Your order includes:
- Rainbow tent body
- Your choice of pole set type
- Six 6.38-inch / 16.2 cm aluminum DAC J stakes
- Stake bag
- Tent bag
- Freestanding / trekking pole support kit
- Emergency pole splint
- Seam sealing kit
The patented Rainbow is the 1+ sized version of our most popular two-person shelter, the Double Rainbow, and includes the same features. An exceptional balance of strength, spaciousness, and value, the Rainbow is ideal for people who want a light but durable tent with a large living space. The Rainbow is easy to set up and can be converted to freestanding with trekking poles.
Looking for something lighter? Check out the Rainbow Li made with Dyneema®
Need a double-walled tent? Have a look at the Rainbow DW
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, partially solid side wall to block drafts, and an optional condensation liner.
- Can be made freestanding with the use of two trekking poles.
- Trekking poles can be used 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 sleeping pads up to 36 in / 91.4 cm wide, and users up to 6 ft 6 in / 1.98 cm.
- Standard arch poles pack to 16 in / 40.6 cm, short poles pack to 12 in / 30.5 cm.
- Fast and stable 6 stake fly first pitch.
- Many additional tie-out options for adding stability on all sides.
- 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 Rainbow requires at least 43 in / 109 cm trekking poles to become free-standing. We also offer substitute carbon fiber PolyPoles. Trekking poles only required for free standing, not required for general use.
General:
-
- Sleeps: 1+
- Seasons: 3
Minimum Weight: 28.8 oz / 816 g (with carbon pole set; no bags, stakes, or freestanding kit)
Typical Weight: 32.3 oz / 916 g (with carbon pole set; all bags, stakes, and freestanding kit)
-
- Rainbow body: 24.3 oz / 689 g
- Pole Sets:
- Carbon Fiber (7.8mm): Tarptent 7.8mm carbon fiber arch pole: 3.75 oz / 106 g + carbon fiber top strut: 0.75 oz / 24 g = 4.5 oz / 128 g
- Carbon Fiber (7.8mm) (Short): Tarptent 7.8mm carbon fiber arch pole: 3.9 oz / 111 g + carbon fiber top strut: 0.75 oz / 24 g = 4.65 oz / 132 g
- Aluminum (9.3mm): DAC NFL 9.3 aluminum arch pole: 6.7 oz / 190 g + DAC NFL 8.7 aluminum top strut: 0.85 oz / 24 g = 7.55 oz / 214 g
- Aluminum (10.65mm): DAC PL 10.65 aluminum arch pole: 8 oz / 227 g + DAC NFL 8.7 aluminum top strut: 0.85 oz / 24 g = 8.85 oz / 251 g
- Tent bag: 0.6 oz / 17 g
- Stake bag: 0.2 oz /5 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
- Stakes: Six 6.38-inch aluminum DAC J stakes: 0.45 oz / 13g (each) | 2.7 oz / 77 g (total)
- Liner (optional): 1.9 oz / 54 g
Dimensions:
-
- Interior Height: 42 in / 107 cm
- Floor Width: 36 in / 91 cm
- Floor Length: 88 in / 224 cm
- Packed size:
- Standard poles: 16 in x 5 in / 43 cm x 13 cm
- Short poles: 12 in x 6 in / 30.5 cm x 15.2 cm
Materials:
-
- 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
- Fly Zippers: YKK #3 Aquaguard waterproof
- Mesh: 15D nylon no-see-um mesh
- Solid Fabric: Breathable and windproof 10D ripstop nylon
- 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
- 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 Rainbow was launched in 2006.
An incomplete history of the updates it has received is below.
Version 2026-01 (January 2026)
- Floor width changed to 36″ to unify with the Rainbow Li
- Added side seam tie-out loops
- Now ships with a “freestanding kit”
- Lower fly edge
- Bigger top vents
- Partial solid interior
- Magnetic inner door ties
- Changed the vertical trekking pole support pole tip grommets to loops
Version 2025-04 (April 2025)
- Change to grey arch sleeve color
- Improved floor corner tension system
- Updated to use Tarptent UltraPE cording
Version 2024-05 (May 2024)
- 20D sil/sil polyester fly
- Improved reinforcements to go with lightweight fly material
- Larger and more secure interior pockets
…
11 reviews for Rainbow
Rainbow
Price range: $269.00 through $284.00
Johannes –
Dear Henry and Team,
I just returned from a rather epic 9000 mile walking pilgrimage from Liechtenstein to Jerusalem and back. I crossed the Alps, the Carpathians, the Caucasus, the Taurus and the Negev desert. I climed the highest peak in Armenia and stood at the lowest place on earth. I was awed by a flash flood in Jordan and hit by a car in Italy. Over a period of 15 months I left my foot prints in 26 countries. And what about those 458 nights? Well, most of them I spent in my Tarptent Rainbow.
I want to congratulate you on your product and say a big thank you. I had lots of gear, but the Rainbow never weighed me down and withstood not few adversities. Even the "paper-like" ground sheet (which I find indispensable) is still with me after all this time. The one thing that suffered most and the one tiny detail that could be improved is the pack sack. It could be a little wider. In that way it would maybe experience a little less strain when packing and therefore last longer. In my case the top ripped after about 5000 miles. I had it fixed and the whole part with the string to close the sack came off 2000 miles later. But that is just the pack sack. The tent is great! Again, thank you and keep up your excellent work!
Cheers,
Fr. Johannes
Brian D. –
I just wanted to drop you a quick note letting you know that I just returned from my REI Adventure Trip along the Bechler River in Yellowstone. I appreciate you taking my call personally the Sunday before I left and answering all my questions! I cannot say enough how stellar the Rainbow Tarptent performed. From the speed and simplicity of setup to even more critical – dryness! We had heavy Thunderstorms overnight Two of the 4 nights….and even though a few folks in our group got wet in their tents from REI (Half Domes I think) – I was Bone Dry the entire trip! I am currently airing my Rainbow out here at home relaxing from the trip and wanted to send you a personal Thank You – for making such a great Product. I shared my story about your Customer Service as other folks on the Trip inquired about the Tent…..
Brian D.
Harleysville, PA
Thomas –
An incredible tent at a very attractive weight and price point. I especially love the options for ventilation.
Chris Garcia (verified owner) –
I wanted a tent that was light, easy to set up, and packed small. The Rainbow was it!!!! I just tested it out on a 3 night section hike on the JMT and it passed with an “A”. The third night I got rained on for 4 hours with about 1 hour of that being hail. Other than being scared for my life with the lightning cracking right over my head the tent kept me dry and it held up to the relentless hail. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Sealing it myself was actually good practice to get oriented to my tent.
Daniel Sutton –
After spending several years sleeping in a bivy, a bad thunderstorm on a really hot night made me decide to switch to a tent. I looked around at the tents being offered at the local stores and online, but also looked for tents made in the U.S. by smaller companies. I happened to find tarp tent and really liked the Rainbow. I have used the tent for several trips over the last two years and really enjoy sleeping in it. The spacious interior allows me to keep all of my gear dry in inclement weather and not be cramped. The lightweight means that I haven’t considered taking the bivy out since I got this tent. It has provided many comfortable nights of sleep from humid Kentucky summers, windy and freezing conditions on the shore of Lake Michigan, and in the mountains of Colorado and California. I have always stayed dry and comfortable no matter how hard it has been raining outside. I would recommend this tent to anyone.
Granite State Viking (verified owner) –
I’m over the moon happy with my Rainbow! This purchase was a bit of a risk for me as I only had seen one Tarptent a few days before purchasing it, and it was a different model, and I was skeptical of the whole single-wall thing, but I was left with a good enough of an impression and on a time-critical hunt for a solid single tent, so I pulled the trigger. I’m so glad I did!
I’ve just come back from a canoe trip that included heavy consistent rain throughout one night, wind, and humid pitching environments. I was blown away. The construction and stitching is top-level, and after a few practice set-ups and take-downs in the yard I can get it pitched in two minutes, easy. The interior volume is copious for me, I’m 6’2″ and had plenty of room in both directions so I didn’t even come close to the fabric. On the first night it absolutely poured for over 8hrs and I was pitched on the side of a lake in cool temperatures. Obviously, I got some condensation on the interior, as I would in any tent. This is where the single-wall actually shows it’s strength, because when the condensation started to mist-off when the tent was hit by the heavier raindrops coming off the overhead branches I could mop the condensation up with my chamois cloth. I can’t access the fly in my double-walled tent at all, and I would have to deal with the misting all night coming through the mosquito mesh. I purchased the liner, and at this point decided to set it up as the rain was not letting up and we still had hours to go before dawn. The liner went up quickly and without fuss even for a fogged-up sleepy brain. The small clips are slightly open and the liner tabs just slip into place. I was back in bed, no misting at all now, and was back to the Land of Nod in no time. The liner is worth the extra 4oz in humid climates.
As mentioned the interior volume is giant for a one-person tent. Again, I’m 6’2″ and some and I can stay away from the edges of the tent in all quadrants, sit up with plenty of room overhead and side-to-side, and just generally sprawl around and keep my clothes and other nighttime gear with me. My partner had a 1-person tent from a large cooperative outdoor retailer at a similar pricepoint and similar weight but it was an absolute goat-wrestle to get it up, taking an enormous amount of time and so many stakes it boggled the imagination, and the interior was a coffin. There is no way I would’ve fit my tall-sized sleeping bag in there without getting the footbox totally wet as it would inevitable smoosh up at the end of the tent.
The Rainbow is big, it’s quick to set up, it’s built right, it’s light, it’s worth every penny. One trip only and I am in love with my tent, in a way that is difficult to express and happens rarely with gear. It “sparks joy” as some would say, and then some. I am definitely getting the Double for my wife and I.
The thought and engineering and high level of workmanship that went into the Rainbow is obvious from the moment I pulled it out of the bag to when I woke up in the deep woods after a night of soaking rain and wind. There are no compromises with the Rainbow. Thank you!
(Also the customer service from Tarptent was A+! Thanks everyone for getting me out the door for my annual canoe trip!)
Carl Bernsen –
I love love love this tent!
I’ve used it all over Europe, on rock, sand and mud. Fantastic space one, big enough for two, simple and easy to set up. The ventilation prevents condensation most nights and if it is humid it’s easy to wipe the inside before packing up.
It’s so light and compact I carry it ‘just in case’ with a down quilt and thin foam mat on trips when I’m not sure I can find a room to sleep.
I’ve even camped outside small airports ready for a very early morning flight or for when I fly in late and there are no buses running; it’s probably paid for itself in saved taxi fares and hotel rooms already.
Cata (verified owner) –
I’ve been using this tent for the last 2 summers in the Yukon, and I took it to Iceland last September on a 2 week trip. Performed well in moderate winds although the main pole did bent a little in 40km/h winds.
The good:
– packs small
– easy to set up
– spacious for one person + 60 pound husky
– performs well in moderate winds.
The bad:
– if the door is wet and you open it, water always drips inside! Super annoying
[Tarptent Note: the porch flap is designed to address that –> http://www.tarptent.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/rb2019_rain_curtain_halfopen.jpg%5D
– the doors zipper isn’t working properly anymore and separates when trying to open or close the door which results in the door not closing properly.
[Tarptent Note: Dust in the coil spreads the sliders apart. We offer free sliders and instructions on how to address zippers problems here –> http://www.tarptent.com/zipper-repair/ ]
Paul –
This tent is nearly perfect for me. I was looking for something that
1) would fit a tall hiker. I am 6-3.
2) would set up free standing on tent platforms found on the east coast or on rocky terrain.
3) was light enough to be a 1 person tent, but large enough to fit me and my 10 year old daughter on our occasional trips together.
4) is solidly built, so it can take a bit of abuse.
This tent perfectly matched these constraints.
1) It is the roomiest 1+ person tent I’ve seen, especially for tall people. The arch pole ensures this.
2) Setting it up in free standing mode with trekking poles is a breeze.
3) With carbon poles, its weight is only surpassed by DCF tents or those with ridiculously thin traditional fabrics.
4) The 30D silnylon fabric is tough. You can find lighter tents with on the market, but at reduced durability and increased cost.
I don’t think I’ve slept in a tent that was as refined as this one.
The only thing that I wish were different was that the interior door was vertical, as opposed to being at an angle relative to the ground, so less water would get inside when you open the door in the rain. In a downpour the inside will get a bit wet when you enter the tent. This can be ameliorated to some degree by using the porch feature. Nevertheless, this is a small complaint. The tent is awesome and I’d buy it again if something happened to the one I have. I can’t wait to take it up in the Sierras!
Maurice Evans –
I LOVE THIS TENT! I’ve had this tent for about 8 years now and it hasn’t let me down once. I’ve backpacked all over California, Nevada and Utah with this tent, in rain, hail and unexpected snow and it’s been the perfect piece of equipment. I was recently backpacking in the Ruby Mountains in Nevada and came across some rather tenacious chipmunks that decided I might have something good to eat in my tent. They chewed a few holes in the mesh and then gave up, but the damage was done. I wrote Tarptent asking for advice on patching and they responded instantly. Shout out to Henry! When I initially bought the tent I was under a time crunch after finding out at the last minute that my old tent had finally given up. Tarptent was super helpful then by making sure my tent got to me before I took off on my trip. Good to see their service still matching the quality of their tents after all these years. I’m hoping this tent will hold out a couple more years, and when it does finally give out I’ll be buying another. Thanks Tarptent crew!
By the way, it says for one person but I’ve always slept two in it very comfortable.
Scott Vail (verified owner) –
Earlier this month I hiked the O and circuits of Torres del Paine NP in Chile. The weather there is notoriously unpredictable with strong winds and rain. I am delighted to say that my Rainbow tent held up in very strong ( knock a person down) winds) and heavy rainfall. This is in comparison to some of my companions NEMO and REI tents whose tent poles shattered in the wind, ripping the fabrics of their tents and collapsing on them during the night. I was in no more of a wind or rain protected area then those whose tents failed and appreciate the workmanship and design of your tent more than ever.