Hi All,
I'm planning a trip to Iceland this summer for about 3 weeks (first of a couple related gear threads no doubt). I'll be camping the whole time (no huts planned) but won't be spending any nights in the highlands – I'll be mainly in the north (Myvatn and further north) and south (the usual spots). I was deadset on buying the Scarp 1, based on good experiences with a Rainbow and its strong reputation. It's also cheap enough that if I only pull it out for 1-2 snow trips in Australia a year I'd feel ok about it…
However, it is now looking increasingly likely my girlfriend will be there for ~1/2 the time. This is good news (of course :P, and it's needlessly heavy for solo use.
The Echo II is hugely expensive, but it is a real 2-man tent while being light enough to use solo, can be made almost the same weight as the Echo I with an additional purchase of the Echo I insert down the line, is described as 'bomber' in multiple reviews, and is made of a wind-proven material… It's also one of the most enclosed tarps going around with the hard walls on the insert.
Obvious downsides that it's not free standing and not fully enclosed, but I note that Andrew Skurka broke both these rules in iceland also…
Despite the cost, as an 'investment' in gear it makes more sense – it would become my go-to tent, not an occasional use item.. but will I regret it in Iceland?
