Life in a Tent

This might seem a bit fanatical, but I am really impressed with my TarpTent Double Rainbow. Like a turtle shell, this is the home we carry with us every where. It has served us well for nine months in nearly every country in Latin America, throughout the US and across Russia.

Henry Shires, the owner and designer for TarpTent, is a true cottage-industry success story. He still sells out of his house in Northern California, yet has time to respond directly to each email from potential or current customers. His designs are ingenious and widely recognized throughout the ultralight backpacking community. So, this page is dedicated to the Double Rainbow and a few of the many places that it has protected us.


Altai Mountains, Siberia, Russia. September 2010.

Altai Mountains, Siberia, Russia. September 2010.

Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia. September 2010.

Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia. September 2010.

Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia. September 2010.

Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia. September 2010.

Mt. Elbrus, Caucasus Mountains, Russia. September 2010.

Mt. Elbrus, Caucasus Mountains, Russia. September 2010.

Caucasus Mountains, Russia. September 2010.

Caucasus Mountains, Russia. September 2010.

Caucasus Mountains, Russia. September 2010.

Khibini Mountains, Arctic Circle, Russia. August 2010.

Khibini Mountains, Arctic Circle, Russia. August 2010.

Solovki Islands, Russia. August 2010.

Night Two in the Snow Mountain Wilderness, Northern California. July 2010.

Night One in the Snow Mountain Wilderness, Northern California. July 2010.

Campsite 3, Cordillera Real, Northern Bolivia. June 2010.

Campsite 2, Cordillera Real, Northern Bolivia. June 2010.

Campsite 1, Cordillera Real, Northern Bolivia. June 2010.

Sunrise on Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca, Bolivia. June 2010.

Colca Canyon, Southern Peru. May 2010.

Campsite 5, Cordillera Huayhuash, Northern Peru. May 2010.

Campsite 4, Cordillera Huayhuash, Northern Peru. May 2010.

Campsite 3, Cordillera Huayhuash, Northern Peru. May 2010.

Campsite 2, Cordillera Huayhuash, Northern Peru. May 2010.

Campsite 1, Cordillera Huayhuash, Northern Peru. May 2010.

Third night of Santa Cruz Loop. May 2010.

Second night of Santa Cruz Loop, directly under Mt. Alpomayo. May 2010.

First night of the Santa Cruz Loop in the Cordillera Blanca, near Huaraz, Peru. May 2010

Sunset at Tayrona National Park, Colombia. March 2010.

Tayrona National Park, Colombia. March 2010.

In some guy's backyard on the coast of the island of Florianopolis, Brazil. February 2010.

Near some unnamed Thermal Springs, 15km from San Martin de Los Andes, Argentina. January 2010.

Sunset at Mount Tranador, Argentina. January 2010.

Mount Tranador, Argentina. January 2010.

Hidden in the bamboo along Lake Nahuel Huapi and El Bosque de Arrayanes. Argentina. January 2010.

Near Bariloche's Cerro Catedral. Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina. January 2010.

Just to show that not all camp spots are pretty, particularly at private camp grounds. Near Bariloche, Argentina. January 2010.

Taking refuge in a refugio. Between Cochamo Valley and the Argentina Border. January 2010.

Cochamo Valley, Chile. January 2010.

Returning after a day hike, inspecting our ground tarp, which had been rigged to help protect against the incessant downpours. Cochamo Valley, Chile. January 2010.

On our way to the Pingo Glacier. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. December 2009.

Stretching the limbs on a cold spring day in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. December 2009.

Though this picture is not as spectacular as the one below, it was taken only ten feet away. We were very thankful for the wind protection that the trees provide. Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina. December 2009.

View of Fitz Roy from the rock next to our Double Rainbow. Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina. December 2009.

Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina. November 2009.

At the end of the world in Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina. November 2009.

Yeah it's dark out here. Dark and spooky with all of those animal sounds. Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. October 2009.

Nestled in a line of trees between the Pacific Ocean and a dirt landing strip. Just outside of Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. October 2009.

Semuc Champay, Guatemala. October 2009.

4 comments:

  1. Hi there,

    Cool, love the photos!

    I'm considering getting a Tarptent double rainbow and had a question for you. Did you have any issues with condensation? How about rain leakage? We live in the Northeast, so moisture is a constant concern (especially with down sleeping bags and jackets...). I've always used a double tent (fly plus inner mesh tent), and I'm wondering if having only a single tent layer will lead to drips on my head.

    If you happen to see this message, let me know your thoughts on this tent in wet conditions. Oh, and why am I writing on some stranger's blog? My (now) husband and I did some wandering around, actually about the same time as you guys. And also I noticed that the first two headlamps in your headlamp review happen to be the exact headlamps we use, good taste. :o)

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Very cool! how do you guys get around? Are you driving from destination to destination or backpacking and then hiking?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your way of description is really very unique. Organized content is the best way to display your useful information. Keep going with your good works.

    Emergency Supplies | Refugee Tents

    ReplyDelete