TT Rainbow in action

>> “any thoughts on the differences…”

Michael, Only the obvious:

1)freestanding (Rainbow) vs. non-freestanding (LSe).

2)The weight’s of the floored models are maybe 8oz apart if the LSe has the light floor, ~6oz if it has the heavier floor.

3) if you really want/need a floorless shelter, you can’t get the LSe in a floorless version.

I really like the LSe. For me it’s a special purpose shelter. Used only if a full weekend (or longer) of rain is expected. I was leaning towards a floorless Rainbow, but really need to consider if a floorless shelter is going to be as useful in the very wet and/or flying buggy conditions that are expected at certain times. The jury is still out. I’m really unsure at this point. Sorry, I can’t be more help.

I have used a Lunar Solo, and now have the Rainbow as well — although I have yet to actually use the latter — except for backyard setup.

It is truly inspiring to compare/contrast the ways two genius tentmakers approach common challenges!

Freestanding vs. Not — I have never failed to stake down a freestanding tent (I have this inexplicable fear of watching my tent take off in a gust of wind while I am 50 yards away cooking) — so freestanding or not is less important to me.

Weather Protection – The walls of the Lunar slope down and overhang the perimeter mesh. One can stake the walls a bit further up from the ground in good weather to expose the mesh and increase ventilation, or stake the walls real close to the ground to fully protect rain from hitting the perimeter mesh. There is also the bathtub floor to protect against water pooling. The Rainbow takes a different approach. The perimeter mesh is sewn right to the edge of the walls, so no overhanging eaves to protect the mesh from the rain…the mesh will get wet; however, the user can clip the floor up like a bathtub to minimize the mesh from wetting the tent interior. In other words, the Lunar protects the mesh from rain whereas the Rainbow “sacrifices” the mesh to the rain, and uses the floor to protect the interior from the wet mesh (the mesh is supposed to wick the rain harmlessly down to the ground, on the other side of the bathtub floor).

The Rainbow, with its long arch pole, gives the tent a very solid feel — more so than the Lunar. HOWEVE, I’ve had the Lunar in fairly strong winds… and once staked out, it’s symmetrical hexagonal shape throws off winds from practically any direction. While there was a bit of flapping (but not all that much, I still slept like a babe), the Lunar is solid!

Ventilation – Both tents have perimeter mesh all around, plus one long side that is fully mesh to help ventilate and reduce condensation forming on the non-breathable tent walls. The Lunar has a top vent in the vestibule area while the Rainbow has its top vent opposite the vestibule. Here in relatively dry southern California, I really can’t say I have put either through any tests rigorous enough to test the effectiveness of either.

Ease of use and set up — A gold star for both. Maybe one can quibble that Rainbow is quicker… but in truth, both are a joy to set up — freestanding or not!

Interior dimensions — The Lunar has a pentagonal interior. Length and width are more than adequate — even comfy — for solo use, and I really like the storage area at the “fifth corner” of the pentagon. Headroom under the apex is more than enough for me at 5’9″. However, getting up from my sleeping bag, I have to be careful to get up at just the right way to avoid brushing against the pointy walls (once I sit up underneath the apex, headroom is no problem). As for the Rainbow, space is also luxurious, and its dome shape gives me much more room to sit up and move around, unlike the Lunar where I can sit up but not move around too much. I do, however miss the “gear storage area” of the Lunar.

For me, I believe I am very happy with both tent’s ease of setup and weather protection. For gram-counting weenies, get the Solo and save up to 6 ounces! For people who want headroom to really move around, get the Rainbow and cut 6 ounces somewhere else. For those who insist on freestanding — well, then that should be an easy decision.

Hope this helps.

Hi there,
Ben I would like to add that since the mesh hangs at an angle towards the floor, it can only get wet if you have strong wind driven rain. I had the Rainbow set up on several occasions with light to moderately strong rain without getting any of it inside.
I too would like to compared the two tents, but have run out of excuses for buying another one.
Franco
BTW I told my mate Adam that each pole segment in CF would only be 6g lighter and pointed out the problems with Carbon Fiber, his response was “wow, that much ? I must get one of those !!”
Now Ben stop chopping bits of the Rainbow.

Hi Franco:

Nah, I don’t think I’ll go for the CF poles just to cut out another 2 oz or so. If I do get a customized pole, it would be an attempt to get it in SHORTER pole sections — say 12 to 13″ — so the tent can fit vertically or horizontally inside my pack.

But even now, fitting only vertically, it works with the rest of my gear and I’m happy enough.

Did you get my ‘kangaroo video’ email?

Hi
I have not seen shorter sections in use;with my pack the Rainbow sits nicely in the front pocket.
I am at work at the moment (I know it’s hard to tell with the time I spend here)so no roo video yet.
Last night I was out at a top restaurant (courtesy of one of my suppliers) and roo was on the menu (!) naturally I put a veto on it. We ended up with Barramundi and Tasmanian salmon.

Ben, I read your response the day you posted, but haven’t had a chance to reply until today. Thanks for your thorough and clear comparison. My question was quite broad, and your response clearly covers many of the differences between these two shelters. I know what you mean about staking down free-standing tents. Once, while camping on the Chesapeake, my dome tent decided that it wanted to pursue its dream of being a balloon. I can still see the tent thirty feet up in the air—over the water. Luckily my friends and I were canoe camping and were able to fetch our lofty friend. Your comments about the weight and headroom difference near the end sum it up nicely. I believe both tents are excellent. I’d add that the Rainbow is new on the market, and, like any new product, refinements will come with feedback and time. I wonder if the makers of the Lunar will also add an option for a support pole like the Rainbow–in addition to the optional upright support??? I’d really like to hear more from you as you use and compare both shelters. In particular, I’d like to hear about what you find out about how these shelters perform in heavy rain and condensation. Thanks again. –Mike

Paul,

Thanks for your comments. How do you find the LSe in heavy rain? How does it perform in terms of condensation? Do you find the LSe a bit cramped in terms of headroom? I just reread Ryan J’s review of the Lunar. He addresses the issues of storm protection and condensation, but the more examples/insights the merrier.

–Mike

Use the LSe for peak rainy&buggy season (mostly in spring, but also in the fall). Six uses at this point – so, a very small number; two with no rain (that was disappointing).

headroom: you can’t go by me – i’m way too short for anyone to make a comparison with. I find it roomy enough with plenty of headroom. All my gear easily fits inside with me without resorting to the vestibule. I slide my pad and bag towards one end, but not touching the mesh, and being so short allows my head to be at least a foot further from the other wall (and therefore the sloping ceiling) than many people. So, more headroom for me from the “get go” – no problem sitting up from a laying down position.

wind and driving rain: I find that it’s pentagonal/hexagonal shape (depending upon deployment status of the vestibule) sheds swriling/gusting wind nicely. Not very good at estimating wind gust speeds, but definitely over 20mph and no problems with driven rain or tent stability – not sure if any gusts were 30mph+.

condensation: It’s there, as would be expected, especially in the rain, otherwise, I consider it minimal or non-existent if I can sleep with the vestibule open – nothing at all like the MtnHW Waypont 1 I used to have. A microfiber pack towel, purchased on this website, makes quick work of any condensation in the LSe. I normally set up any shelter outside again once back home to let it thoroughly dry before packing it away. I have been surprised at how little condensation there really is though. That said, even in bivies (my favorite primary shelter for other than expected weekend long continuous rain), I don’t seem to get the foot-end puddles that people have been recently mentioning as typical in other Threads – I have very cold feet and sleep with socks on in all but summer time. I just don’t sweat too much when not active – just to give you an idea; usually 8oz of water within the first 90min or so after waking up and getting up is plenty sufficient to satisfy my morning thirst – unless I’m already hiking by that point, then, of course, more water is taken.. So, I’m not sure that my condensation experience is similar to others – it’s probably less.

If I weren’t so lazy and often prefer the simplicity of throwing a a bivy down on the ground and climbing in it, this would be my only three-season solo shelter.

Keep in mind that DrJ’s review was for the ’04 model. The ’05 model which I have is significantly redesigned and satisfactorily addresses the previous version’s shortcomings. The ’06 model is even further enhanced, acc. to the SMD website, with a zippered vestibule and a single-piece bathtub floor

Sorry I can’t be more help.

Michael:

My Lunar Solo was the original 2004 version. I was fortunate to be able to seam seal it and test it right when we had our 99-Year rainfall record back in early 2005!

The vestibule leaked water because of the large gaps between the velcro strips. This was completely solved once I sewed additional pieces and filled the gap. (BTW, the Enhanced version has also made this a non-issue.)

Having exposed the tent to days of heavy rain, I can tell you that this shelter is as rain proof as any other first-rate tents out there.

I haven’t tested my Rainbow in the rain, but given its design, I fully expect it to be rain proof as well.

To me, both tents are excellent, and you can drive yourself crazy trying to differentiate them by quality, ease of setup, weather/bug protection, condensation, etc.

The one question is simply — do you prefer more headroom or do you want to save 5-6 ounces? Decisions, decisions.

It sounds like the Rainbow could benefit from the addition of an (optional?) zippered vestibule with storm flap. Henry – is that a possibility? Please consider it for the 2-man version of the rainbow as well.

Even with the added velcro, there’ll be leaks and flapping (witness the evolution of this tent’s only real competitor to date – the SMD Lunar Solo)and as we know. Velcro also sticks to many things you’d rather it did not – like tent lines and vegetation – which reduces its sealing ability.

The enhanced version of the Lunar Solo certainly takes care of the few problems Dr. J mentioned in his 2004 report. The zipper vestibule is a great addition. Mine has the full length velcro which works well, but a zipper would be better. I have found the LS to be great with heavy rain. I sealed it well and have not had any water penetration. With the long overhangs along the perimeter, there is very little chance of wind-blown rain getting in. Condensation is handled very well be the protected perimeter mesh. While there is sometimes light condensation, there is noticeably less than any other shelter of the same class. Even with my wife and I in the LS on a rainy night, there was very little moisture on the inside. Headroom has been fine for me as well. I am 5’10” and there is pleny near the pole. I would say it would be fine as long as one was shorter than 6’1″ or 6’2″. All in all, I consider it the best one person shelter for the weight by a nice margin (heck I even use it for weekends with my wife who is 4’11”). The TT Rainbow looks great, but I can think of no reason why to switch to it.

All,

Thanks again for your insights and descriptions. Based on what has been said, both shelters are excellent. Ben’s concluding statement re more headroom (w/ Rainbow) or weight savings (LSe) points to the main difference. It will be very interesting to see the next couple of generations of both shelters—which will refine what is already fantastic. Forums such as this one should provide the makers with useful feedback they can use to take their shelters to the next level.

Thanks for all the great comments between the two tents. I too have been stuck on which to buy. They both seem really great, although I was wondering if the weight difference was that large because the LSe ships without stakes. 6-8 stakes would be another 3-4 ounces. That would be only a 1-4 ounce savings depending on which floor you go with.

Another question that I haven’t seen answered, only mentioned, is the 1+ capacity factor. When camping with my friends I stay solo, but my wife likes to go on occasion and sometimes my nephew goes with us and uses my hammock (alas I am a stomach sleeper and don’t use it that often). The LSe says it is 54″ in width. Is that measured to the apex of the side and if so how does it compare to the 38″-46″ on the Rectangular Rainbow when you do add another person into each of them? My wife and I are both small 5’6″ / 5’3″ and 150 lbs / 100 lbs respectively. Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated.

The LSe 54″ is front wall (not the vestibule peak) to the rear peak according to the diagram on the SMD LSe webpage.

Keep in mind, you should stake down the Rainbow also. Not doing so could find yourself and/or the Rainbow being a piece of “tumbleweed” should a strong wind come up.

Generally, I even stake down my bivy shelters.

Rob,

I generally don’t recommend two people sharing the Lunar Solo. But then again some people do. The person opposite the door would be somewhat restricted in movement.

The basic floor sleeping area is 88″ X 36″, which is two GG Torso pads side by side. There’s also a 18″ bumpout in the rear for gear storage.

I tend to like a bit more space to sprawl around in. Then again, I’m not a tiny person.

Ron

Ben should be able to give a good comparison for use with two people–Ben, are you there?–since he has both shelters at hand.

As for the Rainbow, it has a practical (storm useage) floor width of 42″ ( x 88″ length) so it’s just wide enough for two sleeping pads and will sleep two. At that width, one long side is entirely netting and the other is a 4″ floor wall with a netting perimeter buffer beyond that and then a very steep wall above. The floor space is all completely useable with no worries about brushing a wall above the floor.

FYI – The official sleeping capacity of the Rainbow says “1-2” rather than “1+” because of the aforementioned sleeping pad accomodation and wall steepness.

Like you, Ben, I have just gotten my Rainbow and only set it up in the backyard. I do have one advantage over everyone else in this thread, I believe. I have a ready made 12 foot arch pole made of CF that I used in a previous tent. The difference is considerable. The CF pole weighs exactly 3.9 oz; the Easton Pole weighs 8oz. I am not a weight weannie but that is significant. I don’t know if anyone wants to justify paying for a new pole out of CF. But there it is – a more than 50% weight savings!
( I have combined the CF pole with using the T stakes that one gets on this site — 6 stakes weigh 1.23oz. Taking these two items into consideration, I have reduced the carry weight of the Rainbow to 27oz if you also leave the stuff sack home. I like to squeeze my tents down to the smallest footprint I can so I have exchanged the standard Sack for an XS compression sack by granite gear. I would rather take that small increase in weight and get more room in my pack. The result is that my carry weight is now 30oz and the tent is packed down to the size of a medium cantalope 8 in diameter. I will carry the pole and cross member loose along the long edge of the pack as I have in the past.)

I am 6’3″ and I can tell you that doing a full length situp in the Rainbow is a real pleasure. I clear the tent wall by a good 4″ all the way up and the feeling of spaciousness is truly a wonderful feeling. I really can’t wait to use the tent next weekend in the San Gabriels at 6,000 feet and about 25 degrees at night. I’ll report my first experience when I get back. One thought on condensation since several of the posters have expressed this concern. If you are buying a single wall tent, Tarp/tent, whatever, you have to expect condensation as a given on ocassion. Just carry a viscous towel or sponge to wipe the walls down in the morning and live with it. To minimize it learn to use the breeze and mesh to your advantage, but you are going to have it at times. Nuf said.

Sweet! Like you, I have been thinking about getting a set of CF poles. The 4oz weight saving is nice, but what I really want are shorter pole sections, so I can pack the tent either inside or outside my backpack — horizontally or vertically.

Hi everybody,
Great discussion. Was wondering if there is enough room to cook under the vestibules in both tents. Also Ryan’s review mentioned wind getting under the awning of the LS and pulling out the titanium stakes. Can the windward side awning of the tent be lowered without adversely affecting the stability of the tent to prevent this?

Ben: you can get any length pole section you wish from http://www.fibraplex.com/tentpoles.htm

Fibraplex made mine and there is a calculator on the site where you plug in the pole length and then can chose the section length. Caution: the shorter the length the more costly. Mine are 12 inch. As I indicated in my last comment, I just put the pole and strut in my pack along the long axis of my pack. The only problem (extremely minor) I have is that Henry’s strut is longer than my pole sections.

Ryan’s review dealt with an earlier version of the tent. All shortcomings were addressed in the current ‘e’ version (beginning in 2005; the 2006 model is even more improved). That said, if the wind was strong enough, I bet that stakes could be ripped out of the ground with pretty much any shelter/tent. Also, I forget, did DrJ use the suggested 8″ Al nail pegs, or 6″ smaller diameter Ti skewers? If you’re concerned there are other stakes and staking measures that could be employed to make sure that nothing short of a F1 will rip it out of the ground (hyperbole for the sake of effect – I don’t know if the seams an fabric would withstand something just shy of a F1 blow).

Also, I believe the current LSe has a larger/lower vestibule than the original LS, but I’ve never actually seen the original LS – somehow/somewhere I got this idea though.

>The only problem (extremely minor) I have is that Henry’s strut is longer than my pole sections.

Mitchell, give me a shout if you want a sectioned strut (a little bit heavier but shorter) or a carbon fiber strut (lighter but same length).

-H

Henry:

Replacing the current strut with sectionals, how easy is it to pull them out when packing away?

I have cooked under the vestibule of the LSe with no problems. It is quite large.

I had my new RB out two weeks ago on a coastal island in Georgia. It worked out great and really enjoyed the roominess inside.

Even though it’s winter in most of the country, down here we still have to worry about rain and BUGS. The sand flies/noseeums were out in full force due to the warm temps and we had a 3 hour long thunderstorm roll through on the last night out.

Keeping that in mind I was concerned about condensation being a problem. I brought along my silnylon poncho/tarp and used it as a awning over the front so I could keep at least one of the door completely open. It worked out great and gave me a place to hang out while it was raining. The ventilation provided by the lower screening and upper vents did a great job at keeping moisture to a minimum even when I did have to shut both doors

All and all I give the Rainbow two thumbs up.