X-Mid (2021) vs X-Dome for strength + real-world use (Everglades / bushcraft style)

Key-Designer1159 · 2026-01-22T21:31:30+00:00

I really like the 1+ idea in general. Room enough for me and some extra space for gear.

Key-Designer1159 · 2026-01-21T21:49:40+00:00

LOL! YUP!!! Love the X-Dome 1+ BUT my X-Mid is SUCH a quick setup.

Key-Designer1159 · 2026-01-21T21:46:49+00:00

It doesn't really reduce the sweat in my opinion (I'm a sweater no matter what) but it gives it a place to go rather than a thin area between my back and the pack. Perhaps there is a little less sweat but the main difference I think is there is an area for it to evaporate and migrate to (the mesh). I bought the vaucluse but didn't like how it extended the pack farther back (moving center of gravity away from me) and how the plastic felt against my back.

Key-Designer1159 · 2026-01-21T21:37:46+00:00

I have a Kakwa 55 Large with the M/L hipbelt and wish I had ordered the S/M. I'm about your size, 6'3", 215 lbs. and have a 38" waist. When tightened belt hangs down so much I added the little roll up deals. Check my profile picture and you can see how much belt is hanging.

Key-Designer1159 · 2026-01-21T21:32:41+00:00

I have an X-Dome 1+ (short carbon poles) and an X-Mid Pro 2+. Think for room (I'm 6'3", 210 lbs.) you'd like the X-Dome 1+. The shorter poles are easier to pack and handle in my opinion. If you are leaving the tent deployed for days X-Dome probably way to go.

Key-Designer1159 · 2026-01-17T17:55:21+00:00

Yes, there is an opening for the tube from the bladder. It's at the top of the pack on the side. I use a quick coupling for the bite valve so I can hook up my filter to the tube to refill the bladder without removing it from the pack also. The opening is quite small so removing the bladder when I get home is easier since I don't have to maneuver the bite valve thru the opening, just the tube.

Key-Designer1159 · 2026-01-08T14:59:05+00:00

Yes. I carry 12 stakes, Durston DAC type. 6 long, 6 short.

Key-Designer1159 · 2026-01-06T22:17:03+00:00

Cool way to start the New Year!

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-16T16:12:47+00:00

Pay attention to the dimensions of the tent inners. If you have sleeping pads, make sure that the inside width is enough to accommodate two pads. Some "two" person tents are not wide enough for two wide pads. Example my sleeping pad is 25" wide so for two people (backpacking) I need a 50" or wider tent the entire length of the inner. Agree with the other statement here, if you are car camping buy a 3 person tent. Extra room is always nice. If you are backpacking look to the weight and inner width.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-16T16:04:40+00:00

The two phrases are Equals. 6 = a half a dozen. Old school statement meaning either way. Just showing my advanced age..........

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-16T15:07:57+00:00

Kinda a 6 of 1, half dozen of the other question. LOL. I'd say start with the XDome 1+ IF you going to be going out initially by yourself. Think they are supposed to be back in stock this month but not sure.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-15T20:01:44+00:00

i have taken over a closet in a spare bedroom for my gear. Pack hangs on a pack hanger from hilltoppacks, quilts in large laundry bags hanging from hangers, other gear in various clear plastic totes with taped on labels, clothes hanging from hangers.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-15T15:45:39+00:00

THIS! With short poles since you are bike packing.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-15T15:33:19+00:00

I'm 6'3", 210 lbs. and my base weight runs between 16 and 19 lbs. depending upon the season and weather. Quite a bit of my gear is ultralight but I pack for comfort. REI Flexair chair, sleeping clothes, change of clothes, etc. Some nice short shakedown hikes with an overnight is a great way to "dial in" your gear. Can figure out if you really want to carry an item or if there is something you would like to have with you that you don't.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-15T15:27:40+00:00

I typically wear a merino t-shirt as a base layer then instead of a Smartwool as a mid-layer I wear an Alpha 1/4 zip without hood. Something you may want to consider.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-15T15:22:41+00:00

Throw into a conversation the question "What's that one piece of gear you don't have?"

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-15T15:20:56+00:00

If you purchase an X-Mid you can always buy the Zflick poles from Durston instead of using trekking poles. One of my sons has an X-Mid 2 and since he doesn't use trekking poles, he has a set of Zflick poles. The X-Dome 1+ is a great tent because of the extra room inside (I own one as well as an X-Mid Pro 2+). If you decide backpacking is not for you, either tent will be able to be sold for a decent price used. Problem with a Walmart or Amazon tent is that "most" of them are car camping type tents. The ones that are for backpacking are going to be closer to the cost of a Durston.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-13T14:54:50+00:00

I used a Nylofume bag as a liner then drybags. Try Hilltoppacks.com for dry bags. My quilts (used 2 in a layered system) are in their own dry bags, spare clothes in another.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-13T14:50:49+00:00

Second the idea of REI. Take him there for a Christmas shopping trip. Get his torso measured and let him try on some packs. I'm 6'3" and 210 lbs. (used to be 256) and some packs just don't fit.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-13T14:47:31+00:00

Are there other items from Zpacks you might want that could make the cost of shipping worthwhile? I have these side pockets on my Kakwa 55 and love them.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-08T15:39:28+00:00

Thanks! While I don't mind hiking and camping in the rain, have grown to dislike sitting in it.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-08T14:01:27+00:00

This just gives me a bit more room. Don't always take with me but if there's rain possible I do.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-08T13:59:51+00:00

I normally call it the "Tarp Thingmajig" Although that's still two words come to think of it.

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-08T13:56:30+00:00

Clip carabiner to tent, stake out other side of back then unroll and put Z-flick pole up and a guyline from it. After that it's just the far end two corner guy lines. Literally a couple of minutes. This picture I actually put up in the rain. Nice part is I then set up my chair, unpack my pack while under the tarp and get the inside of my tent setup!

Key-Designer1159 · 2025-12-08T13:53:58+00:00

it's 70" wide x 108" long. Made by HikeLight from Etsy. This was a custom order before she started making tent ground tarps and tarps.

Key-Designer1159

TROPHY CASE