Scarp 1 Destroyed & Black Label Soulo Damaged | Winter Storm Camping in the Mountains - USER ERROR!

   • Wildcamping Disaster in the Scarp 1.....  

*** SEE TONY'S VIDEO ABOVE - IT IS APPARENT FROM ANT'S VIDEO THAT HE FAILED TO PLACE ONE END OF THE CROSS POLES IN THE VELCRO PITCH LOC TABS.

WHEN I GOT AROUND TO TONY'S TENT IT WAS SHREDDED. IT WAS MY BELIEF THAT HE HAD PITCHED IT CORRECTLY AS TWO PITCH LOCS WERE CORECTLY FASTENED AND HE HAS OWNED THE TENT FOR A SIGNIFICANT PERIOD OF TIME.

TONY HAS FULLY ACCEPTED HIS PITCHING ERRORS HERE - WHICH WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

TONY HAS BEEN IN TOUCH WITH HENRY WHO ACCEPTED HIS INITIAL RESPONSE WAS TERSE - THE MATTER IS NOW RESOLVED AND TONY HAS OFFERED TO PAY FOR A NEW FLY 👍 MY MAIN ISSUE WITH TARPTENT WAS DUE TO THEIR INITIAL RESPONSE - WHICH HAS NOW BEEN RESOLVED ***

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CONSTRUCTIVELY ASSISTED IN THEIR ANALYSIS OF ANT'S VIDEO - MISTAKES CAN, DO AND WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.

I WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY USING MY SCARP 1

The forecast was for 40 / 50 mph winds, with potential for higher gusts after dusk. I decided to pack the Black Label Hilleberg Soulo to give it a test. Westerly winds meant I had to find a spot on an easterly aspect which afforded shelter and a natural windbreak as far as possible.

As I began my ascent, the winds began to increase, but not worryingly so. Wind blown ice and hail made walking conditions testing at times, but nothing out of my comfort zone. I pitched the tent correctly, feet end into the prevailing wind and ensured all guy lines were at their maximum extent and not overtightened.

I had only been pitched for less than an hour, when a strong gust destroyed my friend Tony's TarpTent Scarp 1. Tony was in a different area to me and wanted to go back down alone, however I believed the best option would be to go down as a group to ensure everyone was safely off the fell.

Only when I began to strike camp did I realise that the centre 'red' pole on the BL Soulo had bent significantly, at the ferrule. The other poles were absolutely fine and there was no other damage to the tent. I was using a Kestrel 3000 wind meter and did not record anything of concern.

The conditions here were not extreme, nor were they unsafe. These were 40, maybe 50 mph winds which are not beyond the capability of this tent. I have used the RL Soulo for almost 6 years and had it in far worse conditions, therefore I am very familiar with the Soulo and how to pitch and handle it in bad weather. It is my belief that a section of DAC pole was faulty.

I will not entertain any comments which suggest it was foolhardy or stupid to venture out in such weather - many people were out enjoying the fells that day and many of my friends were out wild camping in some very exposed locations. Any unconstructive comments will simply be removed.

I have over 26 years experience hiking and wild camping and was fully prepared with all winter kit required for these conditions, including warm layers, spare clothing, map, compass, GPS, head torch, snow spikes, gloves and emergency blanket (and more). The location was specifically chosen for its aspect and also the terrain, in that there are no exposed or technical sections whatsoever - this was therefore an entirely safe trip and not in any way reckless.

Ultimately, things can go wrong and equipment can fail - of note, my friend Ant's OEX Bobcat (which cost him £49), was unscathed. I'm not for one second suggesting this is a 4 season tent, but it is certainly food for thought.

** Hilleberg have been fantastic and helpful as always - they are replacing the damaged sections of pole - a brand which supports their customers and backs their products with excellent service **

Always leave no trace - see you on the next adventure, Chris

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LINKS

Tony's Channel:

   / @theoutdoorswithtonynoble  

Ant's Channel:

   / @antsurvivethenight  

Technicals Beanie:

https://technicalsbrand.com/products/...

#Winter #Storm #wildcamping