X-Mid 1 Solid
The X-Mid 1 Solid has been completely redesigned into a third generation model that is more spacious and user friendly. Full details on the third generation improvements are here.
Pinnacle of Lightweight Tent Design
The X-Mid™ 1 Solid is a variant of the X-Mid 1 oriented more towards use in colder conditions including winter use and trekking in windswept areas like Northern Europe and Patagonia, while still being an excellent all around backpacking tent. Like the regular X-Mid 1, its shape is developed from the first principles of geometry to create the ideal balance of weight, simplicity, and weather protection. With a weight of just 31 oz (890 g) while being stormworthy, user friendly, and spacious, it won numerous awards for best tent including from The Trek, Outdoor Gear Lab, and Section Hiker.
STORMWORTHY
Many ultralight tents are designed for fair weather conditions and thus make major concessions in stormworthiness in pursuit of weight savings. That includes questionably thin fabrics, weak pole structures, thin coatings that are barely waterproof, and trimming away vents, guyout points, and even areas of the fly.
With the X-Mid the focus is on creating a tent that is ultralight while still thriving in tough conditions. To create a tent that is both light and capable, we focus on saving weight through efficient design with our X-Mid geometry that makes more efficient use of fabrics and structural elements.
The result is a tent that protects with its fly first pitch, full doublewall design, non-sag poly fabric, robust coatings, large adjustable vents, factory waterproofed seams, full-coverage fly (blocks rain splatter and drafts), stormworthy shape, tough #5 zippers, and protected entryways. No other tent can claim that list.
USER FRIENDLY
Simplicity and user friendliness are a major focus for the X-Mid because when a storm rolls in the last thing you want is a tent that is a hassle to use. The X-Mid improves your experience with a design that is rooted in simplicity and refined through extensive backcountry use and obsessive attention to detail.
The ease of use starts with the X-Mid's ultra simple 4 stake pitch that has no mandatory guylines, no odd angles to estimate, and no need to measure anything. With a bit of practice, it can be pitched in under a minute with just 4 required stakes and 2 poles that are extended without measuring.
Once pitched, the ease of use continues with large doorways that aren’t blocked by poles, vestibules that are large and put the main area beside the door instead of blocking it, magnetic door toggles that are quick to operate, intuitive pockets, and one handed operating zippers with dual sliders on the fly doors.
Outdoor Gear Lab
Best Ultralight Tent
"Without a question, the X-Mid 1 is the best lightweight tent. It's hard for us to believe such an easy-to-set-up tent can be so delightful to spend camp time in and almost invincible to storms."
Section Hiker
Editors Choice
"The X-Mid 1 is my favorite tent...it is a great shelter if you want a trekking pole tent that is affordable, spacious, stormworthy, and packs up small."
The Trek
We Love This Tent
"A laundry list of well-thought-out details makes this tent exceptional in rough weather....it is our all around best thru-hiking tent of 2023."
Paul Messner (YouTuber)
Best Tent
"A brilliant tent.....there's been a lot of hype around this tent and I think it's justified. It does everything really really well....the X-Mid ticks more boxes than any other."
Backpacking Light
Cottage Gear Innovation Award
"With a new type of design...the Durston X-Mid 1P offers light weight, livable space, ease of pitch, and storm resistance that we've never seen before"
Gear Junkie
A Modern Marvel of a Tent
"An all-season tent that can weather whatever nature throws at it...to say I am impressed would be an understatement."
SPACIOUS
The X-Mid geometry is the most space efficient use of two poles possible. It does this using a diagonal ridgeline and opposite diagonal floor so the two poles can be positioned further apart for increased headroom and volume.
The result is a nicely sized 1P tent with ample headroom throughout the length of the tent so you can sit up anywhere and easily move from laying down to sitting up without hitting the walls.
We recommend the X-Mid 1 Solid for hikers up to 6'4" (193 cm) thanks to the generous 93" (2.36 m) length combined with steep end walls that increases the useable length. The floor width is a comfortable 33" (84 cm) that fits all pads with room to spare, while the dual vestibules are generously sized and will easily fit the largest pack beside the doorway.
QUALITY
Our focus on creating a highly functional and stormworthy tent means we also focus on quality. It's imperative that you can trust the build of your tent when you're headed into uncertain conditions.
To achieve this, the X-Mid 1 Solid is crafted the most experienced tent factory in the world who have built nothing but tents for over 60 years. There our tents are assembled using premium components, double stitching, double folded edges, and generous bartacking.
We’re not aware of any other trekking pole tent that uses double stitching to the extent that we do. While this premium quality gives the X-Mid a higher cost of production than comparable tents, we price it affordably because we sell it to you directly with only a modest markup.
Magnetic Toggles
Magnetic door toggles with pull tabs provide easy one handed-operation.
Large Doorways
Unlike most trekking pole tents, the doorways are large and not blocked by trekking poles. They also have a protected design to keep rain out even when open, and can be propped open with a stick or pole to create a 'porch'.
Full Coverage Fly
The fly extends low to the ground to block drafts and rain splatter, yet can be raised higher for more ventilation. Other tents cut away the bottom of the fly to save weight but it leaves you more exposed.
Stormworthy Shape
The X-Mid provides the ideal shape with consistent and moderate panel slopes. All the panels are an ideal 50 - 55 degrees which balance wind and snow shedding to provide excellent all around performance. Most tents are less consistent with a mix of shallower panels (worse for snow shedding) and steeper panels (worse for wind performance).
Spacious
The X-Mid's offset poles provides a longer diagonal ridgeline that extends the headroom over more of the tent. There is ample clearance to transition from laying down to sitting up without hitting the tent, and room to sit up anywhere in the tent.
PATENTED GEOMETRY
The X-Mid shape has been developed from the first principles of geometry to be as weight efficient, simple, and functional as possible.
The X-Mid manages to avoid all the common pitfalls of trekking pole shelters such as a complicated pitch, mandatory guylines, poles blocking the doorways, and a lack of interior volume.
Read the story about how the X-Mid geometry was developed:
As an incredibly stormworthy, spacious, and user friendly shelter, the X-Mid 1 Solid is the ideal lightweight tent for everything from walks in the UK's Hill District to a crossing of Sweden’s wind-swept Sarek National Park.
Thought I'd test out the Durston X Mid 1 Solid properly in the UK weather, with the first night out in Storm Boelo. Heavy rain for 15 hours straight and 55 mph gusts, and the tent performed brilliantly. I've added bungee loops to the tags along the bottom edges, as well as using extra guy lines on the sides, which helped keep the tent rigid in the storm.
Very impressed with this tent. My advice is to definitely go for the solid version for the UK climate!
Thanks Alex!
- Dan
It is very nice. Feels roomy for a 1 man and the quality is spot on. Pitching is easy and it just feels right.
Thanks Joe!
- Dan Durston
Usually don't take the time to review things, but since I know this guy actually listens I wanted to give me 2 cents !
My first experiences with the X-Mid 1 Solid has been awesome.
This being my first trekking pole tent, I actually found it super easy to pitch (watching Dan's instruction video helped as well).
The tent is so well thought out and quality feels top notch.
My main gripe is this: why design it for the upside down trekking pole position? Just seems like a fly rip waiting to happen.. Not to mention that the handle will get dirty when resting on the ground directly. I'm sure there's a good reason, because everything else is so well designed. But I've been ignoring the intended use here, and pitched it the "wrong" way (handle up) which has worked so far.
The second thing I noticed is that I've had quite some condensation inside when waking up. It's not so surprising as I've been using it in Denmark and Sweden, where it is quite humid this time of the year.
Made me wonder if this issue is related to the inner being solid version, or if I would've had the same with the mesh version.
Although there is fine space inside, I almost regret not getting the X-Mid 2, since this would also make it easier not to hit the wet walls, plus it isn't that much more weight in the end..
That being said, I love the design and quality of this tent, and it has massively upgraded my hikes!
I can already imagine that I'll end up going all the way to buying the Pro version at some point. And then it's just a question whether it will be the 2 or 2+ size!
Thanks for the kind words and glad you are appreciating the quality.
For the pole orientation, yes you can pitch it handle up instead if you prefer. Having the tip up is more secure in high winds, but most of the time either works. We orient it with the tip up because it is simpler and lighter to deploy a grommet for the tip rather than create a whole pocket for the handle. If you keep things taut the pole tip won't escape but also the area around the grommet is very securely reinforced so even if it did escape it won't damage the fly unless it completely escapes from the peak area (e.g. from a major loss in tension).
Condensation is related to the dewpoint, which is quite complicated because the solid interior is warmer (better) but also less venting (worse). If you think it is not venting enough you can open the door but it may simply be a case of the whole environment being humid and then cooling at night below the dewpoint such that condensation becomes unavoidable in any tent.
Best,
Dan
I was stuck between the pro and the solid but went solid for the uk weather and I couldn’t be happier it’s honestly the lightest, packed smallest tent I have owned yet it’s full of utility, there’s so much thought that has gone in to it. I have used it several times and see no going back.
Used on top of a fell in high winds and it was sturdier than any tent I have owned I The past. You won’t understand till you use one 10/10
Hi,
Just returned from a fantastic first trip with my X Mid 1 and Kakwa pack in the Welsh Mountains near Bala.
We decided to do a summit camp and caught an amazing sunset looking out towards Ireland, and despite the gusty winds (note the stones), my new tent held up admirably.
Very pleased 🙂
Mark
Thanks Mark!
- Dan Durston
I can finally write a review after spending two weeks in Norway with the X-Mid 1 Solid.
I’ll just answer the questions I had before buying it.
1) Is it stormworthy?
I spent a whole week in the mountains during summer. Did I trust the tent? Hell no, I was so sure it would collapse on me in the middle of the night. I am glad I was wrong; the tent did hell of a great job in rainy and windy conditions.
2) Is it big enough?
I’m 1.76m tall (5.7 inches for you weirdos) and the tent was a palace. If I really wanted to, my backpack would have fitted inside the inner tent as well. The vestibules are more than enough for one person. Two friends were sharing a two-person tent and they didn’t have enough space so they just used one of my vestibules for storage at night.
3) Is it easy to pitch?
Not without practice. I was glad I pitched it 2 – 3 times in my garden before using it in real conditions. Also, I camped on rocky terrain so I had to be creative to pitch it, but this concerns every pole tent.
4) Is it resistant?
I bought the groundsheet just to make sure I wouldn’t scratch the tent on rocks. The tent is high value for the money but 300 bucks is 300 bucks, would be a shame not to take care of it.
In conclusion, if you want a very easy-to-use tent, maybe go for the X-Dome, which probably has the same perks without the hassle of a pole tent. However, if you want a tent that once mastered ticks pretty much all the boxes (light, spacious, stormworthy, high-quality and still affordable) this is the one.
One of the best features in my opinion is the ability to pack the whole backpack while still being under the rainfly. It rained a lot in the morning and I was able to get dressed, pack everything and have breakfast without getting wet. Once ready, you just pack the rainfly and you’re ready to go. Just awesome.
So yeah, I freaking love this tent!
I first used the X-Mid 1 Solid in Skarvheimen and Jotunheimen, in central Norway. I was impressed by its stability in strong, freezing winds and snow. The tent’s footprint is slightly larger than a standard freestanding tent, but I always managed to secure it with pegs and rocks. I strongly recommend this tent, especially the solid version, for cold and windy conditions. I also used the groundsheet to add protection against humidity and to prevent the floor from getting scratched. I appreciate the space inside the tent and the two openings. I never had any condensation problems. Thanks, Dan Durston, for this perfect tent.
Finally got to try my X Mid 1 Solid last night. Unexpected 40-50mph+ winds all night. Slept like shit but the tent held up great! Felt much more spacious than I expected. Wasn't worried about it collapsing in the storm. 10/10.
Amazing photo. Glad the tent worked well. That sounds like wild conditions.
- Dan Durston
I've slept in this tent for 8 months continuous out of the last 14 since I bought it.. I am so at one with this tent. Given that level of use, the flysheet has started to tear near the pole points. I was going to buy the whole Solid tent again, but have decided to replace just the fly for now. The inner and the footprint have months left in them.
One niggle I have with the zip on the inner is that it snags at the point where the top of the inner pockets are sown into the main zip hem. Both sides snag at the same point, so it has to be the design. If you run closed fingers down the vertical zip for the inner, you can feel the material from the top of that pocket hem bulge into the zip hem. I''ve included a photo and you can see the snagging is gradually causing the zip to separate. The crazy thing is, it snags always when closing from the outside and seldom on the inside. So that's my only niggle.
I've never had a tent that was so easy to pitch and so comfortable to sleep in. When I look at the size of the vestibule on one side, I have to remind myself I have the same on the other. Such a well designed tent. Had to have an Angiogram ten days ago. Spent four nights in a building. Best night out of five was the first night back in the x-Mid 1.
So, overall 10/10. But 7-8/10 for that snagging zip on the inner.
Wow 8 months of straight use! Glad you are liking the tent.
For that zipper issue, that is called a 'backing tear' where somehow the teeth are torn away from the backing. That can occur from a high force accident (e.g. stumbling through the doorway and the slider tugs on the zipper here) or from a defect in the zipper. If you email us, we can help out with that.
- Dan Durston
Reccomending to all my friends. Tent is super well thought out and tood the wind and cold like a champ in the alpine cascades.
Such a great tent, small, compact and light weight. Has held up to some strong wind and a lot of rain. The set up takes a bit of practice but when you got it it all flows so easy. Love it !
My X-Mid 1 Solid is a great tent all around. I'm 6'1" 245 lbs and there's plenty of room in the 2026 version for someone my size or larger. Quality control on this tent is excellent, and it was a breeze to set up with the Z-Flick poles.
I'll mention this is not my only Durston product, as I first owned a 2024 X-Mid 2, which I graciously sold to an aspiring PCT hiker.
At the moment I have a 2026 X-Mid 2 Solid, a 2026 X-Dome 1+ Aluminum pole set (which my partner uses), a 2025 Kakwa 55., and now added the X-Mid 1 Solid.
All the tents and the pack are lightweight and of excellent quality.
I've owned many packs and the Kakwa 55 is the most comfortable pack by far. With 20 lbs in it, I forget I'm wearing it.
To offer some constructive feedback, while I have the footprint that covers the inner floor for all the tents, I would instantly purchase a Durston 15 or 20D Silpoly footprint for all of my tents large enough to cover the area under the fly. I made one for each tent out of painters drop cloth 2 mm poly, but a custom footprint from Durston, rather than the cheap poly would be a welcome improvement.
So offering the option of the inner footprint, or a full coverage footprint, would be a great addition to the product line :)
Many thanks to Dan and everyone at Durston, and I look forward to future product releases!
This tent is very thoughtfully designed and I have enjoyed most of the nights I have spent in it up to this point. It has enough room for me (5”10’) to kneel mostly straight up inside the tent. Laying down is not a problem either however I sleep on a thermarest neoloft and my sleeping bag will either touch the inner by the feet or by the head. It is a very small contact but it is there. This would only be a problem if there was condensation in the tent (which i have never seen due to the excellent ventilation) and if the inner and outer were to touch (which again i have never noticed) this tent handles condensation very well due to the large gaps left between the tent and the ground. And the vents being in the highest point in the tent. (I usually open the downwind vent) the doors and pockets are all easy to use and well built. The tent feels extremely solid in the wind however i have only had it out in about 30mph gusts. Adding the optional guy lines and peg out points is a must in my opinion (i made mine with some 3.5mm bungie cord loops for the peg out points, and some 2mm paracord for the guy lines) So i cannot speak to its ability to handle proper wind. Due to the steep sides there is no problems with water pooling and it has remained watertight for me.
In summary, the Xmid 1 is solid, thoughtfully designed, well built, good looking, lightweight, small to pack, easy to set up, and roomy enough for one person and all of their gear.
My only concern is the thickness of the floor, i read some forum posts and reviews before purchasing that said the floor had punctured. Because of this i made my own groundsheet out of a cheap tarp from wickes, and that has worked fine so far. If i could change anything i would make the floor a bit thicker and more durable, and sacrafice a little bit of weight. But that is just my opinion and im not overly fused about 100g here or there.
Good tent would recommend.
Thanks for the kind words Adam.
Regarding the floor, we are using a 20D polyester floor on the X-Mid Solid, which I do think is pretty durable. We've been using that for about 7 years now and it is pretty uncommon to see damage. Of course it can happen in unfortunate circumstances or a harsh surface (e.g. gravel) but we do normally see good result and it is pretty normal material choice for a lightweight tent. So I do think you'll have a good results, but of course the groundsheet will further help to ensure that.
Best,
Dan Durston
Really great tent. Easy to setup, but hard to refine the setup. The bathtub bottom never really felt even in my weather was perfect so I’ve seen videos of the tent set up in the wind. I haven’t yet tested that yet.
The only thing that threw me off on the setup was the logo. It’s more prominent on the inside than on the outside of the fly.
Four stars instead of five because it’s a little bit more time-consuming to set up than a typical freestanding tense but all in all happy with the purchase.
Glad you're liking the tent. Yes we print the logo on the inside as a mirror image, so when viewed from outside it is more subtle.
For the pitch, we have some good tips in the 'troubleshooting' section of our pitching guide video. The main thing it looks like could be improved in your photo is setting everything tighter. If you snug up the 4 corners before you add the poles, and extend the poles more firmly, it'll tension everything nicer.
- Dan Durston
Have just used the latest version of the X-mid 1 Solid on a hiking trip through Albania and Macedonia. Bottom line - this is a fantastic, quality piece of kit. At less than 900g you will thank the team at Durston every day you carry it, and your hiking mates with their scandi competition (at double the weight) will be green eyed with envy. It’s super easy to pitch and strike, simple to adjust if you want it to sit lower to the ground if a bit gusty and had minimal condensation. A quick wipe with the trusty spontex and it could be packed away immediately. The other massive benefit is that you have huge amounts of room, both length and width and you can sit up in it (I’m almost 6 ft). A huge advantage over lower slung tunnel tents.
Only one minor suggestion and a watch out. First, would be great if the ground sheet could extend beyond the inner tent into one of the vestibules. Second (operator error): if you drop the pole height to take off the tension to trim it closer to the ground, make sure the tip of your pole doesn’t pop out of the protective pocket at the apex! The good news is that Tenacious tape works well on this product…
Thanks for the kind words. If you want to fill the vestibules, a rectangular groundsheet from another 2P tent will fit pretty nicely for that.
- Dan Durston
Get started with our comprehensive X-Mid pitching guide.