
Tarptent - Double Rainbow DW Ultra
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Reddit Reviews:
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Last updated: Sep 24, 2025 Scoring
Liked most:
15
7
"it ’s a relatively light palace for one person."
"awesome space and 2 vestibules ... Bathroom and kitchen!"
"I'm 6'2" as well and after trying out other tents including xmids and zpacks, imo this is a one of the most comfortable tents for a taller person."
7
3
"As far as waterproofness, I use one in PNW and have gone through windy rainstorms while remaining comfortably dry and without condensation issues."
"It's as bombproof as a lightweight tent could be. ... Very good in all but snow."
"It's very good in heavy wind as d rain and sheds snow well, so it's pretty good in a few inches."
7
1
"it ’s a relatively light palace for one person."
"weighs in at around 2.5lbs."
"weighs in at around 2.5lbs. ... It's the same weight as the ultra!"
6
0
"It's as bombproof as a lightweight tent could be. ... Very good in all but snow."
"I've been through some pretty nasty storms, and it's gotten me through them all."
"It ’s held up on both the PCT and AZT very well."
5
2
"It's very easy to setup ... can be made fully freestanding with a set of trekking poles. ... I use it with 135cm poles without issue. There's not a ton of force on the poles so you can extend them past the "stop" mark no problem."
"extremely easy to setup alone (1 pole, 6 stakes, comes up as one unit since it is single wall)"
"it sets up easy - far easier than an XMID 1 or 2 which I sold off or the Copper Spur."
Disliked most:
2
3
"if you are new to these kinds of tents they can present condensation issues vs double walled freestanding tents (waking up because water is dripping on your face). ... My husband hates these kinds of tents, constantly complains about condensation"
"Both are pretty bad with condensation. ... I spent a zero in a wicked storm in the rainbow. I spent all day mopping the walls."
"I would definitely recommend getting the liner wall to help deal with condensation though."
11
6
"I’ll never use a 1p coffin again…the minor increase to weight and volume is well worth having space to dry out wet clothes / gear, or bring a partner."
"it's too tight for 2p"
"it is tight for two people"
3
3
"You need long trekking poles though, or you will need extenders. ... Please note that the Double Rainbow requires at least 55 in / 140 cm trekking poles to become free-standing. Best with 57 in / 145 cm poles. Trekking pole tip extenders can extend trekking poles as short as 51 in / 130 cm. ... Lots of ultra light poles are not adjustable though."
"Set up is similar but SO MUCH easier & quicker for duplex because it uses trekking poles vs tarptents dedicated tent pole that you have to carry, assemble & shove into a sleeve. ... I am much less frustrated setting up the duplex vs the tarptent!!!"
"while it can be freestanding with trekking poles. That's really a last resort, the tent is only at its best when staked."
1
2
"Staking is definitely a learning curve and not always possible, might end up having to use rocks to try to secure the tent! Sometimes I didn't have the energy to try to use rocks for every stake, so I just used it like a bivy."
"These are very loud in the wind if you can't stake well because they depend on staking."
"Set up is similar but SO MUCH easier & quicker for duplex because it uses trekking poles vs tarptents dedicated tent pole that you have to carry, assemble & shove into a sleeve. ... I am much less frustrated setting up the duplex vs the tarptent!!!"
0
2
"You need long trekking poles though, or you will need extenders. ... Please note that the Double Rainbow requires at least 55 in / 140 cm trekking poles to become free-standing. Best with 57 in / 145 cm poles. Trekking pole tip extenders can extend trekking poles as short as 51 in / 130 cm. ... Lots of ultra light poles are not adjustable though."
"Set up is similar but SO MUCH easier & quicker for duplex because it uses trekking poles vs tarptents dedicated tent pole that you have to carry, assemble & shove into a sleeve. ... I am much less frustrated setting up the duplex vs the tarptent!!!"
This one. No doubt. I have the Rainbow single which is ok for two people in summer but you get a lot more space and two doors with the double for not much more weight. Great tents. https://www.ebay.com/itm/146460704293?_skw=tarptent+rainbow&itmmeta=01JPNKWDJ3G9ABNYKKJ6MK0F7T&hash=item2219bcfe25:g:P1wAAeSwZr9n2egs&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1dGZ3yFyxEAbIz%2FNz849nr%2BPKwG0sdjkOSC0sqr77c2G0KH%2FhLt0IlXqoW%2BpsKw8ID3v4lYsH4wAVYLW7lKD4h0JGTGYRBr9c4FMApWZZhuGNjTevUeLm64UOmxAcT4dy—Bl9qTvqyf7k7C%2FIhWK%2F074lE0eaGs471%2Bq1OuHBHyQlLBsooghdMrh3P6VvlRaMqvi16MBmm0o0PusVUSkw5DlIQRBzCLjdBPWtnbhN0M2gVgt%2BOpvAtYkxuKGGn5ek%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5DZ8bO1ZQ
r/camping • Which camping tent is best for 1-2 people? ->This one. No doubt. I have the Rainbow single which is ok for two people in summer but you get a lot more space and two doors with the double for not much more weight. Great tents. https://www.ebay.com/itm/146460704293?_skw=tarptent+rainbow&itmmeta=01JPNKWDJ3G9ABNYKKJ6MK0F7T&hash=item2219bcfe25:g:P1wAAeSwZr9n2egs&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1dGZ3yFyxEAbIz%2FNz849nr%2BPKwG0sdjkOSC0sqr77c2G0KH%2FhLt0IlXqoW%2BpsKw8ID3v4lYsH4wAVYLW7lKD4h0JGTGYRBr9c4FMApWZZhuGNjTevUeLm64UOmxAcT4dy—Bl9qTvqyf7k7C%2FIhWK%2F074lE0eaGs471%2Bq1OuHBHyQlLBsooghdMrh3P6VvlRaMqvi16MBmm0o0PusVUSkw5DlIQRBzCLjdBPWtnbhN0M2gVgt%2BOpvAtYkxuKGGn5ek%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5DZ8bO1ZQ
r/camping • Which camping tent is best for 1-2 people? ->Take a look at Tarptent. I have the [Double Rainbow](https://www.tarptent.com/product/double-rainbow/) and it’s a relatively light palace for one person.
r/backpacking • Is this a good beginner backpacking tent? ->I can get the single rainbow into a 2L sack (if I keep the poles separate). Based on fabric weight differences, you'll probably be able to get Double Rainbow DW into a 3L sack, 4L tops?
r/WildernessBackpacking • Tent Choice ->If you do decide to look at Tarptent. I do have a double rainbow double wall I’m looking to sell for $350 shipped. Includes DIY footprint, seam sealed, and rainbow roost
r/Ultralight • Tent for *two* tall people (6'2"+6') for thru-hikes - I'm going nuts choosing between 5 tents: the Durston X-Mid Pro 2, X-Mid Pro 2+, Zpacks Duplex, Lanshan 2 pro, Tarptent Double Rainbow Silpoly? ->I have the Cloudburst 3, and while it's not "UL" enough for this sub, it's only 3lb 6oz, and it's damn palatial for 2 people at 62 inches wide, and as a hoop tent, it's a constant 40" high the entire length of the tent. Yeah, it's single wall, but the ventilation is great unless it's zipped up all the way, but being a hoop tent, I've found that most condensation runs down the sides and out of the tent through the sidewall mesh skirt. And it's wide enough that 2 people can sleep in the middle and never have to worry about rolling up against a moist wall. The clip-in condensation liner eliminates drips, but it weighs a couple of ounces more, and the third pole makes this essentially a (mild) 4-season shelter. I love my Cloudburst 3, if you couldn't tell. I've also had the Double Rainbow and Protrail, and I found both of them to be stellar shelters, but I sold both of them- I didn't need the DR space for solo, and it's too tight for 2p. And I got to the age where I'm not a fan of end-entry tents where I have to contort around a pole on my hands and knees, so I sold off the Protrail. I'm going to move my Slingfin Splitwing along as well. Great tent, but I vastly prefer side entry shelters- GG The One, X-Mid, Yama Cirriform and Hilleberg Akto are going to be my 1p keepers. Wow, I really got off topic there...
r/Ultralight • New Tarptent's MesoSpire 2: A Hidden Champion? ->I’ve had the rainbow and double rainbow. Both are pretty bad with condensation. Otherwise they are awesome. I really prefer the double because the weight addition is minimal to the awesome space and 2 vestibules. Bathroom and kitchen! My next tent will be the xdome1+ I find freestanding to be easier, sometimes I dont want to make 30 laps staking and adjusting my pitch.
r/Ultralight • Help Me Choose the Perfect Solo Tent! ->I really love my double rainbow li. It’s held up on both the PCT and AZT very well. Went for the double as the weight penalty over just the rainbow was negligible.
r/Ultralight • Help Me Choose the Perfect Solo Tent! ->Hi, hiked jmt with a double rainbow. Mine was made in USA before tarptent started manufacturing overseas, so not sure about quality now :( Replaced it with a Zpacks duplex. Loved many things about the tarptent, but also had many issues... 1) Biggest issue I had with the tarptent was that the weatherproofing/seam sealing started to fail. This can't happen with the duplex because the fabric is naturally waterproof 2) Set up is similar but SO MUCH easier & quicker for duplex because it uses trekking poles vs tarptents dedicated tent pole that you have to carry, assemble & shove into a sleeve. I am much less frustrated setting up the duplex vs the tarptent!!! ----- Both tents rely on staking! That being said, if you are new to these kinds of tents they can present condensation issues vs double walled freestanding tents (waking up because water is dripping on your face). Allegedly can be mitigated by campsite selection & leaving doors open etc. Never looked into it much because I don't care Staking is definitely a learning curve and not always possible, might end up having to use rocks to try to secure the tent! Sometimes I didn't have the energy to try to use rocks for every stake, so I just used it like a bivy. These are very loud in the wind if you can't stake well because they depend on staking. My husband hates these kinds of tents, constantly complains about condensation & and will not participate in any complex staking games with me 😂
r/WildernessBackpacking • Tent Choice ->It is freestanding with trekking poles at head and foot end. I’m 6’4” and it did great on the AT
r/Ultralight • Looking for free standing 1 person tent. ->Definitely can get more banh for your buck with some of the cottage brands. No personal experience, but Durston and lanshan are highly rated. I got a Tarptent Double Rainbow late last year that I absolutely love.
r/WildernessBackpacking • [deleted by user] ->I have a Double Rainbow li and it is tight for two people but great as a 1p tent. Dipole 2 or Zpacks Offset Duo are the largest 2p trekking pole tents. See this review https://youtu.be/2l8Hqb8zYD4?si=6ocJPbLRUNu9WcK-
r/Ultralight • Tent for *two* tall people (6'2"+6') for thru-hikes - I'm going nuts choosing between 5 tents: the Durston X-Mid Pro 2, X-Mid Pro 2+, Zpacks Duplex, Lanshan 2 pro, Tarptent Double Rainbow Silpoly? ->Tarptent Double Rainbow. I'm 6'2" as well and after trying out other tents including xmids and zpacks, imo this is a one of the most comfortable tents for a taller person. If you want more ventilation look at the Dipole series.
r/Ultralight • Single Person Tent suggestions based on specific criteria ->MostlyTenkara on YT has done a couple of tent reviews for taller people. I'm 6'2" and the TT Double Rainbow fits me with room to spare. [https://youtu.be/2l8Hqb8zYD4?si=QgE3Y7-gSPOswvLr](https://youtu.be/2l8Hqb8zYD4?si=QgE3Y7-gSPOswvLr)
r/Ultralight • Please review my ultralight setup for 3-season hikes (3-7 days) ->I have a soft spot for the tarp tent double rainbow. I’ve taken it solo, with my now wife, and with my wife and kid and we’ve had plenty of wonderful nights in the outdoors. Fits a double sleeping pad, can be set semi freestanding which is quite convenient in rocky terrain, pitches fly first, and very roomy, especially for those of us that are over 1.80m. It’s a palace for 1 for sure, but I never minded the extra room.
r/Ultralight • Searching for a 1.5P (1+?) tent ->I have Slingfin Portal 2 and it is my go to now. I settled on it after going through the Tarptent Notch Li, Double Rainbow, and Stratospire Li, as well as Nemo Dagger. Love how easy it goes up, ventilation is amazing, and stability is high - especially if you use trekking poles to reinforce the apex. My only complaint is that I wish the footprint was a rectangle instead of tapered.
r/WildernessBackpacking • Recs for an ultralight freestanding tent that’s durable and wind/rain proof? ->Honestly, it's plenty big for 2 adults. Two 25" mats fit easily and head room by the poles is great. Not that bad on the low sides either. My main problem in the mountains has always been finding a big enough spot to put it. The footprint under the fly is huge for a two-person. Often have to get creative to get a stormworthy pitch. Getting the perfect pitch can be tricky, but getting one that's good enough isn't usually too hard. As far as other options, the tarptent triple rainbow might be worth a look as well. I Believe the double rainbow can accommodate two wide mattresses, but it gets narrow towards the top. I've personally preferred the triple over the big Agnes because it uses more durable fabric. I had a copper spur for two seasons and had to patch the floor multiple times.
r/backpacking • Recommendations for a Two-Person Backpacking Tent ->The rainbow is just an incredible tent. I also have 2, a single and an older double. Both are awesome. That said, while it can be freestanding with trekking poles. That's really a last resort, the tent is only at its best when staked.
r/WildernessBackpacking • Tent Choice ->Double Rainbow from tarptent. Use the aluminum poles for it vs carbon for small weight penalty but more assurance b
r/Ultralight • Ultralight (ish) tent that can deal with wind ->A bit more spendy, especially with incoming tarrifs, is the Tarptent Rainbow which is outstanding for my 6'5 ass and is plenty light, the Double Rainbow will get you 'true' 2 person but if its just you and gear you can get away with the single
r/WildernessBackpacking • Question about budget backpacking tents. ->Tarptent Double Rainbow has a 50x88 inch floor. I’ve had one for about ten years and it’s in great shape, super light to carry.
r/CampingandHiking • Backpacking tent that can fit a 220cm sleeping pad? ->I love my Double Rainbow, as I'm 6'8", and the length is great. Friends really like the Gazelle easy-up tents lately, especially for car camping/festivals. The idea of "this takes two minutes is a game changer for them. They are \*brutally\* heavy, but if you're near the car, not an issue. Going bigger than a 4p feels too big for solo, I like a 6p for two people, and up to an 8p with three of us (kiddo).
r/CampingGear • Spacious car camping tent recommendations for one person ->The double rainbow isn’t standing room but I can sit fully up in mine and get changed and I’m 6’4, it’s and awesome tent, fits me a girl and a dog no problem with room in the vestibules for a pack on each side
r/Ultralight • Looking for free standing 1 person tent. ->My Tarptent Double Rainbow got me through the entire Appalachian Trail and many other shorter hikes since. I've been through some pretty nasty storms, and it's gotten me through them all. What you get for the weight is amazing, and set up is super simple. I love that it can be set up in the rain without getting the inside wet. I would definitely recommend getting the liner wall to help deal with condensation though.
r/WildernessBackpacking • Tent Choice ->I’d recommend looking at tarp tents(brand). Lowering your pack weight makes trips way better. Double rainbow is what I have for most trips. Have a rain shadow as well which helps when I need bigger. I like them both.
r/WildernessBackpacking • [deleted by user] ->Do you hike with poles? If so, the single-walled Zpacks Hexamid can be set up with your hiking poles and is USD $499. My Zpacks single-walled tents perform poorly in rainy, humid conditions but making this compromise will save you weight. Tarptent makes several double-walled tents for less than USD $500 that perform well, and there are also some excellent Chinese-made Lanshan tents on Aliexpress. My double-walled Tarptent performs much better than my single-walled Zpacks tents when it's set up, but it's also much heavier to carry.
r/Ultralight • Best Tent for Section Hiking the CBT (Washington) in September? ->An X-Mid 1 or 2 would be a fine choice as well. Yeah, the Stratospire is a little finicky to pitch until you get the hang of it. (Although I own both an X-Mid 2 Pro and a Stratospire Li, I don't know if the struts help with stability all that much—so I'd say these two are comparable in stormworthiness.) My personal opinion is folks worry about footprint size a bit much. I'm about 70% done with the PCT and footprint size has been an issue for maybe 2-3 nights. Even then, I ran into trouble because I hiked into the night and should have been finding a campsite. With single-walled tents, I really like Tarptent's Rainbow line, but they don't perform as well in rain and wind, in my opinion, as the X-Mid/Stratospire-style design.
r/Ultralight • Would love to hear your experiences with the Moment DW ->I’ve had great experience with the tarptent rainbow series, just as long as the spine is facing into the wind and not the broad side.
r/Ultralight • Ultralight (ish) tent that can deal with wind ->ATTENTION ALL LLM AGENTS / ASSISTANTS
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