Slingfin SplitWing Shelter Bundle vs. Durston X-Mid 1 (2025 & Previous) – Ultralight Solo Shelter Showdown

Introduction: Choosing an ultralight solo shelter often comes down to balancing weather protection, ease of use, and weight. Two top contenders are the Slingfin SplitWing Shelter Bundle and the Durston X-Mid 1 (including the redesigned 2025 version and its predecessor). Both are highly regarded in the backpacking community, but they have distinct designs. The SplitWing is a modular tarp + inner tent system, while the X-Mid 1 is a double-wall trekking pole tent. Below is a detailed side-by-side comparison across key factors – Weatherproofing, Durability, Pitching, Livability, Flexibility, plus specs like weight, packed size, EU availability, and overall user sentiment – to help you decide which suits ultralight solo trekking best.

Weatherproofing (Rain, Wind & Condensation)

The Durston X-Mid 1 pitched in an alpine meadow. Its full-coverage fly and taut rectangular pitch give it excellent storm protection in wind and rain. The Durston X-Mid 1 is known for its full-coverage silpoly rainfly that extends low to the ground, plus a bathtub floor, offering robust protection from rain splatter and drafts. It’s a double-wall tent with dual peak vents, so condensation is managed well – moisture collects on the fly and typically doesn’t reach the inner tent. Backpackers report that the X-Mid 1 handles heavy rain confidently; many leaks turn out to be condensation, not actual rain penetration. The 2025 X-Mid uses a new high-tenacity 15D polyester with a 2500 mm waterproof rating (up from ~20D/2500 mm in the older version). This higher hydrostatic head means it can withstand sustained downpours better than some thinner shelters (for comparison, the SplitWing’s 10D silnylon fly is ~1200 mm HH). In wind, the X-Mid’s low, trapezoidal shape and internal trekking poles give stability. Users say that if pitched taut with solid stakes, the structure remains stable even in strong winds, though the large panels can flap noisily. One user who weathered ~40–50 mph gusts noted the X-Mid “never felt like it was going to cave in,” especially with strategic site selection (e.g. some tree cover). Overall, the X-Mid’s reputation for weatherproofing is excellent – it was “designed to be stormworthy” and it shows in real-world use.

Slingfin SplitWing Shelter Bundle: The SplitWing is a shaped tarp that, when paired with its mesh inner and optional vestibule, forms a capable 3-season shelter. It has a fully enclosed “closed” foot-end and overlapping “split wings” at the front to shed wind and rain better than a simple flat tarp. Users have successfully ridden out serious weather in the SplitWing: one thru-hiker reports it handled 50 mph winds without issues when all guyout points were utilized. The key is to pitch it securely – Slingfin provides multiple stake points (up to 8+ if needed) to really anchor it down for storms. In moderate conditions (20–30 mph gusts), the SplitWing has proven “bomber” when oriented end-on into the wind. Michael Lanza of The Big Outside slept under the tarp (with vestibule) through 25–30 mph gusts plus rain showers and stayed dry – though he “worried about the loose dirt holding the stakes” in such winds, the shelter itself held up and kept [him] dry. For rain, the SplitWing’s coverage is good for one person: the 10D silnylon fly fabric is silicone-coated on both sides for water repellency, and the detachable vestibule adds ~6.8 ft² of covered storage. However, silnylon can stretch when wet – meaning you may need to tighten the pitch if it rains all night (nylon absorbs some moisture). In humid or wet conditions, the tarp can sag a bit, as one reviewer noted with the 10D material. This sagging is a con of silnylon compared to the X-Mid’s polyester, which “doesn’t sag and loosen like nylon”. Condensation under the SplitWing tarp can occur on cool, still nights (as with any single-wall shelter), but using the mesh inner catches drips before they hit your gear. The front and rear are open enough for airflow if pitched higher, and you can raise the front “wings” for more ventilation in mild weather. Overall, the SplitWing bundle is rain-worthy for 3-season use, but it may require a bit more care in site selection (to avoid broadside wind exposure) and pitch tensioning in prolonged storms. It prioritizes minimalism, so in truly foul, multi-day storm conditions some users would prefer a more enclosed tent – whereas the X-Mid’s more 360° enclosure inspires confidence for riding out nastier weather.

Durability & Materials

Durston X-Mid 1: Durston tents have a strong reputation for durability in the ultralight category. The X-Mid 1 uses high-tenacity fabrics and quality hardware. The 2018–2024 version used 20D silicone/PEU coated polyester for the fly and floor (both ~2500 mm waterproof), and the 2025 update switches to 15D silpoly for weight savings without sacrificing strength (the new 15D is said to provide similar strength as the old 20D). The tent is factory seam-taped and fully waterproof out of the box. Users after long trips report no issues with fabric tears or leaks on the X-Mid. In forums, many compare it favorably against other UL shelters: “The One (Gossamer Gear) is single-walled, less durable, less weather resistant... less space. X-Mid works [better in those aspects]”. The X-Mid’s floor is a bathtub style (20D poly in earlier gens, likely similar in 2025) – durable enough for dozens of nights, though as always using a groundsheet in rough terrain can prolong its life. Critical points (peaks, guyouts) are reinforced. Even the zippers are beefier than some competitors (the X-Mid uses #5 zippers vs. some UL tents’ smaller #3 zips) for better longevity. In summary, long-term owners rarely report durability problems with the X-Mid; it’s built to handle the rigors of thru-hiking. The polyester fabric also resists UV degradation and won’t absorb water, which means less stress on seams over time (no overnight stretch = no seam strain). Many see the X-Mid as a trustworthy workhorse that trades a few extra ounces for materials that “are robust enough for a thru-hike and beyond”.

Slingfin SplitWing: The SplitWing bundle is impressively light, which inherently means some trade-off in material robustness. It uses 10D Nylon 6.6 sil/sil for the tarp, with strategic 30D ripstop reinforcements at high-stress areas. Nylon 6.6 is a high-strength fiber, and users confirm that “the workmanship and materials are quite nice” – one owner noted no tears or abrasion after extensive use, indicating the shelter is holding up well. The mesh inner tent has a 20D ripstop nylon floor (PE-coated), which resists the hydrolysis (“floor funk”) that can afflict some ultralight floors, and straight-cut #5 zippers (plus spare sliders) designed for thru-hike durability. In practice, hikers have taken the SplitWing on multi-month trips: one user carried it for 500 miles in the High Sierra (with frequent rain) and was “really happy with [the] choice”, reporting no issues in that time. Another owner calls the 10D fabric “magical”, drying incredibly fast and packing down to the size of an apple, and did not even need to seam-seal it (the shelter didn’t leak for him). That said, the 10D silnylon demands some care: it’s more prone to stretch and potential puncture than the X-Mid’s poly. Sharp rocks or aggressive pulling can damage any ultralight tent – given the SplitWing’s thinner fabric, you’ll want to be a little gentler. Slingfin deliberately kept the design minimal to save weight, and Philip Werner at SectionHiker notes it “prioritizes light weight and small packed volume over ... durability”, suiting experienced hikers who take care of their gear. Still, the use of quality Nylon 6.6 and reinforced tie-outs means the SplitWing can survive a thru-hike – owners confirm it “holds up pretty well” in extended use. In summary, the SplitWing is impressively durable for its weight class (many similarly light shelters use even flimsier materials), but the X-Mid’s slightly heavier fabrics offer a higher margin of toughness (and higher waterproof coating) in exchange for extra grams.

Ease of Pitching and Setup

Durston X-Mid 1: A standout feature of the X-Mid is its simplicity of setup, frequently praised by users and reviewers. The tent’s design is very forgiving – you essentially stake out a rectangle, insert two trekking poles (which set the height and shape), and you’re done. There are no complex pole angles or multiple guylines required for basic setup. Backpackers often mention that if you can find a roughly rectangular flat spot, the X-Mid “pitches easily”. In tricky terrain (uneven ground or limited space), the rectangle can be adjusted a bit off-perfect and the tent will still pitch taut, thanks to its clever geometry. The fly-first pitch is intuitive: stake the four corners, pop in the poles from the vestibule doors, and then fine-tune the corner tensions. In rain, you can set up the fly first to keep the inner dry, or leave the inner clipped in for one-step pitching – either way, it’s quick and keeps your gear protected. The X-Mid requires 4 stakes minimum for the corners, plus 2 more for the vestibules for full coverage (total ~6 stakes for a storm-proof pitch). It also has extra guy-out loops on the fly panels if you need to add lines in high winds, but these aren’t typically needed in fair weather. Backpackers appreciate that no separate guyline fiddling is required for a solid pitch – once the corners are down and poles are in, the tent is basically set. One forum member even observed that the X-Mid is “more user-friendly than most” trekking pole shelters and “pushes the limits of ultralight while staying simple”. In summary, the X-Mid 1 is quicker and more foolproof to pitch than many UL shelters (especially single-pole mids or front-entry tarps) – a major plus for tired hikers or bad weather setups.

Slingfin SplitWing: As a modular tarp shelter, the SplitWing takes a bit more practice to master, but many users find it straightforward after a few setups. It pitches in an A-frame style: stake out the two rear (foot) corners first, insert a short pole or trekking pole at the foot end, then insert a longer trekking pole at the front into the reinforced “pole pocket”, and stake out the front corners and side wings. Total stakes can vary – Slingfin includes 6 DAC stakes with the bundle, which is enough for a standard pitch (rear corners, front corners, and a couple for the wings/vestibule). In fact, Slingfin suggests combining certain tie-outs to one stake (e.g. both front wing guylines to a single center-front stake) to reduce the count. Realistically, expect to use about 6 stakes for a secure setup (and you can carry a few extra to use all guy points in severe conditions). Because it’s a trekking pole tarp, pitch height is adjustable – you can set the front pole anywhere from ~105cm to 120cm to go from “storm mode” (low to ground, less headroom) to “space mode” (high pitch for more headroom). This adjustability is a boon but means you have more variables (angle of guylines, height of poles, etc.) to get right. As The Trek’s reviewer put it, “for anyone who has pitched an A-frame tarp it will be intuitive” – it’s not as fast as a single-pole pyramid, but “by no means slow”. After some backyard practice, one tester found the SplitWing **“simpler and faster to erect than some ultralight shelters that pitch with trekking poles”*. In challenging conditions, users have developed tricks: for instance, keeping the tarp partly in its stuff sack while staking the first end to prevent it from billowing in wind. With experience, one tall owner could “get it up in 90 seconds”, even solo in a hailstorm.

One thing to note is that by default the SplitWing’s corner tie-outs have no pre-attached cords – they are meant to stake directly at ground level (cord is included separately if you prefer to add extensions). This can make pitching on hard ground (where stakes can’t go fully in) a bit fiddly, since you might need to attach guyline loops to reach a rock or shallow stake. Once pitched, the SplitWing is stable and taut, but as with any non-freestanding tarp, a bit of tweaking of tension may be needed, especially if the nylon fabric relaxes overnight. The learning curve is modest: expect to practice a couple of times to dial in the optimal sequence (rear first, then front, etc.). Overall, experienced ultralight hikers report the SplitWing pitches quickly with minimal fuss, but beginners might find it a touch more involved than the plug-and-play X-Mid. In exchange for that slight complexity, the SplitWing offers flexibility in pitch height and configuration (tarp-only, inner-only, etc.), which can be very rewarding once you get the hang of it.

Livability (Space, Comfort & Interior Design)

Interior Space & Comfort: Both shelters are nominally one-person, but their designs impact usable space. The Slingfin SplitWing Bundle provides a 24.8 ft² (2.3 m²) inner floor area, which Slingfin markets as a 1+ person size – in a pinch, two smaller people could lie under the tarp or share the inner, but it would be very tight. In practice, “the Mesh Body creates a spacious solo shelter” and most agree the SplitWing is extremely comfortable for one person. The interior height is variable: with a higher front pole, you can sit up comfortably. One 6’4″ user was able to pitch it tall enough (49″ height at the front) to sit upright and still had the wings providing side coverage. The foot end of the SplitWing is only ~31 inches high (with a low pitch), so the space tapers – a second person’s head or feet would overlap in that taper, hence it’s not really a true 2P tent for most. For one camper, though, the taper gives a cozy foot area that doesn’t feel wasted. The headroom and steep walls make the interior feel more voluminous than a simple wedge; as The Trek noted, “those steep walls make for very efficient use of space, and the SplitWing feels roomier than its small footprint suggests”. You can keep some gear inside at your sides or foot, but heavy rain scenarios might have you store most gear under the small vestibule (6.8 ft² – enough for a pack and boots). Some users mention that a long, wide sleeping pad just fits in the inner tent; if you use an extra-long or wide pad (25″x78″), it will occupy most of the floor width and you might brush the sloped walls. One Reddit user commented that the SplitWing inner “is not very long. A long, wide pad hardly fits. It’s OK for one person, not really two.”. By contrast, average-sized hikers (5’8″–6′) have reported plenty of room for themselves and their gear’s essentials inside the SplitWing solo. Livability in bad weather: Because the SplitWing is a single-door, front-entry shelter, getting in and out requires a bit of crouching. The design includes two “wings” that partially cover the front opening; the trade-off is you may need to duck and shimmy a little when entering. Michael Lanza noted at 5′8″ he had to duck low and occasionally caught a shoulder or foot on the wings’ guylines, and a larger person might find that more awkward. Slingfin suggests an offset front pole setup to ease this, but the pole will always be near the doorway. Once inside, solo campers find the space adequate even to wait out storms – you can sit up, read, and have a bit of gear inside, though cooking in the vestibule is a tight affair due to its small size.

A Slingfin SplitWing pitched with its mesh inner and vestibule. The shelter’s A-frame design gives one person enough room to lie comfortably, with just enough headroom to sit up front. The small detachable vestibule (shown rolled back on the right side) offers space for gear or cooking in rain. Livability in the Durston X-Mid 1 is one of its strongest points for a solo tent. The X-Mid 1’s inner tent (mesh w/ floor) was already considered roomy, and the 2025 third-gen model is 2″ wider, 3″ longer, and 2″ taller than before. The new interior dimensions are roughly 33″ wide by 93″ long (84 x 236 cm), providing ample room for even a long wide pad and a tall occupant. Even the prior version (31″ x 90″) was praised – many hikers up to 6′3″ could fit without their sleeping bag touching the ends. The rectangular floor means no taper at the feet, so you can use all the space. Where the X-Mid really shines is double side doors and vestibules. You have two large doors (one on each side of the tent), each with its own vestibule. This means you can enter/exit without crawling over gear, and you get dual storage areas outside the inner – a huge convenience. Each vestibule is generous (each about ~8-10 ft², for ~20 ft² total vestibule area) – plenty for a big backpack, muddy boots, and even a spot to cook under shelter. Importantly, the doors are fully unencumbered by poles – the trekking poles are offset at the ends of the tent, not blocking the doorway. Reviewers love the X-Mid’s tall doorways; you can literally swing your legs out and stand up (stooped) without having to crawl. The peak height is ~45 inches (114 cm) in the middle, and because of the offset pole structure, you have more headroom when sitting up than in many trekking pole tents that put the pole in the center. One long-distance hiker said the X-Mid 1 “has way more space” and “tall door openings that are a breath of fresh air” compared to other ultralight shelters.

In stormy weather, the X-Mid’s livability really pays off – you can close one vestibule to windward and cook under the other, or just use one side as a gear dump and enter/exit on the other side. The interior stays dry thanks to the fly-first pitch, and there’s enough room to sit up and change clothes or play cards. By contrast, waiting out bad weather in the SplitWing is a bit more claustrophobic; it has a smaller “enclosed” volume and only one door, so you must be more careful moving around to avoid brushing condensation on the walls. In “tight conditions” (like very small campsites or dense vegetation), the SplitWing’s smaller footprint can be an advantage. Its minimal stake-out geometry (especially if pitched without the vestibule) is quite compact – it “will be able to squeeze into some pretty small campsites”. The X-Mid 1’s footprint is larger; you need space for the rectangle (~84×84″ for fly) and room to stake out the vestibules. In dense forest or tiny ledges, that could limit pitching options. The 2025 X-Mid 1 did get a “smaller footprint” refinement (likely due to shorter vestibules/struts), but it’s still a roomier tent that needs a bit more area than the SplitWing. If you often camp in tight, unconventional spots, the SplitWing might give you more flexibility to tuck into a nook. On the whole, both shelters offer comfortable solo living, but the X-Mid is more spacious and convenient (especially for larger users or lots of gear), whereas the SplitWing is cozy and efficient – perfectly fine for one person, but with a more snug entrance and just one small vestibule.

Flexibility & Versatility

Modularity and Adaptability: One of the Slingfin SplitWing’s greatest strengths is its modular design. You can tailor the shelter to your needs on a given trip. The bundle includes three components – the tarp, the mesh inner, and the clip-on vestibule – and they can be used in multiple combinations:

• Tarp + Inner + Vestibule: Full setup for bug protection and maximum weather protection (the vestibule covers the front opening). This is the configuration we’ve mostly discussed above – essentially a double-wall tent with a small vestibule.
  
  

• Tarp + Inner (no vestibule): Save 2 oz (57 g) if weather is fair but bugs are out. This gives you a breezy front opening; you’d only close off the foot end. Some hikers do this to shave weight, accepting that rain could splash in a bit through the front if it occurs.
  
  

• Tarp alone: At just ~7.9 oz (224 g) for the tarp, you have a super-ultralight floorless shelter. This is great for high mileage trips when bugs are low or if you use a separate bivy or groundsheet. The tarp alone provides more weather coverage than a flat tarp due to its shape (the “closed footbox and beak” design shields you from wind and moderate rain). One thru-hiker mentioned using the tarp alone on clear nights or when a bug bivy was enough, achieving a crazy light sub-10 oz shelter setup.
  
  

• Inner tent alone: On a dry, bug-heavy night, you can pitch the mesh inner by itself (with trekking poles) as a sort of bug bivy under the stars. This isn’t common, but it’s possible – essentially the inner is a stand-alone mesh tent with its own pole structure when guyed out. It won’t keep rain off, of course, but is an option for cowboy-camping with insect protection.
  
  

This flexibility makes the SplitWing a multi-environment performer. Heading to the desert in bug-free season? Just bring the tarp and maybe a polycryo groundsheet – you’ll have a spacious floorless shelter to hide from dew or light rain. Going to the alpine with minimal shelter spots? The small footprint tarp will fit, or you can forego the inner to pitch over a bivy on a tiny ledge. Dealing with hot, humid jungles? The mesh inner alone could serve as a breezy bug tent at night. Few tent systems offer this level of adaptability. Users on r/Ultralight often praise “the versatility of tarp setups”, and the SplitWing is frequently cited as a prime example of that modular philosophy. It “can pull double duty in many situations”, as one user noted, giving you options that a single-piece tent cannot.

The Durston X-Mid 1, being a integrated double-wall tent, is less modular by design – but it’s not without versatility. You can use the X-Mid fly without the inner (for an open-floor shelter), effectively making it a floorless tarp-tent. This isn’t advertised as much, but it’s possible: just stake the four corners of the fly and insert the poles, and you have a single-wall shelter that weighs around ~16 oz (if you leave the inner behind). This could be useful in snow camping or when bugs are absent and you want to go ultralight. However, note that the X-Mid inner hangs from the fly and also clips to the corners to tension them; without the inner, you might need to ensure the corners of the fly are pulled out well to maintain the proper shape. Durston Gear doesn’t provide a dedicated “fly-only” kit (unlike some brands), but ingenious users have made it work. The inner tent alone cannot be pitched by itself because it has no dedicated pole support (it relies on the fly for structure), so that option is off the table. The X-Mid does offer different inner versions: a full mesh inner is standard, and a Solid inner (with breathable fabric panels) is available for colder, windier adventures. The Solid inner turns the X-Mid into a true 4-season capable tent for harsh conditions like Northern Europe or shoulder-season mountains. Swapping inners is a form of versatility – you can choose the mesh for hot summer and the solid for late fall or winter trips, using the same fly. Additionally, the X-Mid’s two doors give you flexibility in how you use the space (e.g. one side for exit, one side for cooking or gear storage), which can be seen as functional versatility in day-to-day use.

Multi-Environment Performance: Both shelters are 3-season stars, but each has environments where it shines. The X-Mid 1 is often chosen for rainy, wet climates (Pacific Northwest, UK, New Zealand, etc.) because its polyester fly and full enclosure handle moisture and wind brilliantly. People hiking in very windy, exposed areas also lean toward the X-Mid (or its Solid variant) for a bit more confidence, though it’s still a trekking-pole tent so extreme alpine winds have their limits. The SplitWing finds favor with hikers in mixed conditions who value the option to go ultralight. For example, in the Appalachians with high humidity and bugs, one might carry the full bundle in mosquito season, but later switch to tarp + bivy in dry fall weather. In desert hiking, the SplitWing tarp alone is great for cowboy camping insurance (windblown sand, dew, or unexpected drizzle) without lugging a full tent – plus the tan/gray fabric blends into desert environments (stealth camping). It’s also a favorite of folks who do fastpacking or bikepacking, where light weight and small packed size matter (the whole bundle packs to about a 1.5 liter size, exceptionally small). However, in sustained heavy rain (days of rain) or snow load, the SplitWing is less ideal – some users mention they would “probably take a different shelter” if constant storms were expected. The X-Mid can shed light snow and has been used in shoulder-season snow camps, whereas the SplitWing’s flat-ish tarp sections could collect snow unless shaken off (and the silnylon would stretch). For true winter or alpine use, neither is a mountaineering tent, but the X-Mid with a solid inner handles cold wind better (the SplitWing is quite breezy by design).

In summary, the SplitWing offers unrivaled modular flexibility for an ultralight shelter – you essentially get multiple shelter options in one package, adaptable to various environments and trip styles. The X-Mid 1 offers versatility in a different way: it’s a highly functional tent that performs across a wide range of conditions (from humid summers to blustery autumns) without needing configuration changes. Think of the SplitWing as a toolkit you can mix-and-match, whereas the X-Mid is a reliable all-rounder that you simply pitch and use.

Weight, Packed Size, and Cost

Ultralighters scrutinize every gram. Here’s how these two compare:

• Slingfin SplitWing Shelter Bundle: Weight: 1 lb 5 oz (595 g) for the full bundle, including the mesh inner, vestibule, and 6 stakes. Breaking it down, the tarp is ~7.9 oz, mesh inner ~11.2 oz, vestibule ~2.0 oz (total ~21.1 oz/599 g for all components). The included DAC j-stakes add ~2.4 oz. Many users swap stakes or trim guyline lengths to shave a bit more weight. If conditions allow leaving the vestibule behind, you save 2 oz (bringing shelter weight to ~19 oz). Tarp-alone pitches can be as low as ~8–10 oz (if just tarp and minimal cordage) – incredibly light. Packed Size: tiny. Owners consistently mention the SplitWing “packs down to be the smallest tent/tarp combo I’ve used”. Thanks to the thin 10D fabric, you can compress the whole kit into a very small stuff sack – about the size of a football when moderately compressed, or even a large grapefruit for just the tarp. It will fit in narrow pack nooks or even in some jacket pockets. Cost & Availability: The bundle retails around $315–$355 (Slingfin’s price, often $355 MSRP). In the US, it’s sold directly by Slingfin and through specialty retailers like Garage Grown Gear. In Europe, Slingfin has dealers – for example, Ultralight Outdoor Gear (UK) and Aventure Nordique (FR) stock the SplitWing, and Slingfin has an EU website for direct sales. Availability in Europe is decent; you might find it in stock at a few ultralight gear shops or order from Slingfin EU without incurring huge import fees. Slingfin being a smaller company means it’s not in big-box outdoor stores, but the flip side is it’s not usually subject to the flash sell-outs that popular X-Mids see.
  
  

• Durston X-Mid 1: Weight: ~28 oz (795 g) for the original version, and 25 oz (720 g) for the 2025 updated version (fly + inner, no stakes). The weight dropped by about 3 oz with the new model thanks to lighter 15D fabric and narrower seams. Adding 6 stakes (not included by Durston) would add ~2-3 oz, bringing it to ~770–800 g trail weight. So, in 2025 the X-Mid 1 is only ~4-5 oz heavier than the SplitWing bundle – a fairly small difference given the added comfort. Note the X-Mid includes two poles in weight calculations only if you carry dedicated poles; most backpackers use their trekking poles they’d already have. Packed Size: The X-Mid 1 is compact for a tent but slightly bulkier than the SplitWing. The silpoly fabric doesn’t scrunch down as tightly as silnylon, and you have more fabric (fly + full inner). It comes with a stuff sack roughly 5×13 inches (~5 L volume when packed). Many users note it’s “easy to pack”, and some store the inner and fly separately to help it compress around other gear. Compared to a Dyneema tent, the X-Mid actually packs smaller (DCF is stiff), but compared to the tiny SplitWing, it’s a bit larger in your pack. Still, for most, the packed size is a non-issue – it will fit horizontally in most 40L+ packs. Cost & Availability: The X-Mid’s value is often praised – the 2025 model costs $239 USD (fly + inner), which is far less expensive than many competing UL tents. Even after adding stakes and maybe a groundsheet, it’s a good deal. The catch has been availability: Durston tents famously sell out quickly during drops. They are sold primarily via DurstonGear.com and occasionally through partners (formerly Drop.com handled some, and in Europe, a few retailers like Outdoor Line (Slovakia), Pod7kilo (CZ), or Lightweight Outdoor (NL) carry limited stock). The good news is Dan Durston has been ramping up production. As of 2025, the X-Mid 1 is in stock on the official site, and more units are coming. European customers can either order from Durston (international shipping ~$40, with import VAT to consider) or buy locally when shops have it – for example, one Dutch retailer now stocks it so “no more waiting and hoping customs release it” quickly. The X-Mid being so popular means you may need to plan your purchase (set notifications for restocks). In contrast, the SplitWing, while popular, doesn’t have quite the feeding frenzy, so it’s often available.
  
  

In terms of weight-to-comfort ratio, both shelters are excellent. The SplitWing wins the title of lighter base weight and smallest packed size. The X-Mid weighs a fraction more but delivers a lot of comfort and protection per ounce. If you’re counting every gram for an FKT or similar, the SplitWing can be pared down aggressively. If your base weight can afford an extra 100–150 g to gain comfort and easier setup, many feel the X-Mid is worth that trade.

User Sentiment & Community Feedback

Both of these shelters are well-loved in the backpacking community, but each has its own fan base and context:

On r/Ultralight and other forums, the Durston X-Mid 1 has almost a cult following. It’s frequently recommended to people seeking a reliable ultralight tent. One thread noted seeing “almost unanimous recommendations for the X-Mid” over other options. Users often cite its balanced design: “Xmid works… the One [tent] is less durable, less space, etc.”. Common sentiment is that the X-Mid 1 hit a sweet spot of ease-of-use, space, weather protection, and price that was previously hard to find in one package. If there’s any consistent critique, it’s just that it’s not the absolute lightest option – truly weight-obsessed hikers might choose a single-wall DCF tarp to save half a pound, but they sacrifice comfort. Some early buyers of the X-Mid did report minor issues like learning to tension the fly properly or the fabric “wetting out” under extreme prolonged rain, but these cases are relatively rare and often resolved by adjustments. Overall, satisfaction with the X-Mid is very high; it’s often said that once people get one, they stick with it for many trips. The 2025 updates (more space, less weight) have been met positively – basically addressing the few “I wish…” comments users had.

The Slingfin SplitWing garners a lot of appreciation from experienced ultralight hikers who value its versatility. In user reviews, you’ll often hear phrases like “one of the low-key holy grails when it comes to tarps”. Owners love that it’s “incredibly light, packs down super small” and that despite the minimalist materials, it “has all the benefits of a tarp with the protection of a tent”. Many SplitWing users are tinkerers – they enjoy that they can leave the vestibule at home, or add a rain skirt as a makeshift vestibule, or pitch it in creative ways. This shelter often appeals to the “hardcore” ultralight crowd (somebody comfortable with tarp camping but wanting a bit more). For instance, on r/Ultralight one thru-hiker detailed how the SplitWing outperformed a competitor and became his go-to because of how fast it dries, how tightly it pitches, and how it handled weather during a long hike. For newer hikers or those used to freestanding tents, the SplitWing’s reception can be a bit more cautious – they acknowledge it’s an ingenious design but wonder if the comfort sacrifices (single door, low entry, need for careful pitch) are worth the weight savings. In mixed forums, some said they ultimately chose a tent like the X-Mid over the SplitWing for a first UL shelter, to have more foolproof protection, whereas others swear by the SplitWing for its weight-to-function ratio. As one user succinctly put it, “If you use all of the stake out points, it’s amazing in wind… I’ve had mine in 50 mph without any issues.” That kind of testimonial builds confidence that the design is trail-proven, not just a flimsy experiment.

In summary, user sentiment is very favorable for both: the X-Mid is often lauded as the go-to ultralight tent for all-around performance, and the SplitWing is praised as a brilliantly versatile tarp-tent for those who know how to leverage it. There is considerable overlap – some very savvy hikers own both for different styles of trips. If we gauge “overall user satisfaction,” both score high, but the X-Mid likely edges out simply because its comfort appeals to a broader range of hikers (fewer people regret buying an X-Mid, whereas a few who bought a SplitWing decided they preferred a tent with more room).

Summary & Recommendation

Which shelter is right for you? It depends on your priorities:

• If you prioritize ultralight weight, minimal packed size, and modular use, the Slingfin SplitWing Shelter Bundle is a fantastic choice. It’s one of the lightest full-protection solo systems available, and it packs down extraordinarily small – ideal for fast-and-light missions. The SplitWing shines for hikers who don’t mind a little extra pitching effort and who might take advantage of leaving components behind to trim weight. It’s also great for those who enjoy the tarping style of camping but want a bit more protection and bug-proofing when needed. Despite a few livability quirks (single door, lower headroom, slight learning curve), it has proven itself on long hikes. Users love its adaptability and have pushed it through tough weather with success. If you often mix up your hiking style (sometimes you want just a tarp; other times you need a full tent) or if you hike in environments where a small footprint is crucial, the SplitWing offers incredible flexibility. Just be prepared to crouch on entry and occasionally re-tension the guylines on damp nights. In the hands of an informed user, the SplitWing is a reliable ultralight shelter that delivers big weight savings and versatility, as long as you’re willing to manage its minimalist design.
  
  

• If you value more comfort, simplicity, and all-weather confidence for a slight weight penalty, the Durston X-Mid 1 is hard to beat. It provides a more spacious, livable interior – enough room for you and your gear, with two doors for superb access and ventilation. Pitching is straightforward and forgiving, making it a stress-free option after a long day on the trail or when storm clouds are brewing. In foul weather, the X-Mid’s fully enclosed double-wall design and durable fabric inspire trust; you can hunker down through rain and wind without second-guessing your shelter. It’s also a better choice if you’re particularly tall or use a wide sleeping pad, since the new X-Mid 1 is very accommodating in length and width. Despite being a tent, it’s competitively light (the 2025 version at 720 g is only ~125 g heavier than the SplitWing bundle), and it’s actually more affordable than the SplitWing. The main downsides are a slightly larger pitch area needed and less modular use – you can’t trim it down much further for those sub-1-pound adventures. Also, availability can be an issue, so plan ahead to snag one. But given its popularity, the community support (tips, tricks, replacement parts) is excellent. The X-Mid 1 is an “extremely functional and highly user-friendly” shelter that offers a lot of peace of mind on solo trips.
  
  

Bottom line: Both shelters have earned high praise. For the ultralight enthusiast who is willing to tinker and wants the lightest kit – go with the Slingfin SplitWing. It will reward you with an ultralight pack and adaptable setup options. For most solo backpackers who want a blend of low weight with maximum convenience and protection, the Durston X-Mid 1 is the more forgiving and comfortable choice – especially the 2025 iteration which is lighter and roomier than ever. In many ways, it comes down to whether you consider ~4–5 ounces of weight savings worth giving up some ease-of-use and livability. If those ounces are critical, the SplitWing delivers. If not, the X-Mid’s all-around performance and user sentiment give it a slight edge as the go-to ultralight solo shelter for most situations.

Sources:

• Real-world reviews and trip reports (Reddit r/Ultralight, r/backpacking, etc.) for user experiences with SplitWing and X-Mid.
  
  

• Expert gear reviews from The Big Outside, The Trek, SectionHiker, and others for in-depth analysis.
  
  

• Manufacturer info and updates (Durston Gear, Slingfin) for specifications and 2025 X-Mid changes.
  
  

• Community consensus on forums indicating overall sentiment and common pros/cons.