View Full Version : Tarptent Rainbow vs Moment...down to these two...
and would appreciate any comments regarding those who have either one or both of these tents...I like the ease of set up, and I can live with the weight.
But, wanted to get pros and cons of each from those who actually have used them...More importantly, why you chose one over the other.
Would you buy them again?
Sorry, but I am really torn on this decision and would appreciate some feedback.
Chubbs4U
05-30-2011, 13:10
I recently went through this myself. I ended up with the Rainbow cause it has more room and can sleep 2 in a pinch. I also like the Moment a lot but it seemed "cramped" to me. Good luck, either one you will be happy.
bigcranky
05-30-2011, 13:48
We owned a Double Rainbow, and I now use a Moment for solo use.
There is no way that I could describe the Moment as "cramped." Both are good tents, tough decision.
I was in a similar position...trying to choose between two very good tents....I called and talked with the folks at Tarptent...was not Henry...but told them my size, how I sleep, what my desires for space was...after lots of questions and discussion...I ended up the the Double Rainbow following their recommendation.....great tent for me...love it! Cheers.
skinewmexico
05-30-2011, 13:52
I had a Moment; great tent. I sold it to fund my Rainbow. My thinking was like Chubbs. Most of my trips now are with Scouts, and with the Rainbow, my son and I could share in the event of a tent disaster and subsequent shortage.
Moment and the fact you could cook underneath...but, in the specs it looks as if the vestibule for both are close..
Is the vestibule on the Rainbow sufficient that you can also store your pack on one side and cook on the other?
THANKS
FamilyGuy
05-30-2011, 15:56
If you are 6' or over, I would recommend the Rainbow. For almost identical weights, there is substantially more volume of space than the Moment. The foot print is also larger and as Joe mentions, I can fit myself and my 9 year old in quite comfortably.
On the other hand....you can't really go wrong with either.
If you are having trouble deciding which one due to size, I would suggest taking some masking tape and taping the outline of each tent on the floor or patio. Then put yourself and gear inside the borders and see how they fit for you.
FamilyGuy
06-01-2011, 14:04
If you are having trouble deciding which one due to size, I would suggest taking some masking tape and taping the outline of each tent on the floor or patio. Then put yourself and gear inside the borders and see how they fit for you.
That only determines footprint size. It ignores total volume (height, sloped walles, etc).
I think Franco has mocked up versions using string and trekking poles. Maybe that would work. Alternatively, Franco could publish pictures of both shelters with gear inside....
There is a lot of info available at the TT site.
For example in the Specification page for each product you find the link to these drawings (Dimensions) :
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/mt_dimensions.png
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/rb_dimensions.png
There is also a 3d view in the "Videos" page with a 72"x20" mat inside so that you can compare available space. You could have two windows open side by side with the 2 3d views for direct comparison.
Anyway, the Rainbow does have a larger floor as well as more headroom above your face when laying down.
Not that relevant if 6' or under.
Franco
There is a lot of info available at the TT site.
For example in the Specification page for each product you find the link to these drawings (Dimensions) :
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/mt_dimensions.png
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/rb_dimensions.png
There is also a 3d view in the "Videos" page with a 72"x20" mat inside so that you can compare available space. You could have two windows open side by side with the 2 3d views for direct comparison.
Anyway, the Rainbow does have a larger floor as well as more headroom above your face when laying down.
Not that relevant if 6' or under.
Franco
the Rainbow! I think the extra room for the 4 extra ounces is worth it...will be out three weeks, so I think I may enjoy the extra room...thanks for all the help!
Looking for some personal opinions here... but would you guys consider the single Rainbow acceptable for a Couple --- (comfortable, breathable for 2?, obviously being close to each other is not a problem). We are both tall and slim.
I am debating on the rainbow over the rainbow 2 as the smaller footprint would be nice for where we camp and I exclusively end up with all the weight.
Chubbs4U
06-14-2011, 14:53
It completely matters the size of you both. I have a rainbow and you could sleep 2 in there but Im big boned so its possible but Im not sure I would call it comfortable. If you both are on the "smaller" side it might not be a problem. Your trying to squeeze 2 adults in a 1+ person tent. Yes possible but. I also heard that the Lunar Duo is huge inside. If I was looking into a 2 person tent I would look over there. Nothing against TT but I wouldnt want a Rainbow and a Double Rainbow. Want somethings a little different sometimes.
Transition Bob
06-14-2011, 15:37
I have a Rainbow, and I would definitely not suggest fitting two people in it. Look at the specs again. It is a one-person tent.
Yea I am looking at the spec's and seeing a max 43 inches. That is a "wide" one person tent since it is a rectangle and does not taper. Looking at many declared two person tents under at least a psuedo "ul" category, it is looking pretty standard to have a width around 45-50 inches but with high amount of tapering at the head and foot. Since a standard thermarest is 20 inches wide I figured it may be doable without significant discomfort.
Based on the above reviews I am starting to think that may not be a good idea! Just for reference,. I am a hair under 6ft and 160lbs and she is 5'10 - 130lb.
^ Just for reference, the Carbon Reflex 2 was measured to have around 42 inches of space at its slimmest point in the the middle. I may have to suck it up and get a double rainbow or a hubba hubba (wider then the cr2) to keep the lady happy on a weekend trip.
as you can see from this TT picture the Rainbow does take two mats and the floor as you know is not tapered.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/rb-6.jpg
However it is marketed as a 1+ shelter because as much as it has more floor area than some doubles , it is not ideal for regular use by two people.
The advantage of the DR, apart from the wider floor, is that it has two vestibules and two entry points , so that is what I would suggest.
My video on the DR :
http://www.youtube.com/user/francodarioli?feature=mhee#p/u/23/Gv8Mxbpc1ac (http://www.youtube.com/user/francodarioli?feature=mhee#p/u/23/Gv8Mxbpc1ac)
Franco
[email protected] (
[email protected])
Appreciate it Franco. thanks
skinewmexico
06-14-2011, 22:40
It should probably be pointed out the the Rainbow, as redesigned in 2010, is wider than it used to be. I'm pretty sure.
It should probably be pointed out the the Rainbow, as redesigned in 2010, is wider than it used to be. I'm pretty sure.
I find it interesting that folks say the Rainbow can better accommodate two people when the Tarptent site shows the floor width is 40" and the Moment is 42". What am I missing?
The Moment is not 42 the entire length, it gets pretty narrow at both ends. Love mine but would not consider putting two people in it.
I find it interesting that folks say the Rainbow can better accommodate two people when the Tarptent site shows the floor width is 40" and the Moment is 42". What am I missing?
The shape of the floor
http://tarptent.com/photos/mt_dimensions.png
http://tarptent.com/photos/rb_dimensions.png
The shape of the floor
Ah, I see! I thought the floor area was the lighter colored area in the center.