Help selecting a single wall shelter for 2

When are you going? and What are you doing?
I assume backpacking?

We will be up that way this summer. I was talking with my sister, who lives 2 hours from Glacier and she said it closed last August when they got a freak 9' snow storm? You MT people can confirm that?

Anyway, my question is what do you want the tent to handle. There are a few tents that are fairly strong… I am still using a SD Lightning (my scale 71.4oz with all the fixins), though I am planning on Rainshadow 2 purchase soon.
There are a few others, let me check a BP article I was just looking at…

From what I hear, the Rainshadow 2 is a great tent, but I do not have it yet and am not sure how it would handle snow… I did like the fact it had extra space for not much more weight (to me!).
– Jake

You mentioned that full bug protection is necessary, and that you're hiking in the eastern US. If you encounter a lot of hot, humid nights, and aren't absolutely ruling out a double wall shelter, you might want to look at Big Agnes' Seedhouse 2SL or 3SL. They have full mesh inners, which maximizes ventilation; they're lighter than comparable tents (for example, the MSR Hubba series), but heavier than the single wall tents you're looking at.

I have experience with the Seedhouse SL1, and some limited experience with the single Rainbow. At least for now, I'm carrying the SL1 despite the fact that it weighs half a pound more than the Rainbow; I really like the versatility of pitching the SL1 with or without the fly. Being surrounded only by mesh is a godsend on hot, humid, buggy nights. The Rainbow is a very roomy solo tent (can't speak to roominess for two in the Double Rainbow), but it also seems to be a little hotter on a hot night. Haven't had any significant problems with condensation yet (no worse than in the SL1 with the fly on and vestibule rolled open), but I really don't have any experience with it at temperature/humidity extremes.

The SL1 isn't fully freestanding; the foot end doesn't spread open by itself. However, this can be solved in the same way the Rainbow becomes freestanding: I simply remove the wooden handle from my Sierra hiking staff, to expose the camera mount. I insert the mount in one of the tent grommets, and the carbide tip in the other grommet, extend the staff to the proper length and voila! – freestanding SL1.

Just a thought. The SL1 was light enough, comfortable enough, and versatile enough that it made me pretty much give up using a tarp and bivy, and it's made me approach single-wall tents slowly and skeptically.

Mr. Horton,
There was a pretty popular thread discussing the Duo versus the DR. Probably answer a lot of your questions.
I am 6’2.5” and own the DR. It is a snug fit for people our height, but you will still fit in it. In my opinion, this tent is stellar. Easy to set up and freestanding. I use it with my girlfriend in the summer and solo in the winter. I don’t like telling people that this tent is stable or good for bad weather because everyone sets up differently and in different locations. I pride myself on site location and grab my DR for any and all weather here in Ontario. Sometimes these protected sites have less then desirable ground (ie. rock, frozen soil), which is why the freestanding issue is so important and useful to me. A non freestanding tent would be out of the question for me.

2 doors, 2 vestibules, Headroom, freestanding, awesome ventilation….it sold me 

Jake: We'll be going to Glacier in August. We haven't picked the exact date yet, but we're planning on a 7 day backpack. Hopefully we won't get 9' of snow! The research I've done on weather conditions makes me think that must be pretty rare.

The Rainshadow 2 is a 3 man tent, so it's unlikely that I'd go with that one. I've read a lot of reviews here so far, but not all…so if you find any of the ones you were looking for, do let me know.

In general, I wouldn't be using these tents for anything too out of the ordinary. Usual wear and tear for three season use I'd suspect. My concerns regarding stability are mostly due to the fact that I have some long trips planned and don't want to get stuck in a big storm that wasn't in the forecast a few days into a week long trip only to find that the Luno Duo or Squall 2 can't handle it.

Glenn: I've given a fair bit of thought to the condensation issues, esecially related to humid conditions here in the NE. I guess I'm not certain how bad it might be, but I've kind of resigned myself to dealing with some condensation. It seems manageable, especially with practice and proper technique. After all, people thru hike the AT with these things, right?

That said, I haven't ruled out any option. I'll looking into the SL2.

Steven: Yeah, I saw that thread. It was pretty informative, but nobody got into much detail about having trouble with wind stability.

Thanks for your thoughts on the DR. Interesting to note that you really value the free standing design. Most people in the above mentioned thread seemed to have more or less regarded it as not being very useful.

Thanks to all of you for the replies.

The review was from a Backpacking in October of 2005 (I am a bit behind in my reading!). The rough data:
SL2 4.1 (of 5), REI Quarter Done UL 3.9, Golite Eisenhower Tunnel (3.1), Rainshadow (not Rainbow) 3. The last 2 are single wall.

First off, I think they are a bit "wacky on the sauce", so I do not agree with their… The criteria was 3 season, 2+, < $300, <4lbs.

They were concerned able the lack of vestibules in the RainShadow – WHICH is one reasons we are planning (outside of a toddler & dog) on getting a Rainbow2… so we have plenty of room… in the event of rain (which seems to follow us on many trips), bugs, etc… I would plan to take it on any trips with just my wife and I as well.

They said the SL2 was cramped for 6+ footers, vest space is tight, some condensation… and has steep walls, so you loose some head room… So why this got a 4.1 I am not sure…

The REI – over 6-2 is an issue, tight headroom… If I was getting a 2 wall, I would look at this one at 3-12. Although, I wonder the actual weight with guy lines/stakes. It is probably about what the SD Lightning is… BUT it does have 2 doors…

–> Not sure if that is any value?

Steve's Comments: regarding telling someone what will work or not… I did not mean to imply that if you said "18" of snow and 4.6" of rain" then tent xyz would be the perfect fit… Since you did not spell out what you were doing initially, I asked the questions to get some ideas… a 2 day BP, vs car camping, vs 30 day BP + various conditions… are different animals… IMO…
Clearly some of the folks here who have 200 million trips in are very good at choosing a spot even with a tarp and could survive a snowstorm with a hefty bag and walk out smiling! My point was only that depending on forecasts of weather, bugs, preferences, habits, etc., that may rule in or out certain tents… but there are still piles of options.. The tent owner still needs to know how to pitch them, where to do it, and how to maintain them in adverse conditions…

There are some decent Rainshadow2 reviews here as well…
– Jake

Sorry folks – brain dead… I meant to say
"They were concerned able the lack of vestibules in the RainShadow – WHICH is one reasons we are planning (outside of a toddler & dog) on getting a RainSHADOW2 (not rainbow2)."
– Jake

I have replied to two separate recent threads discussing these shelters, so check out those threads for some details on what I think about both shelters. I own a DR and a Squall (the original one).

To specifically answer your questions:
1. I know that cooking under the beak of the original Squall would be pretty tough in my opinion due to space. I can't remember how much lower the beak on the Squall 2 goes (my main hiking bud uses a Squall 2), but I think it has a larger area underneath (due to the horizontal pole piece at the peak) that may be suitable to cook in. In general though, the Squall has a fairly small "sweet spot" in which one can sit up straight. Unless you are pitched on a perfectly flat site this narrow sweet spot can be difficult to sit in for any period of time, and thus sitting there to cook may be quite irritating.
2. Can't answer this one as I have no experience with this tent.
3. First I would like to comment on your "con". That is not an entirely true statement. There is a significant difference in the amount of head room between the Squall and DR. I am 6'5" and can sit up straight in the DR almost out to either end of the tent. The monopole coupled with the straight pole piece at the peak makes for a large area of head room inside the tent. For two people this tent would be much more comfortable to hang out in. It is a little on the narrow side, but if you are mainly hiking with your girlfriend then I would presume you don't mind being close to her. Obviously since I don't have any experience with the Lunar Duo I can't comment on the differences between the two in wind. I primarily hike in the SE, and I usually camp in wooded areas. So I have never used the DR in an exposed area in high wind. From the little bit of experience I do have with wind in it, it seems to handle it fairly well. The only issue that arises is that the ventilation is so good, that depending on the temperature a stiff wind blowing through the tent may be quite uncomfortable.

I sort of addressed your general question in #3 above, but in general either the Squall or DR will have ample length for you. Someone else that was 6'-2"ish mentioned the DR was tight, and I am not sure why. I can lay down in either one and have about 1/2 foot beyond my head and my feet where I will not be hitting either end of the tent. Plus the Squall 2 has bug netting at the foot end where the tent actually extends out beyond that. So even if you hit the bug netting there shouldn't be any condensation on it.

Yeah, I found the free-standing nature of the DR to be of no use and chopped it off! However, if wind is a concern keep in mind that you can custom order the DR with extra stuff to help in high winds. We have the added cross strut grommets to insert trekking poles, ridgeline tie outs on both the long pole as well as the cross strut, and toggles to close off the vents. When fully staked (8 stakes?) this is pretty bombproof in our experience.

Most off all though, don't forget about the porch option on the DR. These add soooo much functional living and cooking space (especially if you both use trekking poles) that I wouldn't own another tent without them. As I mentioned in that other thread, I loved the porches so much that I added one to my Lunar Solo.

I have no experience with the other tents being discussed.

Jake: thanks for rounding up those reviews. Good to know that the SL2 is a little on the short side for me. Overall, the info kind of reinforces my opinion of the single wall shelters: they seem to be the way to go.

Matthew: Yeah, I think I've read all of your posts. Good stuff. Thanks for sharing your experience withthe DR. The info on the Squall's beak is useful too. I guess you just go ungry until it stops raining. ;)

You raise some good points here about the roominess of the DR too. Thanks for the heads up on the wind chill issue too. I often wonder if a simple bivy (maybe the Oware Quantum top/sil nylon bottom) might be a solution? I'd often be bringing one for 3 season use anyway, in case I could find an available shelter in the 'Dacks.

Allison: That info on the extra add ons that enhance the DR's wind stability is really useful. Certainly has me thinking. And the porch does look pretty snazy.

Overall, this thread has me thinking hard about the DR. Funny to think I'd have pssed it over for the Squall or Lunar Duo had I not posted here.

I really like the Lunar Duo, just on spec, but I have this paranoid feeling that it'll collapse on me in the middle of Glacier, miles and miles from anywhere in the middle of a storm. Probably totally unfounded and due to my lack of experience with this kind of tent, but still an influence on me…

"I really like the Lunar Duo, just on spec, but I have this paranoid feeling that it'll collapse on me in the middle of Glacier, miles and miles from anywhere in the middle of a storm. Probably totally unfounded and due to my lack of experience with this kind of tent, but still an influence on me…"

David, I have the lunar duo and it has been through some mighty stiff winds on mountaintops and it performed beautifully. If you have any concerns you might call or email Ron @ SMD and I'm sure he'll answer your questions and concerns.

Jake, that comment wasn't directed at your post, it was just a disclaimer on 'my' comments as I know the DR might not work for everyone. Heck, I use mine in the dead of winter, and there are people here who would swear it isn't a winter tent. But it is! :)

"Someone else that was 6'-2"ish mentioned the DR was tight"

Ahh, the definition of these terms can be quite broad – But Matthew is correct, when I sleep on my DM7, with a WM Versalite, I do not touch the walls. Plus, there is an option to unclip the bathtub floor which buys you more length. I apologize for my "snug" comment.

And since we're all on the same DR team here. pic of mine last week.

I have a Lunar Duo, and am 6'3 and I absolutely love it. I even use it when I solo even though I bought it as a two person, one dog tent. I don't think you'd be disappointed. I haven't had it in high winds but moderate winds have proven to be no problem. It is very spacious

David, if I lived in the US, I would get both the DR AND the Lunar Duo. Set them both up and decide for yourself which one fits your needs best, then return the other tent. Henry and Ron would probably be OK with this, as they really DO want you to have a tent your happy with. I don't know how much the postage is, but may be worth it just so you don't end up thinking "I wonder if I should have got the other tent?"

Good idea, Allison.

I agree, great idea Allison.

In the end, wonder if it doesn't come down to hair splitting. All three tents look great and would probably get the job done well.

My wife and I use the DR and love it. it is not a ton of room for 2, but if it is your significant other then you don't mind being close. the built in porch is AWESOME in cooler weather where breakfast could be made from bed. I went with the DR because of simple design and it really got great reviews here. I am glad I did.

Tommy

I say buy em all and use 1 each week… :)

Or maybe take 3 weeks and do three 7 day trips in glacier testing each tent and writing a review of each!!

:)
– Jake

"guess you just go ungry until it stops raining. ;)"

My hiking bud and I share a few items so that one of us can carry a tarp for cooking, hanging out, etc. It rains a good bit here in the SE (except for recently), so it is worth the weight. Makes it much easier for those morning showers where one has to pack up in the rain too.

"In the end, wonder if it doesn't come down to hair splitting. All three tents look great and would probably get the job done well."

I think you're right here. I like the Tarptents only because my first lightweight tent was the Squall. I am now kinda brand loyal due to Henry's awesome customer service. I am sure from what I have read that Ron is just as pleasurable to deal with.

All great tents I'm sure. When we use the DR with 2 people, we sleep top-and-tail (Heads at opposite ends of the tent). This creates a lot more sleeping space, especially if we both have our 24" wide DAMs :) I also added a couple of tie-outs to the floor so it can be staked out to it's fullest width. No space shortage in our DR.

BTW David,
We were hiking in Glacier last August and I don't recall any snow where we were. Bowman Lake area

Do you all know if you can setup the Porch on the Standard Rainbow?

I spent 2 weeks in glacier last august and experienced zero precipitation, however I would be prepared for it.

I think the freak storm you are thinking about or heard about occurred 2 years ago. and for the most part it mostly rained alot!-enough to wash out the going to the sun road in many places. you might have seen in the news the army corps of engineers air lifting a bridge onto the highway. Last summer they were doing work on the road. If the work continues this summer you can expect up to 2 hour delays during the day and up to 5 hour delays at night.

>> I really like the Lunar Duo, just on spec, but I have this paranoid feeling that it'll collapse on me in the middle of Glacier, miles and miles from anywhere in the middle of a storm. Probably totally unfounded and due to my lack of experience with this kind of tent, but still an influence on me…<<

David, I can assure you that the Lunar Duo won't collapse. If you use hiking poles as your main supports, the Duo can take a significant wind load without any collapse. The side walls can bow in under load, however there are three tie outs on each side of the tent that can be used minimize this effect. Even when using the optional carbon fiber poles, you'll get excellent load support.

While it's not designed for snow loads, it will handle snow as long as you're diligent in brushing off any substantial build up off the canopy.

Ron

Don't know if this has already been mentioned… but the LD is quite a bit wider than the DR — with the floor in "bathtub" configuration — which is probably the way many (if not most) people would set up.

The 54" Lunar is measured in its bathtub configuration whereas the 52" Rainbow is measured flat out — edge to edge. In its bathtub configuration, the Rainbow would be 6-8 inches narrower than its specified width — or just 46-48 inches.