[pct-l] tarp tent

[Emily Toby]

I had a much different experience with the double rainbow tarp tent by Henry Shires.  We bought ours in 2009 to replace another roomier 2-person UL tent (from another manufacturer) that failed miserably in a high wind while on the trail.
Bristlecone and I have used it for more than 3000 miles on the PCT in the last three years.  It just fit the two of us side-by-side, with enough room for our gear at our heads/feet.  We slept on top of our empty packs with them under our feet, that was our plan anyway, since we used 3/4 length pads and wanted the extra padding/insulation.  We had condensation problems initially in the desert, but learned to leave the vestibule zipper open for better air circulation, never used or tried the liner.  We never used a groundcloth or footprint either, and wouldn't want to add the additional weight.  The floor has held up fine with a  little care about choosing a campsite.
We found it to be damned near bullet proof.  We had no problem with set up, our pole sleeve worked easily, as did stuffing it back into the stuff sack daily.  It held up extremely well under high wind conditions, which our first UL two person tent did not.  It held up nicely under a surprise wet snow load, as well.  One of the zippers ultimately failed, and we sent it back to Henry Shires who gladly replaced the zipper for us and returned it, I don't think he charged us for this.
We also own and have used a single rainbow( which we both slept in for a few nights).  The double is 5 inches wider, and seems roomy compared to sharing a single !!
We own a lot of tents.  And this is our go-to tent for the two of us.
Uber


> Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2012 15:11:25 -0800
> From: jake2003at at sbcglobal.net
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] tarp tent
> 
> 
>  
> 
> The double rainbow is very small for two adults, be sure and take a few test 
> hikes before you start a long distance hike.  The tent needs all the help you 
> can give it, condensation is really bad, the liner designed to catch the 
> condensation does not fit the tent.. The vestibule's are very small as the 
> inside of the tent is too small for people and gear.. 
> 
>  
> I believe you need a groundcloth or footprint, again the tent needs all the help 
> you can give it..
>  
> We felt it was very difficult to set up with the tent sleeve and we were never 
> able to get it back into the stuff sack that came with it.
>  
> I understand the single rainbow is really big for one person, it should be as it 
> is only 2 inches smaller then the double rainbow.
>  
> Our tent is three years old , hopefully they have improved it with the newer 
> models
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