My first ultralight shelter was a TT rainbow, which I loved. I like to have plenty of bug-free space in my tent if needed, and the Rainbow has is in spades. I also like the vestibule, and the "porch mode" it can be set up in, as well as the extra tie-outs for bad weather.
The one thing I'm not as big on is the single-wall aspect (first time I've had it). I did get the liner, but it leaves the back wall exposed still. I'd like to be able to watch the stars in my bag if the weather is nice and bugs are out, which I can't do with the rainbow. Point is, I've been looking into a UL double-wall tent with ample space and I've set my eyes on the new TarpTent Stratospire 1, but I recently noticed the MLD DuoMid & InnerNet, which seems like it might be useful as well. I think it would only be a few ounces lighter (~33 vs 29 oz). Here's how they seem to compare to me:
SS1:
+vestibules
+no pole in living space
+near-vertical sidewalls for more headroom?
+much cheaper overall
-less storm/snow worthy?
-more stakes
-less indoor space (but still good)
-a bit heavier
-New design, maybe less refined?
DuoMid w/ Inner:
+slightly lighter
+more floor space
+better capabilities with storms/wind/snow
+A few less stakes to carry
-no vestibules?
-trekking pole in living space? (I read you could use 2 poles to avoid this. How easy is it to join them?)
-more expensive (~$100)
Questions:
*How much space do they take up at a campsite?
*One nice surprise about TT was that the color of the tents (now I know why they're all the same) makes for very natural light inside the tent. With the DuoMid's bright yellow I'd worry that it would be like my old Eureka tent inside, discolored. Though the color would be good for emergencies too. [EDIT: I didn't see that the Mid comes in multiple colors]
Anything I forgot? Any other suggestions I may not have thought of? Let me know how these shelters have worked out for you, and if there's any idiosyncrasies to each that might be helpful to know.
Looking forward to an interesting discussion :) Thanks in advance!


