Durston Gear, based in Golden, British Columbia, has built a loyal following among the backpacker community with its X-Mid series. Known for pushing the boundaries of lightweight design without sacrificing functionality, Durston’s tents are celebrated for their stormworthiness, simplicity, and affordability. The company has once again raised the bar by releasing the X-Dome 2 ultralight freestanding tent.
Building on the success of X-Dome 1+, which the company launched last year, the X-Dome 2 tent combines remarkable spaciousness, stormworthy design, and user-friendly features, making it a standout choice for two-person backcountry adventures. Contrary to X-Dome 1+, which was designed for solo hikers, X-Dome 2 is tailor-made for couples or a small family yearning for adventure.
While both tents prioritize stormworthiness and simplicity, the X-Dome 2’s larger footprint and dual-occupancy design make it the better choice for couples or those craving extra space. Below, we will discuss all these elements in detail and mark a clear difference between the compatriots.
Beginning with the capacity, the X Dome-2 boasts a floor area of 32 square feet, compared to 23 square feet, the X-Dome 1+ offered. “The X-Dome 2 is a generously sized, true two-person shelter that is noticeably more spacious than comparable tents. That spaciousness starts with the floor, which has a width of 52 inches (130 cm) for the full length, so it can easily accommodate two wide pads. The floor length is suited for taller hikers with an 88-inch (224 cm) length that is made more usable by the near-vertical end walls,” the company states.
While it may sound easy on paper but housing two campers inside a tent without adding to its overall weight is no easy feat. However, Durston Gear specializes in this particular aspect only. Weighing just 2.7 lbs (1.25 kg), this two-person tent is among the lightest fully freestanding double-wall tents available on the market.
To put that into context, Lunar Orbiter tent by Six Moon Design, offers the same feature but at a premium price. Not to mention, it weighs a lot more than X-Dome 2. One may still argue that another Durston competitor, like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear two-person tent, weighs 2.1 lbs, but we cannot ignore the fact that it also costs a whopping $950. You could apparently get a pair of X-Dome 2 for that price. Having said that, X-Dome 2 is indeed a perfect balance of affordability, durability, and portability, if we consider these little ounces.
X-Dome 2+’s lightweight construction (if I may say so) doesn’t come at the expense of durability, thanks to high-strength carbon fiber poles and 100% polyester fabric. The polyester is non-sag, fast-drying, and resistant to water absorption, ensuring the tent maintains its shape and performance in wet conditions.
Beyond weight, space, and material usage, the biggest highlight of the tent is its storm-resistance. This is possible courtesy of the X-Dome 2+ pole set that features larger-diameter tubing in critical areas, enhancing structural integrity for high winds and snow loads. For added strength, users can optionally insert trekking poles to form a third arch, significantly boosting the tent’s ability to handle extreme weather.
In terms of spaciousness, X-Dome features a 43-inch peak height, and near-vertical end walls maximize usable interior space. This is ideal for couples or solo hikers who value extra room. With regard to other features, the tent includes taller doorways and generous vestibules, with the former offering easy passage without brushing against wetfly and the latter providing ample storage for wet gear.
X-Dome 2 excels in challenging conditions thanks to its fly-first pitch that keeps the inner tent dry during setup in rain, while overhanging doorways prevent water from entering. “The double-wall design minimizes condensation, with dual peak vents promoting airflow. The fly extends low to the ground to block drafts and rain splatter, and AquaGuard zippers ensure reliable waterproofing,” inform the makers. These features, combined with the tent’s robust pole structure, make it a dependable all-season shelter.
The X-Dome 2 is available for pre-order on DurstonGear’s official website, with regular interior tents shipping in late May and solid interior versions (optimized for cooler climates) available in late June. The tent is priced at $369. Overall, both X-Dome 1+ and X-Dome 2 share common features like 100-percent polyester fabric and freestanding design, but the X-Dome 1+ is optimized for solo hikers seeking minimal weight, while the X-Dome 2 prioritizes space for two people at a slightly higher weight.
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