Updated for 2022, the patented 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.
Scarp 1
ONE PERSON TENT
Your order includes:
- Scarp 1 fly
- Mesh or solid interior
- Six 8” aluminum stakes + stake bag
- 9mm aluminum arch pole
- Silnylon stuff sack
Tim (verified owner) –
Got this – with the solid inner and the crossing poles – a bit over a year ago, and have used it a fair amount since in diverse conditions in Scotland on trips of up to 5 nights camped out. It works brilliantly, certainly in wind and some torrential deluges… I’ve yet to experience more than a dusting of snow in it. I’d been using a ~1kg single-pole design from well-known UK brand for around a decade before I got the Scarp, but getting increasingly frustrated by its inability to cope with much wind – often forcing me to head down from otherwise ideal summit camping conditions in search of more sheltered ground – and also wanting something which would be more suitable for winter camping and cope with snowfall.
My key requirements (beside being a credible 4-season/all-season performer without a massive increase in weight) were: single pole for fast no-faff setup, outer-first or all-in-one setup, and “1+” interior capacity (in case I was on dog-minding duty and needed to take the beast with me). Two entrances and vestibules I considered a bonus for storage and the dog, but wasn’t necessarily a must-have. Searching around tent reviews quickly led to the Scarp-1, and the pleasant surprise that a US manufacturer exists who seems to “get” UK conditions. The crossing poles are a terrific option… you’re basically getting two tents in one here: in the basic configuration the tent copes well with modest breezes (certainly better than my previous lightweight one); if its windy enough that the roof starts to flap annoyingly, trekking-pole supported guylines clipped to the roof-centre attachment points work pretty well at suppressing that. And if it’s getting wild the crossing poles (assuming you’ve had enough advance warning of conditions to take them!) turn the thing into something a lot more like a rock-solid geodesic mountain tent. I’ve also found I appreciate the generous interior space more than I though I would.
The main thing that’s needed a bit of getting used to is the remarkably slippery Silnylon floor, which means everything migrates downhill overnight if you’ve camped on the slightest of slopes (even with Tarptent’s seam-sealing service having dotted some blobs on the floor for friction). The simple solution to that has been to pick better campsites… something made easier by it now being less necessary for me to seek out sheltered ground than it was with my previous tent. Indeed somewhere I’ve come across a saying “the ideal campsite is flat, sheltered and dry… in Scotland you get to pick two only”; the Scarp means I can worry less about “sheltered” than I used to have to, and so tilt more to “flat and dry” sites… which is often the higher and more exposed terrain. I also soon learned to take some elastic cord loops along to secure the crossing-pole attachment straps… if the crossing poles aren’t in use, the ones on the downwind end of the tent will “drum” relentlessly on the canopy otherwise. [Tarptent response: the crossing pole straps easily detach from the buckles if not needed]
Tim, Scotland
Shawn Roy –
I bought the Scarp 1 in 2017 for my yearly bikepackinh trips. I’ve had to set this thing up in torrential downpours, in muddy fields, rocky construction sites, and uneven forest floors, and I’ve just recently used it as a backup sleep system at a retreat a few months ago. It has held up amazingly well and still has a few years of life left in it. Once you seal this thing up properly, it’ll keep you dry and comfortable throughout the night. I always bring the extra poles with be despite the weight since you can literally pick up the entire tent and move it if you realize your campground is flooding or in an awkward spot.
I’d order another one of these tents in a heartbeat if the one I have now fails. The one thing I’d recommend is to practice setting this thing up so it comes natural (nothing worse than working in the dark and not remembering what step comes next) and most importantly, get yourself a sheet of Tyvek that just clears the tents footprint. It’ll keep your tent hole -free for years.
Thanks, Tarptent, for creating such an awesome product that has saved me from quite a few miserable nights during my adventures.
Lily (verified owner) –
Bought the 2020 version with crossing poles and solid interior. I can only compare this tent to a 2013 Nordisk Telemark 1 and the Hilleberg Akto.
Used this tent bicycle touring for 5 months in England and Scotland replacing my coffin like and disintegrating Telemark 1. My fellow traveler using a Hilleberg Akto.
I loved this tent for its spaciousness and light weight for space you get. I re guy lined it to make the central guy lines longer as they are way to short when camping where there are lots of stones. The same with the 4 corner guys, longer and separate from the guy and eyelet that holds the crossing poles.
The ventilation on this tent is brilliant not once was there an issue with condensation, seriously that is the selling point for me, amazing, especially on the UK’s damp climate. (If I was anal id say the inner could do with a zipper like the Akto to cover the inner mesh, just to keep some warmth in on the odd cold night… Extra weight… On a bicycle so not an issue for me)
Loved the double doors and how you can change the size of the inner. Which was roomy for my 4 panniers. My cycle buddy had his 4 panniers falling on top of him in his Akto as there wasn’t as much room in the vestibule area, and the crossing poles help if I attached my Hilleberg tarp 5 to make a bigger vestibule for cooking in the rain.
Luxurious foot room and sitting room.
For some random reason the main pole snapped for absolutely no reason after 3 months on a balmy summers day, (a new one was sent very promptly by tarp tent, with some stickers) and we managed to dismantle a crossing pole to replace the bits on the central pole, until the new pole arrived. (If the main sleeve for the central pole was bigger we could have used a pole repair sleeve)
I always set up the tent with the crossing poles as dew could sometime pool round the corners.
The tent just about stood up to 60mph wind in late September in the Shetland Islands with its new pole and crossing poles. Not an enjoyable experience though.
I didn’t find the door holder velcro an issue.
Cons: no side guy lines provided, with the 2 extra pegs.
All guy lines we found to be too short as I found it difficult to anchor all the tents in stoney ground (guy lines lengthened and adapted beforehand so not really a problem)
The central pole is the same colour as the crossing poles, so can be confusing when setting up after a long day (I painted some rings on the crossing poles to identify them.)
Interior pockets arnt the best.
Can be cold with nothing to cover the interior mesh (you’re camping also what do you expect) it’s noticeable compared to the Akto (as we did swap tents a few times).
No ground sheet availiable (bought a Hilleberg Akto one which sort of does)
Difficult to get in the UK.
It would be a 9/10 not 5/5.
But I’d say it was extremely satisfactory. The extra interior height in the middle and at the head and feet, plus the ventilation make it more of a home away from home comparwd to the cramped Akto. Thank you tarp tent.
Brent Allen Shultz –
Was the perfect shelter for a month-long bicycle trip to Iceland in ’18. A breeze to set up, and ready for wind/rain/etc. The large interior space is generous, and never felt cramped, even with all my gear stashed inside.
MIke –
I have been using a Scarp 1 for several years now. Last weekend I took it camping and we had close to two feet of heavy wet snow. I got back to the tent around 10PM and the only thing I saw was a lump in the snow. This tent successfully withstood over a foot of heavy, wet snow during the day. The optional cross poles really do the job of protecting the tent from load. The center hoop pole was bent but nothing broke and the tent held up under extreme conditions.
Mike C. (verified owner) –
Recently received my 2016 Scarp 1. Everything from the weight to the speed of set up to the very roomy interior to the moderate 4-season rating comes together to make this one wicked smart choice for everyone from weekend backpackers to AT thru-hikers. My option was this or a Hilleberg Akto. I think I made the right decision.
Klaas –
Satisfied customer!
For three years now, I use a Scarp 1 to trek through the Scottish Highlands early spring. Of course it’s well made, solid and functional, but above all: it’s a home to me. It feels snug and safe inside in cold, windy or rainy weather.
Cheers!
Klaas
Haarlem, Netherlands
Christopher W. –
Dear Tarptent,
I just took the Scarp 1 on a ski tour of the Spearhead Traverse in the Whistler Backcomb area. We had 60 mph winds and snow and the tent performed like a 4 season champ! Thank you for the great design.
sincerely yours,
Christopher W.
Tualatin, Oregon