Your order includes:
- Double Rainbow tent body
- Your choice of pole set type
- Six 6.38-inch / 16.2 cm aluminum DAC J stakes
- Stake bag
- Tent bag
- Emergency pole splint
- Seam sealing kit
The patented and multi-award-winning Double Rainbow is our most popular 2-person tent. Introduced in 2006, the Double Rainbow has had 20 years of refinement and has seen use across the world. Designed for versatility and simplicity, this tent is ideal for a single night car camping or a thru-hike of the PCT.
Looking for something lighter? Check out the Dyneema® Double Rainbow Li
Want a double wall? Have a look at the Double Rainbow DW
Going solo? Have a look at the Rainbow
2026 updates: bigger vents, partial solid interior, additional side tie outs, fully magnetic door ties, lower fly edge
Key Features:
- 100% silicone-coated 20D high tenacity polyester fly and 30D nylon 66 floor fabrics provide superior strength and durability.
- Fits users up to 6 ft 6 in / 1.98 cm.
- Single-walled with condensation-catching gutters, and optional condensation liner.
- Trekking poles can be used to make this tent freestanding or under the top crossing pole for additional structural support in high wind or under snow load.
- “Porch mode” provides a large covered space in front of doors, perfect for cooking or staying out of the sun/rain.
- The fly is made with 20D 100% silicone-coated ripstop high tenacity polyester (5000mm+) for strong, durable, and sag-free performance.
- The floor is made with 30D 100% silicone-coated ripstop nylon 6,6 (5000mm+) for enhanced durability, so that you do not need a groundsheet in most conditions.
- Premium components: Tarptent carbon fiber or DAC poles, DAC stakes, YKK zippers, Tarptent UltraPE cording, magnetic door ties
- Partial solid interior blocks cold breezes and blowing dust at the sleeping level
- Fits two sleeping pads up to 25 in / 63.5cm wide, and users up to 6 ft 6 in / 1.98 cm.
- Standard arch poles pack to 16 in / 40.6 cm.
- Many additional tie-out options for adding stability on all sides.
- Fast and stable 6 stake fly first pitch.
- Large and adjustable high and low venting options.
- Optional clip-in liner provides double-wall-like condensation separation.
- Can be made freestanding with the use of two trekking poles.*
- Integrated interior pockets and overhead clips. Optional gear loft.
- Vestibules can completely roll back for views and ventilation.
- Low fly edge blocks wind and rain splashes.
- “Porch mode” provides a large covered space in front of doors, perfect for cooking or staying out of the sun/rain.
- Trekking poles can be used under the top crossing pole for additional structural support in high wind or under snow load.
- Seam sealing kit included at no extra cost.
*Please note that the Double Rainbow requires at least 55 in / 140 cm trekking poles to become free-standing. Best with 57 in / 145 cm poles. Trekking pole tip extenders can extend trekking poles as short as 50 in / 127 cm.
General:
-
- Sleeps: 2
- Seasons: 3+
Minimum Weight: 35.9 oz / 1018 g (with carbon arch pole; not including bags, stakes, or freestanding kit)
Typical Weight: 39.45 oz / 1118 g (with carbon arch pole, including all bags and stakes)
-
- Double Rainbow body: 31.3 oz / 887 g
- Pole sets:
- Carbon Fiber (7.8mm): Tarptent 7.8mm carbon fiber arch pole: 3.75 oz / 106 g + carbon fiber top strut: 0.85 oz / 24 g = 4.6 oz / 130 g
- Carbon Fiber (7.8mm) (Short): Tarptent 7.8mm carbon fiber arch pole: 3.9 oz / 111 g + carbon fiber top strut: 0.85 oz / 24 g = 4.75 oz / 135 g
- Aluminum (9.3): DAC NFL 9.3 arch pole: 6.7 oz / 190 g + DAC NFL 8.7 aluminum top strut: 1.1 oz / 31 g = 7.8 oz / 221 g
- Aluminum (10.65mm): DAC PL 10.65 arch pole: 8 oz / 227 g + DAC NFL 8.7 aluminum top strut: 1.1 oz / 31 g = 9.1 oz / 258 g
- Freestanding/trekking pole support kit: (included with every tent)
- Two trekking pole handle adapters + two trekking pole tip pockets + two 8 in / 20 cm pieces of cording = 0.4 oz / 11 g total
- Tent bag: 0.65 oz / 18 g
- Stake bag: 0.2 oz / 6 g
- Stakes: Six 6.38-inch aluminum DAC J stakes: 0.45 oz / 13g (each) = 2.7 oz / 77 g total
- Liner (optional): 2.5 oz / 71 g
Dimensions:
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- Interior Height: 42 in / 107 cm
- Floor Width: 50 in / 127 cm
- Floor Length: 88 in / 224 cm
- Packed size:
- Standard poles: 16 in x 5.5 in / 43 cm x 14 cm
- Short poles: 12 in x 6.5 in / 30.5 cm x 16.5 cm
Materials:
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- Fly Material: 20D nano ripstop 100% silicone coated polyester rated to over 5,000mm hydrostatic head, forest green
- Floor Material: 30D double ripstop 100% silicone coated nylon 66 rated to over 5,000mm hydrostatic head, black
- Solid Fabric: Breathable and windproof 10D ripstop nylon
- Fly Zippers: YKK #3 Aquaguard waterproof
- Mesh: 15D nylon no-see-um mesh
- Guyline/Cording: Tarptent UltraPE cording
- Arch Poles:
- DAC NFL 9.3: 9.3mm diameter 7000 series aluminum alloy
- DAC PL 10.65: 10.65mm diameter 7000 series aluminum alloy
- Tarptent 7.8mm Carbon Fiber: 7.8mm diameter carbon fiber tubes with carbon fiber inserts
- Folding Cross Struts:
- Easton® 3.9 carbon fiber: 7mm diameter carbon fiber composite, made in USA
- (short pole set) Tarptent 7.8mm Carbon Fiber: 7.8mm diameter carbon fiber tubes with carbon fiber inserts
- DAC NFL 8.7: 8.7mm diameter 7000 series aluminum alloy
Does this tent require seam sealing?
- Yes, this tent utilizes 100% silicone-coated fabrics, which require seam-sealing with the included kit. Please read our buyer’s guide section on seam-sealing for more information and guides.
Do I need trekking poles?
- No, but trekking poles can be used to make it freestanding or to provide additional structural support.
Can this tent be freestanding?
- Yes, two trekking poles or substitute poles can be used to make it freestanding.
What is the condensation liner?
- The liner clips underneath the canopy panels, mimicking the extra layer of material you would have in a double-wall tent. It separates you from condensation that forms on the underside of the canopy and is recommended if you expect lots of condensation and/or just prefer to have an extra barrier.
Is this tent stuffable?
- Yes, the pole set is easily packed separately, and the tent body is fully stuffable.
Are there additional tie out points for extra staking?
- Yes, there are additional pullouts on the arch sleeve and perimeter hem.
Does this tent accommodate tall people?
- We recommend this tent for people up to 6 ft 6 in / 1.98m
Which pole type should I choose?
- Our carbon fiber poles are exceptionally light but are the most flexible of our pole options due to their smaller diameter. They are great for moderate conditions where weight is a priority over wind performance. Due to their brittleness, carbon fiber poles have lower durability than aluminum.
- DAC 9.3 NFL poles are heavier but also much stiffer and a bit stronger than our carbon fiber poles due to their larger diameter. We recommend DAC 9.3 poles for most users as they are a good balance of weight, stiffness, and durability. Aluminum poles have much better durability than carbon fiber poles due to their bend-before-break characteristic.
- DAC 10.65 PL poles are the heaviest, but also the stiffest and strongest poles we offer. They are recommended for users who expect extreme wind or snow loading.
Do I need a groundsheet?
- Probably not. 30D sil-nylon is very durable compared to most ultralight floor materials, and in most conditions, a groundsheet is just additional weight. A groundsheet is recommended for use on highly abrasive and/or sharp ground, such as on sandstone or when pitching on sharp rocks/sticks.
How do I avoid condensation?
- ALL tents suffer from condensation in the right/wrong conditions but there are steps you can take to limit it. Try to avoid camping overnight in cool, damp environments such as river valleys, meadows, marshes and next to water. If possible, choose an elevated campsite with a bit of a breeze and preferably under a tree canopy. Please refer to the Choosing a Better Campsite video to better understand how to avoid condensation.
The first version of the Double Rainbow was launched in 2006.
An incomplete history of the updates it has received is below.
Version 2026-05 (May 2026)
- Added side seam tie-out loops
- Now ships with the “freestanding kit” detached
- Lower fly edge
- Bigger top vents
- Partial solid interior
- Magnetic inner door ties
- Changed the vertical trekking pole support pole tip grommets to loops to use with the freestanding kit.
Version 2024-08 (August 2024)
- 20D sil/sil polyester fly
- Shorter 16 inch packed length poles
- Improved floor corner tension system
- Magnetic fly door ties
- Larger and more secure interior pockets
- Grey arch sleeve color
…
Version 2019
- Longer and easily detached 24 inch top strut
- Fly door zipper is now waterproof (no flap) and central
- Improved waterproof rating of fly and floor fabrics
- Lower fly edge
- Better supported 5 inch bathtub walls
- Waterproof vestibule zippers
- Fold back vestibule corners
- Integrated gear pockets at each interior zippered door
- Improved mesh door zipper shape
…
Version 2010
- Top strut separable from the tent
- Improved vents
- Pole sleeve design improvements
- Taller bathtub floor with center clips
- Improved inner zipper design for easier entry/exit
- Improved trekking pole attachment for freestanding mode
- Added arch sleeve tie-outs
- Added vestibule tiebacks for full side opening
- Added grommets for trekking pole support
15 reviews for Double Rainbow
Double Rainbow
Price range: $284.00 through $299.00
sandbox –
this is a newer review
Charles Sadler –
I have used the double rainbow for many backpacking hikes and it has held up to extremely strong winds, thunder storms, sleet, as well as desert like conditions. As long as you know that you need to seal it before you end up in a rain forest getting soaked, it works great. The bag it comes with eventually ripped, due to me trying to stuff it in the bag without rolling it up properly when I was tired and in a hurry, but the tent itself has been flawless. It fits 2 people 5’6 130 lbs with all our gear in the tent. We are smaller people so you may need to leave your pack under the tent flap if you are much taller, which I have done with my boots when they get to be unbearable. Other things is it is pretty light, easy to set up, but mildy annoying to put in the bag, although it makes for a compact and lightweight design when storing it.
Squirrel Therapy (verified owner) –
My original review didn’t post, or was removed. Tent leaks in the rain via the mitten hooks, and was seam sealed by Tarptent. Appears to be a potential design flaw, but unsure. 3 stars.
Tarptent –
We had no idea. Please contact us so we can fix the leak for you.
Reed –
I’ve had mine for a little over two years, use it about 40 nights per year and absolutely love this tent. Easy to set up, spacious even for someone 6’4”, intelligently designed and well executed.
The only tweaking I’ve done is to go with MSR Grounhog stakes to better help me set the depth of the bathtub floor.
The 2019 edition seems to carry on with improvements that never crossed my mind but now that I see them, I’m a little envious. My 2016 model shows no sign of wearing out anytime soon so it may be a while before I get another DR. Bummer in that respect!
Highly recommend this tent.
Justin –
Love it. Most annoying thing is packing and unpacking after or before a long hike. Perfect for quick take down or setting up. Very very light and havent used a footprint yet.
Highly highly recommend!
Michael Schlitters (verified owner) –
Just went early march 2019 3 weeks on the Pinhote trail in Alabama tent performed above expectations
2 severe thunderstorms extreme wind no problems at all 2 minute setup and take down
very pleased with the quality
Kevin Mullens (verified owner) –
I had the opportunity to take my new Tarptent DR out for a test drive, with all of my other new backpacking gear, this past weekend. I’ve camped my whole life, but backpacking is a new endeavor of mine. I can’t be more pleased on the quality, ease of setup, and protection from the below freezing temps, and strong winds. I’ve spent many an hour investigating my shelter purchase, and this fits my 6′ 2″ frame with room to spare. Thanks for a great product!
Kevin Mullens
Enoree, SC
BRANDON EMMONS –
Amazing tent! I bought this tent for hiking the Long Range Traverse in Newfoundland. We needed a free standing tent for the platforms on the bogs. It is easy to set up, spacious, and the sides can be opened for great views. On the trip we encountered two hardships, an incredible windy storm and bugs. I have never previously been bothered by bugs but there was a bumper crop of black flys, I still have scars on my wrists from their bites 3 years later (do this hike later in the season!). The only refuge from the incredible aggressive swarms was inside the double rainbow. They could get in my bug suit but not the tent. The last night an intense storm blew up the draw we were camped in. The tent was amazing in the wind. The wind was so strong that the ridge pole blew down onto us and every time recovered. In the morning ours was the only tent in the group undamaged. Since then I have slept sound every night in this tent 🙂
BubblesTheHiker –
I was just a day hiker who raced through big miles in a day to avoid camping until a month ago when I spent a week camping my way through the West Highland Way in Scotland. I did some research on tents prior and it came down to tarp tent and gossamer gear – comparable in price, size and weight. I went with Tarptent due to the reviews about the floor design, the condensation liner (which I did purchase), and the ease of setup (I didn’t want to mess around with trekking pole angles while setting up in the rain) – this seemed really hard to get wrong with the Rainbow design. Because it’s so light I went with the Double Rainbow, even though I was the only one using the tent. I’m almost 6 ft tall and there was ample room to sit up and fit my pack at the end of my long sized sleeping pad. My stake placements weren’t the best in the beginning, but the tent remained structurally sound. After a few days, I had the stake placement down to a science with minimal repositioning.
I used Tarptent’s sealing service and while I was able to practice setting up the tent before I left I was not able to test it in rain.
So, the first night it started raining around 10pm. Hard rain. I was wild camping in some ruins and held my breath hoping the reviews were right – and they were!
The liner prevented any condensation drip and I was well protected. Through a stroke of luck, the rains stopped right before I packed out every time so that is something I have yet to contend with. I was careful to fold and pack it without getting the interior wet, though I was careful to wipe down the interior before I did, then gave the whole thing a good shake. I packed the liner separately and during the day would take it out and dry it with all the ample wind. If I do go back to Scotland to do the Great Glen Way, I might get a double-walled tarptent to help pack out the interior while sheltered from the blowing, heavy rains.
I did purchase the footprint, but left it at home based on many many reviews on many different websites – this was a good choice. The interior remained dry as a bone and is extremely durable. I do think a good improvement would be to have an optional dyneema base, which would eliminate the need for a footprint altogether – but that would increase the price (another reason I narrowed my search down to TarpTent).
I couldn’t be more happy with my purchase – and this once dayhiker is now hooked on backpacking!
Steve –
I just hiked 57 miles with this tent. It worked in wind and rain just fine. It was my second time using it and got to learn a lot about its capabilities. My only recommendation is that they create a softer bottom so if you ever accidentally set up camp on a ground bee nest (noisy, but non-aggressive), you can have a more peaceful sleep, lol.
kacy –
I’m 5’5 and my partner is 6’3, we’ve been using this tent w/liner exclusively for about 3 years now. It’s kept us warm and dry all throughout the cold and rainy trips of the UK and protected us from some wild winds atop a few mountains in Norway in late November. We are fine sleeping real close so we didn’t have an issue keeping our gear inside as I had plenty of space below me. If you want to step into lightweight packing go for it, this company has been excellent.
Tim Cadman –
I’ve had this tent for five years now and used it hiking and cycle touring around the world (e.g. French Alps, Norway, Andes). It is a phenomenal tent.
Pros: Very light, packs down really small. It gives ample room for two people plus gear. Despite the minimal design, it’s withstood high winds and rain without problem. Super quick to put up and take down. The design is really neat – I love opening the tent in the morning and looking out over beautiful landscape.
Cons: Not many! I had it sealed by the tarptent, however it did still leak after this. I’m sure they would have redone it, but as I ordered to UK I resealed it myself to save posting there and back. I’ve had no problems with leakage since. The the other to note is that it is quite drafty. In summer this is great, but in cold conditions you need to make sure you have a nice warm sleeping bag.
Tips: It takes a bit of practice putting it up to ensure that it tight. The key is to not try to pull the vestibule to the ground – this should be pegged as high as possible.
Zack Z (verified owner) –
I’ve been using the Double Rainbow for over a year in all weather conditions as my only tent and it has held up no problem. I recommend ordering the condensation sheet if you plan on cold weather camping but it’s still doable without. The tent dries out fairly quick if you open both sides. I’m 6′ 185lbs and my Siberian husky is 60lbs, we both fit great and still have room for the backpack to be inside as well. The bathtub floor hasn’t ripped from the ground or my dog’s sharp nails. I set the tent up in my yard for a month straight in July heat and there weren’t any signs of damage or stretching. Overall, I liked this tent so much that I bought the lithium version and will be writing a review about that model in the future. Lastly, communication and customer service is top notch just like their shelters.
Holly W –
Awesome tent. So glad I have it. I’ve used for many backpacking and bikepacking trips. I even used it for snow camping once. I had it more than a dozen years. In case you are interested, here are some words of wisdom from someone who has had this tent since 2010:
Condensation is just something you deal with with single-walled tents I have found. The top inside can be quite wet in the morning or even frosty. The mesh isn’t wet which is what I and my sleeping bag will be touching generally, so no worries. I actually don’t have the liner but it doesn’t drip on me (seam sealed of course). I just use a microfiber cloth to wipe the inside down when I get up in the morning because when I am crawling in or out is when I am most likely to touch the single-wall parts that are wet. Dries fast in the sun.
I’ve never set up the tent “free-standing” (mostly because my trekking poles aren’t long enough- use kid poles) but that’s another story but I’ve never needed to. For my work-around I use sand anchors if I can’t stake the tent down due to pitching it on a solid surface (you can use rocks or snow to hold sand anchors down too FYI). Still sturdy enough to handle a decent among of wind.
The bathtub bottom is rather low to the ground so I have to be careful not to get dirt in the tent but otherwise its very tough. I’ve never needed a ground sheet.
If you aren’t super tall there’s usually plenty of room lengthwise to bring your backpack in with you. Even my 6’3″ son brings his backpack inside when we are sharing.
Hayden Harris (verified owner) –
This tent has been great, one of my favorite backpacking tents I’ve ever used, or even seen. I was stuck in between many different tents, because I was looking for a sub 3 pound 2 person tent. Came across nemo, big Agnes, and durston gear. IMO the double rainbow is the best value and had the best design with some really cool features that no other tents have on the market, like the ability to set up a awning like porch, the ability to use trekking poles to make it free standing, and to be able to use trekking poles as support poles to strengthen the structure in heavy winds/ snow loads. I’ve had the tent for less than a year, but I’ve been many places in it and it hasn’t failed me yet. It’s seen some strong winds 30-40 mph and some heavy rain lasting 3-4 hours. In my experience I have had condensation issues which is expected with a single wall tent (I usually don’t help by setting it up near rivers and in valleys) I would assume that depending on where you live and where you decide to pitch the tent plays a big role also. I ended up buying the condensation liner later up the road, and it’s been a game changer making this tent an ultralight “double wall” tent and I’ve had zero issues since then. The customer support at Tarptent is unmatched, and the owner (Henry Shires) is quick to respond to any issues or questions I’ve had with the tent. I believe this company as a whole is great and I hope they are here for years to come bringing us new designs and ideas to the backpacking community.