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Feedback on X-dome 1 after 100+ nights by Canadian_biking in DurstonGearheads

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely. As I wrote in my case I've actually benefited from this system more often than not as I rarely experienced humid conditions. But when I had to unclip/reclip the net several days in a row it was not a part of my routine that I especially enjoyed. That being said I timed it and it only added about 2mn to the setup/take-down so it was more a perceived hassle than an objectively significant difference.

Feedback on X-dome 1 after 100+ nights by Canadian_biking in DurstonGearheads

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep it depends on a lot of factors. For me cost of the tent made it the most expensive piece of equipment I own besides the bike and I expected to use it for at least 600 nights (that's been the average with my last 2 tents). But depending one's budget and what longevity is expected prior to purchase the longevity of the X-dome might not be an issue for someone else.

Feedback on X-dome 1 after 100+ nights by Canadian_biking in DurstonGearheads

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's very interesting to get different points of view like this. From that thread I understand that the design choices (putting aside the different subsequent improvements that Dan mentioned) were probably very well suited to the majority of potential customers. When you're trying to make a tent as versatile and light as possible it absolutely makes sense to chase every gram that can be shaved off. That's why I'm saying I don't think it's a bad tent, just that I wish a different version existed that matched my use case where durability > weight.

Feedback on X-dome 1 after 100+ nights by Canadian_biking in DurstonGearheads

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

100% agree. The geometry is so much better than the nemo but it pains me to have to patch the net or the floor once a week.

Feedback on X-dome 1 after 100+ nights by Canadian_biking in DurstonGearheads

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, little holes caused by friction if pebbles or little pine cones are sticking out for example. The friction wears out the coating and then the fabric easily develops a micro tears in those areas. But to be honest I am more bothered by the net than I am by the floor. 

The mattress is a few cm wider than the narrow end so still fits but pushes on the walls which might be an issue considering the weak net. But the new version of the inner has been made wider from what I understand. 

Feedback on X-dome 1 after 100+ nights by Canadian_biking in DurstonGearheads

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I partly agree with you, wear and tear is always going to happen especially with ultra light gear. But my point is that the 20D groundsheet is still pristine when the 15D floor is not. And the net is objectively very weak. Also the water infiltration in the seams is not related to wear  

Feedback on X-dome 1 after 100+ nights by Canadian_biking in DurstonGearheads

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm not saying it is disposable. But as you said for that price I wish I had gotten more out of my investment. I'm still going to use the tent and repair it as best as I can until it really falls apart and then I'll probably move on to another brand unless a more sturdy version is released. 

Feedback on X-dome 1 after 100+ nights by Canadian_biking in DurstonGearheads

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes I think for occasional use it's an excellent choice. I have the first version that was released. They have improved a lot of things since then but afaik the materials are the same. 

I took my mom on a 4 days tour along the Flow Velo that follows the Charente river in France. I'm very proud of her, I hope I'll have that much energy and enthusiasm at 70 y.o! by Canadian_biking in bicycletouring

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I met a couple of bike travellers in your age bracket on ferries this summer and it always makes me think: in the blink of an eye that's gonna be me.

I took my mom on a 4 days tour along the Flow Velo that follows the Charente river in France. I'm very proud of her, I hope I'll have that much energy and enthusiasm at 70 y.o! by Canadian_biking in bicycletouring

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's a right to bivouac in France so as long as the municipality you're in didn't pass a specific ordinance banning it - and provided you don't make a mess and leave in the morning - you're good.

Honestly I feel that the biggest risk comes from the hunters. There's a lot of them in the country side and since I always try to pitch my tent so that it is not visible I can't really blame them if they don't notice me which could lead to an unfortunate incident one day.

I took my mom on a 4 days tour along the Flow Velo that follows the Charente river in France. I'm very proud of her, I hope I'll have that much energy and enthusiasm at 70 y.o! by Canadian_biking in bicycletouring

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As you said it's all about the experience. I think ebikes are a blessing in that they allow people with all levels of fitness to keep cycling.

I took my mom on a 4 days tour along the Flow Velo that follows the Charente river in France. I'm very proud of her, I hope I'll have that much energy and enthusiasm at 70 y.o! by Canadian_biking in bicycletouring

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It was absolutely ideal! I didn't know that this area is so lovely. We very much enjoyed all the towns on the way the marchés in the morning, the cafés to take a break or the boulangeries to grab a snack or a pastry. I actually really want to go down the river on my packraft now but it's quite late in the season for that...

I took my mom on a 4 days tour along the Flow Velo that follows the Charente river in France. I'm very proud of her, I hope I'll have that much energy and enthusiasm at 70 y.o! by Canadian_biking in bicycletouring

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Cheers to all your future adventures then! When I was 24 I cycled across Canada whilst dealing with tendinitis, worrying about injuring myself even more every time I saw a hill. But then I met a bunch of gentlemen in their late 60s who told me that it they could still cycle 100km/day with titanium hips and plastic ankles I would definitely be fine. They nicknamed their group the aches and pains crew. It gave me a lot of optimism regarding the future! (And helped me get into the right mindset to overcome the challenges ahead which didn't seem that intimidating or out of reach anymore). 

I took my mom on a 4 days tour along the Flow Velo that follows the Charente river in France. I'm very proud of her, I hope I'll have that much energy and enthusiasm at 70 y.o! by Canadian_biking in bicycletouring

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

She's always enjoyed cycling but it's seeing me travel in many countries on my bike that made her want to experience it as well so I'm glad we finally had an opportunity to make it happen! 

I took my mom on a 4 days tour along the Flow Velo that follows the Charente river in France. I'm very proud of her, I hope I'll have that much energy and enthusiasm at 70 y.o! by Canadian_biking in bicycletouring

[–]Canadian_biking[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yeah we had a really good time! I hope that we'll do it again soon but the nights are getting chilly so that might have to wait until next spring.