considering a Tarptent Rainbow…

Yes

nm

Jordan:

I have both the Contrail and Double Rainbow.

Is the DR a solo overkill? That depends on what you’re doing and for how long.

The DR weighs 10 oz more than the Rainbow but you get all that extra space and much better ventilation. If you’re working from a base camp or hiking for 2-4 days, the extra weight isn’t such a big factor and you get all that space. If you’re out for a week or more, the extra weight day in and day out becomes more of a negative. Definitely overkill for a thru-hike on one of the long trails – except whe the weather turns to absolute crap and you’re stuck in the thing for a couple of days at a time. The Rainbow or Contrail would be better choices for the long trails. Look at both – see what fits you, your gear and your hiking style best.

Suggestion – post your location here and ask if anyone locally has one or all of the tents you’re considering that they would set up for you. Then go look at them. Take your gear with you.

Wandering Bob

I also like room which is why I chose the Double Rainbow…after having been in some good rain storms I would say 2 people would find themselves hard pressed to not touch the sides of the DR which would, of course, mean inside drips…maybe you should check out Henry’s new Contrail if you really want to go light…meanwhile, for pics go over to PracticalBackpacking.com and check out the thread about the Double Rainbow in the Shelter forum…

Do more than consider it — buy it! I am 6’3″ and I can lie down with room to spare at my head and feet. I often have all of my gear in it with me and never feel that I am cramped. If I am lying down in my bag (a Long), I can do a situp without touching my head on the way up. In fact there is a good bit of room all the way up doing so. Lastly, I have a chair converter for my 78″ BG insulated Air Core that I have used inside the tent to enjoy reading when the bugs are out or it is too nasty to sit outside. You really can’t ask for more useable room for the weight. In a word, it is “spacious”.