Tarptent Rainbow

[emmagator]

Im about to pull the trigger on a Rainbow. Will be used for an early season archery backpack tent. I like not having to use trekking pole for setup, price, and weight. Is the center pole a pain to pack and pitch? Usable space for sleeping with gear, bow, etc.. inside?

Looking for any input from anyone who has used one before i pull the trigger.

 

[CO-AJ]

They just came out with it in DCF, so now even lighter. Here is a great review off you tube:

The review is really pretty positive, I think his biggest gripe is cooking under the vestibule. Move the doors to "porch" mode and you are good, but if there is two people in the tent your packs will preclude an ability to cook.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

I used the double rainbow last year during early season highcountry archery hunt. I did like it, but sold it and am looking to get the Rainbow or the Protrail due to wait savings.

The rainbow is 10" shorter in width than the one I used but I think the rainbow is still plenty big enough for one person. One item to note is the sleeve for the arch pole is kinda of a pain when taking out especially if its wet or humid. For some reason the sleeve likes to still to the pole and it takes some careful pushing out of the pole. Also, since its only 1 pole supported it would need to be fully staked and guy lines added if you are in high winds.

 

[emmagator]

Well I didnt give you guys much time for feedback, Ha! I went ahead and pulled the trigger. hopefully works well for archery elk season!

 

[ScottP]

I have a Bowfin 1. Similar tent. I like the size, weight, and easy setup. The 1P tents are nice in that you can find a spot to pitch in tight places and on slopes where it may be difficult otherwise. I have a Mountainsmith Tarp that I also use but it takes so much sq footage to pitch.

I do wish the vestibules were a bit bigger. cooking inside would be tight. One trip where we had bad weather i packed a UL tarp and was able to pitch it over my tent and have a covered entry to put my pack, gear, cook, hang out in dry spot.

good luck with it.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

I have a Bowfin 1. Similar tent. I like the size, weight, and easy setup. The 1P tents are nice in that you can find a spot to pitch in tight places and on slopes where it may be difficult otherwise. I have a Mountainsmith Tarp that I also use but it takes so much sq footage to pitch.

I do wish the vestibules were a bit bigger. cooking inside would be tight. One trip where we had bad weather i packed a UL tarp and was able to pitch it over my tent and have a covered entry to put my pack, gear, cook, hang out in dry spot.

good luck with it.

Its the one reason i like Stratospire 1 because the vestibules are huge in case you have to cook in them. The down side is the footprint of the tent is large for a one man.

 

[Gettincloser]

I trade some other gear for a rainbow. It is better for 1 person than 2. You are going to fit (2) 20" pads but not (2) 25" pads. The tent does have (2) small vestibules. Just enough for your pack and boot if they are leaning against the body of the tent. I personally feel it is better suited for 1 person who can then store the pack in the tent and cook under the vestibule. You do get more space but I don't use that mode much. It is light and easy to set up. If you like more space like me, it is more of a 1 man, not 2 man tent.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

I trade some other gear for a rainbow. It is better for 1 person than 2. You are going to fit (2) 20" pads but not (2) 25" pads. The tent does have (2) small vestibules. Just enough for your pack and boot if they are leaning against the body of the tent. I personally feel it is better suited for 1 person who can then store the pack in the tent and cook under the vestibule. You do get more space but I don't use that mode much. It is light and easy to set up. If you like more space like me, it is more of a 1 man, not 2 man tent.

The Rainbow is advertised as a 1 man, not a 2. And the Rainbow only has 1 vestibule. The Double Rainbow has 2 vestibules.

 

[Gettincloser]

The Rainbow is advertised as a 1 man, not a 2. And the Rainbow only has 1 vestibule. The Double Rainbow has 2 vestibules.

Thank you. I have the double rainbow. It has the dual doors/vestibule.

 

[ScottP]

Its the one reason i like Stratospire 1 because the vestibules are huge in case you have to cook in them. The down side is the footprint of the tent is large for a one man.

I already have a tarp of that size footprint that pitches with trekking poles. The beauty of the Rainbow/Bowfin is that the setup time is so fast. And your poles aren't tied up in your shelter if you're somewhere you want to use them during the day.

as always, pluses and minuses to everything. I take both and decide at the trailhead which shelter I'm going to carry. They're both ~2lbs, so it's really just a matter of which one I feel like. Weather looks crappy I'll take the bigger tarp.