Every time I have a question for Dan he gets back to me within a day. The BEST customer service in ANY company I ever dealt with! Wish him the best for the future.

@Pasequale100

22 күн бұрын

yes plus he is a very down to earth man with good connection to his heart :)

The way Dan has broke through is amazing, I’m in England and last month when I hiked the West Highland Way in Scotland I couldn’t believe how many Durston tents I saw, from original 1 to the pro 2plus. My 2 solid didn’t feel like the rare beast it has on other hikes. Great idea to do this interview, nicely done. On my tent I’ve added short guys to all the available bottom tie outs and decent length ones on 4of the mid fly points. Take 16 stakes of various designs and can say the tent fully storm pitched can take a proper British beating on exposed hill tops.

@roydmercer2019

7 күн бұрын

Dude, nice one! I've literally just bought a 2 Solid, along with some nice trekking poles, and am doing the WHW in a few weeks 😅 As for pegs, I got Groundhogs and Eastons. What did you have in your stormproof set-up? 💪

Dan I absolutely agree and have been waiting for a 1p or 2p DCF tarp, no inner. This would make it more modular and only carry what you need for the type of trip, weather, number of people, etc…

@melaniegarden3416

20 күн бұрын

But with attachment points so an inner could be added when needed…yes!!😂

As an architect I really appreciate the design discussions and I geeked out with you the whole interview. I love my X-mid2 and have the Durston tent poles or use my Trekology Trek-Z hiking poles with one lock and a bottom pin. I’m a motorcycle camper/hiker who also geeks out watching ultralight backpacking videos. The 2 passions fit together well. Can’t wait to see the new products. Love the passion for quality.

I’ve watched many interviews with Dan…this one is my favorite. Great Job. Great Questions.

@BackcountryExposure

23 күн бұрын

Thank you! That means a lot!

Id love to see Dan and vargo get together and make use of their titanium frame with his pack design knowledge

I would LOVE to see Dan design a new tent with a smaller footprint… I love my X Mid (not a huge fan of the skinny pitch variations), but I think Dan could come up with something really cool for tighter campsites with the way he thinks!

@BackcountryExposure

24 күн бұрын

I think the X-Dome will be that solution. It is freestanding, so not the same. Dan is really good at taking user feedback and figuring out solutions. I would think at some point you see a 1P, 1 door/vestibule tent in the line up. Also, the Tarptent Dipole is a really good option that has a much smaller footprint size.

@ManivanAdventures

23 күн бұрын

@@BackcountryExposure Definitely looking forward to seeing what the X-Dome ends up looking like, but I prefer trekking pole tents usually. I’d be interested in 1 door/1vestibule, but only if that decreased the footprint size. The 1.5 inner sounds pretty cool though… The Dipole looks pretty sweet too and I considered buying that before, but can’t remember what stopped me. The footprint doesn’t seem that much smaller though and I really hate that I have to seam seal it myself. I’ve had some tricky pitches, but so far I have not had to bail on a campsite because my tent footprint was too big, so the large footprint is probably not as big of a problem as I think it is Lol

@johncaban4310

23 күн бұрын

@@BackcountryExposure Living in New England and hiking New Hampshire and Maine I can't wait for the X Dome. Lots of platforms and it is so much easier to have a free standing tent on them compared to trekking pole tents IMHO.. Hopefully he can keep the weight at 2.5 lbs ( 1 person) and hopefully keep the price point around the $250 range.

@jmax850

23 күн бұрын

@@ManivanAdventuresyou can have Tarptent seal the Dipole for you, but they really should just increase the price and seam seal every tent

@ManivanAdventures

23 күн бұрын

@@jmax850 They really should lol And that’s good to know. I recall seeing that on their website now that I think about it. I duno, looks like an awesome tent, but I’d still like something even smaller just for certain trips where I know spots are tight. I tried the Sierra Designs High Route and the size was great, but I just wasn’t really happy with it when comparing it to my X Mid and the silnylon fly was a deal breaker for me. I think I’m just being way too picky at this point, but I’d just like to see what comes out of Dan’s brain lol Maybe he can come out with a “skinny” fly for the X Mid, so you can basically do the skinny pitch without having extra flaps flapping around. That would honestly be perfect! 🤔

Dan is always fun to listen to. You asked interesting questions I wouldn’t have thought of. It’s honestly amazing how such a small family owned company can be so successful without proper marketing. I hope the freestanding tent wildly successful. I haven’t been keeping up on the Facebook group, so I missed the battle over trekking pole straps, but I’m glad to hear they’ll be available.

@kevinstarski1598

8 күн бұрын

it's because bigger names in the industry, despite the budget, are too ignorant what's really needed/not needed, don't care. or slow to react. So when enlightened (not to be confused with quilts lol) hikers come across someone who listens to customers and puts a lot of thought in the designs, they like it. Btw, interesting that the poles/straps are getting some backlash...I was one of those that asked him about it, and likely would have purchased them, if they had it (I know he's adding them later, or new version)...so even though my current Gossamer poles don't have it and Im fine with it 99% of the time, the times when I need it, like when I do a short scramble section and I need to use my hands, they would be helpful to just hang them on my wrist and free up my hands.So I ended up buying Fizan poles for 1/3 of the price...but I may still buy his later...

Absolutely brilliant episode man, great work here!

I have to admit I rolled my eyes a bit seeing this video in my feed. But it was a great interview. Well done. I’m also very keen to see what Dan does with a freestanding tent design. I love the Nemo hornet and dragonfly because of their super small footprint.

@BackcountryExposure

19 күн бұрын

Love your honesty my friend! Ha ha thank you!

What a great interview - thank you! You honestly should have more subscribers.

@BackcountryExposure

24 күн бұрын

Thank you, really appreciate that!

No cork in the hiking poles handles?

@pepstein

21 күн бұрын

I think cork is significantly heavier than EVA foam.

17:18 Decathlon's hiking poles are actually like that. They were my first poles, and I really enjoyed only having one adjuster. Unfortunately, the non adjustable click function was very loud when the poles were in use, so I ended up switching them for Black Diamonds.

Oh, Dan, PLEASE make the 1.5P inner version for the X-Mid1, that would be so great!! I have the solid version and would just love to add a little more space to the inner. 👌👍👍

@TheNewGreenIsBlue

17 күн бұрын

Yeah, it sounds like it will be an option. In fact, it would be a nice option for the 2P as well. 2P + dog in the same footprint as a regular 2P... I can see people who would like that... but yeah for the 1P definitely.

Dan is the Man!

This was very well done. Nice work. Such a cool interview. Thanks for putting this together.

@BackcountryExposure

23 күн бұрын

Ahhh thank you so much!

I would love if you came up with a budget version has his tents are very expensive and I’d love one but I don’t have the money

Fly only is best because its interchangeable. No insert, mesh insert and solid insert options. Dan only needs to release his pro 2 fly without the inner. I can't wait for this to exist. My biggest reason for interchangeable inserts is if the insert gets worn it can be replaced instead of buying a whole new tent and same for the fly. Normally my only option is to buy used and that can be a gamble sometimes.

@TheNewGreenIsBlue

17 күн бұрын

Yeah, in some ways it seems like a better option overall to have interchangeability and you benefit from economies of scale, and it becomes a selling point. I'm curious how much weight you're actually saving going with a one-wall design on the DCF versions anyhow. I realize that adding some weight might you might lose the "lightest tent" in the world marketing terms... but what you'd gain in flexibility can't be understated. You're effectively then buying a tent system.... that you could mix and match. From a marketing perspective it's smart as well, as your customer base is more "sticky" a little like buying into the Apple Ecosystem. It works best you buy into the ecosystem.

The X-Mid in an ultralight Graflyte fabric would be a game-changer!

@BackcountryExposure

24 күн бұрын

Does Aluula have a fabric for tent/shelter use to compete with Dyneema or UltraTNT?

@drytool

23 күн бұрын

@@BackcountryExposure Dan told me they have a fabric, not quite, but pretty close to thin enough for tents, or at least, tent floors. I would say it's a direction for Aluula to look into, especially if they think there's enough interest, which is why I bring it up.

I would love to see your take on a bikepacking tent. Something that uses the bike for structure

@MrFowl

18 күн бұрын

Or minimum pack size, but weight doesn't matter as much

@TheNewGreenIsBlue

17 күн бұрын

But bikes take up a lot of space, are different for each person and awkward. Much better to just bring a pair of super light poles... THAT is your better bike packing option.

@MrFowl

17 күн бұрын

​@@TheNewGreenIsBlue poles are really hard to pack in bike bags. They tend to be really short (too short for most poles) and if you strap them outside they snag on everything

@TheNewGreenIsBlue

16 күн бұрын

@@MrFowl Yeah, I was talking about purpose-built poles like the flick poles as opposed to trekking poles... but yeah, I don't know if they'd fit. But using the frame of the bike as structure though... I'm not sure how that would work. I mean... bikes don't tend to be freestanding or stable when not moving, so... I admit I'm not as familiar with bikepacking though.

Genious Video with a genious man! He is the reason why i bought the tent i was most afraid of. But his customer support is incredible +++ and i made some phenomenal pitches and adventures with the xmid!

@BackcountryExposure

23 күн бұрын

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

@Pasequale100

22 күн бұрын

⁠@@BackcountryExposurei am so excited about the x dome!! Because it could be kind of a stormworthy copper spur 👌🏻 Thank you that you could pull out some informations about the x dome from Dan! ;)

I set my tent up with trees whenever possible i think every trekking pole tent should have this capability. It gets rid of the worries of a broken pole. Even though i trust my leki trekking poles more than thin carbon fiber or thin aluminum tent skeleton poles that are a less multi use concept.

Cool conversation. Dan is such a gear nerd I could probably talk to him for hours. I can see why he lurks reddit. You could have talked about trekking poles the whole time and I'd be fine with that. 😆

Sage Lord Dan !!! Yaassssss !!!

@BackcountryExposure

24 күн бұрын

😂😂

You can tell Dan has a scientific education.

I would instantly buy a 1.5 inner mesh.

Those poles look sweet…but I like a cork handle. Is there a cork coming? Also, I place part of my palm a lot on top but I can’t get a good shot of the top on the website. Are they flat-ish on top? I’m sure there are KZread reviews on them by now so maybe I’ll try that.

@BackcountryExposure

23 күн бұрын

I haven’t seen the poles in person. I’d check out Dan’s video on the product page.

@muskadobbit

23 күн бұрын

The tops of the grips are more rounded and smaller diameter than my Black Diamonds. That’s one of my suggestions for the next iteration. I would trade some length of the grip for a wider top section, although I don’t know how structurally strong it would be made out of foam rather than harder plastic.

@Colby168

22 күн бұрын

@@muskadobbit I have the Black Diamonds as well and like the flat plastic top. Thank you!

Man the free standing tent market is so bad, I‘ve researched almost all free standing tents and with each of them I found a dealbreaker. One big issue is for me inner first pitch. I‘m very happy with my x-mid2 and if that is anything to go by, I‘m probabbly gona install-buy the xdome. I also own a „Trekking dome tent - 2-person - MT500“ from Decathlon and it‘s close to being perfect, except for weight and pack size.

@BackcountryExposure

24 күн бұрын

So much of it comes down to personal needs and preference right? Here in Utah, we don't have a lot of time in the rain, so a fly first pitch for me is much less of a concern, which opens up a lot of really good options for freestanding tents.

When it comes to fiber and direct to consumer OV, Zen and Durston are nailing new fiber innovations. At this point. Tent, sorry Tay: Durston. Cloths: 100% OV. Sleep system: Zenbivy. Pads are still the biggest debate, but OV and Zen are doing a really great job with I think Nemo leading. Note: EXPED right behind as being looked at again for full plush and r value backpacking pads.

@stephen3504

23 күн бұрын

I just bought a zen light bed, started my live ultralight membership and my next shelter will be from Dan even though he would most definitely not approve of my 30” sleeping pad.

I’d like to see Dan and Henry solve the issue of having to have a relatively flat tent site for the entire fly area for the trekking pole tent to pitch correctly.

@dcaudwell

24 күн бұрын

That would be a "Flat Earth" solution! (;

@BackcountryExposure

24 күн бұрын

I think for the most part that's already been solved, with the ability to raise or lower the poles a touch to work with that. Adding more length to your guy lines at the stake out corners helps with that too.

@wolfeadventures

23 күн бұрын

@@BackcountryExposure Some of the tents don’t lend themselves to raising the poles much-tents with pitchlocs for example. I’ve not had great luck with the Plex Solo or Duplex when there is a significant elevation difference at the staking points. Not as much of an issue when using established sites-which I rarely do. I guess I need a tarp! lol.

It there already any ETA for the DCF double wall?

@BackcountryExposure

24 күн бұрын

I think in true Dan style, it’ll get teased and then you get details a few days before it’s launched.

@arthurvino

23 күн бұрын

End of 2024

@melaniegarden3416

20 күн бұрын

1:01:11 “We, like, don’t know how to do anything” he’s so funny. And real. Honest and humble and so lovable hahaha

I love Dan’s stuff, but Black Diamond did do a 3 section trekking pole with a clipping/non adjusting section about 20 years ago … they had carbon fiber at the bottom and aluminum at the top … best grip ever … I’ll try to dig mine out and post a pic

@durstongear

22 күн бұрын

It could very well be. I haven't seen one, and they certainly aren't the dominant form, but it wouldn't be surprised if someone has tried it. I arrived at our solution by thinking it through (rather than looking at pre-existing designs) but something pre-existing could be out there.

Leki thermolite xl had the best handle strap/gloves combination. Sadly they don't make it anymore. Along with most gear i use lol. The glove pole system now is terrible. The poles are too thin and the handle is like a needle and cant palm easily.

It has been done before, Dan. My quechua trekking poles from Decathlon do have the exact same system you're describing (three piece, click mechanism on the bottom and one adjuster).

@durstongear

24 күн бұрын

I think you have 4 piece poles, not 3 piece. Maybe there is some older model, but looking at the Decathlon website their folding poles are all 4 piece, which has 1 flick lock and 2 folding sections. That's a fine setup, but not as simple/light as having only one folding connection.

@h.e.6761

23 күн бұрын

It's a 3 piece. Quechua 500. As you said, maybe it's an old model and they don't make it anymore. Not as light as yours, that's for sure (233 grs. each pole).

@tt-of4xv

23 күн бұрын

​@@durstongear check out the MT500. Definitely not the same design though but they weren't trying to solve the same problems. They sold tens of thousands of those so I don't think one can say it has never been done.

Just a small suggestion, look into the camera, not into the monitor.

"Is there a reason why nobody has done this?" - Man I ask that question about some many things, yet factories produce the same old crap over and over, slap a new name on it and laugh all the way to the bank.

Just one word Dan. CHINA… North America would be more to my liking. Canada or USA would bring a smile to my face. I know the price would go up substantially but… I’m willing to pay more to support our countries workers. Just think about it. I know it’s inconvenient. But I’m looking for our future.

"Is there a reason why nobody's done this" Cough! Sierra designs high route 😂

@BackcountryExposure

24 күн бұрын

That comparison has been discussed ad nauseam at this point. They are similar but pretty different tents.

@El-Jefe

24 күн бұрын

@@BackcountryExposure it's only ad nauseam if people think it's different enough to warrant "Genius" status. I am a fan but come on let's be real it's just made from a different material with some improvements the xmid is definitely inspired by the sierra designs imo.

@durstongear

24 күн бұрын

@@El-Jefe They share an offset ridgeline but also have a lot of fundamental differences. The High Route has the poles along the perimeter, which means mandatory guylines and flat wind catching walls. The X-Mid makes the tent wider, and then rotates the interior onto a diagonal, so it has both a diagonal ridgeline and opposite diagonal floor (the first tent to do this). This 'double diagonal' floorplan is unique and allows the poles and peaks to also be moved inwards for a more wind shedding shape, and this combo creates handy vestibules in the two corners while the HR has just narrow strips for vestibules. The HR is a nice tent, but the X-Mid solves the main downsides of lack of vestibules, mandatory guylines, and flat sidewalls. Certainly there is a resemblance, but I don't think the HR already did what the X-Mid does.

@drytool

23 күн бұрын

... not.

@michelstronguin6974

23 күн бұрын

@@El-Jefe You must be a troll hahahaha, since no one could say Dan isn't a genius and keep a straight face. Dan is likely the best thing to ever happen to modern hiking gear, and he is just getting started.

Maybe saying the textile industry is fascinating was a bit too far. This was a great interview with two gear nerds.

@BackcountryExposure

23 күн бұрын

ha ha ha! Maybe... 😂

@TheNewGreenIsBlue

16 күн бұрын

But it is! Or... rather it can be. It reminds me of the glass industry in 2006... Neglected and uninteresting until Steve Jobs decided to put Corning's Gorilla glass on a phone and it became a major focus. The research being done in technical fabric is fascinating... even if some of it is really a product of good marketing.

He just thi ks differently

@BackcountryExposure

24 күн бұрын

👍🏻

Great content, but that random clicking noise hurt my ears.

@BackcountryExposure

23 күн бұрын

Hmmm not sure what that was? When was it happening?