Big Agnes SL2 vs. Tarp Tent Double Rainbow

You are correct that the SL2 is less breezy than the tarptents. I own an SL2 and love it! However, I find it more of a glorified 1.5 person tent than a true 2-person tent. I use it as a one-person palace. The vestibule is also on the small side.

For camping in temperate climes with low to moderate humidity, I would go with either the Tarptent DR or the SMD Lunar Duo.

If humidity/condensation is a major concern, then I would go with something like the REI Half Dome 2. Sure, it's heavier — but not that heavy when split between two. The marginal weight increase is more than worth it IMHO for the Half Dome's comfort and convenience. And you save money too.

I agree with Ben and when I finally had to decide between the Lunar Duo and the Double Rainbow, I chose the lunar duo. It has more room than the double rainbow.

If you go with a tent, I'd look at the REI quarterdome T3. Supposedly a 3 man, which mean it's really a 2. Love mine. Except for the weight. It's about 4-1/2#.

From your short list, I assume that you will not be dealing with snow loads or very high winds above the treeline type stuff.

I have the B.A. Seedhouse SL3 which I use for my wife and I. IMO the SL2 would not help your clautrophobia but the SL3 is spacial for two. I use it in Florida where it's too warm and humid to sleep comfortably and the air (and ground) is thick with bugs. I set up the inner net tent only, and simply throw the rolled up fly over the top, so that I can make an emergency deployment if it should rain in the middle of the night. Can't beat that for the combination of bug protection and ventilation.

On the other hand, the TT Double Rainbow can be set up with both doors fully open (with the netting zipped up) and you are protected from bugs and ventilation is still pretty good with two net walls. The same could be said for the excellent SMD Luna Duo.

The difference I see is that the Seedhouse is a little more ventilated and can take more wind or some snow loads (if you need that) but the Tarptent and SMD tents are lighter to carry.

While I'm a happy owner of a Seedhouse SL3 for two people, I also have a Tarptent Rainbow (single person) on its way to me now!

Thanks guys for your experience here. Sounds like another writer I read. Nice to have 2 tents; a solo & a double. In a multitude of reviews I've read it appears that the amount of room needed for 2 is 3 and 1 is 2. In other words when one takes into consideration gear, size of the person, inclement weather, any claustrophic issues, roominess is a major factor. Anyone: What about the Tarp Tent Cloudburst?

The TTDR is only 48" wide — unless you unclip the floor and let it lay entirely flat — which makes little sense.

The SMD Lunar Duo's floor is much wider — and is a true two-person tent — both in terms of square footage and overall interior volume. The long-ish Cloudburst slants low toward the foot end — so the only "sitting up" space is the small area near the door way.