SMD Lunar Solo vs. TT Rainbow

The new Lunar Solo looks excellent. I haven't used one but do have an older Rainbow.

The lunar Solo has a larger footprint so from the perspective of bringing gear in with you, it may be better. However, not all of that space is usable for your person. The Rainbow, on the other hand, has essentially vertical walls and you could get two people in there to sleep side by side (really, really good friends) as it will take two full sized Prolite Regular pads (ex).

There is more headroom at the ends of the Rainbow and that may (or may not) be a consideration for you.

I found the ventilation good on the Rainbow and it is roomy such that I never touched any walls (I am 6'1" and use a long bag).

The Rainbow may also be better with respect to modest snow load as you can use trekking poles vertically at the ends of the cross pole for more stability.

But…the Lunar Solo is notceably lighter, will pack down smaller, and only uses one trekking pole.

If I was looking at a trekking pole single walled shelter, the Lunar Solo would be at the very top of my list. If I wanted a little more usable space for my person and would be okay carrying a dedicated tent pole then the Rainbow would be at the top of my list.

Better yet, buy both.

[shameless promotion on]

If you're looking at the Rainbow, another option is the StratoSpire 1. A little lighter, packs smaller, and double wall/double large vestibules with all the ventilation you want. The StratoSpire 1 is really strong and gives you tons of options–fly only, interior only, both clipped together, both sides fully opened in an overhead rain. Can sleep two.

[shameless promotion off]

-H

SMD LS and TT Rainbow seems like somewhat of a strange pair of tents to be choosing between. Lunar Solo is smaller and lighter and more difficult to set up. Most people would be comparing it to something with similar specs/usage like TT Contrail or Notch or SMD's own Skyscape Trekker.

Rainbow is heavier, roomier, and easier to set up. I bought a Rainbow myself last year but returned it because I decided it was more than I needed — both space and weight-wise. It was big but not quite usable as a two person tent.

I decided instead to get the lighter TT Notch, definitely a one-person tent, and to get a different tent for two person use. The brilliant design of the Notch has my vote and I think the TT Notch, SS1, and SS2 (all sharing similar design) are among best choices in their size/price ranges. I suspect SS1 is most flexible; if I had to do it again and were limiting myself to one tent for both solo- and duo-outings I think it would be my choice.