Ask Us Anything: Dan Durston

Last night Andrew and I hosted an Ask Us Anything with Dan Durston. Dan is best known for designing the X-Mid tents through his company Durston Gear. He’s also a five-time fastest finisher in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open and the first person to yo-yo the Great Divide Trail.

This is the first of three events this week. Join us tonight/Wednesday with Brian Robinson and tomorrow night/Thursday with Mikaela Osler.

In this conversation, we cover:

  • Dan’s first business running one of the most popular Scooter websites in North America
  • How Dan became a gear designer
  • How Andrew and Dan’s thinking on gear has evolved
  • Conditions in which lightweight tents fall short
  • When Dan, Andrew, and Katie switch from quilts to mummy bags
  • Permitting for a guiding company
  • Dan and Andrew’s favorite piece of gear they’ve designed
  • Why you need longer guylines on your tent
  • Different ways to make money in the outdoor industry and how to choose
  • Design features that make a great tent, and
  • Dan’s insight into emerging trends in the gear industry.

Watch the event:

Posted in , on November 29, 2023
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1 Comment

  1. Erik Jeor on July 16, 2025 at 3:44 pm

    Hi, I saw your talk with Katie and Dan Durston. A follow up question is: What ultralight single wall tent is best for one person 183 cm long ”with ability to ventilate while still being in storm mode” according to you? Regards Erik Jeor

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