By Chris Townsend

September 19 2011

Rating

The Scarp 1 is very stable when pegged out, especially if guylines are added to the webbing loops on the main pole (I think these should come as standard). It’s easy to pitch too, only requiring six pegs (eight with the additional guylines).

Most solo tents only have one porch. At first I was unsure about the usefulness of two porches but I’ve come to really like them. Having two means that one can be used for storage and the other for cooking. They are also excellent for ventilation when both are left open and having a door either side means one is usually protected from the weather and can be left open even in storms.

Although not as deep as some, the steep arch of the pole means the porches are just big enough for safe cooking with the doors closed. To create more space the groundsheet can be pulled back and held in place with a spare peg.  There’s less of a feeling of being cooped up in a tiny space when both doors are open and you can see far more of the outside world.

The Scarp 1 is very roomy inside with plenty of storage room and good headroom. It’s also quite light for a tent of this size. Ventilation is good when the doors are closed as there are two small vents above the doors plus short zips at the centre of each end that can be unzipped and tied back to allow air fl ow. The fl ysheet doors can be unzipped at the bottom and slid up the pole as well. Of course, in calm, humid conditions condensation still occurs, but then the space inside is welcome as it’s easy not to touch the walls and push them against the damp flysheet.

The inner tent can be either solid nylon with mesh panels at the top of the door or, for $10 extra, all mesh. I’ve tested the solid one and would recommend this for UK use.

The Scarp 1 only has two slight disadvantages. It’s only available from Tarptent in the USA (I wish someone would distribute it here) and the packed length of 51cm is longer than with other tents. The price is reasonable – even with shipping and customs costs it won’t be as much as some alternatives.

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Technical Spec

Flysheet: silicone nylon
Inner: breathable nylon (optional mesh)
Groundsheet: silicone nylon
Pole: 8.74mm Easton aluminium
Pegs: 6 x 10g Easton aluminium
Porches: 2
Dimensions: inner 218cm x 81cm, max. inner height 99cm, porch depth 51cm
Maker's Weight: 1360g
Tested Weight: 1400g
Likes: two porches, end supports, optional crossover poles, headroom
Dislikes: quite long packed poles, only available from the USA

Tarptent
001 650 587 1548 (USA) www.tarptent.com