Yet another TT Rainbow question

It'll be tight, but it's doable with a second person.

As to your pack inside, no problem at all. The floor space is very long. Anything that doesn't need to be dry can be left under the vestibule.

Patrick:

Normally, no solo tent is any good for two people sharing. However, the Rainbow is easily the biggest and most voluminous solo tent anywhere. So the answer, like Miguel's above, is going to be a "maybe".

Much will depend on your own space preference. But given that you will be hiking solo most of the times — and the occasional sharing will be with your loved ones (and not another male hiker) — I would actually recommend that you order the Rainbow and try it out for yourself! If it works out, then you've just saved yourself some unnecessary tent weight and cost. and if it doesn't — heck return postage is cheap given how light this tent is — and you can always order the DR instead. I really think it's well worth a try.

nm

> My question is, has anyone used the Rainbow with 2 people?

Patrick,

My wife and I share a TT Rainbow. It is snug but comfortable. However, we typically only do fair weather backpacking (summers in the Sierra's, South West, etc).

Ask yourself how often you'll really need the two person capacity, then decide at what point it is worth it to have two tents – one for solo use and another for two-person use.

My wife and I love our Double Rainbow, but at 42 ounces, it's way too much weight for me when I'm going solo – which is most of the time. Hence, I have a Lunar Solo for my solo treks. The latter has more than enough room for me and my full pack. I don't keep anything in a vestibule that I can not afford to lose. I had a bear try to run off with my empty pack at night in the Sierras. Fortunately he failed or I would have had a hard time deciding what to leave behind while trying to carry the expensive stuff out in my arms. NEVER AGAIN!

Your results may vary.

First of all, I want to say thanks. The info I've gotten off this forum is priceless, you all are great. Especially for us rookies. I'm not a true ultralighter, so the extra 8 oz for the DR doesn't matter. The pitching options & extra space seems worth it to me. I have a 2 man Marmot Quonset that I can use when needed for 2 people. Each of us will have to pack a couple of pounds, but it's not a real issue (so far). If I can find a used DR (with zippered vestibules) I'll buy it. If not I'll go with a new Rainbow. And again, thanks.

Chiming in late…
I've used my rainbow with friends and it's been fine. I keep the bathtub floor unclipped, which gives you extra width. It's a little crowded if a downpour happens and you need to clip it up, but still ok. I do have pretty skinny friends though. It's a big solo tent.