The Tarptent Scarp 1 Ultra is the ortha look, I am really impressed with mine although it is let down by the door magnets, though that's not a deal breaker not a 2 man tent, but plenty of room for 1.
What you mentioned is accurate. Both will have enough length when lying down, but the Scarp has a lower interior height, so you may not be able to sit up perfectly straight.
For pole options, it will depend somewhat on personal preference. Lighter poles can work, but you need to be more careful during set-up and take-down and use more guy lines to stabilize in high winds. So if you don't expect harsh conditions that often and are willing to fiddle around with more stakes and lines on occasion, go with the lighter poles. I personally would probably use Syclone poles + some extra lines for the conditions you described, and the only ones I would not recommend are the 3.9 carbons.
The Scarp 1 is less of a 4-season specific tent and requires at least a semi-rolled pack due to the struts, so it is not quite as much of an issue as on the ArcDome. We may make more Scarp 1 Ultras at some point, but we would rather wait and use whatever stuffable UHMWPE fabric we decide on for the ArcDome.
If you don't mind splashing some cash I highly recommend the tarptent scarp 1.
You have 2 vestibules and an adjustable inner size. The scarp also uses 5 struts at each end to stop the fly from ever touching your face. I'm only 5'7 but I'm able to kneel on my big agnes rapide SL sleeping pad and barely touch my head off the inner.
The pack size of the tent is the hardest part to adjust to. The pack length is 46cm, I slide it into the side pocket of my tent with no issues so far.
I bought the Ultra TNT version of the tent but if I was to ever replace it I would just get the silnylon version. The Ultra TNT version uses magnets to hold the fly door open and they are just not strong enough.
Otherwise the tent is perfect imo.
Have you considered the Tarptent Scarp 1?
I quite like it. I use it on my winter climbing trips, sometimes with, sometimes without the crossing poles. They don’t increase the strength, just maintain its volume under stress (wind/snow). It’s not bothered by 50mph winds, haven’t gone above 60 with it though, I still prefer to find somewhere sheltered.
The only downsides in my books are the inner door toggles are shite for gloves, so I added my own, and its packed size/shape took some getting used to. It felt faffy at first but all 4 season tents have a process that’s best followed for good reason. I can be out a snowstorm in 10 minutes.
I actually find myself using it over my X-Mid in the summer if wind is likely. If you look at my posts here you’ll see it in all seasons and all forms, from minimal to full poles and guys.
RabidBadgerMonkey
