Tarptent Scarp 1 Tent Review - so nearly the PERFECT backpacking tent!

[@bazzmadd8679]

Hi, I’ve got the 2022 version and your right it’s a cracking tent, Love the design. I had the same problem as you, pierced the sleeve first time out, the sleeve material is shocking.also when I have the crossing poles in place, find it really difficult to close the doors, have to loosen the straps.But as a 1man tent design etc fantastic 👍

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing!

[@islandmind1]

Gentle criticism sir, crank up your volume a bit. I have been watching a lot of camping, gear, product reviews etc on the KZbin over the years and find i need to turn my sound up to 11 to get a normal volume with yourself. I bloody love your channel mate, your genuine passion and excitement for this thing is palpable, and that's a rare gift when I wade through the multitude of camping and gear vids. wishing you the very best mate.

[@BackpackingUK]

Will do! I have altered it gradually higher the last 6 months or so. Unfortunately I once watched a KZbin 'Help' video (a channel on here with over 1 million subscribers!) that told me to record the sound lower so as not to distort the sound. I used their setting too but you're not the first to say this so I'll increase it again.

[@WildWestlad]

I got mine seam-sealed as part of the purchase along with the poles. Admittedly I coincided my purchase with a trip to the USA whilst visiting relatives. That kept the cost down somewhat as I brought it back home in my hold luggage. Its a great tent and forms part of my collection to cover all our seasons back home in Scotland. Winter, Winter, winter & autumn

[@CraigCameron]

I've had a Scarp 1 since 2010 and it has mostly been used for summit camping in Scotland including winter. I bought the additional crossing poles when I purchased the tent and tested them initially but like several other long term owners have commented ,in my experience, they don't improve the tent's ability in strong winds. After more than 200 nights in the Scarp my thoughts are that the Scarp works just fine without the crossing poles in all but very heavy snowfall when I prefer to have the crossing poles. I tend to take an anemometer with me on windy nights so I can gauge windspeeds and I've had several outings on summit camps where the winds have been reading around 55mph. I have no desire to test higher speeds but the tent has coped well in those conditions without crossing poles and there has been no damage to the fly over the years. In fact I've not had to make any repairs to the tent at all. Everything still works. The only mods I've made over the years is to change the guys to 3mm Lawson Equipment and lengthen them. I found the original guys would slip in wet conditions. I also swapped out the arch pole for a 9mm pole before Henry uprated the more recent Scarp models to using a 9mm pole. The original Scarp came with an 8.5mm arch pole. I read one comment about the tent looking like it is a nightmare to pitch. It literally takes 2 mins if in a rush and is very easy to get a taut pitch in under 5 mins even on uneven ground.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@schudi5755]

Interesting! And the 3mm guys work fine with the original spanner or did you replace them? I will buy my second scarp1 and don't like the reflecting lines. So I will replace them anyway.

[@leeroy5190]

Great review and so glad I watched this. I was about to buy this tent but didnt realise it had a seam running through the floor. Absolutely ridiculous design. I find that just crazy. I'll keep looking

[@BackpackingUK]

Many other tents, including high end tents, do too. I think it’s more obvious on this one because it leaks whereas others go unnoticed because they don’t. It’s still an awesome tent though, all tents have their weaknesses.

[@AlbertOutdoorsUK]

Cracking video, Thank you. This is a tent that I knew nothing about before I watched this video. I was starting to regret buying my Helm 1 and wished that I'd gone for this one instead. That is, until you started to talk about the quality issues. I think that this is a tent for me to watch out for once they start to tackle their quality issues. Thanks again, Another great, informative video.

[@BackpackingUK]

It’s a tough one, the design is awesome but the quality doesn’t rival UK / Northern Europe. But then again, it is much lighter.

[@davidhale1568]

I have the scarp and the helm 1 they are quite different tents. I bought the scarp when in the US to do the northern half of the PCT it’s also been across Scotland a few times. I’ve never used cross poles in 12 years no problem. Care must of course be taken when putting a straight pole into a steeply curved ridge. Pegging all four corners out isn’t how I would do it as the pole will have to follow the tight curve. I still take care when inserting the poles into my Terra nova or Nordisk 2. Never had a problem with the ground sheet apart from it’s getting a bit well used I should mention it suffers less from condensation than my Hillberg Akto ( I wore the first Akto out). I have always seam sealed all my tents funny how some people can’t be arsed to do it. Having said all that the helm 1 is a best buy easy to put up, strong and not expensive comes in a great bag tho wouldn’t mind a bit more room inside for the weight.

[@davids9549]

Missing a trick if you don't buy the crosspoles? I beg to differ. I've not used the crosspoles in two years (other than to see how they work). I've had a number of exchanges with Henry Shires at Tarptent, and he is adamant the crosspoles are only relevant for snow loading. But he designed the tent so what would he know? You are inserting your pole incorrectly. Just have one end staked out (as per Tarptent's instructions), loosen the pole arch tensioners, and unzip the lower half of each door. You have then taken the tension out of the pole sleeve and the pole goes in easily. Not sure where you get your 1472g (without crosspoles) weight from - mine weighs 1313g (seam-sealed and guys lengthened)), plus 15g for the stuffsac, 20g for the side guys, and 90g for my 8 full-sized stakes, so 1440g total. I do have a few minor gripes - the guys should be longer (I lengthened mine), the side guys should be included, it should come seam-sealed as standard, I agree with your observation about the central floor seam (although mine's not sealed and hasn't leaked, even on some very wet ground), and about some bits on the tent feeling a bit flimsy for purpose. All tents involve compromise, and in making this Tarptent have given us a tent that is lightweight and capable, but delicate. Hillebergs are stronger and much more durable, but they weigh more. The best testimony to this tent imho is that it's been exclusively used for several years by Murray of Scotland's Mountains (I'm sure you know his channel)

[@BackpackingUK]

Think we need to agree to disagree on most of this.

[@davids9549]

@@BackpackingUK More than happy to agree to disagree (although it's only on the poling issues where we differ actually), but I really do think you should give the pole insertion method I've described above a try. The sleeve damage occurs when the pole is inserted/removed UNDER TENSION, which is not the way the sleeve is designed to be used.

[@DavidWilliams-tk3dy]

Absolutely right. I've been using one since 2014 including on several TGO Challenges (cross Scotland backpacks). The way he puts it up in this video conflicts completely with how Tarptent recommend. Pegging out all 4 corners make it much harder to get the archpole in. May explain why he tore the pole sleeve! A minor point, as well, is that the two Scarps I've bought did have the pegs included.

[@davids9549]

@@DavidWilliams-tk3dy Quite so - I cannot for the life of me work out why he won't accept that he's plain wrong about his setup method, but neither we nor Henry Shires himself can prevail upon him to see sense, so I suppose we must leave it at that. Darwin, I believe, based his evolutionary theory on such individuals' reluctance to learn from their mistakes. My Scarp also came with stakes included (although I use different ones) - to be fair I think he just made a mistake in his script about that. Good to know you've used your Scarp(s) so extensively over a decade. I've only had mine 3 years, and more recently added a Notch as a lighter option (to replace a Lanshan 1 Pro) for more settled conditions. Delighted with both tents, but are you tempted by the new Scarp Ultra?

[@DavidWilliams-tk3dy]

@@davids9549 I'm on my second Scarp - just sold on the Silnylon and got the Ultra - the jury (ie me) is still out on whether that was a wise move. Also have a Li Notch and a Silnylon Strat 1.

[@philwilson3251]

I love my 2019 Scarp 1. I bought the crossing poles but I've never used them. I've pitched on Munro summits in strong winds and heavy snow and the Scarp 1 has been rock solid without them. Sounds like build quality has gone down recently, I don't have any of the issues you mentioned. Mine was seam sealed by Tarptent and it's never let in a single drop of water.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@g.b.1375]

If you pitch one end of the tent and let the rest of it lie flat, you can push the straight arc pole all the way through the sleeve more easily. Then pitch the other end and finally put the arc poles in place so they bend after being all the way through the sleeve.

[@Fellmandave1]

As you may know I have had good use out of my Scarp 1 and still like it, however, for better build quality I would encourage people to look at the Nortent Vern 1

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ve seen those recently, they’ve clearly dished some out to some content creators. They look decent to me though 👍

[@neovo903]

I must say the Nortent looks to be pretty good, need more people to look at it

[@Fellmandave1]

@@BackpackingUK aye, and I was one!

[@andym2869]

Wonder if you still think the Nortent Vern is of better quality Dave after your recent adventures with one?

[@cshorler]

I have this and a Stratospire 2 (about 30 nights in that, backpacking). The Scarp is a new purchase because I want something more durable for the coast and summits on uneven / necessity driven pitching. I'd not noticed the floor, I'll have to check this (also a design flaw in my view!). Anyways, I always paint 3 or 4 big thick gripper bars on the bathtub floors to stop my mat slipping about on slight inclines, even on the flat the floor is a bit glossy! (TT also recommended this in their literature or videos I think). I've also seam-sealed them both myself, not a tidy job - but hopefully I can trust it's going to work when done myself. I did wonder about the arch pole when I set it up for the first time, I'll take a look at the ends - thanks for the warning! Crossing poles I probably won't use - looking at the basic pitch in some moderate winds, looks pretty stable to me without. I have them, but I also think there's a difference in the support of the fly which probably makes them unnecessary even with powerful gusts. we will see!

[@TonyHobbs]

I'd disagree with the crossing poles use in wind. Better snow load only. They make the tent very taut which might make the fly fail as the material can't flex. So be careful. Definitely don't use crossing poles and additional walking pole line at same time.

[@BackpackingUK]

Fair enough, everyone’s experiences are different. You’re 100% right though about using both crossing poles and trekking poles!

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Me think's they stole that extension vestibule idea from the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 Great info and review matey. 👍👍

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

This looks like a nightmare to pitch. I have the Double Rainbow Li and it's a dream. Taking it out this weekend on a section hike of the AT (Appalachian Trail) in the eastern US. Doing the Maryland section 41 miles from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to Pen Mar, Pennsylvania.

[@DavidWilliams-tk3dy]

Nightmare to pitch? I've had one since 2014. It's very, very easy to pitch! 2-5 minutes maximum. And much easier if you don't faff about like in this video. You don't peg out all the corners first as done here. Makes it harder to get the arch pole in. If it's very windy just peg out at the windward end. The crossover poles are hardly ever necessary. Their main use is in heavy snow.

[@AndyWragg]

All that money and they don't seam seal it by default. If they CBA to seam seal it properly, I CBA to buy from them. Wild Country/Terra Nova all the way. Just bought a Panacea 2 for my winter trips - guaranteed waterproof and built like a tank. Already got the Helm 1 Compact and a 30 year old Wild Country Quasar (before they went Terra Nova) in the shed, that's a bit leaky and needs the bungees replacing but I'll never get rid of it.

[@BackpackingUK]

I just don’t get it. I hear lots of BS stories about why companies don’t do it as standard. I call it lazy!

[@TonyHobbs]

Does it need sealing?! I have used Chris Townsends scarp 1 and its never been sealed. Go figure lol he's been in a bit of weather. The small cottage companies probably saving a few pennies.

[@GeekfromYorkshire]

There's a reason Henry decided that so you have the choice, you can do yourself to save money or if you don't want to save money get them to do it before shipping. Also some people don't pitch in rain and seam sealing adds weight hence optional.

[@AndyWragg]

@FMedia01 on paper yes. Check out Paul Messners first trip out in one. Driving wind and snow/freezing rain on the edge of Kinder plateau. That's where I'll be most of the time in winter.

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

This Scarp 1 tent for me, is without a doubt the best looking tent on the market. I almost bought this BUT…..I have seen a few videos on KZbin, including the one where you went to the lakes where the floor leaked, and also the outer fly was torn in the wind. Understandable some may have issues that can be sorted, but something else that put me off was the fact it needs to be seam sealed. If someone was having a ‘can’t be arsed day’ then having to rely on the seam sealing is a no no. Also I don’t understand why these manufacturers don’t attach their guy lines, not everyone was in scouts. Plus no tent pegs!? Which is a shame really if tarptent addressed these issues it’d be a best seller I’m sure. I went for the Soulo which is a lot more money but you can feel where the money went once inside. Great video Andy, really enjoy watching your reviews mate. 👌🏼

[@BackpackingUK]

The Soulo is in a different league, anyone who says different just wants attention. However, it does weigh a kilo more!

[@GeekfromYorkshire]

Henry chose to let the consumer decide to add, choice of pegs helps with individual expectations of sites, desert/rock use stones not pegs, you can "over peg" in that you don't want a peg to be so strong the fabric tears in worst conditions, I have a mix of different peg types in my tent pack the longest goes into any soft ground, shorter in firm ground. Those Easton pegs I'm finding them not long term reliable, I had one snap in last camp and the cap comes off most of them eventually as you pull peg out, but good in softer ground. I'm progressively using more Titanium pegs they don't bend or snap as easily and not rusting like the old steel pegs.

[@Leeslost]

Brilliant video Andy When I was looking for a 4 season tent the scarp was my first choice until I seen the horror videos, granted all tents can fail , but seeing what you have said I think I will stick with my Soulo BL Until the issues are ironed w Keep them coming

[@BackpackingUK]

If Hilleberg made this tent it would be hands down the best backpacking tent in the world! Unfortunately, I always feel some quality is lost when shedding weight.

[@Leeslost]

@@BackpackingUK 100% Andy Such a shame that little problems let this tent down

[@Fellmandave1]

@BackpackingUK haven't Hilleberg already tried to do that Andy?

[@Fellmandave1]

Horror videos. You mean the one where they pitched incorrectly in stormy side winds below blencathra .

[@Leeslost]

@@Fellmandave1 I’ve seen that one yes . But I’ve also seen others that have failed in less conditions

[@GeekfromYorkshire]

I owned one in 2012 but sold it. I agree it's a true 4 seasons shelter but I found it too warm for summer. In winter you're typically spending more time inside the tent and the huge internal space plus two vestibules makes it palatial. But outside of winter its arguably overkill. Sorry to hear of quality issues. They used to be made in USA now China I think? I have the Protrail for summer and Notch for other seasons. The Protrail is roomy and airy while the Notch is a coffin (in comparison to the Scarp). The Scarp with crossing pole is a true 4 seasons shelter none of mine are but the Notch could handle a bit of snow although I'd not recommend trying. And yes the UK duty Vat fee is eye watering, I got mine in USA and brought home. Someone may want to merge a USA trip with an acquisition, if you're going to get it shipped to a mate in USA try to have one in state with zero state tax.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@northernswedenstories1028]

These are.not made in china... Always hand made in USA

[@schudi5755]

@@northernswedenstories1028 No. Tarptent faq: "Tarptent uses globally sourced materials and manufacturing. Every shelter is designed, assembled, checked, and shipped by staff from our office in Nevada City, CA."

[@dragonlng.]

I got addicted to your channel 😂 only intro is getting bit boring 😂😊

[@BackpackingUK]

Fair comment 😂😂😂 I need to pimp my intro badly!

[@thewanderingforester]

​@@BackpackingUKI keep thinking Dusty Bin is going to appear!

[@_Chris390]

Great review. Sound levels are very quiet though.

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ve upped them for 2024 👍

[@SheriffCartman]

I’ve got an MSR Elixir 2 person and that also has a seem through the middle but it’s lengthways and about a foot from the side so not so bad, but for these high prices it’s not good enough they should manufacture the material bigger to avoid seams which will be a wear and failure point in time.

[@BackpackingUK]

I should point out that if it’s seam sealed properly it shouldn’t be an issue. I guess with this tent, the reason for the seam might be to do with the adjustable width inner?

[@fellrunningguide]

I wish you'd shown how you inserted the main pole in real time. That would have shown how difficult it can be! It's easier if you only peg the windward end of the tent out rather than all 4 corners.

[@BackpackingUK]

I found that pegging all 4 ends means I can concentrate on threading the pole through carefully and I'm more able to unsnag the sleeve. Since I've pitched the tent this way I haven't experienced any more tears. Note: I don't do it this way on any other tent but it works for this one.

[@fellrunningguide]

@@BackpackingUK There is less tension on the sleeve if you don't have both ends pegged down. That makes threading the pole easier. Unzipping the doors helps too. Scarp have a video showing the recommended method where he stands up and feeds the pole downwards. Whatever method works for you I guess 👍 Still, show us in real time 😉

[@BackpackingUK]

I put the pole through the sleeve pitching the tent the official way and it went straight through the fabric. I'm not making the same mistake again, I'd have to be a complete idiot to continue with a method that risks damaging the tent time and time again!

[@fellrunningguide]

@@BackpackingUK Oh no, that's not good! I wish the pole sleeve was just a little bit wider. Much easier to get it in and out on my Nordisk Telemark 1

[@MoosebearAdventures]

Let's be honest, this tent as a 90s and weight way to match 🙂

[@JackKlumpass]

The sealant on the floor is to offer your sleep pad some grip to stop it “a-slip-sliding-away!! De-Dom-de-dom”…😅

[@BackpackingUK]

😂😂😂

[@TonyHobbs]

Its a decent tent Yeah mine is 11 years old and that yellow sleeve is delicate unfortunately and tight. Other than that its good.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@GaryB_OutandAbout]

I’ve got the 2019 version. Without crossing poles or guyed walking poles, I feel the outer can get quite close to the inner. Especially in wind. Anyone else think the same? So I can see the use of crossing poles also being beneficial, in keeping the outer away from the inner, and not just for use in snow.

[@schudi5755]

And the tent gets really free standing by using the crossing poles. I used my 2011 scarp 1 for more than 700 nights always with crossing poles and the sleeve for the arch pole did not take any harm till today. But maybe the were some changes to that material later on.

[@paulhulley5969]

Great review on a great tent, however your audio quality is very low and hard to listen too, maybe a body mic ?,

[@BackpackingUK]

I lost my magnet for the mic so had to wear it clipped onto my shorts. Got new magnets now so will be better in the future 👍

[@MrDavidh37]

I bought mine a couple of years ago. First time in the garden the pole sleeve at the bottom the pole went through. Never happened before to me on previous tents. Happened to my mate as well so I got rid. Quality is not good😮

[@BackpackingUK]

The sleeve is probably the biggest weakness of this tent. I now pitch it slightly differently to avoid the inevitable!

[@MrDavidh37]

Great review like your honesty on these issues 😀

[@robertmills538]

Nortent Vern 1

[@sleepy5740]

no sound

[@BackpackingUK]

Take it off mute then 🤣

[@esk8]

Gentle criticism this pause word by word talking is driving me mad😢

[@therainbowgulag.]

Lightweight and four season dont go together.

[@BackpackingUK]

I know what you mean, there’s always compromises!

[@pootlingalong8928]

Don’t care how good it is, I can’t get past the colour. Why is a British tent (assume its British? Am I wrong?) silvery coloured? Looks like a kid’s party balloon 🙄

[@cshorler]

Tarptent is a company based in the USA

[@cshorler]

it's also light green