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Hi Dan, thank you for all of your informative answers regarding this tent! My wife and I are newer to backpacking and about to invest in our first light tent. We're torn between this and a TarpTent Double Rainbow. They each seem to have advantages. I was wondering if you might be able to highlight some of the key differences (pros/cons) to consider between these two styles of tents? For reference we are 6' 4" and 5' 4" with more lean builds, so finding something that fits me length wise is really important and being able to sit up inside of. We also are using an Exped Synmat Duo in the large/wide, so the pad is 51" wide, 3" thick. We're looking for flexibility (won't be owning multiple tents) for various trips (mostly east coast), longevity, space, light weight. It seems like some of the big differentiators I'm seeing are: -silnylon vs silpoly -free standing option vs stake only Thank you for your time and insight!

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The Synmat Duo looks awesome - especially in large/wide. That pad has me tempted. One of the largest differences between the X-Mid 2P and Double Rainbow is that the DR is a singlewall tent. That saves weight but means that you are not protected from contacting the potentially wet fly (from condensation) if you slide your sleeping bag into the end wall or sit up and hit the roof. The weight savings from this mean that the DR is only a couple ounces heavier despite have a poleset. Being a double wall, the X-Mid is also modular in the sense that you can use just the inner or just the fly, whereas the DR is all one piece. Please note that I haven't seen a DR so there's a chance I'm mistaken somewhere, but the other major differences seem to be: 1) As you note, silnylon vs silpoly is a big difference because the X-Mid fabric won't expand and loosen up in wet conditions, which requires re-tightening. 2) Indeed the DR can be set up in freestanding mode by adding the trekking poles. Note that you still need to stake out the vestibules, so normally the DR requires more stakes (6 vs 4) but can be pitched with just 2. Note that you need 57" / 145cm of pole length to use the DR properly in freestanding mode, which not all poles can do. And that the DR isn't nearly as stormworthy like this and would still need to be staked down in harsh conditions. 3) Floor area/length is quite similar but the X-Mid has a lot more headroom because you have a long ridgeline across the tent (~70") whereas the DR has that cross strut that is roughly 30" long. So the X-Mid inner has vertical sidewalls whereas the DR sidewalls slope in substantially. Most people find the X-Mid has enough length at 6'4". The walls do slope inward at the ends, so you'd lose a bit of length with the 3" thick pad. You still should be fine, but if you sleep totally straight your bag may brush the mesh lighter which shouldn't be an issue since the mesh is well back from the fly. 4) X-Mid has protected doorways, whereas rain can fall directly onto the floor when you open the doors of the DR 5) Overall, the X-Mid is a much better suited tent for wet conditions because it is doublewall, no sag fabric, protected doorways and much larger vestibules for wet gear. 6) X-Mid is 2-3oz lighter. Appear to be about 2oz lighter based on the basic specs but then the DR needs seam sealing and usually more stakes, bring it is 3-4oz heavier. IMO, the X-Mid has a lot going for it because it is more spacious and sloppy conditions worthy, yet also lighter. The only obvious reason to choose the DR would be if you highly value the freestanding option. That is cool, but its pretty rare that getting in 4 stakes (X-Mid) is a problem yet getting in 2 is okay (DR in semi-freestanding mode). Since you mention you're newer to backpacking, I'll add that a lot of people imagine a non-freestanding tent being harder to use than it is. It's quite rare that you can't get in stakes. Occasionally you need to put a bit more thought into where you camp, but 98% of the time it's not an issue. And either needs to be properly staked out fully in windy weather so the freestanding mode isn't as a hassle saver in tough conditions. The main benefit from it would be camping on a platform where it can be a bit of a puzzle to properly anchor a non-freestanding tent. Overall, I think the double wall, protected entry, extra headroom and no-sag fabric of the X-Mid are going to benefit you most nights on the trail, whereas the semi-freestanding option of the DR is one of those things that will only be handy on rare occasions (I've hiked over 5000 miles and 400 nights, while camping on a platform 2 or 3 times. If you hike in drier climates where double wall protected entry, sag etc are not a concern then you may prefer the DR, but if you hike in sloppier/humid/rainy climates than you'd likely prefer the X-Mid.
Ajita
10
Apr 27, 2020
Hi Dan, True, though the condensation liner of the DR means losing more head room which will start feeling pretty tight. Thanks for the tip about the haul strap being put into the flick lock, will try that out! The fabric sounds solid and thank you for letting me know about the potentially earlier ship date. I really appreciate your feedback, thoughtfulness, and insight into your product and camping in general. I've gone ahead and placed a pre-order for the X-Mid 2P =) Happy hiking!
batumancung
42
Jun 1, 2020
AjitaI'm no hardcore backpacker, but regarding what to do with a backpack during the night: I usually end up using it to correct slopes and dips under my pad, to keep me from rolling to the side.
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