Tarptent - Double Rainbow Li

Why do you want a freestanding tent? Most nights on the PCT you won’t even need it, save for the few weeks where mosquitoes are a problem. There’s a reason most PCT hikers are using minimalist tarps. (I recommend zero of those tents). If you must get a freestanding tent - look at something like the Tarptent rainbow ( the li version if you can afford it) or the big Agnes fly creek . The rainbow is 32.05 oz, the li version is 21.8 oz The big Agnes fly creek ul1 is 32oz. I don’t recommend the dyneema version of this tent due to lack of durability (it uses extremely fragile 0.34 dcf).

6'2" here the Rainbow/Double Rainbow has room to spare as the ends are almost vertical up to about a foot off the ground before it starts bending upwards.

I completely agree with you. Had an Xmid 1 pro and sold it off because it was too tight. Went with a Double Rainbow LI although i see the reg 1 person Rainbow is 40 inches wide is roomy for a 1 person tent.

I have the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 3 person Long for car camping or shorter backpacking trips. We also use a TarpTent Double Rainbow for backpacking which can be either semi or freestanding.

The Double Ranbow LI I like a lot for a 1 person tent. But it is tight for 2 people. Other than that it sets up easy - far easier than an XMID 1 or 2 which I sold off or the Copper Spur. I use it as a semi freestanding tent staked out and the pitch is always nice and tight regardless of terrain. It is also pretty good in winds when staked out. [https://youtu.be/BDzdINnIeDI?si=JocJNlLtba7dU7ud](https://youtu.be/BDzdINnIeDI?si=JocJNlLtba7dU7ud)

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-

Similar situation. I'm tall and find many tents confining. I use a TT double Rainbow for solo and a Big Agnes UL long, 3 person for the wife and myself but it should fit a small dog as well.. You can compare tents at Packwizard.com

Agree. Sold mine and replaced it with a TT double Rainbow Li. Plenty of space now both length and width. Small weight penalty but worth it.

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.

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)

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’m not saying it’s a bad choice, I’ve just personally grown frustrated with it.

Yeah unfortunately. 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

Not sure your budget but the Tarptent Double Rainbow Li (DCF version) is my go to. Amazing ultralight tent. I love it because you get the ultralight aspects of a non-freestanding tent (not as many poles) but 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. The size/shape is great for convenience too, it is symmetrical, no set head or foot orientation, it’s also wide enough for two wide pads (50” floor) and I am 6’ and have tons of extra floor space for gear if I need to at my feet or head. You can also purchase a removable interior liner to make it effectively a double wall (comes as a single wall) I have found this useful to take on trips where I may be concerned about condensation. If you like the features but are looking for something less expensive than the Li version and are willing to take the weight penalty they make a few different versions in different fabrics.

I have a couple Yosemite trips under my belt. Some of the best camp sites in the park are on granite where you can’t get stakes in. The answer really depends on where you’re planning on hiking/camping but I’d lean for free or semi-freestanding. I recently picked up the Tarptent Double Rainbow Li the perfect semi-freestanding tent, 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.) An anecdote I have is that I was hiking in a group and we found the best outcropping of granite looking over the valley, 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. Was it worth the 3-4 oz (Rainbow Li is so light) to have that view right outside my tent, I think so.

Yes, looks to be heavy, but it's rated 4 seasons. Your needs are indeed challenging: mostly 1P with occasional 1.5-2P. The Durston looks great for this application @ 985g. The TT Double Rainbow LI @ 818g may also work. It's a clever semi-free standing design with trekking poles acting as horizontal support. I have a 1P Rainbow and have used it from desert to alpine conditions where fully staking is not practical.

Tarptent Double Rainbow in Dynema. I’ve done Durston and Zpacks. If you’re tired of restaking look into this. 4 corners, once and done.

Tarptent double rainbow li

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...

Tarptent Double Rainbow. Light, quite durable, and extremely easy to setup alone (1 pole, 6 stakes, comes up as one unit since it is single wall). If you bring an extra stake, 2 guylines, and 2 trekking poles, you can open up one of the vestibules as a covered porch. She can also just get a single version of the Rainbow. There is so much floor space, she can keep the pack inside even the single model. As far as waterproofness, I use one in PNW and have gone through windy rainstorms while remaining comfortably dry and without condensation issues.

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.

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

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.

I had a double rainbow for a few years. It's very good in heavy wind as d rain and sheds snow well, so it's pretty good in a few inches. I wouldn't use it as a true 3-season but it's very strong. Also, you can use trekking poles at either end to make it mostly freestanding!

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 😂

yeah, I have a double rainbow and quite like it it's 10 oz heavier, but you can sit up in it and have your bags inside with you which is, imo, merely _nicer_. the vestibules are great for boots and airflow. I dunno, they all seem thoughtfully designed

It is freestanding with trekking poles at head and foot end. I’m 6’4” and it did great on the AT

So hear me out.. i know you said 2 person, but since you mentioned dog, aswell i recommend Tarptent cloud burst 3.  The Wall at the head and foot are straight up . No way the walls can hit your face or feet. I use it as my 2p tent when the wife is camping with me.  And I use the double rainbow for solo missions

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.

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.

What is your main drive for a 1p tent? If it is mainly due to weight savings, I’d urge you to rethink and go with a 2p for a minor increase in weight. If it is mainly because you’re going to be backpacking in areas that have minimal space and you’re worried you can’t fit a 2p, then maybe go with the 1p, but even still a 2p will likely be fine. This is coming from a guy that had the Tarptent Notch Li, then changed to Double Rainbow, then to Stratospire. 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.

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.

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.

Tarptent double rainbow is my perfect tent. Not flashy but just everything I need and nothing I don't.

It's as bombproof as a lightweight tent could be. It's a dome and it's a tried and true design. Very good in all but snow. The mids are better in snow I guess but I haven't tried it personally.

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.

Double Rainbow from tarptent. Use the aluminum poles for it vs carbon for small weight penalty but more assurance b

Tarptent Super light tents, good value. I’ve been happy with mine. I have a double rainbow and a single person. The single person uses trekking poles to setup.  I’d probably stick with free-standing if I buy a new one. Just out of convenience. 

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

If semi freestanding is okay, then the Tarptent Double Rainbow series (regular, double wall, li) are reasonably priced, pretty light, and very spacious. It's very easy to setup and can be made fully freestanding with a set of trekking poles. 

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.

> can be made fully freestanding with a set of trekking poles.  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 poles only required for free standing, not required for general use. Trekking pole tip extenders can extend trekking poles as short as 51 in / 130 cm.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.