Double Rainbow Li

I currently have 5 different 1P tents - the Rainbow Li is my favorite all-arounder. For whatever reason, I find it handles condensation far better than any other single wall 1P tent I own or have owned. You already own it - I wouldn't overthink this.

Since you want a double wall, I can suggest the Nemo Hornet 3P. Lighter and roomier than the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2P (which my wife and I also have). Available from Amazon so you can use your $200 card. Another great tent is the TarpTent Rainbow 2P Double Wall. None however are UL.

Idk but I can say Tarptent design and build quality are second to none. I have Rainbow Li. Not lightest but that ridge pole makes it really spacious.

Which Tarptent? I just got the Rainbow Li and at 6’4” I feel cramped, tho I am spoiled with using a 2 man (double rainbow) on all my backpacking trips. Considering returning it to buy the dipole 2 li

I'm 6'4" and just got the single Rainbow Li. I dont see myself needing the extra room of a two-man. And I am bringing an Adotec bag so wont be sleeping with my food. The PCT is so dry I don't see myself spending much time in the tent anyway, or any frequent condensation issues.

Check out the Tarptent Rainbow or Double Rainbow. I’ve heard of people using the single with a dog. But you’d need the double for another person.

The xmid 2 is ~9oz lighter and is more affordable like you said. I would look at getting the single wall DR, it’s the same price as the xmid 2 and only 6oz heavier. What you get is more versatility due to the freestanding option. Along with better site selection due to the smaller footprint of the DR (the Xmid 1 has a nearly the same footprint as the DR). Also more internal volume due to the arch pole. The fly is 20D and the floor is 30D compared to the 15D for both for the Xmid, so should be more durable. Both tents are loved so can’t go wrong. I love my double rainbow tho. Just bought the single rainbow Li got my upcoming pct hike. Also, they are great for tall people, so smaller people it should feel like a palace.

Take a good look at the X-Dome. I’ve owned a Double Rainbow Li. Sold it and bought a X-Mid Pro 2. Both are great tents but after enduring a few long rainy nights decided to try a double wall tent. Both tents ventilate well, but still experienced some condensation build up. I also missed the option of having a mesh enclosure on warm buggy nights. Bought the X-Dome and I’m pleased. I also bikepack it works great for this purpose too. I haven’t owned a freestanding tent in years and it’s nice to have the flexibility they offer.

100%. In the past I used BA copper spur and Nemo Hornet, both good tents. But I absolutely love my Tarptent Double Rainbow Li. Super light, super stable, lots of room. I typically do 5-7 day trips, and my buddy has a Zpacks duplex, which is pretty nice too. But he and I agree that the Tarptent is a little nicer overall.

Tarptent DR LI is great but for 2 people + gear it’s a bit cozy. I’d look at 3 person tents - ZPacks Triplex, HMG Ultamid, and I think Tarptent has some 3 person tents too. https://preview.redd.it/70ryh7hoa8jf1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b3eb6fca572dee4e6610c40b05fc5a63e3423ca

All of the ultralight tents especially dcf ones are expensive. I’ve got ones by Durston (XMid Pro 2), Hyperlite (Ultamid 4), and Tarptent (DR LI). I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of them but personally my favorite is probably the Ultamid but the DR LI is a close second. I feel like the Ultamid is bomb proof - with plenty of living space. But the DR LI has great headspace and smaller footprint. I found the XMid to be fiddly to setup compared to the other two but great space in the vestibule. For me it was worth the price … but I managed to find deals on all 3. And Tarptent has great customer service (had to have my DR LI) patched after a tree fell and put a hole in it. https://preview.redd.it/7roxru6cb8gf1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=da37b103129e341f6977062c940e8cc7fb893cf2

You can add your trekking poles under the cross pole of the rainbow to make it sturdier in higher winds. I’m not sure tarptent advertise it, but it definitely helps!