The Scarp is a twin walled, single hooped, one person tent, well one person plus, which is designed for 4 season use. Tarptent say" The Scarp 1 is a weather-proof pod designed with low fly edges, double walls, and a generous living space. The Scarp 1 features a robust 9mm arch pole and a dramatically large, extra wide interior that can sleep two. The optional crossing poles give the Scarp 1 even more muscle to stand against harsh weather conditions, making it our strongest Tarptent. Whether you're pitching the Scarp 1 on Mt. Rainier or biking across the Scottish Highlands, you'll sleep warm, dry, and secure."
The list of features can be found on Tarptent’s site.
The Scarp has an entrance on either side, meaning there is 2 accessible porches and 2 ways in to the inner. I mentioned earlier that it is a one person plus size tent, well the Scarp 1 will sleep 2 reasonably comfortably. Tarptent has a picture of 2 three quarter length pads in the tent comfortably. The one I have pictured is an Exped synmat, standard size full length and there's acres of room around it.
The centre band has a slider attached to the inner on both sides which allows the size of the porch / inner to be changed as required. The band did get a bit twisted which meant the slider was difficult to move a couple of times. What it does though is give the Scarp a few options in terms of porch and inner space. I went for a large porch for storage on one side and a limited amount on the other.
With the guy points on the corners and in the middle of the ends it is surprising how well the scarp is secured down. There are additional loops on the tent that can be used for guys but I never needed to set them up.The stakes provided are sturdy and can be driven into the solid ground with out concern. The guys I have found are best twisted round the stakes as they pop off otherwise. There are possible points for taking other guy lines off. The 6 pegs I have weigh 79 grams, I will be adding cord through the eye holes to ease removal.
One of the other unique features of the Scarp is the cross poles that secure to the clips on the outer. The additional poles allow the tent to be completely self sufficient or strengthen the tent in high winds. When I put the poles in and removed the pegs the day I was taking pictures the Scarp, as a lightweight tent, blew over but it kept its structure. When the cross poles are in place the rigidity of the shelter is really good. it takes a bit of adjustment of the line locks and once there is kit in the scarp it will stay still. I didn't get the chance to try it but wind would make it move about around you when not anchored down. Although with this as an option it gives the Scarp more options for pitching, like hard ground, deep snow (dug in would reduce wind effect) or a beach. I realise there are other options like snow stakes or attach guys to buried bags but the cross poles are designed into the structure meaning you don't have to think about other options, you just need to remember them! They do fit in the storage bag and add 353 grams to the load.
The clips on the outer to secure the cross poles do cause a couple of niggles. First one is, if your not going to use them try to secure them as the wind blows them about and there are 8 little drumsticks banging on the taught outer. The other is getting them unclipped, the strap and clip can be a bit fiddly. I found threading it out of the gap in the clip to be the best option.
Venting is achieved through opening the roof vents along with the upper mesh. Also the zip opening vents on the end of the outer, as in the photo above. These vents need to be planned to be opened otherwise you're getting out of your tent to do it.
Little touches like the gear pockets, the clips on the ceiling to create a drying line, the buckles on lower parts of the doors to firmly secure them, the height of the peak of the inner to allow you to sit up right. All theses elements that Tarptent have added compliment the shelter.
Tarptent have a few options, one is a full mesh inner with the same bath tub as the solid one in the model shown. The inner can be removed and the outer used on it's own.
The Scarp 1 is a solid 1 person tent, that would take more than one occupant if need be. And it's designed for inclement weather like winter and high winds. I've seen the Scarp used in the UK on social media by a few others. Choose the right options and get in the wilds with it. Just be warned that UK customs add on there bit when it arrives in country. Is it worth it?
I think so, the Scarp is nice balance between resilience and weight, with pegs and no cross poles mine ways 1504 grams. Which can be used all year round.