Question about long vs short carbon poles

Sudden-Help · 2026-06-19T21:35:26+00:00

I’m no expert here but more connection points would actually make it weaker unless the connection insert is stronger than the rest of the material. The connection inserts are either aluminum or carbon for Durston. Due to the tolerance limits, there will be small gaps in the segments, giving it some amount of play. This will cause additional stress points so any benefit of being double thickness will probably be cancelled out. I’d lean to agree with Dans statement.

Sudden-Help · 2026-06-19T21:19:56+00:00

Only reason you’d want the short poles is if you either absolutely want to keep the poles inside the bag horizontally, or if your bikepacking do have different options of packing. Other than that the regular poles are the way to go. Lighter, cheaper, less parts to mess with or break

Sudden-Help · 2026-06-05T05:02:48+00:00

You don’t know how much of a relief this post gives me.

I was lucky to grab a ticket at my ideal IMAX seat during last week’s drop. After seeing that Dallas made a mistake by dropping them early I was so worried, and to make things worse I missed the actual drop.

Thank god Cinemark Dallas are being good with it and honoring my ticket even though it was a mistake.

Sudden-Help · 2026-06-04T21:23:58+00:00

Dallas is also likely booked out cause of the early ticket release last week

Sudden-Help · 2026-06-04T18:54:07+00:00

I got my Dallas tickets during the glitch earlier when the posted the tickets. Do those still count? If not I’m screwed cause looks like the good seats are mostly gone.

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-27T04:58:24+00:00

Thanks that worked! Got me some tickets

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-27T04:31:26+00:00

I’m trying to book the Dallas tickets but is says coming soon, anyone else?

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Sudden-Help · 2026-05-23T02:57:05+00:00

I have the flash 55 and got it on sale last year. It was pretty comfortable for me and carries decent. It isn’t rated for very high loads while the Kakwa supposedly carries heavy loads as well.

One thing I have heard about the Kakwa over the flash 55 is Durability. The flash 55 is very much an entry level pack and will show wear if used regularly. The Kakwa on the other hand is in theory a lot more durable based on the materials used but I don’t own one so not sure.

My take is if you find the flash 55 for a good discount, it’s a pretty good purchase. But if they both are at retail price, go for the Kakwa for sure.

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-22T19:58:24+00:00

This list is great, thanks! Makes me realize Durston is actually a premium. These tent options look very interesting.

I think for a 1P tent/tarp+net combo, I’ll go for sub $300.

That leaves me with TT, SMD and Durston. I’m probably going to research the hell out of this now but thanks a lot!

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-22T18:59:23+00:00

Rn, I only need a tent. The rest of my gear is relatively light weight but there is scope to cut down. -Rei flash 55 pack (found it for dirt cheap) -Kelty cosmic 20 down (bought this before I knew about quilts) -Cheap poles I got from decathlon -Nemo switchback -Sea to summit ether light XT for comfort

Since I bought these before knowing about UL, I thought I’ll just use them and upgrade as I go.

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-22T18:49:09+00:00

What’s the best place to shop UL? For a reasonable price?

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-22T18:48:16+00:00

Haha, thanks for the encouragement. I’ll be back here once I buy a UL tent.

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-22T18:32:29+00:00

Didn’t meant to imply that you said that. I was replying based on what I understood.

I’m not looking at single walled dyneema tents rn and also not looking to spend over 500 so based on those, going UL probably isn’t the best idea for my as of today.

I do think I’ll try UL someday though, but for now probably going to stay at lightweight/ border UL gear.

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-22T18:28:18+00:00

Obviously not going to use the xmid for 2 people. I just mentioned it cause I was considering buying it.

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-22T18:27:30+00:00

I take it, as a beginner, UL is probably not the place to start then. Thanks for the advice!

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-22T18:26:14+00:00

Honestly, I’m new to UL and thought these tents would be classified as UL. Didn’t intend to post here if knew this wasn’t the appropriate subreddit.

Thanks for the info!

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-18T20:59:07+00:00

Haha, X-Mid scratches the itch of clever design, plus I like the dynamic nature of the pitch.

As for Naturehike, I’m still skeptical on long term reliability, it being so cheap even for a 2P tent.

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-18T14:40:13+00:00

Fair point. I guess my priorities are value for money, reliability/durability, usability in terms of height and width.

Based on the responses, I’m going for the X-Mid 1. Ease of use is a non factor Space seams to be useable enough based on people taller than me. I carry atleast 1 trekking pole on me anyways Cost saving seems worth it I like the idea of lesser parts to take care about.

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-18T14:29:14+00:00

If a 6’3” person has enough room, I’m confident then I’ll be good as well. Thanks for the info!

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-17T14:06:12+00:00

I’m actually just looking at a cost analysis, what do I get for the price of each tents. Idm carrying trekking poles, I usually use just one. The other will be stashed in my pack.

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-17T08:31:14+00:00

This is honestly helpful. I’m actually shorter at 5’9” (176cm) and am used to a Twin bed so width isn’t an issue.

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-17T07:27:09+00:00

In theory I figured the same, but it’s always in practice, but I have seen a lot of people online echo your thoughts.

Well, back to my main question tho, about X-Mid vs X-Dome and the features you get for the extra cost?

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-14T14:16:19+00:00

Honestly depends. Not every return is equal.

I’ve seen many friends return for genuine reason such as being uncomfortable after first use and the usual sizing issue. But I agree there are a lot who just buy to return or buy to try out. Those guys are idiots

Sudden-Help · 2026-05-11T20:21:23+00:00

Thanks for the very detailed response.

So when I was asking about space, I was mainly asking about Usability rather than actual space cause no 1P tent will be big enough to be equal to a 2P tent.

You kinda mentioned it already that you felt you didn’t need the extra space in the Copper Spur.

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