2010 Tarptent Rainbow

[MNBackpacker]

I'm looking for a new tent and I'm wondering what people think of the new improvements made to the 2010 Tarptent Rainbow.

[Franco]

Hi
I shot a video of that sometime ago. Mostly to show the low set up for more wind and rain protection.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv8Mxbpc1ac
Franco

[frisbeefreek]

I bought my Rainbow in Spring '09. The modifications that Henry made in the 2010 make sense, based on what I saw on his website (the biggest change imho is how the top cross-piece is attached - the new method is much better).

It's a great tent - I have over 5000 miles on mine, including some miserable weather.

It is so roomy that even in really horrible weather (50mph driving rain), you can sleep in the center and not get wet. And for a single wall, being able to sit up and not touch the condensation on the walls is a massive plus.

[Don H]

How is the cross piece different? Mine always leaked there and no amount of sealing would stop it.

[Franco]

New cross pole :

http://www.tarptent.com/doublerainbow2010.html

[Don H]

That looks less likely to leak. Is the strut easily removed? Will the buckles on each end unbuckle or do you slide the strut out of it's sleeve?

[Sunshine Tami Jo]

Darn, I bought mine too soon...before the modifications. I bought it last year, I guess it was. I was planning to take my hike a year ago, but a family tragedy forced me to postpone until this spring. On mine, I find it difficult to get the loops to attach to my trekking pole handles, so I wonder if Henry made any modifications there? If not, does anyone who owns one of the older models know whayt I'm talking about? And if so, any suggestions?

[MNBackpacker]

Any comments on if the sidewalls are high enough when water starts flowing though the campsite?

[Franco]

Is the strut easily removed?
There is a slit under the Velcro at one end. You slide the strut out of that.

On mine, I find it difficult to get the loops to attach to my trekking pole handles, so I wonder if Henry made any modifications there?
The mods are listed here :
http://www.tarptent.com/doublerainbow2010.html
Some details :




Note the pole extender ($3 a pair from TT) needed for the DR.

Any comments on if the sidewalls are high enough when water starts flowing though the campsite?
Ideally you should not camp where water flows but have a look at the video (link posted above).

Franco

[MNBackpacker]

Yes IDEALLY. We all know many sites are less than ideal and have all been caught with a river under the tent.