Tall 6’6 ; Lunar Duo or Double Rainbow

The lunar duo is huge for one. It's 90 inches long, and pretty much that entire length is usable when you are lying down. So if you are 78 inches long, that still leaves an extra foot for your sleeping bag head/foot and to stretch your toes out.

The double rainbow is 96 inches long when flat, and 88 inches long when the bathtub walls are up. So it's just 2 inches shorter than the lunar duo in bathtube mode… still plenty big enough.

I don't see why either would be a problem for you.

Which to choose would depend more on whether you are going to be sharing with someone else, and how big you are in girth. The lunar duo has quite a bit more usable space in the width direction, so if there are two of you and you're a big guy (wide) then I'd go for the lunar duo.

If you're considering it as a solo shelter, why not choose the 1-person rainbow?

If you use trekking poles the double rainbow (and single) gives you freestanding setup (of sorts). It also allows you support the main cross struts with the poles, making it probably more strong wind-worthy.

However, in terms of usable space inside, the lunar duo is the biggest.

I am 6'5" and have a Lunar Duo. It's VERY spacious and would be palatial for one, but is still very good for two. You can get separate accessory poles. SMD and Tarptents both sell accessory poles of the right length (45" as I recall) for the Lunar Duo. You will need two poles.

I have no experience with the Double Rainbow so I'm unable to report on its suitability for tall folks.

I have the Lunar Duo. If you're 6'6" there's no need to deliberate. The LD is the one for you.

I'm 6'6" too and did the exact same comparison you're doing. The Lunar Duo has more length-wise space than the DR and it is plenty long enough. It's a nice set-up. And yes, you'll need trekking poles. Don't discount using poles unless you've never had knee pain or fatigue while hiking. I never thought I needed them and now I'd have a tough time hiking without them. I use the Gossamer Gear Lighttrek 4's and they do just fine for both the trekking aspect and supporting the Lunar Duo.

Thank you for all the replies… much appreciated

I am seriously thinking now about getting the SMD Lunar Duo.

And as far as trekking poles are concerned; yes I know I need/should get some. I have a pretty bad knee due to playing soccer all my life. I have been checking the GG poles but right now they are out of stock… they might be back end of July so I will probably get both the tent AND the poles and get it done with.

FYI I have a Lunar Duo seam sealed on sale in the gear swap.

Rene, if you get trekking poles, my advice would be to get adjustable ones. I just like them better, personally. But, more pertinent to your situation, having adjustable poles makes it easier to tweak your pitch when setting up the Lunar Duo.

Just something to think about.

Either way, the LD is great.

Yeah, thinking about waiting for the GG poles with straps to be back in stock and ordering then.