Well, that may have changed after my experience with the Durston X-Mid Pro 1 tent. I had to lumber through some snow, and the evening temperature got down to 12 degrees Fahrenheit. I definitely got a chance to feel out the weight and capabilities of this highly-sought-after, currently sold out tent.

Here's what I can tell you about the shelter and the rest of the new backpacking gear I used to get me through the trip. 

How much does a Durston X-Mid Pro tent weigh?

The Durston X-Mid Pro 1 is the lightest backpacking tent I have ever used. Guess that's why they call it a lightweight backpacking tent! It weighs in at only 16 ounces (465 grams). That's right, 1 pound! With that said, there are a couple caveats to this mind-blowingly featherlight figure.

The X-Mid Pro 1 required either trekking poles, or additional tent poles to prop it up. Next I went with the former, since I needed the extra stability while hiking through the snow.

Finally of note, the stated weight also doesn't include the tent stakes, but those are honestly quite negligible. 

How much does a lightweight backpacking tent cost?

The Durston X-Mid Pro 1 comes at a premium. This is a $600 (USD) tent. Basically the tent uses Dyneema composite fabric (DCF) that is able to stand strong against storms.

These ridiculously thin walls are remarkably robust where nylon are thicker. They are very resistant to sagging and stretching. 

Are Lightweight Backpacking Tents Waterproof?

If you strip too much away in the name of lightening your load, there will be concessions to be made in other areas. In addition, the Durston X-Mid Pro 1 is waterproof, and holds its own in inclement weather of all sorts.

The Dyneema fabric composite keeps the rain out. The creative geometry of the tent (A-frame with 55-degree walls) is optimal for shedding snow. Markedly, the other vertical or free-standing tents, the X-Mid Pro 1 is able to deflect heavy winds.

This is one of those tents that you can pitch in the rain without getting the interior wet.

Venting tents in winter

The most waterproof tent in the world isn't worth much if the internal condensation can't vent properly. The X-Mid Pro 1 has a vent at each apex, which is exactly where that moist air can commonly accumulate. 

Setting up a Durston tent

The Durston X-Mid Pro 1 was a cinch to set up. All I needed, however, was four tent stakes (you can use more if you like) to anchor the corners, which is the first thing I did when I arrived at camp. Pop up your trekking poles (or additional tent poles) at the two high points, and you're essentially finished.

You can roll up the doorway and attach it to a magnet snap (why is this the first time I'm seeing this on a tent?!), tie up the mesh layer, and fiddle with the one storage pocket that is provided. 

Lightweight Backpacking Tents Worth It?

Serious thru-hikers, or those who are simply fed up with those shoulder aches, the right ultralight tent is well worth it. And it seems that the backpacking community agrees. Even though the Durston's X-Mid Pro 1 costs $600 (USD), it is sold out until April.

Test this tent for yourself!

After trying it for myself, I now understand why. Yes, the X-Mid 1 miraculously weighs only 1 pound. This tent it is both waterproof and stormproof despite its seemingly flimsy frame. Also what impressed me most was how spacious the interior still ended up being (suitable for a 6′ 8″ person).

This is an intelligently designed piece of equipment. There's no defined head or foot of the tent, you simply sleep on an angle to maximize the square-footage. This tent's ample headroom means that there is no need to downgrade to a coffin structure in order to get the lightweight backpacking tent experience. 

Let's talk about the downsides. Even the best lightweight backpacking ten tin the world will only be able to excel in some areas at the expense of others. In terms of the X-Mid Pro 1, you may have to consider using a footprint to protect it from abrasion.

I didn't run into any issues myself, moreover this is just my hypothesis based on how thin the floor actually is. The walls of the tent are moderately transparent and ultimately privacy can't be your primary concern if you go with this guy. 

NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad

Layering a bed for cold weather sleeping

The next piece of fresh gear I'm excited to tell you about is my new sleeping pad. I paired the NEMO Tensor (Insulated) with my 0-degree Therm-a-Rest Parsec sleeping bag. The temperature got down to 12 Fahrenheit, which is exactly where the comfort rating (not the raw survival rating) of this bag is.

Since all those boxes were checked, I stayed perfectly warm, even in the snow, and even with a super thin tent. The NEMO comes in a variety of sizes. I opted for the 25-inch-wide one, and I don't think I'll ever go back to a 20-inch, or “regular” again. Having some buffer space on your mattress is one of my main sleeping tips for backpacking, especially for snowstorm camping and sleeping in cold weather. 

After spending a night on the NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad, I can see why it's one of the best sellers on the market. The Nemo strikes a nice balance between thickness (3-inches), R-Value (4.2), overall weight (1 lb, 1 oz / 490 g). This tent packs into a nice tight roll (much smaller than some of my other favorite mattresses), and not to be overlooked, it comes with a great inflation sac.

The pad costs right around $200 (USD), which is up there for a sleeping pad, but if you're going for a lightweight approach in the wintertime, then this is where it's at. I'm always a proponent of investing in good sleep in the backcountry. 

What do you put under a sleeping pad? 

On particularly cold nights, sliding a closed foam sleeping pad under your main mattress will boost the insulation even further. R-values combine! So for instance, I used the NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad, which has an R-value of 4.2. I then add your basic accordion style pad, which probably has an R-Value of 1.5 or 2, bringing me to a grand total north of 6 – plenty for the moderate winter conditions I faced. 

Mystery Ranch Bridger 45

I've used Mystery Ranch's 55 and 65 liter backpacks extensively in recent years. So I was stoked to see that they came out with 35 and 45 liter versions of what I had already grown to love. The Bridger 45 can be used as a large day bag, or a svelte overnight bag, and maybe even an ultralighter's choice for longer endeavors. It trades a little extra weight (4.4 pounds) for some added comfort.

In my case, I was easily able to pack all my bulky winter gear, plus food, water, camera gear, safety equipment, etc., for a comfortable 2-day, 1-night excursion. 

The Benefits of the Bridger 45

Here's what I dug about the Bridger 45. It has a full frame with an air chamber for enhanced backflow (even in the wintertime back sweat is a thing) and intuitive adjustable yoke. Innovative running-vest-style chest straps, and the articulated hip belt (with pockets) are somethings I love. They do a great job of dispersing the weight.

The Bridger 45 kept the toploader pocket that I have to have for organization. t uses the external mesh pocket like on the Bridger 55 (but not on the Bridger 65, which I'd prefer it did!). And finally, one of the things I love most about the whole Bridger line is the double-zipper that allows the front of the bag to fully splay open.

This is a big win for someone who likes to stay organized, and in my case, needs access to camera gear on a moment's notice. 

What I didn't like about the Bridger 45

There are but two nagging issues that remain, in my humble opinion, in Mystery Ranch's Bridger line. I wish that the bottom buckle straps were longer. They barely fit my basic foam pad. The same thing goes for the top buckle that helps compress the upper portion of the bag. It just needs a little extra slack to make it more functional in this real, stuff-it-in-imperfectly, world of backpacking. 

Check out BackpackingTV

That's all for today folks! I hope you enjoyed my trifecta review of a lightweight backpacking tent and some sweet, new(ish) backpacking selections. Jump on over to BackpackingTV for lots of other gear breakdowns, camping tips, and captivating adventure videos. 

Mystery Ranch Backpack Reviews

Terraframe 65L Backpack Review

Bridger 65L Backpack Review

Women's Bridger 55L Backpack Review

Osprey Atmos vs Gregory Baltoro vs Mystery Ranch Bridger | Battle of the Backpacks

Tent: Durston X-Mid Pro 1 tent
Sleeping Pad: NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad
Backpack: Mystery Ranch Bridger 45
Sunglasses: Wiley X
Pants:  Fjallraven Keb Trousers
Fleece Top: Cotopaxi Otero Half-zip Pullover

The post Durston X-Mid Pro: Lightweight Backpacking Tent & New Gear appeared first on Hazeadventure.

I just got back from a backpacking trip in West Virginia and was able to reap the benefits of several key items. Depending on where your turf is, some or all of these may enhance your experience too. Here's what's been working for me. 

The Tent: MSR Access 1 (1-Person, 4-Seasons)

If you're going to be pushing your backcountry adventures late/early in the year and expect to face heavy snow and/or strong winds, then a 4-season tent will be the way to go. However, this doesn't mean that you need an over-the-top, expedition-style shelter. In the past, I used a bulky 2-person tent that tipped the scales at 10 pounds! Even though it kept me cozy, that is way too much weight to be taking on an otherwise casual hiking trip.

So I was happy to find MSR's Access 1 4-season tent this year. It weighs 3 pounds, 8 ounces, which is way more realistic for most people. One of the biggest differences of a 4-season tent is the drastic reduction in mesh.

A solid canvas maintains internal warmth better, but at the expense of ventilation. So the challenge becomes managing the moisture that accumulates inside. This is an expected trade-off, but be sure to open both vents (in the case of the Access 1) in order to reduce the build-up as much as possible. For my most recent outing, the nighttime temperatures dropped into the low 20s (Fahrenheit), but despite waking up to a bit of dampness inside the tent, I still had a pleasant sleep. And that's the key. 

Therm-a-Rest Parsec Sleeping Bag: 0-Deg (F) Down

When it comes to staying warm, dry, and making sound economic decisions, the Therm-a-Rest Parsec 0F/-18C Sleeping Bag has to be a top contender. This thing comes in at a fair $530 – $620 (USD, depending on the size), which is far less than heavy-duty (i.e. -10 to -20F) expedition bags, but it still has some clutch features for those winter camping trips.

Nikwax Hydrophobic Down

It is stuffed with 800-Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, which is a more environmentally-friendly way to treat the individual feathers so that they repel moisture and dry faster. This means the down won't clump up as easily and you'll stay warmer, longer. 

I think the feel of the Parsec's fabric is right up there with the most comfortable that I've experienced. And then the little touches really help elevate this bag even further. The cell-phone pocket helps keep your battery alive through those cold nights, and the air-mattress straps anchor you comfortably in place, even if you stir frantically while sleeping.

Draft Collars for Cold Conditions

And finally, the Parsec has a draft collar, is critical for getting a quality sleep in cold conditions. And just a friendly reminder that the 0-degree (F) rating is this bag's lower limit. The comfort-rating for the Parsec is 14-degrees (-10C). 

Check out my article: Snowstorm Camping and Sleeping in Cold Weather

The Sleeping Pad: ZenBivy Light Mattress

The ZenBivy Light Mattress, for instance, is an R-5 rated (the minimum R-value, in my opinion, for winter conditions), ultralight inflatable mattress. When it comes to cold-weather camping, you have to use a properly insulated base in order to get the most out of your winter sleeping bag.

Another important aspect to note is the overall size of the mattress. The ZenBivy is 25-inches-wide by 77-inches-long, which is 5 more inches across each dimension than the industry standard. This extra space makes it not only more comfortable, but warmer too. The most insulated pad in the world can't do much for you if you roll off the edge. Or if your feet are free floating off the end. 

Fleece Mid Layers

My favorite addition to my winter backpacking wardrobe has been the Dawa Sherpa Fleece by Beyond. It has a welcomed weight to it. A little extra weight never hurts when it's chilly, ahem… The fleece has a great next-to-skin feel, and I always love being able to flip up a generous hood to further boost the coziness factor. It's a beauty layer to wear around camp, but also to sleep in. Plus, $80 (USD) is a pretty solid bargain for a piece like this. 

Cold Weather Backpacking Pants

This is my second winter rocking the Fjallraven Keb Trousers. They're thick enough that I often don't even need long johns underneath. I get a little toasty down there while moving about, I can unzip the vent pockets. I know $235 is steep for a pair of slacks, but these things are well-built for hardy adventures. 

Cold Weather Sleeping Pants

When settling into camp for the evening, I can't say enough good things about a comfy pair of insulated pants. They're essentially a more plush, more fashionable version of long johns. My personal favorite pair has been the Shadow Insulated Snow Pant by Outdoor Research ($179 USD).

I like to pop them under my Keb Trousers before getting dinner going. When it's time to turn in, I can strip off the outer layer and sleep soundly in these tapered puffy pants. I don't recommend hiking in these. When considering backpacking in the winter, you have to plan a little extra for those dormant periods around camp when your internal engine is no longer generating the same heat. 

Foolproof Footwear

Down booties are a game-changer. If you like camping in the cold, down booties are the perfect things to change into after shedding your hiking boots. I'll use them for bumming around camp, and if it's cold-enough, I'll sleep in them too. This approach not only insulates a poorly-circulated region of your body, but it also removes a barrier to getting up to pee in the middle of the night.

If you already have your footwear on then you'll be much more likely to heed the call the moment it arises (which will drastically improve your sleep afterwards). I recommend the Tundra Aerogel Booties by Outdoor Research. They come in a few killer styles and will only cost you $89 (USD). 

One of the most vital pieces of cold-weather gear you can get is a good pair of boots. It's so important to keep your feet not only warm, but dry. Especially if you're hiking through snow, your toes can quickly turn to popsicles if they're not properly protected. My saving grace this season has been the SuperAlp GTX by AKU. This pair is on the premium end of the price spectrum ($330 USD), but your feet will thank you once you get out there and mix it up this winter. 

Elevate Your Camping Experience

You may have heard me talking about Grand Trunk's Compass 360 Degree Stool in the past, but it's relevant again here. If you're hanging around camp in the winter, you'll want to make sure that you're elevated off of the cold hard ground. Otherwise, your body heat and morale will be sapped in no time.

What I like about this swivel stool is that it weighs only 1 pound. It set me back a mere $60 (USD). After a couple of hours sitting on this thing I do find myself wishing that it had a backrest. Given how packable and functional it is, I think it's a sufficient solution to an easily overlooked problem. 

Those are my Fresh Gear Friday items for cold weather backpacking gear. I hope you've spotted a few gaps in your arsenal. I hope this post will motivate you to go camping further into the season than you previously thought possible (or desirable). For more year-round backpacking tips and gear reviews, head on over to BackpackingTV. 

Tent: MSR Access 1 (1-Person, 4-Seasons)
Sleeping Bag: Therm-a-Rest Parsec Sleeping Bag: 0-Deg (F) Down
Sleeping Pad: ZenBivy Light Mattress
Down Jacket: Cotopaxi Fuego Hoodie
Fleece Top: Dawa Sherpa Fleece by Beyond
Pants: Fjallraven Keb Trousers, Shadow Insulated Snow Pant
Footwear: Tundra Aerogel Booties by Outdoor Research, SuperAlp GTX by AKU
Camp Stool: Grand Trunk's Compass 360 Degree Stool

The post Fresh Gear Friday: Cold Weather Backpacking Gear appeared first on Hazeadventure.