Drop + Dan Durston X-Mid 1P Tent Discussions | Drop

Free Standard Shipping in the US on orders over $99

Drop + Dan Durston X-Mid 1P Tent

Showing 1 of 675 conversations about:

Drop + Dan Durston X-Mid 1P Tent

RestDatBFace

Oct 23, 2018

This seems like a stolen and cheap version of Yama's Swiftline.
https://www.yamamountaingear.com/swiftline-shelter/

Vote

dandurston

5116

Dan Durston

Oct 23, 2018

RestDatBFaceHi RBDF, I think if you take a further look at these two shelters you'll find they are very different. The Swiftline starts with a very complicated shape. I'm not sure exactly what the shape is for the 1P because Yama hasn't posted a diagram, but it's some type of 6 sided, asymmetrical shape. Conversely, the X-Mid is based around a rectangle design, so it is a very different and far simpler basic shape. The 2P Swiftline isn't quite the same shape as the 1P, but to give a rough idea here is a diagram that shows the Swiftline 2P vs the X-Mid 1P:

I think these diagrams make it pretty clear that these are very different tents. The only core attribute these shelters have in common is the use of diagonal ridgeline, which is also found in other tents that pre-date the Swiftline (e.g. TarpTent StratoSpire, Sierra Designs High Route), so I think it's unfair to say that anything in the X-Mid is stolen from the Swiftline. If you want a discussion on the X-Mid versus those other shelters I just mentioned, there is already a good discussion on it here: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-dan-durston-x-mid-1p-tent/talk/2131238 As it pertains to function and performance, the X-Mid offers a long list of advantages over the Swiftline: - The X-Mid is extremely simple to pitch, while the Swiftline is complicated, as Yama acknowledges on their site ("it will take some practice to learn how to set up"). The X-Mid pitches with 4 stakes and no guylines, while the Swiftline is a non-intuitive shape that requires 8 stakes and 6 guylines for a solid pitch. - The X-Mid offers dual doors and dual vents while the Swiftline has one of each - The X-Mid fly offers full coverage (it extends to the near the ground) so rain splatter and wind penetration are reduced. - X-Mid vents are larger and more functional (e.g. have struts). - Amazingly, the X-Mid is 0.5oz lighter despite being a full double wall design instead of a hybrid/single wall. These shelters use very similar materials (20D polyester) but because the X-Mid design is so efficient (e.g. fewer seams), it can be more fully featured AND a double wall, and yet weigh less . The double wall design enables modularity (you can set up the fly and inner separately) and offers better condensation protection. - When you also factor in seam sealing required for the Swiftline and the 4 extra stakes, then the X-Mid is actually 2-3 ounces lighter. So the bottom line is that because the X-Mid geometry is so simple and efficient, it can offer similarly generous space and vastly increased function (double wall, dual doors, dual vents, larger vestibules, full coverage fly) for a lower weight. If by "cheap version of the Swiftline" you are implying the materials and/or craftsmanship are lower, I can assure you that is not the case. The materials are top of the line (e.g. double coated fabric, genuine ITW hardware, YKK AquaGuard zips) and the tent is excellently sewn by the same folks that sew MSR tents. However, if by "cheap version" you meant that it is being offered a much more affordable price, then yes it is. The price is over $100 less because it is being built in larger batches with very slim profit margins.

(Edited)

View Full Discussion

Company

About Drop Studio Student Discount Privacy Policy Terms of Use Cookie Settings

Drop Refurbished

Like-new products you can trust

Drop Rewards

Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more

Drop Keyboard Club

Become a member and expand your keycap collection

Collaborate With Us

For Brands & Designers

Support

Contact Community Guidelines Help Center Sitemap

Follow Drop