Article by Markus Zinkl
Durston Gear X-Dome 1+ ($369.00)
Introduction
Durston Gear just released the X-Dome 1+, a new addition to the world of ultralight freestanding tents. Combining innovative design with top-tier materials, the X-Dome 1+ offers a blend of strength, space, and versatility that is rarely seen in the ultralight tent category. Here’s an inside look at what makes the X-Dome 1+ stand out.
Key Highlights
100% Polyester Fabric
The X-Dome 1+ is the only ultralight freestanding tent constructed with 100% polyester fabric, making it resistant to water absorption. This results in a non-sagging structure that dries quickly, offering a reliable and durable shelter in varying weather conditions.
100% Freestanding Design
Uniquely, this tent is entirely freestanding—even the vestibule doesn’t require staking out. This feature makes it exceptionally easy to set up, no matter the terrain, and adds a level of convenience and flexibility that’s hard to find in other ultralight tents.
Flexible Pitching Options
Unlike most freestanding tents in its class, the X-Dome 1+ can be pitched either with the fly first—ideal for keeping the inner tent dry during setup in wet conditions—or with the inner tent first for a more open feel under clear skies. This versatility doesn’t require any extra parts or complex configurations, making it user-friendly and adaptable to different environments.
Incredible Strength and 4-Season Capability
Built to be triple the strength of comparable ultralight freestanding tents, the X-Dome 1+ is ready to withstand challenging weather conditions. Plus, it offers the option to add trekking poles for extra support, bolstering the tent’s stability for 4-season use. Here you can find a YouTube video where Dan Durston shows the strength of this pole construction, which is indeed impressive.
Spacious Interior
The X-Dome 1+ provides significantly more room than its peers. With a floor area of 23 square feet and a fly height of 45 inches, it offers ample space for gear storage and movement, making it a more comfortable choice for extended trips.
Specifications
Weight: At just 34.7 ounces (985 grams) for the complete setup, the X-Dome 1+ remains lightweight without sacrificing durability.
Dimensions: It features a fly area of 56.5" x 88" (1.45 m x 2.25 m), with an inner height of 42 inches (1.08 m). The floor measures 27-50 inches (0.7-1.3 m) in width and 85 inches (2.15 m) in length, ensuring a comfortable sleeping area.
Materials: The tent fly and floor are made from 15D high-tenacity sil/polyester with a 3500 mm hydrostatic head rating. The poles are an Easton Carbon blend, providing the strength and flexibility necessary for challenging conditions.
Packed Size: The tent packs down to a compact 18" x 4.5" (45 x 12 cm), which makes it easy to stow in your pack, leaving more room for other essentials.
How does it compare to its competition?
Fabric and Water Resistance: Unlike many tents that use nylon, the X-Dome 1+ features 100% polyester fabric, which doesn't absorb water or sag when wet. This offers a faster drying time and better performance in wet conditions compared to models like the Big Agnes Copper Spur.
Freestanding Design: The X-Dome 1+ is fully freestanding, even the vestibule, whereas many other ultralight tents, like the MSR Hubba Hubba, require stakes for the vestibule.
Pitching Versatility: It allows both fly-first and inner-first pitching, giving users flexibility in setup without extra parts.
Strength and Durability: With trekking pole support, it boasts 4-season strength, far surpassing most ultralight tents in durability, such as the REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL, which is designed for 3-season use.
Space: The X-Dome 1+ is more spacious than most ultralight options, offering more room to move and store gear, without sacrificing packability.
The Verdict
Disclaimer: This is just my opinion from what I have seen on paper. I didn’t have the chance to test the tent or to see it in person. Where this tent stands out in my opinion is not one specific area. It is not the lightest ultralight tent out there, but the combination of features is very impressive. On paper Durston Gear thought about a lot of details and seemed to find solutions for it.
This tent will likely be a go-to choice for those who prioritize both durability and adaptability in a lightweight package.
Available at Durston Gear
Thanks to Durston Gear to provide the press preview materials ahead of launch. The opinions presented are our own.
Tester Profile
Markus Zinkl: I’m 34 years old and live in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. I started hiking and backpacking 5-6 years ago. Coming from trail running and with light and fast in mind, I started hiking and fast packing with ultralight gear. Over the years I tried and tested a lot of gear, always in search of weight savings. Although still trying to stay out of the ultralight rabbit hole. I spend most of my days off from work on the trail, with at least one 2-3 week thru-hike. Among the more well known trails I have hiked over the last few years are the GR221, WHR (Walker’s Haute Route), TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc), TC (Tour du Cervin-Matterhorn) and Via Alpina Switzerland. As you probably notice by now, I’m at home in the mountains. So if I’m not running or thru-hiking a longer trail, I’m probably somewhere in the Alps checking out some shorter trails.
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