I purchased my Double Rainbow for my 2007 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I stayed in it every night on the trail, except when required to be in one of the shelters (some of the Great Smokies and the White Mountains). The DR performed flawlessly. Kept me comfortable, always dry, and I had enough room to explode my pack every night, with the added benefit of such a very light tent. As an "ultra-lighter" the DR is my only luxury. TarpTents is a stellar brand. 👌👍
Sorry it took me so long to respond. Well, you have more time with it than me, but I seriously think, besides the weight, the DR is almost a perfect tent. The dcf version was high on my list, but the cost is just too much.
Best review of this tent I've seen. I purchased this tent earlier this year and love it. This is my second TarpTent, the first being the MoTrail which went with me on AT 2018 and remains in great shape. I live in New Mexico and find the Double Rainbow works great out here. Not only does the free standing feature come in handy but the optional liner is a brilliant feature that helps to moderate the temperature inside by providing greater warmth in the cold weather and keeping it cooler from the intense sun out here during daylight.
Glad I came across your channel. I have been looking at the Double Rainbow and the Big Agnes sleeping pad for some upcoming warm weather hiking trips. I never seem to sleep well on 2.5 inch thick pads. Thanks for the solid info.
I have the Rainbow, been using it sense 2011 it's still looks & works great. Now I want more space, so I believe I will be buying the Double Rainbow! Great video by the way...
The top strut is removable in the older models. You just undo a bit of Velcro and it slips out of the fabric sheath. I used one of these for a 2 month unsupported kayaking trip and it was awesome!
Great review man thank you, does it have any air flow issues in hotter weather?? And if you have used it in the winter does it close up well to keep in warmth? Thanks again
One thing I love about the Double Rainbow is you can open it aay up and get plenty of airflow. During high winds (something I camp in often in West Texas), it is possible to close the tent up and cinch the floor ends up and it blocks a good amount of wind. But air will still flow into the tent somewhat. Which is still not bad because it helps with condensation. The only time I've had bad condensation problems in the DR, I was literally camping in the clouds.
Thanks for the detailed review! You're really selling this one to me. Two questions: (#1) How is the condensation? From what I've heard, the single-wall roof can be problematic in this regard. And I don't really want to carry the liner that they make for the roof of the Double Rainbow. For this reason, I'm also considering the Tarptent Stratospire 2, but I like that the Double Rainbow doesn't require trekking poles. #2: How is the Double Rainbow headroom? This is the other reason I'm considering the Stratospire 2.
So I've never had the Stratospire, but I will say I specifically went with the Double Rainbow originally because I've had the condensation and headroom problems with a couple of the tarptents I've had in the past. I usually sleep with the doors at least partially open and have never had any condensation; even while camped next to a river. Also, I can sit up in this tent. And it's long enough that my face doesn't have to be right up against a side. The wider top strut and slightly more vertical side walls really seem to open this tent up compared to the last version. So for me personally, neither of those are an issue with the double rainbow. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the review. I have the earlier version of the Double Rainbow w/the carbon fiber poll, and liner. It's good to see the changes in the tent. I'm not sure if I will upgrade to the 2019 version as Double Rainbow I have has seen very little use, only because of my schedule.
I totally understand the schedule problems. I am running into less and less time to get away backpacking also. The double rainbow is a great tent. Even the previous version. Wish they still offered that carbon fiber pole you have.
@@CameronHall88 Regarding the carbon pole, we would very much like to offer a carbon pole option but we need to find a more durable option. Carbon poles we have seen, and one we offered for years, proved nowhere near as durable as the Easton aluminum pole we have always offered. For a two ounce difference, we think the much lower cost and much greater durability is the best thing we can offer.
@@tarptent thanks for the reply. For what its worth, I probably would still buy the carbon pole. But the aluminum pole is fine. And its not heavy by any means. Thanks again.
The mesh is only about 6" high on the ends. But it does connect to the silnylon (tarp) section of the tent. It is 100%fully enclosed/but proof. So on the ends there is only a single layer of material (silnylon) between you and the outside. Where as on the sides the is a layer of bug netting and then a layer of silnylon between you and the outside (double wall). Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for a great review. Currently trying to decide whether to get this, the StratoSpire 2 or the Lightheart Gear Duo. Do both vestibules open into porch mode or just the one side?
Good review. I’m 6’5”. I think the double rainbow would be long enough for me as a solo tent. My concern (which I experienced with the zpacks duplex) is the “floating” bathtub floor. If it’s not completely level (and/or if my feet push against the end), will the bathtub floor come out from underneath the tarp and let moisture (dew or rain) in. Even with the clips I had this issue with the duplex. Do you think the double rainbow is going to be the same?
First off, thanks for watching. I know you'll fit lengthwise in the Double Rainbow. I'm 6' and have plenty of extra space at my head and feet. I'm trying to imagine exactly the issue with the floor. I wouldn't think that it's possible to push the bathtub floor past the coverage of the outer part of the tarp section. I am using my Double Rainbow on Sunday. If you're interested, I'll test that out and get back with you for sure on Monday.
I didnt end up getting to go on that trip because my son got sick. Had to stay home with him. But I did set my Double Rainbow up in the back yard. I don't think the floor can get unintentionally pushed out from under the tarp and get wet. You should be alright if you decide to go with the tarptent.
How tall are you? I've been considering this tent and the stratospire 2 for use with my girlfriend. Having a hard time making up my mind because I'm 6'4 and about 220. She's much smaller, but I have a hard time with my feet hitting footboxes and my head grazing the top.
I'm 6'. If you use a normal size mat and sleeping bag, I think youd fit just fine. But if you used on of the mats that is 4+ inches think and a really thick bag, you might touch. I know I have a lot of room for all my stuff down by my feet when laying down.
@@CameronHall88 Thanks for the response. I use a NeoAir Xlite L -- so it is a little longer/wider than a standard. I use an EE Revelation Quilt. it's 6'6 so that I can pull it over my head when it's particularly frigid out. Generally, I leave the footbox open because I sleep so hot.
Thanks for this review. I’m debating between this & a bit heavier tent. Not having experience, this may be a silly question, but are the top & bottom completely open where bugs & small critters could get into the tent? I see the mesh net on front & back vestibule sides.
The tent is completely sealed to outside bugs. The mesh attaches to the single wall roof of the tent. (Whereas most tents you may be used to have a complete bugnet with a rainfly over the top.) So you are saving weight by cutting out a lot of bugnetting while still being completely sealed.
They way you can clip the floor up helps block most wind from the end. There will still be some draft. But you'll want the ventilation either way. It held up to 70 mph winds several times for me in the Guadalupe Mountains.
I had this tent for about 2 years and I just gotta say it is a condensation nightmare. Especially in the rain... if it is raining hard it will knock the condensation onto you. My last rainy backpacking trip forced me to out this tent on the shelf. Not for me unfortunately.
How did you leave your doors setup at night? I haven't had bad condensation issues (yet). I have had really bad condensation in the Squall 2. I dont think it got good airflow at all.
You are correct. You would still have to stake out the doors for rain protection. If it's nice out, just roll them back and you'd be stake free. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for great review, really appreciate it. Just minor suggestions for next time: would be better to choose less noisy place and also capturing some of you inside (and getting in/out) of tent would give us little bit better idea about size. I am currently choosing between this and Gossamer Gear The two which should be about same inside size and even little bit lighter but is missing the porch mode which looks to me impressive.
@@lionkill666 i boiled water under the vestibule in bad weather just the other day. Its a tight fit but I was careful to hold the material away from the stove. If it was in porch mode I think you'd have no problem cooking on a small backpacking stove.
Great review! I'm currently deciding on a tent for a 2019 AT thru hike. I have narrowed it down to 3 tents I'm still considering. 1. The double rainbow 2. The Six Moons lunar solo 3. The Big Agnes fly creek UL2 Do you know anything about the other 2 tents? Which one would you suggest?
Sorry I honestly dont know much about the other two tents. I do know that i personally much prefer the doors on the sides of the tent as opposed to one on the head end. The several options for door setup and rain protection that the double rainbow gives you might be a good choice for the AT. Good luck on your search!
I choose the double rainbow over the big agnes because when you set up the big agnes in the rain the inside of the tent gets wet until you get the fly attached. With this tent you can set it up in the rain and keep the inside relatively dry. Good luck on your thru hike
Also, two big deciders for me for the TT over the BA were that 1. the floor and body both use 30d material in the TT versus 15d in the BA and 2. TT is sewn in USA and the BA is made in China. The 30d floor may do away with the 7oz BA ground cover or at least allow for just using a cheaper lightweight poly or tyvek cover. For a fair comparison BA should include the ground cover weight and price since their 15d material is useless for a floor IMO.
I think they actually quit offering them as an option for a while. Probably because of that reason. I never had a problem with mine. But they are probably less durable.
I purchased my Double Rainbow for my 2007 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I stayed in it every night on the trail, except when required to be in one of the shelters (some of the Great Smokies and the White Mountains). The DR performed flawlessly. Kept me comfortable, always dry, and I had enough room to explode my pack every night, with the added benefit of such a very light tent. As an "ultra-lighter" the DR is my only luxury. TarpTents is a stellar brand. 👌👍
Sorry it took me so long to respond. Well, you have more time with it than me, but I seriously think, besides the weight, the DR is almost a perfect tent. The dcf version was high on my list, but the cost is just too much.
Best review of this tent I've seen. I purchased this tent earlier this year and love it. This is my second TarpTent, the first being the MoTrail which went with me on AT 2018 and remains in great shape. I live in New Mexico and find the Double Rainbow works great out here. Not only does the free standing feature come in handy but the optional liner is a brilliant feature that helps to moderate the temperature inside by providing greater warmth in the cold weather and keeping it cooler from the intense sun out here during daylight.
i know I am quite randomly asking but do anybody know of a good place to stream newly released tv shows online ?
@Barrett Jamie meh lately I've been using flixportal. You can find it on google:D -micah
@Micah Anakin Thank you, I went there and it seems like a nice service :D Appreciate it!
@Barrett Jamie You are welcome :D
You are one of the more capable tent reviewers on youtube. Keep up the videos!
Thanks a lot. And thanks for watching.
Glad I came across your channel. I have been looking at the Double Rainbow and the Big Agnes sleeping pad for some upcoming warm weather hiking trips. I never seem to sleep well on 2.5 inch thick pads. Thanks for the solid info.
Looks like we have similar taste! I've really enjoyed both pieces of gear. Glad you found some useful information. Thanks for watching.
I have the Rainbow, been using it sense 2011 it's still looks & works great. Now I want more space, so I believe I will be buying the Double Rainbow! Great video by the way...
Thats awesome. Its an awesome design. I'd live to check out the newer Cuben Fiber version. Thanks a lot for watching.
The top strut is removable in the older models.
You just undo a bit of Velcro and it slips out of the fabric sheath. I used one of these for a 2 month unsupported kayaking trip and it was awesome!
Thank for the overview. I am currently in the market for a tent, this helps. Thx again Vic.
The double rainbow would be a good choice. Good luck in your search. Thanks for watching, Victor.
Great review man thank you, does it have any air flow issues in hotter weather?? And if you have used it in the winter does it close up well to keep in warmth? Thanks again
One thing I love about the Double Rainbow is you can open it aay up and get plenty of airflow.
During high winds (something I camp in often in West Texas), it is possible to close the tent up and cinch the floor ends up and it blocks a good amount of wind. But air will still flow into the tent somewhat. Which is still not bad because it helps with condensation.
The only time I've had bad condensation problems in the DR, I was literally camping in the clouds.
great review! I learned about everything I needed to know
Thanks for watching Jon. Glad it helped out. Still my favorite tent.
Thanks for the detailed review! You're really selling this one to me. Two questions: (#1) How is the condensation? From what I've heard, the single-wall roof can be problematic in this regard. And I don't really want to carry the liner that they make for the roof of the Double Rainbow. For this reason, I'm also considering the Tarptent Stratospire 2, but I like that the Double Rainbow doesn't require trekking poles.
#2: How is the Double Rainbow headroom? This is the other reason I'm considering the Stratospire 2.
So I've never had the Stratospire, but I will say I specifically went with the Double Rainbow originally because I've had the condensation and headroom problems with a couple of the tarptents I've had in the past.
I usually sleep with the doors at least partially open and have never had any condensation; even while camped next to a river. Also, I can sit up in this tent. And it's long enough that my face doesn't have to be right up against a side. The wider top strut and slightly more vertical side walls really seem to open this tent up compared to the last version.
So for me personally, neither of those are an issue with the double rainbow. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the review. I have the earlier version of the Double Rainbow w/the carbon fiber poll, and liner. It's good to see the changes in the tent. I'm not sure if I will upgrade to the 2019 version as Double Rainbow I have has seen very little use, only because of my schedule.
I totally understand the schedule problems. I am running into less and less time to get away backpacking also.
The double rainbow is a great tent. Even the previous version. Wish they still offered that carbon fiber pole you have.
@@CameronHall88 Regarding the carbon pole, we would very much like to offer a carbon pole option but we need to find a more durable option. Carbon poles we have seen, and one we offered for years, proved nowhere near as durable as the Easton aluminum pole we have always offered. For a two ounce difference, we think the much lower cost and much greater durability is the best thing we can offer.
@@tarptent thanks for the reply. For what its worth, I probably would still buy the carbon pole. But the aluminum pole is fine. And its not heavy by any means. Thanks again.
Excellent review! What size zippers are used? #3 or the more durable #5?
Very thorough, thanks. Can you clarify that at your head and feet, there is no mesh? So, the inside is not a completely enclosed “bug proof” area?
The mesh is only about 6" high on the ends. But it does connect to the silnylon (tarp) section of the tent. It is 100%fully enclosed/but proof.
So on the ends there is only a single layer of material (silnylon) between you and the outside. Where as on the sides the is a layer of bug netting and then a layer of silnylon between you and the outside (double wall).
Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for a great review. Currently trying to decide whether to get this, the StratoSpire 2 or the Lightheart Gear Duo. Do both vestibules open into porch mode or just the one side?
Both sides open. So you'll have great ventilation even in light to medium rain.
Good review. I’m 6’5”. I think the double rainbow would be long enough for me as a solo tent. My concern (which I experienced with the zpacks duplex) is the “floating” bathtub floor. If it’s not completely level (and/or if my feet push against the end), will the bathtub floor come out from underneath the tarp and let moisture (dew or rain) in. Even with the clips I had this issue with the duplex. Do you think the double rainbow is going to be the same?
First off, thanks for watching.
I know you'll fit lengthwise in the Double Rainbow. I'm 6' and have plenty of extra space at my head and feet. I'm trying to imagine exactly the issue with the floor. I wouldn't think that it's possible to push the bathtub floor past the coverage of the outer part of the tarp section. I am using my Double Rainbow on Sunday. If you're interested, I'll test that out and get back with you for sure on Monday.
Thanks. Let me know. Have a good outing.
I didnt end up getting to go on that trip because my son got sick. Had to stay home with him. But I did set my Double Rainbow up in the back yard. I don't think the floor can get unintentionally pushed out from under the tarp and get wet. You should be alright if you decide to go with the tarptent.
How tall are you? I've been considering this tent and the stratospire 2 for use with my girlfriend. Having a hard time making up my mind because I'm 6'4 and about 220. She's much smaller, but I have a hard time with my feet hitting footboxes and my head grazing the top.
I'm 6'. If you use a normal size mat and sleeping bag, I think youd fit just fine. But if you used on of the mats that is 4+ inches think and a really thick bag, you might touch. I know I have a lot of room for all my stuff down by my feet when laying down.
@@CameronHall88 Thanks for the response. I use a NeoAir Xlite L -- so it is a little longer/wider than a standard. I use an EE Revelation Quilt. it's 6'6 so that I can pull it over my head when it's particularly frigid out. Generally, I leave the footbox open because I sleep so hot.
excellent review
Thank you! Thanks for watching.
Great review...thanks.
Thanks for watching. Glad it helped. I appreciate the comment.
Thanks for this review. I’m debating between this & a bit heavier tent. Not having experience, this may be a silly question, but are the top & bottom completely open where bugs & small critters could get into the tent? I see the mesh net on front & back vestibule sides.
The tent is completely sealed to outside bugs. The mesh attaches to the single wall roof of the tent. (Whereas most tents you may be used to have a complete bugnet with a rainfly over the top.) So you are saving weight by cutting out a lot of bugnetting while still being completely sealed.
Great review..
Thanks Paul. Thanks for watching.
Would this be too much ventilation for snowy mountain tops?
They way you can clip the floor up helps block most wind from the end. There will still be some draft. But you'll want the ventilation either way. It held up to 70 mph winds several times for me in the Guadalupe Mountains.
I had this tent for about 2 years and I just gotta say it is a condensation nightmare. Especially in the rain... if it is raining hard it will knock the condensation onto you. My last rainy backpacking trip forced me to out this tent on the shelf. Not for me unfortunately.
How did you leave your doors setup at night? I haven't had bad condensation issues (yet).
I have had really bad condensation in the Squall 2. I dont think it got good airflow at all.
Did you have the vestibules closed up? If you had opened both of them up in the rain you shouldn’t have had condensation?
Great review, thank you. I just got one question.
What about the doors in free standing mode?
Looks like you still have to stake it out.
You are correct. You would still have to stake out the doors for rain protection. If it's nice out, just roll them back and you'd be stake free.
Thanks for watching.
Thanks for great review, really appreciate it. Just minor suggestions for next time: would be better to choose less noisy place and also capturing some of you inside (and getting in/out) of tent would give us little bit better idea about size. I am currently choosing between this and Gossamer Gear The two which should be about same inside size and even little bit lighter but is missing the porch mode which looks to me impressive.
The porch mode is one of the most appealing features of the double rainbow. The extra features of this tent, I think makes up for its heavier weight.
@@CameronHall88 Could you cook under the porch if you had to?
@@lionkill666 i boiled water under the vestibule in bad weather just the other day. Its a tight fit but I was careful to hold the material away from the stove. If it was in porch mode I think you'd have no problem cooking on a small backpacking stove.
Great review! I'm currently deciding on a tent for a 2019 AT thru hike. I have narrowed it down to 3 tents I'm still considering.
1. The double rainbow
2. The Six Moons lunar solo
3. The Big Agnes fly creek UL2
Do you know anything about the other 2 tents? Which one would you suggest?
Sorry I honestly dont know much about the other two tents. I do know that i personally much prefer the doors on the sides of the tent as opposed to one on the head end. The several options for door setup and rain protection that the double rainbow gives you might be a good choice for the AT.
Good luck on your search!
I choose the double rainbow over the big agnes because when you set up the big agnes in the rain the inside of the tent gets wet until you get the fly attached. With this tent you can set it up in the rain and keep the inside relatively dry. Good luck on your thru hike
This is a very helpful detail!! I’m looking for a 2020 AT tent!!
Also, two big deciders for me for the TT over the BA were that 1. the floor and body both use 30d material in the TT versus 15d in the BA and 2. TT is sewn in USA and the BA is made in China. The 30d floor may do away with the 7oz BA ground cover or at least allow for just using a cheaper lightweight poly or tyvek cover. For a fair comparison BA should include the ground cover weight and price since their 15d material is useless for a floor IMO.
Did it come seamsealed?
You can order it that way for extra if you want. I seam sealed this tent myself.
Ultralight Outdoors thank you Sir
carbon pole is not flexible... it is hard and light, but easy break.... i broke one...
I think they actually quit offering them as an option for a while. Probably because of that reason. I never had a problem with mine. But they are probably less durable.
Do the action while you're talking... please!
I'll keep it in mind.
@@CameronHall88 you did good job on the video!
@@NMdesertracer thanks a lot. I appreciate it. And thanks for watching.
Great review... Would love if the entire side was one big door. I have the BD hilight and two people being able to sit side by side is nice.
That would be really nice!