High Sierra Topix

Harlen wrote: ↑Thu Oct 05, 2023 2:06 pm mschnaidt, I checked it out, and the extra area would be great, however, in my quest for a lighter pack I am keen on the versions of their 2-person tents: the "Double Rainbow," and the "Double Rainbow DW." Have you any experience with these? I am leaning toward the slightly heavier, but double- walled DW, still only 41 oz. The Triple RainbowDW" is just about 7 oz heavier-- do you think I'm lame (or weak) to care about the 7 oz difference?

We were recently pressed against the sides of our current, tight, BA Fly Cr. tent, and our bags got pretty wet. That's pretty luxury room in the Triple. Costs $100 more though. Thanks a lot, we are getting ready to pull the trigger on one of these Tarptents you are selling.... we will hold you responsible for any future Tarptent problems mschnaidt, where do you live? Did you have them do your seamsealing, or do it yourself? Thanks, Ian.

Hi Ian,
I do not have personal experience with the Rainbow line of tents. I prefer a double wall tent but rayfound likes his single wall. I don't think you can go wrong with either. There are reviews on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... inbow+tent.

Cameron's wide streets double as taxiways leading from the residences to the adjacent airport. Many homes have aircraft hangars (oversized garages) that house personal aircraft, allowing residents to commute from home to work entirely by air.

Harlen wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2023 9:01 am mschnaidt wrote:

Hi Ian,
I do not have personal experience with the Rainbow line of tents. I prefer a double wall tent but rayfound likes his single wall. I don't think you can go wrong with either. There are reviews on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... inbow+tent.

Thanks Again Mschnaidt, we are counting our pennies as we gaze at our future roomy tent-- probably going with the Tarptent 2 person Rainbow DW.

BTW, I looked up your hometown of Cameron, curious to see how much closer to the Sierra you are than us, and I learned that not only are you much closer to the mountains, but that you probably have your own airplane to get there with.

Wikipedia says:

Cameron's wide streets double as taxiways leading from the residences to the adjacent airport. Many homes have aircraft hangars (oversized garages) that house personal aircraft, allowing residents to commute from home to work entirely by air.

mschnaidt, you live a fascinating, and exciting lifestyle. I assume you fly right to Bishop Airport to begin your eastside trips? Now we envy you for both your nice big tent, and your mode of transportation/ .

mschnaidt wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 11:52 am I prefer a double wall tent but rayfound likes his single wall. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

rayfound wrote: ↑Mon Oct 09, 2023 10:21 am

mschnaidt wrote: ↑Sat Oct 07, 2023 11:52 am I prefer a double wall tent but rayfound likes his single wall. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

I mean in a perfect world i would PREFER double wall too - it wasn't available when I got my Double Rainbow years ago.

If I was buying a Double Rainbow again, I would be tempted to spring for the extra $90 and 3oz and get the DW version. Though if trying to stick close on budget, for Sierra use, I think the single wall works just fine - I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Sure, you get some condensation but its never been so bad that I have concerns about my down bag or anything.


That said, the one I would REALLY want is the single wall LI (DCF) version that drops to 28oz for a 2 person tent, or 24oz for a solo - though the price roughly doubles, sadly.

That said, the one I would REALLY want is the single wall LI (DCF) version that drops to 28oz for a 2 person tent, or 24oz for a solo - though the price roughly doubles, sadly.

Harlen wrote: ↑Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:56 am rayfound wrote:

That said, the one I would REALLY want is the single wall LI (DCF) version that drops to 28oz for a 2 person tent, or 24oz for a solo - though the price roughly doubles, sadly.

Ray, you shoot for the stars, while I for just the moon. Meaning, instead of the $700+ LI (DCF) tent, I seriously considered the Tarptent Double Rainbow Ultra, instead of the standard Double Rainbow DW. The "Ultra" uses a fabric (Ultra TNT, or ?) which Henry Shires of Tarptent told me: really makes the tent super solid. This material doesn't stretch in any direction, and would make the tent better in extreme conditions. That's a paraphrase, but that was the gist of it, and what attracted me to the "Ultra." But the Ultra would've cost $519.00 instead of $389.00 for the DW. I went with the DW, and after adding in the $35 for their seam-sealing job, and tax, it came to $453.00 total. The Ultra model is only fractionally lighter [40.55 oz vs 41oz], but I believe it comes with the seams already sealed. So it was a question of about $90.00 more for the Ultra. $453.00 is already far more than I have ever shelled out for a tent, generally finding them used, (Craigslist, or Mercari) or on wild sales.

I am excited, and happy about the tent... made in Nevada City CA., and the owner Henry Shires seemed very cool, and I've read good things about Tarptent.... and the fact that mschnaidt promises a Lifetime warranty, and will fly directly to our home (you can land on 1/3rd of an acre, right?) to repair any damages, really sealed the deal. Thanks again mschnaidt.

Gogd wrote: ↑Tue Oct 10, 2023 12:02 pm How to afford pricy gear: Raise your children to be well compensated professionals, then sweet talk them into gifting you luxury tents or other equipment!