TarpTent Double Rainbow or Stratospire 2

I’m trying to decide between the Double Rainbow and the Stratospire 2. I’d appreciate any guidance users have to offer.

I’m 6’2” tall so headroom is a consideration. I will not always hike with trekking poles. I will use the tent for both solo and double occupancy depending on the trip. I like the versatility of the SS2 (especially the tarp only mode) but I have some questions:

1. If I’m not using trekking poles and carry the optional poles instead, are they equally as strong and sturdy as trekking poles as far as supporting the tent in wind and such?

2. Do you find any significant difference between the DR and the SS2 in their ability to withstand wind and rain?

3. Does the fact the inner mesh tent is not connected to the shell in the SS2 provide a significant advantage with condensation, or does condensation just drip through the mesh?

4. The DR seems to have many more testimonials on the TT website from advanced backpackers. Why do you think that is?

5. Like I said, I’m leaning towards the SS2. The two things I like better about the DR are the semi-freestanding aspect, and that it doesn’t require as large of a footprint to pitch. So really wondering if you’ve found either of those important enough issues to go with the DR over the SS2?

(1) The poles Tarptent sells are standard Easton aluminum poles, but of course they are not as strong as trekking poles. I doubt that any tent poles are! I got the optional poles for a 3-person Rainshadow 2, and it definitely requires two tent poles while it can be used with one trekking pole. (However, it is far more stable with 2 trekking poles than with one!) You might check with Ruta Locura which makes carbon fiber poles which are supposedly stronger than the usual tent pole, although undoubtedly still not as strong as trekking poles. Personally, I won't take a step on any trail without trekking poles, but of course Your Mileage May Vary. An expensive but lightweight and strong solution might to buy the Gossamer Gear telescoping trekking poles (LT4) and remove hand grips and little baskets to make an extremely sturdy tent pole.

(4) The reason you see many more testimonials about the Double Rainbow is simply that it first appeared about 7-8 years ago, while the Stratospire was new last year. It has absolutely nothing to do with the relative merits of either tent, just with the time each model has been around.

You might be able to work out an arrangement with Henry Shires to send you both tents at the same time, and you decide which to keep and which to send back. It just takes a bit of timing around your credit card billing cutoff dates.

That being said, while I own several Tarptents, I don't have either of these specific models. I therefore can't answer the rest of your questions.

I do know that that it's just as important to tie down a free-standing tent as one that is not free-standing. The former have been known to take off quite frequently in windy conditions when not properly staked down! I personally don't pay any attention as to whether or not a tent is free-standing.