Planning tent purchase

[Suz]

Hey bushies

Just wondering if people have been in a similar boat to me in terms of tent purchases and their opinions in 'hindsight'. I am looking to buy my first tent. I am hoping to do some extensive hiking in the coming years (switching from caring mostly about career to caring mostly about travelling and walking). I imagine other hikers have been at a point where they want a single tent that will cover them for all trips - but want to balance that out with weight concerns. In your experience in hindsight is it better to sacrifice a bit of comfort or usability in Winter to save on weight, or vice-versa?

e.g. I am wondering between maybe the hilleberg nammatj 2 4 season tent @ 3kg or maybe a tarptent rainbow 3 season @ 1kg.

I'm looking for a tent that is durable and sturdy and comfortable enough to wait out a poor weather day or two in. I am not a mountaineer, just hiker, but I do like alpine country. I will be hiking solo, but a 2p tent lets me and my gear hide from the rain so I think I want a 2p over a 1p tent.

I am a 5'7'' chick and extra weight will affect me relatively more than some of the burly guys in this forum but I might accept a 2kg weight penalty for a piece of equipment that is really superior. I definitely want to buy just one tent that will work for all my trips. I haven't finalised my future trips but roughly over the next 18months, I will be hiking northern Sweden in summer, the Aust. Alps track in Summer or Autumn, and possibly Tasmania in Summer / Autumn too. Just to give a rough idea of applications for the little tent to hold up in. Not genuine Winter trips planned yet but as I'm a snow addict they may eventuate.

Let's assume price is not to be considered in the decision. Is 3kg for the extra flexibility and durability worth it, or is 1kg lightness king? I am not definitely set on one those two tents, feel free to suggest an alternative.

Is it stupid to buy a red one? Should one definitely get one that blends in with the surrounds (e.g. dark green?)

[Mickl]

What about something like the scarp 2 that's able to have the extra poles added to the tent for the 4 season stuff but can be used without to save weight. Would be plenty of room for a solo person and gear and you have the dual entry/vestibule as well anyway if you go 2 up. You can also get the mesh and solid inner so would be usable in warmer and cooler weather. It's probably in the middle of the two you mentioned as far as weight goes so could be a good compromise. You could probably buy 2 tarptents for the price of a Hilleberg...

I'm struggling to find a one tent that does it all and own way too many now but I think that will be the one I look at next to hopefully stop my tent buying addiction! I do like the look of the rainbow and the new pro trail though.

[Bluegum Mic]

I'm a 5'6 chick and this will be my next purchase http://wildernessequipment.com.au/detai ... ode=WE2AUL
They've cut down the weight on the tent in the new model but its still a great all season tent that you can open up nicely to vent (well in theory...I'm yet to own one yet =D) I've previously had a wilderness equipment tent and they are very well made.
Otherwise I agree the tarpent scarp 2 or if you like the big vestibule the nallo 2 GT. And if I were purchasing a hilleberg id go the red =D I like it

[wildlight]

Hey Suz
I have got my eyes on a "Big Sky" tent- a 1p "Chinook". This is seriously tempting, very roomy inside, and TWO vestibules for a 1p tent! Has some serious bad weather capabilities- worth a look.

One item which I love to death right now, is a "Gatewood Cape" there's really nothing wrong with it, have used it in all kinds of weather. Site choice plays a big part- it's amazingly capable, and weighs sweet nothing. Only one drawback- fiddly to pitch on solid rock- it's not a free-standing thing. But people go all sorts of places with tarps- the Gatewood Cape is right up there, massive undercover vestibule, fully sealed off sleeping area with floor- and you can wear the thing as a hooded poncho.

Check 'em out if you get a chance!

Cheers, WIldLight

[Empty]

I have a 4 season 2p tent which weighs 3.3kg and it never gets an outing anymore. Way too heavy for one person and there are plenty of great options between 900 grams and 1.5kg these days.

If as you say price is not an issue go light even if it means having a 3 season tent for most of your walking and a slightly heavier 4 season for those odd trips above the tree line. Very hard to have only one tent and expect it to cover all situations.

[Bluegum Mic]

Agree the chinook is another one that looks good. Also if your not in a rush and a hiking pole user the new aarn pacer is due out mid year and looks great

[GPSGuided]

Recently checked out the Scarp1 and for its spec, there'd be enough room for what you need. In a squeeze, it's good enough to fit 2 side by side. With just one, there's room for gears etc. Just buy the full inner for snow camping. Quite a few here have the Scarp and there's good support on this board. Save the weight and that's a good thing.

[Strider]

Isn't Big Sky the crowd that was taking orders but taking months and months to actually come through with the goods (if at all)?

[Empty]

Big sky is available at BPL in Melbourne so theoretically supply should not be a problem. They are very expensive though.

[Moondog55]

What do you own and use at the moment?
If winter in the snow isn't part of the plan then weight would be my main objective however if you plan on any snow camping in the future strength and size are more important to me. Really a bushwalker can have more than one tent in the cupboard.
Pyramids/Tipis are an option as well although I regard them as shaped tarps rather than true tents

[DanShell]

I agree when the others say it is hard to get a tent to do it all, especially if you are looking to save weight.

Hindsite is a great thing so here are the little things I have learnt along the way.

Try not to get too caught up in needing a 4 season tent if the reality is that you will rarely be caught out in heavy snow. Of course safety is priority but if the weather is so wild that your tent is blowing apart then you have yourself a bivy in a survival situation! Site choice on those wild days is an important consideration.

Anyway having said that I chose a Stratospire 1 from http://www.tarptent.com, it is a 3 season tent but with correct pitching and careful site choice it will withstand some nasty conditions easily and only weighs 1 kg give or take.

My first tent was a tunnel tent and could withstand 4 seasons. It had a generous vestibule at the end of the tunnel and weighed up around 3 kg. Fine while sharing the weight but no good on my own.

The Stratospire 1 is designed for 1 person but it is very generous space for 1. It has vestibules either side of the inner tent, access either side and several pitching options. I can easily get all my gear out and spread around and still have room to spare.
I find having the vestibule on the sides works better for me rather than having it at the end of the tent like my previous tent. I use a solid inner but it still has a large amount of mesh up the top for breathability. I have never had a condensation issue with this tent, yet when using my old 4 season tent with 2 people we would wake up wet with condensation.

Another thing I have learnt is to not always believe what you read on the internet in regards to certain products! Some people have an axe to grind or you will find people will give an opinion based on stuff they have read, rather than their own experiences.

There are a lot of great tents on the market, and in my case I can only vouch for the ones I have used. I know there are tents out there that are superior to tarptent range but strength comes with weight in most cases....and of course cost

So to sum up, my decision making was based on a tent being able to handle 95% of the conditions I would encounter......the other 5% if I come across it, I will have to deal with it the best I can.
I didn't want to spend over $500, so my budget was under $500. (I think I only paid around $350 for the Stratospire)
I wanted it to be around 1kg.
I wanted a lot of space so I didn't feel like I was in a confined space.
I wanted it to be able to fit 2 people in a pinch if needed, so therefore I wanted dual entry and dual vestibules.
I liked the idea of being able to use hiking poles to pitch it and of course save weight, even though I don't use them to pitch it.

As you can work out I am biased towards the tarp tent range, as others have suggested the scarp is a great 4 season tent that is customisable to save weight if you really do need to go 4 season.

[Chezza]

Hey Suz,

If you need a 2p person tent for all your gear, you're carrying too much. Most of your gear should go in the vestibule, not in the inner tent. A 1p tent would more than suffice. On tent-bound days it doesn't matter how wide or long your tent is, unless you can stand up and walk around in it you're going to miserable inside anyway. I put my rain gear on and go for short strolls to break up the monotony.

The Tarptent Scarp 1 (1.4kg from memory, without crossing poles), as others have suggested, will be a very comfortable, roomy, double-walled 1p shelter with two adequately sized vestibules, and more than up to the weather conditions you might face. There are many Scarp users on this forum (I'm not one, but it's a nice tent). And if you buy the crossing poles it will take a good dump of snow too. Definitely get the "solid" inner for all but warm weather use.

Tarptent do other solo shelters, but they either need two hiking poles and a little bit of skill to setup (and since I've seen someone break a pole I wouldn't advocate twin hiking pole shelters for solo use) or are single wall which is probably not best for Tassie. I'm sure Franco will be along soon to give you better information.

If you like Hillebergs the Akto is a great 3-season solo shelter, but a bit heavier than the Scarp and with only one vestibule. FOr the weight and $$$ you get that Hilleberg quality that you can sit there and drool over. It can't take a huge dump of snow though, the Unna and Suolo are built for that. The new Ennan is lighter version of the Akto at 1.1kg, but I don't know much about it.

Light is better, so long as you do not sacrifice function. Cheaper to replace your kit than your knees. The Scarp 1 is a lightweight, comfortable, fully featured, very weather resistant shelter. I reckon it's the one you should compare all the others with. If you go heavier, ask yourself what you're getting for the weight. And do the same with all you kit.

If you must go with a 2p tent, the Scarp 2 and Hillie Anjan 2 are both worth a look, and both are sub-2kg. There is a Youtube video of the latter taking 110 kph winds side-on in a test... Many other choices too for 2p tents - Exped Venus II UL, Helsport make a few UL tents, Lightwave Hyper, etc, all very weatherproof.

Lastly, all the tents I mentioned are integral pitch, which is nice to have in wet conditions.

If you want to go really light, a floorless cuben pyramid is where it's at

[Chezza]

Hey bushies

e.g. I am wondering between maybe the hilleberg nammatj 2 4 season tent @ 3kg or maybe a tarptent rainbow 3 season @ 1kg.

The Hilleberg Nammatj is a heavy 4-season bombshelter. Think mountaineering basecamp tent. Great tent, but way too much for anything but exposed use in the snow.

The Tarptent Rainbow is single wall, so condensation might be an issue, especially in the wet cold of Tasmania. Very nice tent otherwise, and strong but certainly nowhere near the Nammatj for strength.

Very, very different tents. Are you looking at getting two tents - once for snow use and once for everything else? That's probably the way go. If you try to get one tent to do it all you will compromise somewhere.

[Franco]

" I am wondering between maybe the hilleberg nammatj 2 4 season tent @ 3kg or maybe a tarptent rainbow 3 season @ 1kg. "
Well I would suggest something in the middle...
A Rainbow (or better still a Double Rainbow) with the added liner (basically the roof of an inner) would be large,light, easy to set up and with the liner you will not have to worry about condensation dripping on you .
(I prefer just to wipe it off but others differ)
However as suggested , a Scarp 1 at 1.4kg with the fabric inner (we call that a solid inner) will give you plenty usable of floor space , good headroom and two decent vestibules with a drip free entry point and full double wall protection.
That means that most of the time in the rain you will be able to keep at least part of one fly door open .
Packs down to 46x10cm, something to keep in mind too.
You should add the two (not supplied) side guylines , so an extra two pegs, and you are set to go.
No need to buy the external poles, does very well without them apart from heavy snow.
http://www.tarptent.com/scarp1.html

It can be set up fly only and you can unclip the inner from the inside with the fly set up so that for example if the fly is wet you can just stuff the inner in your pack , get dressed, then go out and take down the fly and store that separately.
In as much as some tents are described as "4 season" in reality they tend not to work all that well in hot/humid weather.
The Scarp does well in those conditions because of the bottom vents,fly that can be lifted on the side and having two doors , cross ventilation too .

BTW, we also have the Moment DW as a non trekking pole supported solo shelter and one can always get the "substitute" trekking poles.
Our Vertical Poles (12.4mm) are more than good enough.

franco@tarptent

[wildlight]

Isn't Big Sky the crowd that was taking orders but taking months and months to actually come through with the goods (if at all)?

Hey Strider, I've heard the same.

I think poor old BPL in Melbourne has had issues with them too.I went in there to buy a Chinook 1p, he told me "yep they were posted yesterday. We have 2 on order- to put into stock, both of them one-person, both are ordered with mesh inner, and breathable inner- but just buy the bits you need. I just Skyped with Bob yesterday. They'll be here in 10 days". So…

Not counting days or anything- about 2 weeks later I rolled in there- "yes well we got the 2-person model, with all the options. The one-person model should be here sometime in May".

I should mention that I didn't pay a deposit, but I have bought stuff there since he opened. Bought my Gatewood Cape and Serenity Net Tent there. He knows me well. I got the impression, from his dialogue- that he was at the mercy of the supplier.

I was kinda tempted with the 2p model- but it was "observed" the there are "a good number" of two-person tents in the lineup here already.

Cheers, WildLight.

[Suz]

Thanks everyone! This is very helpful. The Scarp 1 or 2 is looking like a real winner so far Versatile and lightish. I'm having trouble finding any solid reviews of the Chinook online to make a decent comparison and clearly supply is an issue. The arrow got mixed reviews I have seen. The Gatewood Cape looks hilarious and amazingly light considering it is a rain gear / tent combo - but not for me atm - I want an inner to keep rain, bugs and snakes out of the tent. But if I ever morph into an UL'er I will seriously consider it! Owners seem very happy with their scarps both on this forum and on the web generally. Has anyone slept in one in heavy rain – like a Sydney downpour? How did it fare?

Franco, are there any Sydney stockists for this tent to see it set up in person and sit in it? I think I would get the cross poles and both inners anyway, because that gives me the flexibility to adjust it for each trip, so that I can go to e.g. SW Tas / Scottish Highlands and also moderate snow conditions with it. If I buy all in one I figure I'll get a better deal rather than buying in bits n bobs - right or wrong?

I’m still wondering whether 2p might be better for me? For sanity in poor weather. E.g Scarp comparison:

Scarp 1 1+ 1.4kg 107cm int. ht. 81cm w. 218cm l. 1.8 sq. mtr 46 x 10cm packed size $349USD
Scarp 2 2 1.7kg 114cm int. ht. 132cm w. 218cm l. 2.9 sq. mtr 46 x 11cm packed size $369USD

The 1 gives me 15cm headroom at the (highest) mid point sitting up, the 2, 22cm. The 1 means I'll have to sleep with my pack at my feet in rain…it will touch the tent edges too and be squished - I'm guessing that will cause consendation to worsen at that end. I don’t wanna leave my pack out in the vestibule in rain because I figure it will soak up groundwater. Is that wrong? The one means I'll not have much foot room in rain. The 2 is super roomy and I can sleep with my pack next to me in all weather. The 2 is 300gm heavier. The price diff is trifling.

Chezza said: "On tent-bound days it doesn't matter how wide or long your tent is, unless you can stand up and walk around in it you're going to miserable inside anyway." Do others concur? The Scarp 2 seems super roomy for only 300gm extra weight.

Moondog I don't own a tent at the mo, but I want to have only 1 tent really. I do not like excess. If you've got 2 tents, that's basically double the cost and double the storage at home. I want to select the right single tent. If I ever become a true alpine explorer, well I guess then I may need an extra tent if I get the Scarp.

I am not against the concept of the Aarn pacer but I think I want to buy a tent by/in June – and I want other people to already be experienced owners of equipment I buy so I can get feedback on it before purchase ☺

[Mickl]

Has anyone slept in one in heavy rain – like a Sydney downpour? How did it fare? There are plenty of reviews on the net from people using the scarps all over the world in pretty crappy weather so I think it would do as well as any other tent in rain if buckled down tight. I think wind would be more of a problems than rain for most tents as rain should technically run off the fly not sit on it. I would expect the Scarp to be fine in rain as long as it was seam sealed properly. There are plenty of other on here that use them so they should be able to give real world advice.

Franco, are there any Sydney stockists for this tent to see it set up in person and sit in it? Tarp Tent only sell direct from US I believe but there should be someone in Sydney that would have one to set up and let you look at. Otherwise Franco has heaps of videos on you tube, one is demoing a Scarp 2 in detail. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCGp9MVDoNk

I think I would get the cross poles and both inners anyway, because that gives me the flexibility to adjust it for each trip, so that I can go to e.g. SW Tas / Scottish Highlands and also moderate snow conditions with it. If I buy all in one I figure I'll get a better deal rather than buying in bits n bobs - right or wrong? I don't think you would get the products much cheaper if at all but would save on multiple postages so would save a bit.

I’m still wondering whether 2p might be better for me? Chezza said: "On tent-bound days it doesn't matter how wide or long your tent is, unless you can stand up and walk around in it you're going to miserable inside anyway." Do others concur? The Scarp 2 seems super roomy for only 300gm extra weight. I would think this issue would occur more in a base camp scenario. If your on a walk you would be walking all day and then asleep all night anyway. Can't see the Scarp being any worse in this case than any other tent you would walk with. I think the extra 300g is worth the extra room, it could make it useable if you decide to take someone occasionally as well which would save having to have a 1 and 2 person shelter.

Moondog I don't own a tent at the mo, but I want to have only 1 tent really. I do not like excess. If you've got 2 tents, that's basically double the cost and double the storage at home. I want to select the right single tent. If I ever become a true alpine explorer, well I guess then I may need an extra tent if I get the Scarp. I think you would be able to cover most bases with the scarp and if you did need something down the track you could keep your eyes out for any bargains on the classifieds etc and get one that way.

[Gusto]

Hi Suz,

you mentioned that you've read mixed reviews on the 2nd Arrow. I personally haven't read any reviews of the 2015 model, nor have I seen it in a shop yet (I haven't been in an outdoor retailer for a while).

I've used a 1st Arrow a bit in the past and a good mate of mine has the 2nd Arrow. I would have said that they in general they are great tents, except that they were rather heavy (not any more though). The other key criticism I've read about both the 1st and 2nd Arrow is that they were too small. I happen to think that space is a very subjective and personal measurement, so don't be discouraged based upon this. I personally own an Aarn Pacer tent. I bought it a few years ago. A key reason I bought this was because it was over a 1kg lighter than the 2nd Arrow. However if I was choosing between the 2015 models now of both tents then it would be a much harder decision, I would need to pitch both in a shop and feel the fabrics to decide.

[Franco]

Thanks Miki, I can retire now...

Suz,
take a look at some of these shots from a UK Scarp 1 user .
There are a few with a lot of gear inside the inner, see if it looks large enough to you .
https://picasaweb.google.com/robinmevans/ScarpGallery

[Chezza]

I don’t wanna leave my pack out in the vestibule in rain because I figure it will soak up groundwater. Is that wrong?

If this happens

1) move tent out of swamp; and
2) after trip, buy pack that does not soak up water.



My pack is always dirty, at least on the bottom, because I have to put it down when I set up camp. It's not allowed in the inner tent. I try to keep my inner tent as clean as possible, lest I wake with grit in unmentionable places.

[Moondog55]

Suz the decision is much easier if you're not a snow camper, but if I carried my winter tent in summer that's an extra 3 kilos I'd carry.

[wildlight]

The Gatewood Cape looks hilarious and amazingly light considering it is a rain gear / tent combo - but not for me atm - I want an inner to keep rain, bugs and snakes out of the tent. But if I ever morph into an UL'er I will seriously consider it!

Hey Suz,

It DOES have an inner (which you buy as an option, bringing the total cost to under $400)- the inner is called "Serenity Net Tent", and within that, you are fully zipped in, with a proper floor and netting walls. No snakes, no mozzies, nothing. You can adjust the tension of the external guy line without having to exit the tent… the vestibule is the size of a ballroom compared to some others.

You CAN pack up all your gear into your pack, while remaining inside in pouring rain, then stand up inside, putting "on" the Gatewood Cape as you go- so you aren't "out in the rain" until you're "Caped" up. Trust me- it's an art- get it right- and you'll understand why these things have the following that they have.

You need to be able to get pegs into the ground with this tent- sure you can pitch it with rocks holding lines in place- but it takes effort to do it, not the sort of task I eagerly look forward to after walking all day.

In the vestibule, your things will definitely be dry- and there's room to get in and out and prepare food without having to move your stuff out the way. The airflow is great, with that ventilation at the top. It's well thought out. There's even an inside pocket for essentials.

Anyone- feel free to ask questions from a user, I was sooo sceptical when I bought it from BPL in Melbourne. I said to him "keep this envelope with the money in it and put it in your safe. If I am not here by close of business tomorrow for a refund, ring the sale through". So he had the money, I took the tent home. Even as I was setting it up, I was convinced it was good. I've been a very happy user.

Have got a Hilleberg Allak for those Arctic Trips I'll never do… but that's not what you're asking about.

Cheers

WildLight.

[whynotwalk]

I am not against the concept of the Aarn pacer but I think I want to buy a tent by/in June – and I want other people to already be experienced owners of equipment I buy so I can get feedback on it before purchase ☺

Hi Suz - a potential buyer of my Aarn Pacer 2 person has gone quiet, so I may have one available. $200 with Tyvek footprint, and posted within Aus. It's the first series one, with one vestibule, weighing ca. 1.8kg. More details here http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=19219

It could solve a few of your wishlist items,

cheers

Peter

[Suz]

Thanks Peter for the Aarn offer - I think it sounds like a great deal altho I'm still tempted to fork out the extra money for one of the Scarps as they seem so well regarded and flexible. Because I'm a complete noob in the tent dept, other peoples opinions matter more than they might if I had more exp. Also I prefer a more 'stealthy' colour as I (am a totally delusional fantasist) dreaming about turning into German Tourist one day. Off course it won't ever happen but I wanna keep the dream alive and she says for wild camping, a tent that's colour blends in with surrounds is much better.

Wildlight, well you seem so sold on the Gatewood that I'm semi tempted, but I just don't think I'm ready to go direct from hut-to-hutting to a poncho-tarp. But having the inner makes it more feasible for me.

"1) move tent out of swamp"…LOL Chezza.

Thanks Miki for your detailed reply! God I'm still torn between a Scarp 1 or 2. Can you, Franco (or anyone ), please tell me what is the weight difference between the two Scarps when they're fully kitted out - e.g. the solid inner, cross poles and seam sealing? Because a 300gm diff is not large, but maybe a 600gm one is (if it blows out to that much). Franco I watched this Youtube vid "Tarptent Scarp Tips and tricks.mp4" - that is you right? Are you about the same height as me? 5'7"ish? Because looking at you sitting in the tent I'm wondering if that's a touch claustrophobic to sit out bad weather for 24-48 hours. You know…I'm just trying to imagine what my mood will be like in there. If I feel cramped I know I'll feel grumpy, and I don't like me when I'm in sulky-child or frustrated-angry mode…if Im just bored but feel safe and in adequate space, I'll be fine.

Thanks heaps everyone, you guys have been the best help!

[RonK]

I am a 5'7'' chick and extra weight will affect me relatively more than some of the burly guys in this forum but I might accept a 2kg weight penalty for a piece of equipment that is really superior.

At a guess I'd say you likely weigh around 60kg, and if you apply the rule of thumb that your load should not exceed 20% of your weight, a 3kg tent is going to take a big chunk of your 12kg carrying capacity.

[Franco]

Suz,
the best way to end up with a heavy load is to think "just in case" *
So there goes in the 4th pair of socks, the extra jumper, an extra two meals, the 5" blade knife and so on.
On the other hand to reduce weight you need to think "90% of the time I will be fine without" and for the rest of the time if it happens I'll just put up with it.
I find the Scarp 1 already way too heavy for me but occasionally I use it but not on multi day walks.
There is no way I would carry the Scarp 2 or a tent heavier than that but it is personal choice .
I am 5'6"
For size have a look on the product pages, you will find under video a 3D rotating clip of each tent with a 6' dummy sitting up straight. (I slouch...)
IF the Scarp 1 looks small to you there, I would strongly suggest not to bother looking at solo tents from any manufacturer and also carefully check the real size of many two person tents.
IF you have no intention of camping on snow, there is no need at all for the X poles.
Both Scarps can handle the typical out of season max of 10-15cm of wet snow. (that is not in Nepal...)
As for weight comparison, the 2 is about 300g more, seam sealing difference would be less than 10g, poles (if you must) will be about 90g more for the two.
So about 400g difference.
BTW, German Tourist (Christine) used a sub 700g TT Contrail for hundreds of nights and now (I think she is still using that) a Rainbow.
Christine is taller than either of us. (I met her)
My Scarp 1 this last winter :

(no poles...)

[Suz]

[quote="Franco"] For size have a look on the product pages, you will find under video a 3D rotating clip of each tent with a 6' dummy sitting up straight. (I slouch...)
Yep I have looked at the video and it does look like stifling head room Scarp 2 looks fine tho. So the Scarp 2 is about 2.1kg with full winter set up?

"BTW, German Tourist (Christine) used a sub 700g TT Contrail for hundreds of nights and now (I think she is still using that) a Rainbow.
Christine is taller than either of us. (I met her)" - are you thinking I should get a rainbow? What is your preferred tarptent to cope with versatile weather conditions? And what weight are you happy to carry? I mean I don't like carrying weight either, but some things are necessary! I would like to feel comfy tucked away from bad weather.

Would the Scarp without crossing poles still be okay in strong winds? In e.g. SW Tas winds?

Now I'm slightly less decided - poo.

[Franco]

I mentioned Christine since you want to emulate her but in the end you are the one carrying the weight so you need to balance wants and needs.
See my original comment (maybe a compromise between the 3kg tent and the 1kg Rainbow (the Scarp 1 ) will work...)

The X poles will spread the wind load around however because the ends of the Scarp are very well supported with the two Pitch Lock corners (two carbon fiber rods inside each) and the mid strut and guyline, provided that you have them guyed out correctly and securely they will do well.
Pegs should be inserted this way :

with the peg inserted most of the way (if possible) but at that angle. (don't be afraid in exposed areas to tiple up stones on top of the pegs).
But again , if you feel more comfortable carrying the X poles, go for it.

[Nuts]

Hey suz, sounds like you've pretty much been talked around to TTent , 'gray' instead of red.
Good choice, great little tents, what TTent seem to do well is add space for tents in the lighter weight category while still keeping some pretty handy features (dbl doors, kliners etc) all with no or even less weight penalty in comparison. The sacrifice (always present) is no drama, much of this gear is overbuilt for our domestic use anyway. Hilleberg pip them on workmanship and I think those crossing poles are an afterthought (ie. I wouldn't take our scarp somewhere that the crossing poles made a choice difference).

It would be good to see some patronage of our Oz bred suppliers, the Wilderness Eq Arrow bgm mentions and the One Planet Goondie, many others are using. Just to throw another into the mix.

Personally, if weight was a driving factor (and I was 'small') I can think of a lot of lighter options. They, however, involve some creative use and thoughtfulness of other gear your carrying and the introduction of Cuben Fibre as a fly material (and price point).

[Suz]

At a guess I'd say you likely weigh around 60kg, and if you apply the rule of thumb that your load should not exceed 20% of your weight, a 3kg tent is going to take a big chunk of your 12kg carrying capacity.

Ha ha! I suppose that's what I should weigh! And what it means is that I'm already eating (HAHA) 7kg into my 12kg limit - oh dear! I guess that means I don't need to carry food on the trail lol. Anyhow, I suppose that is rather good reasoning, to think about an acceptable total pack weight, and what % of that it is permissible for a tent to take up. Maybe I need to scrap this whole 'buying a tent that will cover me for all weather/environments' and make a solid, light, approximation.

Yes Franco, I do want to emulate GT…or at least seriously consider her words of experience…I'm just not sure if I'm as hardy as her. Now I'm tossing up between a stratospire 1 like Danshell suggested, or maybe still the rainbow and still a Scarp. I know that GT cautions against staked tents like in the stratospire…but it has such a lovely vaulted cathedral-like ceiling compared to all the other small tents I've look at! That is a 1p tent I wouldn't get tent fever in. Decisions, decisions...

Nuts, helpful advice. I have heard cuben fibre is very good, but rather delicate.