, the few drops that might get through are still going to run down the inside and drip at the same spot, or worst case you get a few drips in the vestibule. A flap would help but you add weight and run the risk of annoying snags in the zipper. There is an argument for it, but I think the water egress here now isn't really posing an issue worth solving.
@durstongear hey ....your the expert, im just a guy who sleeps in tents on top of hills and mountains lol. Keep up the absolutely superb work producing excellent shelters.......btw it wont put me off owning one at all.
I don't think it's marketed as a 4 season tent and as soon as the solid inner is available I will buy one. I'm not someone who deliberately camps in storms so all should be good. 🤞
Glad to see this review. I would most definitely want the extra ounces that a flap would add in order to have a waterproof tent. Nothing worse than being wet.
The zipper is only over the vestibule and there’s a reason Durston tents are some of the most popular tents in the world, most people including myself prioritize weight.
I guess the only way you’d stop that leaking zip is a wee flap over it but I know that’s not what he wants. Definitely gave that a proper test. Does look a cracking tent in the right conditions. Hope your well bud. ATVB Robert
Of COURSE you went out in Storm Darragh. Of course you did. ( I do have the tent, and I trust the Wildcampers Of UK to give us the real skinny). Storm came along just in time for the test didn't it. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Its a shame it leaked but you can tell by Dan himself going through and replying to peoples comments and offering support and help. That he really cares about his products and peoples experiences with them which is very respectable, ill definitely be buying one when the 2 person comes out.
I think it's a great concept & once it's had some time in the field, a couple small changes & (hopefully) gets a dcf version with DAC poles...my money will be forced into Mr.D's hands...!
As an experience wilderness, guide and mountain guide and wilderness first responder, I have taken exception to the creator of the tent who is experienced and competent. Simply put a high wall tent with carbon fiber poles is not designed properly for high winds and fierce rain. If the tent fails you can be in serious trouble. If not die. It’s just an example of a tent being asked to do something that it isn’t really designed to do not a problem with the tent. It looks like a very good tent and he’s an extremely good chat maker it’s just being asked to do things that I shouldn’t be asked to do. I know he disagrees with me, but I disagree with him.
Great test for the tent, personally I would have broken it 😅 I think that's the best setup of the tent I've seen so far, especially the side guy lines wrapped around the poles. Still going to wait on the solid version. The zip on the xmid leaks as well. Great stuff 👍
“The sad thing is, I’ve got a Hilleberg in my car”. I’ll take some extra weight for a dry and more comfortable night. The constant competition for the lightest tent ends up being let down by the basics. Thank you for your honest film 👍🏻
I think you get alot for your $$. It's not a 4 season tent and it is the lightest free standing tent. You can't compare it to a Hilli, in Australia a Hilli is double the price and mostly triple the weight. There will never be a 'lightest and strongest' I just don't think you can have both. Just gotta choose what you need for the type of trips you like doing
Can see that 'very unsure, not confident in' look in your face. Says it all. Was more confident in my MSR tents after many....(esp as they had DAC poles rather than scary carbon poles.)...many seasons camping in Patagonia..Ill pass on this one Stephen..LOL..🙂🙂😁..and you always choose the muddy trail up there rather than the dry track on the other way in..🤔🤔..Lots of luv from llama_ladee_anny😍😇😀
Sorry but this is England, we get rain and wind all the time. This was not a "winter test". Very disappointing from Durston. How do you rate it against the x mid?
I have spent max £40 on a coat. I always assumed the obvious weak point on protection from the elements would be in any join in the materials that are protecting you from the elements? I concede my ignorance but wouldn't you position the obvious weak point adverse to the prevailing wind? I don't know... I cook for a living, are waterproof zips even a thing?
지퍼뿐 아니라 외부 천 내부천 모두 투습이 된다 .. 심지어 강한 비도 아닌데 ... 지퍼 , 외부 천 , 내부 천 모두 좋은것을 써야 한다 무게를 줄이려고 너무 안좋은것을 썼다 ... 유저들이라면 이 텐트에서 잠 들고 싶지 않을거다 .. 다이니마로 새로운 텐트를 만들고 내부 재료도 바꾸어야한다 아니면 여름 겨울 모두 쓸수 없어 ... 그리고 비가 안와도 아침 마다 이슬 , 결로가 들어올 것이다
I’m sorry but for the money that’s a flimsy looking tent more suited to North America trail walking than our North European weather. I’ll stick with Hilleberg and Terra Nova I think. All the best
Something doesn’t feel right about this video. There’s simply no way water would come in through the vents like that even in high winds especially if you’ve properly closed the vents. Also, I’ve used this tent in extremely wet conditions. The fly was wet inside and out because of high humidity and the inner was almost completely dry. Most of the water ran down following the steep walls and nothing got into the inner. Either the test was not done properly, or you are trying to sabotage their reputation which I don’t see the point unless you are hired by one of those bigger companies to trash the smaller up coming companies?
Take your tinfoil hat off sunshine. No conspiracy no improper setup. Watch the full video. To simply suggest there’s no way that water could get in via the vent is quite irrational. Of course it can even when closed there is only a small Velcro patch. There was zero condensation as shown in the video. You can also see in the video the wind giving movement to the vent. Add rain to that and hay presto! To suggest I would do this to sabotage is completely unfounded and quite disrespectful given I’ve used practically every iteration of Durston gear and always been very happy. I want to shoot video with integrity and shown what actually happened. Cheers for watching.
I'm not sure what happened there. It was hard to tell in the video but I think a bunch of it was from before the vent is closed. When the vent is closed, there is quite a bit of overlap and a good slope, so we are normally seeing good results with it.
The vent was open into the rain and wind at the beginning. The droplets spread widely over the mesh at the closed end over time, which means that the water droplets were distributed by the wind and condensation was dislodged. It’s useful information to know.
It’s cool looking tent Stephen, Bob’s looked spot on on the hilltop on Saturday. I don’t know what season it’s meant to be but I’d guess about 3.5 if you’re using big pegs and sturdy poles. Very photogenic as well 👍
Thanks for putting this together. Glad the tent structure help up well. Regarding the leaks at the zippers and near the vents, I mentioned this in our messages (and you explained it well at the end) but for people that might not have caught that I’ll explain the situation.
For the vents, I’m not sure what happened here. The vents have quite a bit of overlap and are sloped uphill when closed, so they should keep out rain when they are closed. The splatter looks pretty widely distributed, so I’m not sure how that happened. It seems like some of this was from before the vent was closed. To have it happen after the wind would have to push water uphill, which maybe happens but seems like it would take a very strong gust to do that, and if so, it could happen in a lot of tents. Maybe it was something else like condensation getting knocked off, or water that had previously splattered through the vent and then somehow getting knocked off. It’s hard to say what happened but the vents should normally keep out water because they are sloped fairly well and there is a decent bit of overlap between the top and bottom.
For the zippers, the X-Mid and X-Dome use YKK AquaGuard zippers which are the same zippers as most tent brands including Hilleberg. They are sometimes referred to as ‘waterproof’ but really they are only water resistant because they do have that seam down the center where the two halves joins. Any truly waterproof zipper is really too heavy for a tent. Many other brands use these over top of a tent floor where they can drip on the floor, whereas here I design the doorways to be more protective because (1) the wall is quite steep so any leakage will run down the inside of the panel and still drip at the same spot at the bottom, and (2) the zippers are only above the vestibules so even if it did drip, it wouldn’t land on the floor area.
I think this is a good arrangement with a highly water resistant zipper + steep wall + only above the vestibule. We've been using this for about 5 years in the X-Mid with good results. We could add a flap over it to take it up another level, but flaps are prone to snagging in the zipper and add weight, so I prefer not to do that since having the zippers steep and above the vestibule already makes the consequences low.
So it is true some water can seep through the zipper, but the occupants should still be well protected.
No hilleberg tent I have seen or know of use aqua guard zips. They use a flap over the zip
@@AbelandVictoria correct
@@AbelandVictoria Very true...I have a black label...no aquaguard.
No zipper flaps please! Man I hate those things, I'm always getting the zipper caught on them.
@@AbelandVictoria Hilleberg Anaris is a similar zipper with no flap.
Excellent testing brother! Thank you! Stay blessed!
Thanks, you too!
A very fair test S and i think your comments are very balanced and fair. I'll certainly buy one for 3 seasons when the solid inner is available but its not a uk 4 season tent and i dont think Dan would say it is either. Great vid. A
It isn't a 4 season as flysheet , particularly in the porch does not reach down to the ground and will fill up with snowdrift
Cheers Andrew - best to be honest!
Thank you for a solid video putting the tent through its paces in stormy conditions. Your reviews have always seemed fair and balanced to me, which I appreciate. Cheers to you.
Glad you like them!
My first tent was a 3 season Wildcountry Mistrel. After it got flattened in the Cairngorms in an autumn storm, went the hilleberg route.
Can’t beat them!
Hi. This looks a very good tent and tested very well. Think your going to have problems in most tents in that weather to be fair. I like the design, the ease of putting up and the space that you seemed to have. I'd say all in all a good through hiking tent. Thanks for showing us the tent.
Very true!
Great vid, re the zip, it's hard to make any zip fully waterproof but if you give it a good spray inside and out along the zip with a silicone spray, that'll do the job.
Good tip!
In 3 seasons it can still rain. Leaking zip is pretty bad. I guess, this can happen in many tents given the right conditions. I have experienced it myself with other, high quality tents.I know many others are anticipating the solid inner, which would at the very least, reduce the anxiety of this, especially if it has a dwr coating.
The zippers are YKK AquaGuard zippers, which are the same as most tents. They are sometimes called waterproof, but they are actually only water resistant because they still have the seam down the center. There is no waterproof zipper available that is reasonably to use on a lightweight tent, so we use the same YKK AquaGuard zippers as most brands (e.g. Hilleberg, MSR etc) while only positioning them above the vestibule and on a steep wall, so while they are not totally waterproof any drips would likely just run down the inside the drip at the bottom hem, or at worst, drip in the vestibule.
A couple of extra ounces for a zipper flap would surly be worth it! All my light weight tents have them …. No leaking !
@@Sneaky-Sneaky We could do a flap but even in driving rain like this, the few drops that might get through are still going to run down the inside and drip at the same spot, so it doesn't really change anything. At worst, here you get a few drips in the vestibule. A flap would help but add the risk of annoying snags in the zipper. We've been using these zippers above the vestibule with no one having a substantial issue for about 5 years now, so I prefer the simpler snag-free design.
@@durstongearIt's a fair point Dan and I have amended my initial comment accordingly. Light weight has to save weight, all tents have their compromises, or you should just stay at home!
This is a fair discussion as if you saw water coming in having seen this video you would bear in mind the dripping into the vestibule and be better able to relax about it.
I agree a solid inner is something that would be useful for uk hiking. The other comments about extra guy out points might require dynena attachment points and make it too complex for average users.
Putting the tent in a rotating wind tunnel and testing its limits over short and long durations seems to be something worth doing to really get to the limits of the tent.
80 kph winds are something that can happen unexpected in the UK on multi day hikes but the number of such hikes is very small where you are away from alternative shelter.
I've seen it though where people went out and then where in 85kh in a 4 season tent they were okay, in a msr access it varied but the tents deformed a lot violently.
Really good video. I had the Durston 1 click away from buying, and after watching your vid, I closed the webpage and will buy the Terra Nova AS instead. Had really high hopes for the Durston, but a leaking zip is a no no for me. Especially with our great UK weather.
If the Terra Nova AS has zips, well they're going to leak too. Hope this helps
Enjoy!
A fair review, unlike those from others trying to woo Durston into getting free gear.
I’ll stick to my Hilli for now, a bit heavier but I’m not keen on carbon fibre poles and those pole junctions.
Thank you!
Nice one 👍 Was going to take mine out last night for the first time for a snow camp at Glencoe but chickened out at the last minute and took my Hilleberg. Wish I had taken the X dome now as it was totally calm no wind at all and not too cold 😢. Think it is definitely a 3 plus season tent that can do some 4 season stuff in the right conditions (like last night) and when we can get hold of a four season inner 👍
Have fun
Hi and interesting video,
Watched this as Durston seem top notch, but the zip
Anyway, never tire of that edge as a place to camp
Cheers from a bivy
Thanks 👍
I forgot to thank you for another fantastic video, Steven...Many thanks and happy holidays!
Happy holidays!
Nice one Steven, I've got mine for the Pennine way and I use trekking poles, which after seeing your vid will make the structure even more secure. I used a Lunar Solo on the path in September and it worked well but a lot wetter than a the leaky zip; which incidentally also leaks on my Soulo. You didn't get wet and a cold tent is good for keeping off condensation. well done!
Have fun!
It’s cool looking tent Stephen, Bob’s looked spot on on the hilltop on Saturday. I don’t know what season it’s meant to be but I’d guess about 3.5 if you’re using big pegs and sturdy poles. Very photogenic as well 👍
Thankyou, an interesting video and one that I will note when I buy a new tent soon. I like the idea of external poles, but I don't like tents where the poles are pushed through a sleeve. A small matter, where did you buy your little radio? As regards rain. my first tent a Zepyros One was water-bombproof and my second tent a Marmot Pulsar was as well. My present tent a Lanshan One, my favourite, has never leaked either. I consider myself very lucky.
Glad it was helpful!
Mine eventually arrived 😁 and im due to go up Scotland in Jan and im a wee it nervous... The solid and mesh at the bottom of the inner, i remember Dan posting about that and it had something to do with his preference as he could see out when lying down.
On diving dry suits we always used to run beeswax down the zip. It keeps it lubricated and keeps dirt off, but also fills any gaps with a waterproof material. Wonder if that would help with these 'watetproof lite' zippers?
It’s the unseamtaped zipper stitching that seems to be leaking and not so much the zipper itself!
Is this any competition for the Hilleberg Unna? Will Durston ever make it with some Dyneema? The leaks in the zipper and the vents seemed a bit more than ideal. Do you call it a failure for the leaks? Storm Darragh seemed a fair test. Thanks for the demonstration…from an old veteran, retired in the US, foothills of the east Tennessee Smoky Mountains.
The Unna is over double the weight of the X-Dome, so the Unna is more sturdy. I think the X-Dome should be sturdy enough for most people, but it won't be as sturdy as a 2 kg tent.
I do hope to make a Dyneema verison. The zippers the same type as most tents. No waterproof zipper is light enough to use on a lightweight tent, so they are only water resistant (same as the X-Mid) and then we position them so they are on a steep wall and only above the vestibule, so a drip is not going to land on the interior. Usually it would run down the inside and land at the same spot, or at worst, drip in the vestibule.
What do you think? Please drop a like and comment to help with the algorithm. Cheers
I assume the guy out point on the vent is to help it cope with strong wind? Best hope it doesn’t rain at the same time! I don’t like the idea of a leaking zip either, my Helm has a flap over the zip and I don’t think it has ever snagged on it. I do like the idea of this tent though, and pleased to see it coped in the wind without trekking poles (I don’t use them either). There’s a good chance I’ll order one of the April batch.
Another good vid mate, thanks for making it.
i would say the most 'over'-hyped tent in 2024
Dan makes exceptional tents! Really!!! But this is not a replacement for a Hilleberg or Fjällräven in these crazy conditions! But I am glad to see it tested in strong weather! This tent is amazing!
Couldn't agree more!
I think the biggest issue here is the spray water from the vents.
👍
A somewhat innovative, ultralight, freestanding tent. 3 season sounds about right for a sheltered pitch or nearby hostel. Definitely gonna need to carry a bit warmer, heavier kit with that mesh inner. Not bad.
Solid inner should be coming soon!
Good video mate and a fair one. Personally never fancied this tent from the off but i have just bought the duraton xmid 2 which i think is brilliantdothe spatter doesnt look like condensation thats for sure.
The xmids are the 🐐 mate
I’m sold.
Another superb honest and accurate video. Was looking at this tent but if im being honest id now steer clear until the zipper and vent system is modified. Quite a big issue having a leaking zip and vents letting in...for me anyhow. Take care, keep the vids coming. ATB , Trev.👌
I put a comment on the video about this, but essentially there are no truly waterproof zippers light enough to use on a lightweight tent, so we use the best available (same zippers as other brands including Hilleberg) and since they are only water resistant we position them so they are on a steep wall and only above the vestibules. I'm not sure how the vent splatter happened. It was hard to tell in the video but I think some was from before it was closed. The vent does have a good amount of overlap and slope.
@durstongear ah l see, great to hear your explanation too, a refreshing change. Would a storm flap over zipper perhaps be a solution? I think with vents you always run the risk of some ingress if blustery rain. Thank you for the reply. I am in the market for a new tent i hoped this is the one. Take care and thanks again!
@@TheNorthEastWildcamper Thanks. We could do a storm flap - I just don't think it's worth it. Even in driving rain like this, the few drops that might get through are still going to run down the inside and drip at the same spot, or worst case you get a few drips in the vestibule. A flap would help but you add weight and run the risk of annoying snags in the zipper. There is an argument for it, but I think the water egress here now isn't really posing an issue worth solving.
@durstongear hey ....your the expert, im just a guy who sleeps in tents on top of hills and mountains lol.
Keep up the absolutely superb work producing excellent shelters.......btw it wont put me off owning one at all.
Thanks 👍
I don't think it's marketed as a 4 season tent and as soon as the solid inner is available I will buy one. I'm not someone who deliberately camps in storms so all should be good. 🤞
Glad to see this review. I would most definitely want the extra ounces that a flap would add in order to have a waterproof tent. Nothing worse than being wet.
The zipper is only over the vestibule and there’s a reason Durston tents are some of the most popular tents in the world, most people including myself prioritize weight.
I guess the only way you’d stop that leaking zip is a wee flap over it but I know that’s not what he wants. Definitely gave that a proper test. Does look a cracking tent in the right conditions. Hope your well bud. ATVB Robert
All you need to do is seam seal the zipper stitching, super cheap fix.
Of COURSE you went out in Storm Darragh. Of course you did. ( I do have the tent, and I trust the Wildcampers Of UK to give us the real skinny). Storm came along just in time for the test didn't it. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
hahha yes
Good job on the review!
Thanks!
wonder if durston will do the same with this tent as he did with the xmid and make the solid reinforced? what radio you using? mate video tho mate
A decent solid fabric inner tent with dwr would deal with that rain that's getting blown in through the vent.
due out in jan
Its a shame it leaked but you can tell by Dan himself going through and replying to peoples comments and offering support and help. That he really cares about his products and peoples experiences with them which is very respectable, ill definitely be buying one when the 2 person comes out.
he really does
Bit close to the edge there marra. In an expected storm like Darragh, I'd be nowhere near that edge and much lower down
I probably wouldn’t have had a good test and be worried about rocks falling 🤣
I think it's a great concept & once it's had some time in the field, a couple small changes & (hopefully) gets a dcf version with DAC poles...my money will be forced into Mr.D's hands...!
DCF would be lovely
As an experience wilderness, guide and mountain guide and wilderness first responder, I have taken exception to the creator of the tent who is experienced and competent.
Simply put a high wall tent with carbon fiber poles is not designed properly for high winds and fierce rain. If the tent fails you can be in serious trouble. If not die. It’s just an example of a tent being asked to do something that it isn’t really designed to do not a problem with the tent. It looks like a very good tent and he’s an extremely good chat maker it’s just being asked to do things that I shouldn’t be asked to do. I know he disagrees with me, but I disagree with him.
Hi please find the place where Dan said it was a 4-season tent.
Great test for the tent, personally I would have broken it 😅 I think that's the best setup of the tent I've seen so far, especially the side guy lines wrapped around the poles. Still going to wait on the solid version. The zip on the xmid leaks as well. Great stuff 👍
Thanks! 👍
What radio is that mate ? Seems decent
Goodmans dab
“The sad thing is, I’ve got a Hilleberg in my car”.
I’ll take some extra weight for a dry and more comfortable night.
The constant competition for the lightest tent ends up being let down by the basics.
Thank you for your honest film 👍🏻
Thanks for watching!
I really want this tent . You cant get it anywhere its sold out
I have one to sell pal. If you can DM on here feel free to contact me!
Back in stock in April
keep any eye out!
I think you get alot for your $$. It's not a 4 season tent and it is the lightest free standing tent. You can't compare it to a Hilli, in Australia a Hilli is double the price and mostly triple the weight. There will never be a 'lightest and strongest' I just don't think you can have both. Just gotta choose what you need for the type of trips you like doing
Love to know who was comparing it to a Hilleberg? Also its not a 4 season tent. Cheers for watching
Great video man just saved me money i hate tents that leak
You could spend a few bucks and seam seal the zipper stitching yourself. 🤷🏻♂️
Leaking zips? Silicone one grease, or vaseline at worst
Good advice
What the radio
Goodmans mini DAB
Can see that 'very unsure, not confident in' look in your face. Says it all. Was more confident in my MSR tents after many....(esp as they had DAC poles rather than scary carbon poles.)...many seasons camping in Patagonia..Ill pass on this one Stephen..LOL..🙂🙂😁..and you always choose the muddy trail up there rather than the dry track on the other way in..🤔🤔..Lots of luv from llama_ladee_anny😍😇😀
Sorry but this is England, we get rain and wind all the time. This was not a "winter test". Very disappointing from Durston.
How do you rate it against the x mid?
🤡🤡🤡 Which x-mid?
I have spent max £40 on a coat.
I always assumed the obvious weak point on protection from the elements would be in any join in the materials that are protecting you from the elements?
I concede my ignorance but wouldn't you position the obvious weak point adverse to the prevailing wind?
I don't know... I cook for a living, are waterproof zips even a thing?
Yes, lots of waterproof zips exist but they are much heavier than water resistant zips like the YKK Aquaguard zips used on Durston’s tents.
Yeah I did, but wind can change
지퍼뿐 아니라 외부 천 내부천 모두 투습이 된다 .. 심지어 강한 비도 아닌데 ... 지퍼 , 외부 천 , 내부 천 모두 좋은것을 써야 한다 무게를 줄이려고 너무 안좋은것을 썼다 ... 유저들이라면 이 텐트에서 잠 들고 싶지 않을거다 .. 다이니마로 새로운 텐트를 만들고 내부 재료도 바꾸어야한다 아니면 여름 겨울 모두 쓸수 없어 ... 그리고 비가 안와도 아침 마다 이슬 , 결로가 들어올 것이다
thnak you
You're spending good money, you should'nt have to deal with a leaky tent and a leaky sleeping bag! :(
Thanks for watching
I’m sorry but for the money that’s a flimsy looking tent more suited to North America trail walking than our North European weather. I’ll stick with Hilleberg and Terra Nova I think. All the best
each entitled their own opinion. thank you for watching
The Durston tents never appealed to me! I don't know why just don't like them or the look of them.
Something doesn’t feel right about this video. There’s simply no way water would come in through the vents like that even in high winds especially if you’ve properly closed the vents. Also, I’ve used this tent in extremely wet conditions. The fly was wet inside and out because of high humidity and the inner was almost completely dry. Most of the water ran down following the steep walls and nothing got into the inner. Either the test was not done properly, or you are trying to sabotage their reputation which I don’t see the point unless you are hired by one of those bigger companies to trash the smaller up coming companies?
Take your tinfoil hat off sunshine. No conspiracy no improper setup. Watch the full video.
To simply suggest there’s no way that water could get in via the vent is quite irrational. Of course it can even when closed there is only a small Velcro patch.
There was zero condensation as shown in the video. You can also see in the video the wind giving movement to the vent. Add rain to that and hay presto!
To suggest I would do this to sabotage is completely unfounded and quite disrespectful given I’ve used practically every iteration of Durston gear and always been very happy. I want to shoot video with integrity and shown what actually happened. Cheers for watching.
Must be one of those culters who's not in a cult, sadly the xdome seems to have a few issues right now, sure the MK2 will be better.
All the thought and design that went into the tent and they can’t get a vent to operate as it should 🙄
I'm not sure what happened there. It was hard to tell in the video but I think a bunch of it was from before the vent is closed. When the vent is closed, there is quite a bit of overlap and a good slope, so we are normally seeing good results with it.
The vent was open into the rain and wind at the beginning. The droplets spread widely over the mesh at the closed end over time, which means that the water droplets were distributed by the wind and condensation was dislodged. It’s useful information to know.
Good Video,But considering all the hype around this tent,I'm not Very impressed with It and I'd call this a fail for the tent!💯
Fair enough!
Ill wait till dan comes out with the 2 person solid
It’s cool looking tent Stephen, Bob’s looked spot on on the hilltop on Saturday. I don’t know what season it’s meant to be but I’d guess about 3.5 if you’re using big pegs and sturdy poles. Very photogenic as well 👍
Cheers buddy, yeah I saw that. Looked great with the poles