Tarptent Contrail Vs. Rainbow

First off, two good choices. You can’t go wrong either way you go. I don’t own the Contrail, but do own both the Rainbow (which hasn’t seen much use) and the GG/HS Squall Classic (a somewhat similar tunnel design).

To my way of thinking, your situation and decision based upon statements in your Post involves a trade-off. I think only you can answer the question of whether the features that you like in the Rainbow are worth the extra ~8oz of weight that you’ll be carrying. The right answer for one person might not be the correct solution for another person.

Also, before a single feature (e.g. freestanding vs. weight) is used as a deciding criteria, make sure that one criteria is really that important. IMHO, preference should generally be given to one vs. the other using all of the criteria involved, unless a single criteria is truly a “must have”. In your case it doesn’t sound like this is the case, as you mention multiple criteria that you like or are trying to decide between. A single “must have” criteria would probably have settled the decision already for you (e.g. “must be freestanding”, or “must be the lightest solution”).

Hope these words help you sort out or prioritize your various needs and help you make a decision.

How many tents are you willing to own and do you go solo or with someone else most of the time?

I too live in the Pacific NW and own both the Contrail (25 oz) and the Double Rainbow (40 oz). I use the former if I’m alone (my usual state); the latter when the wife goes with me (our preferred state). The Contrail will shelter us both if needed but it’s tight and honestly, we like the extra space of the DR for “extra-curricular activities” and elbow room. Did you ever watch a woman get dressed and brush her hair in the morning?

I was looking for a new solo shelter early this year. The Contrail didn’t exist so I struggled over the Rainbow vs. Lunar Solo E decision. The arrival of the Dble Rainbow ended that debate with a bang. Happy me – a new light 2 person shelter for us and I’ll keep my solo TacomaTarp for another year. However, if I had to make the Contrail vs. Rainbow vs. Lunar Solo E choice today, I’d buy the Contrail for weight and ventilation.

Then, a month later, that vicious fiend, Henry Shires, brought out the Contrail and a new inquistion broke out at home when I announced I wanted (no, needed) to buy yet another tent. I won, but one of my 3 other shelters had to go.

FYI, while both Rainbows are free-standing, you’ll probably never use them that way. It doesn’t take much wind to overturn empty free-standing tents or just turn them into tumbleweeds unless they’re staked down or you are lying in them. One pointy object through the canopy can ruin your day.

Thanks for you advice and comments, it has helped. My main goal this year is to get lighter gear, so I guess the choice should be the lighter tent. With some gear, I would consider 8 ounces a big difference, so I am having a hard time justifying the Rainbow over the Contrail. The minor space difference inside the tent is more than made up for with the larger vestibule of the Contrail.

I like the plan of a Contrail and a double Rainbow for the occasional trip with my wife. I am just not sure how to justify (or hide) two new tents from my wife.

I downside last year from an REI Half Dome (5 Lbs) to a Sierra Designs Light Year CD (3.5 lbs). I also downside from a 44 oz, Bag to a Western Mountaineering Caribou MF (20 Ozs). I also just ordered a new ULA Equipment Catalyst pack (~ 3lbs) to replace my monster Gregory Whitney (nearly 8 lbs). My knees are going to feel much better this summer.

Thanks for the help!

Rob

Bob –

You have a PM. I live only 5 miles from you.

As above, much will depend on your own criteria.

For me, I chose the Rainbow because I really liked its larger interior space / headroom. As a lightweight hiker, the Rainbow’s smaller vestibule is actually all the space that I need for my pack, boots and poles. The question for you is whether the added headroom is worth the additional weight to you. If so, the Rainbow is a really sweet tent for use in temperate weather.

If you opt against the added space and weight of the Rainbow, the Contrail has gotten really good reviews. However, I would also suggest taking a look at the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo, if you haven’t done so already. I have used this tent and loved its design and ease of setup. More importantly, I really liked its hexagonal shape, which throws off the wind from pretty much any direction. In contrast, with longish tarptents such as the Contrail, you need to pay more attention to wind directions and set up the tent by orienting the foot end towards the wind. Out in the field where a flat piece of real estate is sometimes hard to come by, I appreciate a tent that has minimal set up / orientation requirements. Anyway, some food for thought, and good luck with your selection.