Tarptent Scarp 2 Review

I’m 5’ tall and a bit over 100 pounds. When I’m backpacking, weight is everything to me. The Tarptent Scarp 2 is my go-to tent when I’m out in the backcountry.

The Tarptent Scarp 2 is a free-standing, double walled tent. Optional 17 oz. cross-loading poles make this tent 4-season, snow capable, and bomb proof.

The Scarp 2 is customizable with two options for the interior living compartment: mesh or solid wall. My version has the solid wall which adds a bit of warmth on cold nights. For extra versatility, the interior living compartment detaches from the fly.

Two large vestibules and entrances lead to less clutter and commotion when sleeping in the tent. Packs, shoes, or other miscellaneous items easily tuck into the vestibule for protection from wind and rain at night. The doors to the vestibule and interior roll up for unobstructed views of whatever’s around you.

The living space is 52 inches by 88 inches, fitting even the tallest of folks and the widest of sleeping pads. For reference, my boyfriend is 6’2” and can comfortably fit a backpack at his feet, along with a pile of clothes at his head for a pillow.

A small clip dangles from the top middle of the tent for hanging a headlamp or Luci light. Two slip pockets at the door hold tiny items like chapstick, earrings or hair ties.

I have a tarp to protect the tub from the ground but in the last two years have ditched it. So far, the tub has held its own against granite and other sharp things, time and time again.

Set up of the tent looks easy in the videos, but I think that the under 2-minute pitch is a lie. Most of the difficulty lies in sliding the pole through the yellow tube fabric. The fabric does not pull easily, often snagging and bunching in all the wrong spots. This easily takes at least 2 minutes for me. The optional cross-loading poles attach to clips on the outside of the tent and velcros into the base.

This slightly complicated setup system, however, ensures that your interior will always remain dry, no matter how wet and rainy it is outside.

The Scarp 2 and poles all pack into its stuff sack. Pack sized is 18 in x 5 in, which tucks nicely into any side pocket. Base tent weight is 58 oz. Additional poles take it up to 75 oz.

The Tarptent Scarp 2 will set you back $369 with a mesh interior. A solid interior adds $20. Additional cross poles are $45 extra. Total cost for this specific setup above is $434.

The Tarptent Scarp 2 is designed in Nevada City and made in Seattle. By buying Tarptent, you’re supporting a small, American business.

The Tarptent Scarp 2 loves Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness, Hoover Wilderness, and more.

Last updated on September 6, 2018.