Ha ha...thanks for the kind words. Glad you're liking the X-Dome. Here's a few replies on some of the topics you discuss: 1) Glad you noticed the overall polish/refinement on the tent. Yeah it's been years of work so it is very polished. And definitely way more polished than the X-Mid was when it launched 5 years ago. I've been updating the X-Mid as well, so it has magnetic toggles on the interior now too, and the mitten hooks will be going away quite soon :) The X-Dome gets pretty advanced, such as the seam that are double stitched with high precision/narrower than normal so we can use narrower seam tape to save grams. 2) How many guyouts to add is a tough tradeoff, as you mention. I think it's quite good right now, but I am going to have 2 per leg on the 2P version and will move the 1+ version to that as well for the next run. I am hesitant to add a central guyout on the end panel. It would help some, but really needs a seam to work well (as you mention) and then users will over tighten it and deform the tent. So it would have some benefit but I don't plan to add that. A guyout to the metal pole hub helps on the end walls. 3) The metal tabs are a bit tricky because the Easton poles are almost the same diameter as the tips (7.5 vs 7.0mm diameter) so there is a very narrow range to make a hole that fits over the tip but doesn't slide up the pole. We have a 7.2mm hole right now that works but can be a bit fiddly. Good tips on this. People can also sand the tip slightly smaller to make it easier if they want. I am working with Easton on a new tip design that'll have a smaller tip. Should have those for batch 2 as well. 4) Totally agree with your take on winter use. Good enough for 95% of conditions but not the right choice for winter conditions on an exposed ridge. We are going to have a solid inner in April that'll be nice in cold climates, but still will have the same structural limits. As you mention, we'd really need to go to heavier poles and fabrics to make a true 4-season version. That could happen someday but not in the near future. 5) It would be interesting to have more rugged and affordable "boy scouts version" (sorta like what Six Moon Designs does with their Trekker series). Aluminum poles would save a lot of cost (could probably drop the tent to $299) and a less premium fabric would help further. I have looked at Aluminum poles. Easton used to make Aluminum poles in the same diameter while still being pretty strong because the walls were thick, but then the weight was almost double (about +200g). Not really better at anything but less than half the price. So theoretically it is possible to make a plug 'n play aluminum pole set, but Easton discontinued that pole size and aren't interested in making more, while all the DAC poles are larger. DAC 8.7mm poles would have a smaller weight penalty (about 100g) and maybe we could squeeze these clips around those poles, but it would be better to actually build the tent with larger clips if we were using those. Best, Dan
Dan I just have to say I love seeing your replies on every review I have seen on this tent. You obviously put a lot of thought into every aspect of it. No tent is perfect for everybody, each design decision is a compromise of some sort and you have been very upfront about why you made them. You just don't see that kind of thoughtfulness from the big brands. I'm still very tempted by this tent but am going to wait on the 2P because at 6'3" I am pretty sure I am willing to take the weight and footprint penalty to have some space to move around. I would also buy a 3P version in a heartbeat if you ever expand into family tents.
Dan I'm not sure if this is an insane idea, especially because I haven't seen exactly how the clips are attached to the fly, but is it possible to have the fly manufactured with clips sized for both carbon and aluminum poles and the customer can just cut off the clips they don't need or leave them on if they want to change pole types later? I assume the clips are attached with fabric loops sewn to the fly (canopy in most US tents). My thought is to put 1 clip of each size per fabric loop if that makes sense. Just an idea.
Your analysis of gear strengths and weaknesses while keeping in mind designed purpose is some of the best on UA-cam. Always excited when a new Kane video drops.
Great video. Exactly what I needed addressed. This tent nails everything I’m looking for as a three season, and after seeing you go with lightweight pyramids this was a timely release as my lite duty New England winter shelter. I like freestanding ease of use , this thing is so promising, love the one and a half person design.
Love your thought process…thanks for sharing on this one! I go back and forth for what I want in the trees during the winter! Have durston mid 2 person…but a free standing would be nice!
I used the tent for the first time one night over the weekend after practicing in my home and had some problems with the clips and poles. Thanks for your tip. I now feel I should set it up again to practice with the clips
Thank you for the honest review! You definitely hit the nail on different aspects of the tent. I use the MSR Advance Pro 2 for my winter trips which also uses the Easton carbon poles. I think those are a little more robust than the ones on the x-dome due to it being slightly thicker. However, I understand that the x-dome is not a true 4 season tent to pitch on top of a peak/mountain like you said so it’s not a fair comparison. None the less, it should be fine for the majority of people using it.
Very decent no-nonsense critique on this tent. Agreed that hikers will likely see this one A LOT. It really seems to offer very much, at a very reasonable price point.
I think the vast majority of users will certainly use this in milder winter conditions, look at the weather report and choose a different tent or not go at all, so it should work in most winter situations as you said. I just worry about carbon fiber poles, (in all conditions) especially with careless users, of which there are many. Hopefully time will prove me wrong because I love the weight savings. Great video as always.
An alloy pole options could be great perhaps, hope there will be an options onto it, to me i prefer both, good suggestions for X-Dome, hoping there’ll be soon🤗
Thanks for the very thorough response. I realize you are responding to more than just me, but my comment on the last video is probably part of this response. I figured it wouldn't totally replace my 4 season tunnel tent, but it might be a more comfortable tent for treeline stuff in the winter. It seems like that's more or less the case. Dan Durston has mentioned in a comment somewhere hes interested in making a solid inner version at some point. I'm interested in that for some treeline trips late fall-early spring.
totally agree about the alloy poles and solid inner. ill wait till then. as to the metal corner pole connecters - if anyone has trouble with them they should probably ask themselves whether they should be outdoors unsupervised.
I hear what you're saying 🤣 To play the devil's advocate I have a MSR Elixir 1 that uses the same pole connector system and it's MUCH less fussy. Dan explains it is because the of low pole diameter that the pole end inserts and metal bracket hole match almost perfectly. The bracket and pole end needs to be almost perfectly at 90 degree to be removed, whereas those on poles with larger diameters can have some more wiggle room on the bracket.
I love mine, but I am a bit concerned about the thin fabric and carbon fiber poles, as you mentioned. The design is amazing and I definitely wouldn’t mind a weight penalty to get aluminum poles and slightly thicker fabric, but we’ll see how she holds up!
I agree with the solid part all the way around the base of the inner. Also, longer webbing/straps on the guy out points to get full wrap around the poles.
@KaneDoesOutdoors , last winter you had a lot of good videos using the X-Mid outer by itself for winter camping. Do you see the X-Dome taking the top spot, perhaps also with just the outer, or will you be going off of anticipated snow conditions? I've been using a pyramid style tent the last few winters, but waiting for the snow to sinter can sometimes be a hassle or troublesome if conditions are terrible. I've been thinking of going back to a freestanding tent to avoid having to wait for the snow to set.
I'm going to be using the x-dome for now, likely with just the outer. There are pros and cons to both. Speed of setup if definitely the advantage of the X-dome, along with interior useable space. In contrast pyramids don't need dedicated poles and have inherently wind-shedding geometry. Snap a pole on the x-dome and you have to go into serious MacGyver mode. The 2P x-mid fly I used last winter weighs 22oz/625g, whereas the x-dome fly and pole set comes in at 24oz/680g. Negligible weigh penalty, but more items to pack which is one of the aspects of winter camping most people don't talk about.
I like the msr elixir 1 but it’s nearly 2X the weight. I’d avoid anything that’s too cheap. You’ll just end up buying something better in a few months.
Hey Kane! Thank you for your awesome videos and channel. So much experience. I have a question: what do you do with wet boots when you get to camp and stay overnight in a tent? Do you just take them off and leave next to your sleeping bag. How do you keep them from freezing? Is it a good idea to go into the down sleeping bag with your boots on?
I'm a fan of the Durston gear and love my Kakwa 55. I was eyeing the X-Dome over and drooling for one, but the availability is too far out for my needs as the 2P isn't released yet, and once it is released there will be que time between order and shipment. Well I needed a tent now so I went and first looked at the big agnes UL tents but they are tapered at feet so 2P doesn't support two wide pads at all. The big agnes 2p are really 1+. I want a true 2P for 2 wide pads. Finally I ended up in a Mountain Hardwear Strato UL 2 Tent which is a true 2P tent with 50+ inch width head to foot, and which is only about 10% heavier than the Durston X-Dome 1+. I am waiting for the X-Dome 2P to come out and when that is available to ship without que time I may sell my Strato and move to the X-Dome 2P. That's my migration of thought on the UL framed tent situation. Any comments appreciated.
According to the metal brackets. Did you think about just loosening the strap slightly for an easier take off. Probably more easy to handle than bending it all the time?
Fabulous review of a tent that is somehow making an impressive entrance into a well-developed use space. Apropos of your observation about the fragility/replaceability of the carbon poles: I am almost positive you can buy commensurate aluminum poles for a modest price. Find the appropriate pole ends for your corner hole, cut one end pole to size, string the length with 3/8" shock cord, and you're done. 7075-79 tent tubing is available in diameters as small as 7.9mm. Do you know what diameter the carbon fiber poles are?
Nothing to do with your thoughts on the tent or the video itself really, but the distortion of the wide angle makes the tent look absolutely tiny when you lean back towards the poles, pretty funny. Anyway, enjoy your content, particularly the trip reports, would like to see more of those!
Personally, I think this tent, although it’s a feat of engineering, is a bit too complicated to set up when darkness sets. It will not be an excellent choice for hikers on a strict time agenda. I’m still searching for that tent. All said I think that it’s a very ingenious, clever design. If I were a tent designer I would invent a pop up backpack that I could sleep in…!😅
I had an exchange with you last week about the xdome and i said i was waiting for the early adopters to find problems with the tent for dan to fix up in later iterations. I stand by that comment but i will add that i think the carbon fiber poles might turn out to be a potential problem. Carbon fiber snaps/shatters whereas aluminium bends. I reckon we might see a bunch of snapped/shattered poles in the next few months.
I'm thinking exactly the same thing as you. There is no doubt that CF poles are lighter, stiffer & stronger than alu poles. But my concern is durability in the longer run. Especially with the double hub system here: when you set up & break down the tent, those poles will be hitting the ground. Small surface damage will become an issue for CF.
@@jorisev the tents didn't ship with a pole splint. Is that because if the pole fails, it'd be catastrophic (shatter instead of break) and a pole splint wouldn't be effective?
@@praktika1082 afaik a pole splint on a CF pole would be problematic because you create two point loads at the contact on either end. So the pole would just break again quite easily. Again, this is the trade-off with CF versus alu: CF is a brittle material, alu is ductile. This means that CF is less resistant to stress concentrations (from defects, point loads...). You should replace the entire CF segment, which is difficult in the field.
@@praktika1082 We are working on developing a pole splint. With any split, it needs to be fitted to the pole and similar flex to the pole, or it will lockout flexing inside the splint and transfer all that stress to a small point on either end. So a split needs to fit properly and have similar flex as the pole. We are prototyping a few options now and will have them available in a few months. We also have free replacement sections now if anyone needs.
@@durstongear i really enjoy my Xmid. I didn't jump on your first X-Dome release because my copper spur still has plenty of life in it and I was ok to wait for on-field feedback from early adopters. But like I said, when it's time to pass down the copper spur to my kids, I think I'll pull the trigger on an X-Dome. In the meantime, I'll be watching with a keen eye what adjustments you'd make to the tent. Thank you.
For Europeans, Taiji 1 is the best price competitor. Functionally, they are the same. But if you want to buy X-DOME 1 from the US or Canada, it is too expensive.
I’ve waited for Dan’s X-dome to debut before pulling the trigger on henry’s arcdome. I’m absolutely glad i managed that because I’ve now getting the Xdome. IMO, it’s just much better designed than the arcdome: The vestibule space is actually usable in a storm, it packs MUCH smaller, its lighter, and Actual usable doorway head space, easier to setup & pack away, and isn't a silly colour (again imo). All that and it fits 95% of my camping conditions. The remaining 5%, I’d leave it to the hilleberg. Am super excited with this design.
Ill defenatly not use that tent for wintercamping. Winter tents are heavy and more aerodynamic for a reason, surely not fitted for mountains or winter storms.
I may also add..the Slingfin you can switch out the summer inner for a solid inner.. trekking pole support if needed..better coatings and still a manageable weight..
It’s not a Slingfin but he is building it up to that level.. nor is it a Hilliberg… you need larger diameter poles and a good strength pattern to be a true winter tent…other than that it’s just a shelter🤷♂️
X Dome is 30% lighter than a Slingfin, X Dome pitches fly first natively unlike the Slingfin. X Dome is fully freestanding unlike the Slingfin. The Slingfin requires seam sealing, the X Dome does not.
Jeffery, as far as price is concerned, I don't know what you're comparing the X- Dome 1 to. I have both the Nemo OSMO Dragonfly 1P at about $430.00 and the Durston X-Dome for $380.00. Side by side the X-Dome is better quality and easier to put up. The X-Dome is heavier by 1.7oz
NO. As an experienced professional mountain guide and wilderness paramedic do not winter camp in any tent that is not specifically designed to protect you and withstand extreme weather. You are placing your life and others at risk. This is a nice tent three season use if careful. The high walls and fragile ultralight carbon poles will not withstand extreme weather and winter snow loads. Please modify your otherwise decent video.
The conversation is a bit more nuanced than that. Not all winter camping happens on an exposed mountain ridge in -40 and 100 km/h winds. There exists differences in what winter means in different parts of the world as well as differences in conditions depending on when you choose to go. I think the most important factors for winter camping are easing into it, always having a buffer (for protection, warmth, and travel), and being very diligent with planning.
@@JustinOutdoorsI agree, I live in the Appalachian mountains near Boone NC, most backpackers doing the Appalachian trail or just backpack around here don’t even own a 4 season tent. The winds don’t usually get above 50mph, and the temps max cold at like 0f. With a proper sleep system like a 0f or -10f bag and an r value of over 5.5 you will be just fine in almost any tent, this x-done would perform very well.
Dan answered a bunch of my questions, worth having a look for his comment. Very interesting insights.
Ha ha...thanks for the kind words. Glad you're liking the X-Dome. Here's a few replies on some of the topics you discuss:
1) Glad you noticed the overall polish/refinement on the tent. Yeah it's been years of work so it is very polished. And definitely way more polished than the X-Mid was when it launched 5 years ago. I've been updating the X-Mid as well, so it has magnetic toggles on the interior now too, and the mitten hooks will be going away quite soon :) The X-Dome gets pretty advanced, such as the seam that are double stitched with high precision/narrower than normal so we can use narrower seam tape to save grams.
2) How many guyouts to add is a tough tradeoff, as you mention. I think it's quite good right now, but I am going to have 2 per leg on the 2P version and will move the 1+ version to that as well for the next run. I am hesitant to add a central guyout on the end panel. It would help some, but really needs a seam to work well (as you mention) and then users will over tighten it and deform the tent. So it would have some benefit but I don't plan to add that. A guyout to the metal pole hub helps on the end walls.
3) The metal tabs are a bit tricky because the Easton poles are almost the same diameter as the tips (7.5 vs 7.0mm diameter) so there is a very narrow range to make a hole that fits over the tip but doesn't slide up the pole. We have a 7.2mm hole right now that works but can be a bit fiddly. Good tips on this. People can also sand the tip slightly smaller to make it easier if they want. I am working with Easton on a new tip design that'll have a smaller tip. Should have those for batch 2 as well.
4) Totally agree with your take on winter use. Good enough for 95% of conditions but not the right choice for winter conditions on an exposed ridge. We are going to have a solid inner in April that'll be nice in cold climates, but still will have the same structural limits. As you mention, we'd really need to go to heavier poles and fabrics to make a true 4-season version. That could happen someday but not in the near future.
5) It would be interesting to have more rugged and affordable "boy scouts version" (sorta like what Six Moon Designs does with their Trekker series). Aluminum poles would save a lot of cost (could probably drop the tent to $299) and a less premium fabric would help further. I have looked at Aluminum poles. Easton used to make Aluminum poles in the same diameter while still being pretty strong because the walls were thick, but then the weight was almost double (about +200g). Not really better at anything but less than half the price. So theoretically it is possible to make a plug 'n play aluminum pole set, but Easton discontinued that pole size and aren't interested in making more, while all the DAC poles are larger. DAC 8.7mm poles would have a smaller weight penalty (about 100g) and maybe we could squeeze these clips around those poles, but it would be better to actually build the tent with larger clips if we were using those.
Best,
Dan
Thanks for the reply - I'm sure people will appreciate the direct feedback and answers to some questions.
Dan I just have to say I love seeing your replies on every review I have seen on this tent. You obviously put a lot of thought into every aspect of it. No tent is perfect for everybody, each design decision is a compromise of some sort and you have been very upfront about why you made them. You just don't see that kind of thoughtfulness from the big brands. I'm still very tempted by this tent but am going to wait on the 2P because at 6'3" I am pretty sure I am willing to take the weight and footprint penalty to have some space to move around. I would also buy a 3P version in a heartbeat if you ever expand into family tents.
@@plmn93 Thanks
@Durstongear - will the upgrades you talk about be released with the orders placed for the April shipment?
Dan I'm not sure if this is an insane idea, especially because I haven't seen exactly how the clips are attached to the fly, but is it possible to have the fly manufactured with clips sized for both carbon and aluminum poles and the customer can just cut off the clips they don't need or leave them on if they want to change pole types later? I assume the clips are attached with fabric loops sewn to the fly (canopy in most US tents). My thought is to put 1 clip of each size per fabric loop if that makes sense. Just an idea.
Your analysis of gear strengths and weaknesses while keeping in mind designed purpose is some of the best on UA-cam. Always excited when a new Kane video drops.
Appreciate that Justin!
indeed :)
Thanks for showing the fly/inner pole connections.
Great video. Exactly what I needed addressed. This tent nails everything I’m looking for as a three season, and after seeing you go with lightweight pyramids this was a timely release as my lite duty New England winter shelter. I like freestanding ease of use , this thing is so promising, love the one and a half person design.
Love your thought process…thanks for sharing on this one! I go back and forth for what I want in the trees during the winter! Have durston mid 2 person…but a free standing would be nice!
Great review! Love your analysis.
Thanks - Appreciate the gesture!
Just discovered your channel and love it. The balance of maybe this but not that is 110%. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much for the support!
I used the tent for the first time one night over the weekend after practicing in my home and had some problems with the clips and poles. Thanks for your tip. I now feel I should set it up again to practice with the clips
Thanks Kane! Great video, and we appreciate your thoughtful look at the X-Dome 1+
Thanks!
Wow this is very generous! Thanks! Glad you're enjoying the content.
Thank you for the honest review! You definitely hit the nail on different aspects of the tent.
I use the MSR Advance Pro 2 for my winter trips which also uses the Easton carbon poles. I think those are a little more robust than the ones on the x-dome due to it being slightly thicker. However, I understand that the x-dome is not a true 4 season tent to pitch on top of a peak/mountain like you said so it’s not a fair comparison. None the less, it should be fine for the majority of people using it.
Great review, thank you! I just received the XMid 1 but this one is definitely on my list!
Very decent no-nonsense critique on this tent.
Agreed that hikers will likely see this one A LOT.
It really seems to offer very much, at a very reasonable price point.
great review! Made me gonna buy this. can't wait for spring(when it will arrive).
Greetings from Germany
I think the vast majority of users will certainly use this in milder winter conditions, look at the weather report and choose a different tent or not go at all, so it should work in most winter situations as you said. I just worry about carbon fiber poles, (in all conditions) especially with careless users, of which there are many. Hopefully time will prove me wrong because I love the weight savings. Great video as always.
An alloy pole options could be great perhaps, hope there will be an options onto it, to me i prefer both, good suggestions for X-Dome, hoping there’ll be soon🤗
Is the X-Dome better than the X-Mid for winter camping? doing a fly-only pitch with the X-Mid still seems like it would be ideal
Thanks for the very thorough response. I realize you are responding to more than just me, but my comment on the last video is probably part of this response. I figured it wouldn't totally replace my 4 season tunnel tent, but it might be a more comfortable tent for treeline stuff in the winter. It seems like that's more or less the case. Dan Durston has mentioned in a comment somewhere hes interested in making a solid inner version at some point. I'm interested in that for some treeline trips late fall-early spring.
totally agree about the alloy poles and solid inner. ill wait till then.
as to the metal corner pole connecters - if anyone has trouble with them they should probably ask themselves whether they should be outdoors unsupervised.
I hear what you're saying 🤣 To play the devil's advocate I have a MSR Elixir 1 that uses the same pole connector system and it's MUCH less fussy. Dan explains it is because the of low pole diameter that the pole end inserts and metal bracket hole match almost perfectly. The bracket and pole end needs to be almost perfectly at 90 degree to be removed, whereas those on poles with larger diameters can have some more wiggle room on the bracket.
Hahahaha, too funny, good one🤙
They should release a winter inner as a replacement to the full mesh!
According to Dan that is in the works.
I love mine, but I am a bit concerned about the thin fabric and carbon fiber poles, as you mentioned. The design is amazing and I definitely wouldn’t mind a weight penalty to get aluminum poles and slightly thicker fabric, but we’ll see how she holds up!
I agree with the solid part all the way around the base of the inner.
Also, longer webbing/straps on the guy out points to get full wrap around the poles.
Maybe the pole clips could have been magnetic for the outer and inner.
Nailed it Kane!
@KaneDoesOutdoors , last winter you had a lot of good videos using the X-Mid outer by itself for winter camping. Do you see the X-Dome taking the top spot, perhaps also with just the outer, or will you be going off of anticipated snow conditions? I've been using a pyramid style tent the last few winters, but waiting for the snow to sinter can sometimes be a hassle or troublesome if conditions are terrible. I've been thinking of going back to a freestanding tent to avoid having to wait for the snow to set.
I'm going to be using the x-dome for now, likely with just the outer. There are pros and cons to both. Speed of setup if definitely the advantage of the X-dome, along with interior useable space. In contrast pyramids don't need dedicated poles and have inherently wind-shedding geometry. Snap a pole on the x-dome and you have to go into serious MacGyver mode.
The 2P x-mid fly I used last winter weighs 22oz/625g, whereas the x-dome fly and pole set comes in at 24oz/680g. Negligible weigh penalty, but more items to pack which is one of the aspects of winter camping most people don't talk about.
@@KaneDoesOutdoors I'm excited to keep tabs on your winter adventures. Thanks for the solid info and well though-out analyses.
Whats if any tent is similar to this one for people on a budget? I cant afford this one but need one similar style with a big arse vestibule!
I like the msr elixir 1 but it’s nearly 2X the weight. I’d avoid anything that’s too cheap. You’ll just end up buying something better in a few months.
This is a cool tent for sure
Hey Kane! Thank you for your awesome videos and channel. So much experience. I have a question: what do you do with wet boots when you get to camp and stay overnight in a tent? Do you just take them off and leave next to your sleeping bag. How do you keep them from freezing? Is it a good idea to go into the down sleeping bag with your boots on?
I'm a fan of the Durston gear and love my Kakwa 55. I was eyeing the X-Dome over and drooling for one, but the availability is too far out for my needs as the 2P isn't released yet, and once it is released there will be que time between order and shipment. Well I needed a tent now so I went and first looked at the big agnes UL tents but they are tapered at feet so 2P doesn't support two wide pads at all. The big agnes 2p are really 1+. I want a true 2P for 2 wide pads. Finally I ended up in a Mountain Hardwear Strato UL 2 Tent which is a true 2P tent with 50+ inch width head to foot, and which is only about 10% heavier than the Durston X-Dome 1+. I am waiting for the X-Dome 2P to come out and when that is available to ship without que time I may sell my Strato and move to the X-Dome 2P. That's my migration of thought on the UL framed tent situation. Any comments appreciated.
Very informative, thanks Kane
According to the metal brackets. Did you think about just loosening the strap slightly for an easier take off. Probably more easy to handle than bending it all the time?
@@ShakeriL You’d have to loosen them by about 5 feet.
Fabulous review of a tent that is somehow making an impressive entrance into a well-developed use space. Apropos of your observation about the fragility/replaceability of the carbon poles: I am almost positive you can buy commensurate aluminum poles for a modest price. Find the appropriate pole ends for your corner hole, cut one end pole to size, string the length with 3/8" shock cord, and you're done. 7075-79 tent tubing is available in diameters as small as 7.9mm. Do you know what diameter the carbon fiber poles are?
Outside diameter of the carbon fiber poles is 0.294in or 7.50mm
Personally, I think it's the pinnacle of freestanding tent design. YMMV
Great video
Nothing to do with your thoughts on the tent or the video itself really, but the distortion of the wide angle makes the tent look absolutely tiny when you lean back towards the poles, pretty funny. Anyway, enjoy your content, particularly the trip reports, would like to see more of those!
Oh, for a dyneema fly and aluminum poles in the future
But your suggestions already revealed that there is a need for another improved version
Personally, I think this tent, although it’s a feat of engineering, is a bit too complicated to set up when darkness sets. It will not be an excellent choice for hikers on a strict time agenda. I’m still searching for that tent. All said I think that it’s a very ingenious, clever design.
If I were a tent designer I would invent a pop up backpack that I could sleep in…!😅
Setup took me 2 min 35 seconds.
A decent headlamp and a few daylight setups would alleviate any night issues unless you're in a raging storm!
I had an exchange with you last week about the xdome and i said i was waiting for the early adopters to find problems with the tent for dan to fix up in later iterations.
I stand by that comment but i will add that i think the carbon fiber poles might turn out to be a potential problem.
Carbon fiber snaps/shatters whereas aluminium bends. I reckon we might see a bunch of snapped/shattered poles in the next few months.
I'm thinking exactly the same thing as you. There is no doubt that CF poles are lighter, stiffer & stronger than alu poles. But my concern is durability in the longer run. Especially with the double hub system here: when you set up & break down the tent, those poles will be hitting the ground. Small surface damage will become an issue for CF.
@@jorisev the tents didn't ship with a pole splint. Is that because if the pole fails, it'd be catastrophic (shatter instead of break) and a pole splint wouldn't be effective?
@@praktika1082 afaik a pole splint on a CF pole would be problematic because you create two point loads at the contact on either end. So the pole would just break again quite easily. Again, this is the trade-off with CF versus alu: CF is a brittle material, alu is ductile. This means that CF is less resistant to stress concentrations (from defects, point loads...). You should replace the entire CF segment, which is difficult in the field.
@@praktika1082 We are working on developing a pole splint. With any split, it needs to be fitted to the pole and similar flex to the pole, or it will lockout flexing inside the splint and transfer all that stress to a small point on either end. So a split needs to fit properly and have similar flex as the pole. We are prototyping a few options now and will have them available in a few months. We also have free replacement sections now if anyone needs.
@@durstongear i really enjoy my Xmid. I didn't jump on your first X-Dome release because my copper spur still has plenty of life in it and I was ok to wait for on-field feedback from early adopters. But like I said, when it's time to pass down the copper spur to my kids, I think I'll pull the trigger on an X-Dome. In the meantime, I'll be watching with a keen eye what adjustments you'd make to the tent. Thank you.
🙏🏻
For Europeans, Taiji 1 is the best price competitor. Functionally, they are the same. But if you want to buy X-DOME 1 from the US or Canada, it is too expensive.
They don't seem comparable at all...
Like a tarpent arc dome?
I like Tarptent, but this is a lot lighter and more thoughtfully designed, IMO. Not sure what the Tarptent was thinking with that tiny door.
I’ve waited for Dan’s X-dome to debut before pulling the trigger on henry’s arcdome. I’m absolutely glad i managed that because I’ve now getting the Xdome.
IMO, it’s just much better designed than the arcdome:
The vestibule space is actually usable in a storm, it packs MUCH smaller, its lighter, and Actual usable doorway head space, easier to setup & pack away, and isn't a silly colour (again imo).
All that and it fits 95% of my camping conditions. The remaining 5%, I’d leave it to the hilleberg.
Am super excited with this design.
the man + dog tent
Ill defenatly not use that tent for wintercamping. Winter tents are heavy and more aerodynamic for a reason, surely not fitted for mountains or winter storms.
I may also add..the Slingfin you can switch out the summer inner for a solid inner.. trekking pole support if needed..better coatings and still a manageable weight..
Dan has said he hopes to sell a solid inner option in 2025.
Definitely not a 4 season tent!
It’s not a Slingfin but he is building it up to that level.. nor is it a Hilliberg… you need larger diameter poles and a good strength pattern to be a true winter tent…other than that it’s just a shelter🤷♂️
X Dome is 30% lighter than a Slingfin, X Dome pitches fly first natively unlike the Slingfin. X Dome is fully freestanding unlike the Slingfin. The Slingfin requires seam sealing, the X Dome does not.
@ The Slingfin is free standing …what model are you talking about?
@@andrewmacaulay1585 Portal 1 and the 2, both require the vestibule to be pegged out. X Dome doesn't.
@ no comparison in strength..it’s more versatile 🤷♂️
@@andrewmacaulay1585 I agree with you on strength, I own a BL Soulo (wink). However, I think I will use the X Dome 4:1 over the Soulo.
I’ve been turned off from Durston products by the price, but maybe I should just save up…😂
Jeffery, as far as price is concerned, I don't know what you're comparing the X- Dome 1 to. I have both the Nemo OSMO Dragonfly 1P at about $430.00 and the Durston X-Dome for $380.00. Side by side the X-Dome is better quality and easier to put up. The X-Dome is heavier by 1.7oz
NO. As an experienced professional mountain guide and wilderness paramedic do not winter camp in any tent that is not specifically designed to protect you and withstand extreme weather. You are placing your life and others at risk. This is a nice tent three season use if careful. The high walls and fragile ultralight carbon poles will not withstand extreme weather and winter snow loads. Please modify your otherwise decent video.
The conversation is a bit more nuanced than that. Not all winter camping happens on an exposed mountain ridge in -40 and 100 km/h winds. There exists differences in what winter means in different parts of the world as well as differences in conditions depending on when you choose to go. I think the most important factors for winter camping are easing into it, always having a buffer (for protection, warmth, and travel), and being very diligent with planning.
@@JustinOutdoorsI agree, I live in the Appalachian mountains near Boone NC, most backpackers doing the Appalachian trail or just backpack around here don’t even own a 4 season tent. The winds don’t usually get above 50mph, and the temps max cold at like 0f. With a proper sleep system like a 0f or -10f bag and an r value of over 5.5 you will be just fine in almost any tent, this x-done would perform very well.