X-Mid Pro 1 beta in black ALUULA (note: will never be produced)
Translated using Kagi Translate from Swedish here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/681466165805217/?multi_permalinks=1936935210258300
>For 2 seasons I have been able to test the X-Mid 1 in black ALUULA. This tent will never be produced, Durston has said, and I have had to promise to write exactly that, i.e., that it will never be released in ALUULA. But these are my thoughts after using it.
>The difference between this and my X-Mid 1 PRO in DCF is that it weighs about 85 grams more, which is about 17% more for an X-Mid compared to one in DCF. And it takes up about 10% more volume. Another difference is that the material is much more expensive than DCF.
>In short: heavier, larger volume, and more expensive.
>But…
>The positive thing is that ALUULA is far more durable and feels more like a plastic film than parchment paper, which DCF can almost feel like. The material is also continuously being developed. I just found out that an even more developed model than the ALUULA I have has recently arrived.
>This also means that it doesn't need to be folded and rolled in the same way. I do it anyway, i.e., fold and roll it, but it's damn nice to know that you don't have to be particularly careful with the material.
>Partly, as you might see, it is not transparent like DCF, which I think is damn nice to have on the mountain. I have about 80 nights in the tent so far.
>But even if it takes up a bit more volume and weighs more, this is my absolute favorite tent. I don't have to think about handling it in the same way, as you can roll it up on thorn bushes without any problems. The more static structure also makes it even easier to pitch perfectly.
>There are plans for the material, but the X-Mid specifically will not be sold in ALUULA. Yesterday I got approval from Durston to post about it as long as I am clear that it will NOT be released to the public. Previously I had to promise not to share pictures or anything about it at all.
>I strongly believe in ALUULA as a material if they can make it a bit thinner so that it gets closer to the weight and volume of DCF. Such an extremely durable material that doesn't get pinholes in it after long-term use and that doesn't wear in the same way as DCF.
>I don't know how many nights you can have this before you think it needs to be replaced, there are no tests on that. As far as I know, this is the only tent that exists in ALUULA apart from the one Durston has.
>But after 2 seasons with this tent, my opinion is that ALUULA has a very promising future. Partly because it doesn't let light in the same way, partly because it is far more durable than DCF. And I won't hide the fact that I think it looks better too….. much better 🙂
>So I see a promising future for ALUULA shortly, when they have reached their goal regarding the thickness and then also weight and volume.
>I think some people will pay the price even if it were to cost about 50% more, which Dan has said is the approximate difference. So I don't think the price, even if it is high, will deter people because of the durability.
>I believe anyway that ALUULA will take over the market in the not too distant future if they manage to make it lighter. .
>I love my heavy X-Mid in ALUULA at 548 grams including guylines and stuff sack anyway and will continue to use it on my trips 🙂