Tarptent - Double Rainbow Li
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Reddit Reviews:
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Last updated: Aug 14, 2025 Scoring
Liked most:
15
6
"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."
"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."
7
1
"ultralight and can be used with trekking poles to make it essentially freestanding if stakes can’t go into ground but is way lighter than normal freestanding or semi freestanding because it’s just one arch pole and a brow pole (carbon as well.) ... Was it worth the 3-4 oz (Rainbow Li is so light) to have that view right outside my tent, I think so."
"the li version is 21.8 oz"
"the weight addition is minimal to the awesome space and 2 vestibules."
5
2
"can be used with trekking poles to make it essentially freestanding if stakes can’t go into ground ... I had my Double Rainbow and they had a Durston X-mid (awesome tent) but they couldn’t get stakes in and they didn’t trust rocks as it was a bit windy on the outcropping. So they had to move back into the trees instead of staying out with the amazing view."
"ultralight and can be used with trekking poles to make it essentially freestanding if stakes can’t go into ground but is way lighter than normal freestanding or semi freestanding because it’s just one arch pole and a brow pole (carbon as well.) ... Was it worth the 3-4 oz (Rainbow Li is so light) to have that view right outside my tent, I think so."
"you can essentially make it freestanding with your trekking poles if you can’t get stakes in the ground and not have to worry about finding big enough rocks. Makes it very versatile for setting up with any type of surface."
4
4
"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."
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
5
"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 is tight for two people"
"it's too tight for 2p"
0
1
"I struggled alot with splashback on the mesh at the ends on the double rainbow li in heavy rain. ... Even maximizing the setup that mesh just sorta hangs down. ... I ’ve just personally grown frustrated with it. ... I’ve met two or three other double rainbows with the same issue in the trail so even if it’s user error it’s common enough that it’s an easy thing to have happen"
5
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
"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!!!"
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