Showing posts with label kelty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kelty. Show all posts

3/03/2011

Kelty Noahs Tarp Review

Kelty Noahs Tarp
Average Reviews:

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I am an avid canoe camper and have been using various sizes of Keltys' Noahs tarps for years. They are versatile and seemingly bulletproof. I have had my 12' model in winds in excess of 45MPH and it fared extremely well. This is an upgrade to a larger model for me- I normally set two tarps in addidtion to my tent, one as a kitchen and the other as a viewspace- this will take over kitchen duty.

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Product Description:
The Noah's Tarp is instant shade. This ultralight affordable shelter is handy to have aboard when you want weather protection in a hurry, whether you are traveling oer land or water. Handy for boating, camping, bacpacking and sporting events and festivels.

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1/18/2011

Kelty 4-Person 3-Season Getaway Tent - Blue (7'8" x 6'8"x 4'10") Review

Kelty 4-Person 3-Season Getaway Tent - Blue
Average Reviews:

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I just bought this 4-person summer tent at Target to replace a dome tent whose fiberglass pole was shattered in high winds in the Black Hills, and after pitching it in the backyard, I'll return it.

On the plus side, it's easy to pitch, it has aluminum poles, and the size is fine ... very good for two people.But there's only one D-shaped door on the side, and the other side is just a wall.Two doors would be better.Also, there are no windows, so you can't see out.The clincher, though, in my opinion, is that the ventilation is inadequate.At a minimum, the mesh screening should permit some air to circulate, and except on the door side, all the mesh is too far up toward the ceiling.If you leave this tent up on a summer day, it will be an oven in there.And if you use it in cold weather, condensation is likely to be a big problem.

Two doors with a window or two, together with some facility for cross ventilation would solve the problems, but I'm going to shop for another tent.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty 4-Person 3-Season Getaway Tent - Blue (7'8 x 6'8x 4'10)

Product Description:
Engineered for comfort, convenience and versatility, this Getaway tent can be easily carried for backpacking with enough space for comfort while family camping.

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1/13/2011

Sierra Designs Origami 2 Person Ultralight Shelter Review

Sierra Designs Origami 2 Person Ultralight Shelter
Average Reviews:

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I have only used this shelter in the field for a two day trip, so that is all I have to go on...

My main attractions to this style of shelter were the weight to space ratio, and to the Origami specifically, the price (I paid $111). I looked at a similar shelter called the Trailstar made by a company called Mountain Laurel Designs, which is lighter (by nearly a pound) but those weight savings are accomplished through a compromise on the ease of entry; the Trailstar must be propped up on one side to get in, versus easy zipper entry. The Trailstar also would have cost me ~$35 dollars more.

I'm too cheap to buy adjustable trekking poles so I was stuck carrying the included adjustable pole, the lightweight ski poles I use are only 45" tall and that just wasn't quite enough to set up the tent properly and have an adequately comfortable space for two people and two dogs (medium sized dogs: Sheltie/Australian Shepherd mix). One thing I have not figured out is whether the listed weight includes the pole; with most tents it usually does, but I'm not sure with this one (I'm too cheap to buy a scale). Setup does take some practice; I have done it 5 times and still have not mastered it. One of those times was out in the backcountry trying to suspend it between two trees. Though it can be done and probably with some practice it can be done well, I did not find this to be a very practical method. If you can master it, it would save some weight and open up that space in the middle (possibly for another person, or just to allow you and your hiking partner to cuddle, if you so desire).

I was somewhat worried about bugs with the open design, but camping at about 8500 feet in central Colorado mid-August, I had no problems. The only other issue I had with the open design was with my dogs. I attached their leashes to the center pole and that was enough to keep them in the tent through the night, but it did not prevent them from a seemingly endless curiosity about what was going on outside the tent, and with just enough space for them to stick their heads out, this was a problem that interfered with sleep. The solution I'm working on is a curtain of no-see-um mesh to hang around the perimeter which will act as a visual deterrent and a little extra bug protection, while maintaining crucial ventilation, and only adding a few ounces of weight.

We did experience some light rain while we had the tent set up between the two trees and though there was no problem with water getting in, there was one point where water managed to gather on the bottom edge of the tent (I could not get the cord I was using (a couple of the included guy lines) taught enough to hold the tent up properly once I staked it out (it will take some practice and perhaps a different type of cord with less elasticity). As far as moisture in the tent, I had no problem with that, leaving about a 2-3 inch gap between the edge and the ground seemed to allow plenty of ventilation and it breathed much better than my last tent (single wall Eureka Zeus 2).

Well, I hope I have covered the important issues. Overall I think this is a good shelter but it really comes down to individual needs/preferences. If you like the security of at least one layer of mesh or sil-nylon between you and nature than this is not the tent for you. It is a good choice if you are trying to transition from heavier fully enclosed tent style to lightweight open floor tarps though. I would not pay the MSRP of $175 or whatever it is, you ought to be able to find it cheaper than that on here or Google shopping, I was not willing to pay more than $125, and I think that is about the most it is worth, otherwise I would pay a little more for something like a Golite Shangri-la 3 or Black Diamond Megalight or something like that. Well, I'm not sure how these reviews work, but if possible feel free to ask me any other questions about the Sierra Designs Origami 2 and hopefully I can help you. I hope this helps you make your decision!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sierra Designs Origami 2 Person Ultralight Shelter

Product Description:
Origami tarps are everything from a full-coverage backpacking shelter to an airy sunshade for a day on the beach. Multiple guy-out and stake-out points allow you to pitch in a variety of configurations to withstand gusty winds and adapt to changing climatic conditions. Designed from five equilateral triangles with a full-length zipper down one seam, any side can be staked at ground level for more coverage, or tied up for easy access or for lots of ventilation.

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1/10/2011

Sierra Designs Convert 3 Tent Review

Sierra Designs Convert 3 Tent
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We bought this tent for occasional snow trips and for car camping, the latter as it is roomy enough for a queen size air mattress.The first night out in Olympic National Park we were caught in a deluge--rain falling like walruses and whales, not cats and dogs.We successfully set up the tent without getting the interior wet, and stayed dry all night.

There are two air vent snoots near the top of the tent.In addition, the doors on each end have a rain shield, so they can be opened part way.As this four season tent is a single wall design, these features are essential to keeping the inside of the tent from developing condensation, and they work very well.Noseeum netting will still keep the bugs out while you're letting fresh air in.While we haven't exposed the tent to fierce winds, what wind we encountered has been shed smoothly.

The process of setting up the tent differs from that of typical tents.After laying out the tent, the hoop poles are inserted in their sleeves.Then someone must crawl inside the tent with the front-to-aft frame pole, and place the ends in their anchor points while arcing the pole across the ceiling.When taking down the tent, be careful not to pull on the hoop poles--they are shock-corded, and will separate into their sections if you do so.Instead, pull fabric down on the far end section, and then *push* it along to advance the pole outward--it helps to have someone else guide the free end to keep it from going into the mud or the brush.

If you are used to standard backpacking tents, the interior feels immense.Attachment points allow one to hang clothing items, lights, or a mesh storage area inside the tent.Normal sized occupants can sit up comfortably.

My only quibbles are that I find myself fumbling with the door zippers, as there are just too many.And the stuff sack seems rather flabby.But these are very minor concerns.We're quite satisfied with this well-conceived product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sierra Designs Convert 3 Tent

Product Description:
FEATURES of the Convert 3 Person Tent by Sierra Designs Single Wall Waterproof Breathable Fabric External/Internal Pitch Well Vented Reflective Door Trim and Guy Outs 2 Doors Sew-Free Windows 360 Degree View SPECIFICATIONS: Trail Weight: 5 lb 14 oz Packed Weight: 6 lb 10 oz Number of Doors: 2 Interior Area: 46.5 ft2 Peak Height: 45" Floor Material: 70D Nylon, 5000mm Body Material: Drizone 40D Nylon Poles: DAC Featherlite NSL Season: 4 Capacity: 3 Packed Size: 24" x 7" Number of Poles: 3 Pole Diameter (Outer): 9.60 / 9.00 mm

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1/08/2011

Kelty Teton 4 Tent Footprint Review

Kelty Teton 4 Tent Footprint
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I spent the weekend camping in Desoto State Park near Forte Payne Alabama.The Teton 4 footprint attached securely to the bottom of my tent and I would recomend it to anyone who wants to preserve their teton 4 for future use.

Marshall

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty Teton 4 Tent Footprint

Product Description:
In the early 1950's, Dick Kelty made backpacks for his friends in the Sierra Club. Time and experience proved that hiking was more pleasurable when the hiker could carry heavy loads without shoulder pain. This was accomplished with Kelty's ideas of a hipbelt and light weight aluminum frames. A few of Kelty's popular items are backpacks, adjustable poles, rain covers for backpacks, camp pillows, fanny packs, a carport tent or shelter, Thermolite Quallo sleeping bags,and chuckwagon dog packs.

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1/03/2011

Big Agnes Big House - 6 Person Tent (Spring 2010) Review

Big Agnes Big House - 6 Person Tent
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couldn't be better..Big Agnes pops up in minutes and is beautifully designed. we put 4 full sized cots in this 'sleeps 6' tent and had lots of room.. 6 in sleeping bags may be tight for grown adults. we love Agnes!!!

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Product Description:
FEATURES of the Big House - 6 Person Tent by Big Agnes Lightweight 7000 series aluminum poles with press fit connectors Color coded webbing and buckles make set up easy Fly is durable polyester rip-stop with 1500mm waterproof polyurethane coating Floor is durable polyester with 1500mm waterproof polyurethane coating Tent body is lightweight polyester mesh and durable polyester rip-stop with 1500mm waterproof polyurethane coating Both doors on tent body have two closure options: Zip up mesh door only for ventilation or zip up the waterproof, polyester rip-stop layer for full protection Sleeves and plastic clips attach the tent body to the pole frame for quick and easy set up Reflective guyline for nighttime visibility Two large doors Welcome mat on front door provides space for muddy shoes Large skylight Twelve mesh floor pockets All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane (No PVC or VOC's) tape 14 superlight aluminum stakes included with tents 7 superlight aluminum stakes included with accessory vestibules Briefcase style carry bag with long shoulder straps and organizational pockets Optional extra large vestibule sold separately Gear loft loops included: Fits Big Agnes Trapezoid gear loft - sold separately Footprint sold separately Three season, free-standing, deluxe car camping/ base camp tent Accessory vestibules are sold separately and come 7 superlight aluminum stakes. Vestibule adds 64sq ft of covered space SPECIFICATIONS: Floor Length: 122" Floor Width: 115" at widest, 96" at doors Head Height: 75" Trail Weight: 12lb 15oz Packed Weight: 13lb 15oz Footprint Weight: 22oz Packed Size: 4" x 14" x 26" Floor Size: 90 sq ft

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12/29/2010

Kelty Yellowstone 4 Footprint Review

Kelty Yellowstone 4 Footprint
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I received the footprint today and was disappointed in the material which is the same as the tent.It does have multiple ways to tie down the footprint, but for the price, it does not deliver the value.I found other footprints made of heavier material at 20% of the cost.The light weight might be an advantage for backpackers.Also there are no instructions as to how the mulitple tie-downs could be used with the tent.The one other advantage is that it fits the footprint of the tent unlike other generic footprints. If I had the oportunity for a do-over, I would not make this purchase.

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Product Description:
The Kelty Yellowstone 4 Footprint is a coated nylon tarp placed underneath your Kelty Yellowstone 4 tent to protect its floor from abrasion and wear. A bit smaller than the tent floor, the Yellowstone 4 Footprint is the perfect size to prevent pooling water during rainy weather.

Product Features

    Material: Nylon taffeta
    Recommended Use: Tent floor protection from abrasion and wear


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12/27/2010

MSR E-Wing Solo Tent Review

MSR E-Wing Solo Tent
Average Reviews:

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The E-Wing is definitely small and certainly solo. I have used it with (and plan to always use it with) a bivy sack and although the weather has been mild (so far) I trust it will block the weather when required. There are many ways to configure this with poles, stakes, ties to trees, and all combinations.

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Product Description:
The minimalist MSR E-Wing Solo tarp shelter is designed to provide a bare minimum of protection and also as an emergency shelter that you can carry with you at all times. It comes factory compressed in a stuff sack that's smaller than a soda can and can be stowed virtually anywhere. Use as a poncho, minimalist shelter or in combination with a bivy sack for added protection. Nicely versatile, it can be set up with trekking poles, sticks or tied-off overhead with guy cords.
Specifications:

    Capacity: 1
    Weight: 6 ounces
    Floor dimensions: 44 square feet
    Interior peak height: Variable
    Packed size: 4.5 x 3 inches

About MSR
Mountain Safety Research (MSR) designs, manufactures, and markets innovative adventure gear for outdoor enthusiasts. The ever-growing MSR product line is most popular with mountaineers, backpackers, and campers. MSR is the industry leader in reliability and quality with every product it focuses on--tents, stoves, water filters, snowshoes, cookware, climbing gear, fuel, and related accessories. All of MSR's products set the benchmark in performance throughout the specialty outdoor industry. MSR is also one of the most widely distributed brands in the outdoor industry and provides products to more than 1,200 specialty retailers in North America and export to more than 30 countries.
MSR Materials & Workmanship Guarantee
MSR warranties the materials and workmanship in every MSR tent to the original owner. If your MSR tent has received proper care, but fails due to a defect in manufacturing, the tent will be repaired or replaced at MSR's discretion. Repairs due to accident, improper care or negligence where MSR is not at fault--including sun degradation, mildew, wear and tear due to hard use--will be performed at a reasonable charge. MSR offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner on all MSR tent framework. If your tent pole breaks, MSR will repair or replace it--free--for the lifetime of the tent, upon postage paid delivery to the MSR Product Service Center. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser. Proof of purchase is required.
Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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12/25/2010

Kelty Palisade 4-Person Tent Review

Kelty Palisade 4-Person Tent
Average Reviews:

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The Kelty Palasaide was the second tent that I received from Kelty.I had purchased the Kelty Villa 4 this year (2010) and when I set it up I came to find out that is was defective.I called the warranty department at Kelty and they were really great.They had me setup the Villa Tent one additional time and then had me send a photo of the 3 inched of space under the floor.Being that the Villa 4 tent was from 2007 and discontinued they offered the Palisade as replacement.I was sold on the vestibule just from the website.

We are planning a trip next week to Sedona and as a test run we set the tent up in our living room.The main part of the tent went up supper easy - the circular pole was an interesting puzzle to figure out and using my 6 year old daughter as a brace we managed to get the tent up. I can honestly say that I could set up the entire tent by myself.As for the circular pole for the roof, I think a tree, car or anything stationary will work just fine if you are setting it up by yourself.

There are a few issues that I have with the tent....

1. Staking the Tent is a Must - The tent definitely needs to be staked to the ground.We go beach camping Palisade offers great ventilation in 80 degree Arizona evenings - finding a way to stake it in the sand will challenging.

2. Lack of Privacy.The Palisade is basically a bug shield without the rain fly.If you like a little privacy in a big campground you will need to attach the fly.Then you give up the awesome open roof and the star gazing that goes along with it.If you tend to do back country camping then the openness will not matter to much.

3. Pets Can Potentially Damage the Tent - We have a puppy we will be taking on our next camping trip and she already has come into the tent and made herself at home. The thing that concerns me is that if she wants out she can tend to scratch at the door.If she does with this tent the mesh will not last.

The Really positive things about the tent....

1. A BIG stuff sack - When we opened the box we found ample room in the duffle bag to account for non-professional packing.

2. A Star Gazing Roof to die for - My daughter and I laid down in the tent and looked up at the ceiling in our living room and the first thing she said was wow we can sure see a lot of shooting stars in this tent!!!!

3. Super Easy to Setup and Take Down - I could do it myself!

4. Large with Vertical Walls - We like to sleep with big comfy cots and both fit in just nicely.If you wanted a third cot it could get a little tight.Four cots would definably not fit.

5. Vestibule and Rainfly is really cool! - Makes an extra room for you!(For it to work it needs to be staked to the ground!)

6. Great Customer Service - Kelty provides awesome customer support directly out of their Colorado office...

We will report back once we have a chance to test it in the field.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty Palisade 4-Person Tent

Product Description:
New for 2010, the Palisade is ready for any adventure. It features double-door convenience with a full vestibule and back 'porch' storage area to keep you and your family organized while enjoying the great outdoors.

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12/08/2010

Kelty Trail Dome 4 Tent Footprint Review

Kelty Trail Dome 4 Tent Footprint
Average Reviews:

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I bought the footprint that is available for purchase after the first use of my Kelty Trail Dome 4 Tent.The floor material of the tent is so thin you can feel every twig and pebble.I found the footprint material also thinner than I expected so be sure to have some sort of mattress to be comfortable sleeping and be careful kneeling on the bare floor of the tent.A separate tarp folded down to tent size is an additional flooring option to keep off the ground, dry and provide some padding.The footprint does attach nicely to the tent, is super lightweight, easy to use and store.

The price of this item is good for the value.Should be factored into overall tent cost.

I accidently bought 2 of the footprints so double check the quantity of your order before submitting.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty Trail Dome 4 Tent Footprint

Product Description:
In the early 1950's, Dick Kelty made backpacks for his friends in the Sierra Club. Time and experience proved that hiking was more pleasurable when the hiker could carry heavy loads without shoulder pain. This was accomplished with Kelty's ideas of a hipbelt and light weight aluminum frames. A few of Kelty's popular items are backpacks, adjustable poles, rain covers for backpacks, camp pillows, fanny packs, a carport tent or shelter, Thermolite Quallo sleeping bags,and chuckwagon dog packs.

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12/06/2010

Kelty Gunnison 3.1 Tent 3-Person 3-Season Review

Kelty Gunnison 3.1 Tent 3-Person 3-Season
Average Reviews:

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We are a Boy Scout Troop that does a lot of backpacking and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains of SC and NC. We have some older Kelty tents that have held up great through all of the abuse a group of teenage boys can put out, so we're very pleased with the brand. The features of the Gunnison were the best in the price range. We've had them out a couple of times and are happy with the room, weight and design of the tents. Especially the 2 door design and the large vestibules. We're expecting years of service from them. Will definitely buy again as we need more tents.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty Gunnison 3.1 Tent 3-Person 3-Season

Product Description:
Kelty's Gunnison 3.1 3-Person 3-Season Tent loves anything from starlit summer evenings to wet autumn backpacking trips. Kelty placed the Gunnison's mesh panels strategically, providing ventilation, decreased condensation, which keeps you from feeling like you're spending the night in a cave. Even in the dark, it's easy to secure the aluminum DAC Pressfit poles to the individual clips for set-up, and the Swivel Hub System increases stability and ease of set up. Configured with two doors and two vestibules, the Gunnison 3.1 Tent's floorplan maximizes the available living space. Other features include taped seams to keep water out and internal storage pockets to help organize essentials. Kelty also added a gear loft, putting your treats, iPod, or prophylactics close at hand while you stargaze.

Product Features

    Material: [Fly] 75D Polyester Taffeta w/ 1800mm coating; [Floor] 70D Nylon Taffeta w/ 1800mm coating;
    Freestanding: Yes
    Poles: 2
    Pole Material: DAC FeatherLite NSL 7001 Aluminum
    Doors: 2
    Clip / Sleeve: Clip
    Floor Space: 75 x 92in (188 x 234cm), 48sq ft
    Interior Height: 46in (117cm)
    Vestibule Space: [Per vestibule] 12.5sq ft (x2)
    Packed Size: 28 x 8in (71 x 20cm)
    Seam Sealed:Yes, critical seams taped
    Ventilation: Mesh top
    Weight: 6lb 8oz (2949g)
    Recommended Use: 3-season camping
    Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime
    Country of Origin: China


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10/26/2010

Kelty Green River 4 Four Person Tent Review

Kelty Green River 4 Four Person Tent
Average Reviews:

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I bought this tent 5 months ago and have spent many weekends this Summer living in it.I travel to a lot of music festivals and wanted something weather-proof, roomy, and tall enough to stand up in.These requirements were nicely met (and exceeded) by this tent.It is much roomier that your typical 4-person tent.At aproximately 9'X9', the interior easily fits a queen-size inflatible matteress with plenty of room on all sides for tons of gear.The nice thing about the height of this tent is that the roof is at its maximum height right inside the door - not just in the very center like most dome tents.

As far as being weather-proof, I've endured a few nasty wind and rain storms and I haven't gotten a drop of rain in it; The full-coverage rain fly on this tent is a wonderful feature. This tent also has lots of nice buckles, velcro, and elastic hooks secure everything firmly in place.Well-placed screening and vents keep air circulating in hot weather.

My gripes with this tent are few.One is that I've never been able to roll it up tight enough to fit all of the pieces back into the original carrying case.My other gripe is that the tent poles are so long, its difficult to set up in close quarters (between trees, other tents, etc.) and a bit of a struggle for one person.

I found the picture of this tent misleading and didn't understand the purpose of the ground flaps around the door until I saw it set up.The flaps secure the vestibule - a nice place to store your cooler, shoes, and chairs out of the weather or to use like a screen room to avoid insects.Go to the Kelty website to see a picture of the tent with the vestible attached.

All in all, I'm very happy I 'upgraded' from my usual department store-type tent to this much higher quality tent.Worth every penny!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty Green River 4 Four Person Tent

Product Description:
A great choice for car camping or use for a basecamp, the Kelty Green River provides a roomy interior for four campers as well as a front screenroom with room enough to store gear or set up chairs for watching the sunset. This tent sleeps up to four campers, offers three-season usage, and a freestanding design that enables you to move it around your campsite to find the optimum position. It also includes large mesh windows for good ventilation, UV resistant polyester fly, and color-coded poles for quick-and-easy setup. Weighing 20 pounds, 15 ounces, the four-person Green River has a 81 square foot floor area, and a 43.6 square foot vestibule area.
The shockcorded fiberglass poles have color coded clips that make setup a breeze. The tent also offers post and grommet type assembly with locking pole tips for convenience and security. Kelty's ArcEdge construction lifts floor seams up off the ground, preventing water seepage around the floor and wall seams. Other features include a single flashlight loop, mesh interior pockets for gear storage, external guy points for added stability in windy conditions, and noiseless zipper pulls.

Specifications

    Dimensions: 108 x 108 x 71 inches
    Interior height: 5 feet, 11 inches
    Floor area: 81 square feet
    Vestibule area: 43.6 square feet
    Weight: 20 pounds, 15 ounces
    Seasons: 3
    Doors: 1
    Windows: 2
    Wall material: 68D 190T polyester ripstop
    Floor material: 1800mm PU nylon-taffeta
    Fly material: 75D 190T, 1800mm PU polyester ripstop
    Number of poles: 4


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10/02/2010

Kelty Trail Dome 4 Four Person Tent Review

Kelty Trail Dome 4 Four Person Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Price: $159.99 at local Sports Authority

Weather Conditions: Cloudy, with sunbreaks. 2 days car camping.

Weight: Fairly light. 8 lbs.

Set-Up: The strength and durability of the aluminum poles are definetly worth the investment.You don't have to worry about snapping the poles unlike the fiberglass poles.I recommend putting the poles in the base "fastex" clips first, and then attaching the plastic clips on second.It's not really clear in the instructions.If you just bought this tent, I recommend practicing pitching the tent a few times.The first run took almost 30 minutes.I was able to set up this tent in under 10 minutes by myself. Always, always use a footprint or tarp when camping to save you from damaging the tent floor and moisture from the ground.Be sure to sweep your area of pine cones and small rocks.I also recommend getting beefier stakes.I've read the MSR Groundhog stakes are nice, but I got some $3 plastic ones at Walmart for a set of 6.

Tent fly: I like how the tent fly "clips" into the fastex clips at each corner.Also, I've read complaints of how the tent fly doesn't provide a good awning if you decide to step out during the rain.Pay attention to the color coded straps that will tell you how the tent fly is installed.

Front opening:The zipper of the opening is overstretched near the top.I was nervous that the zipper couldn't handle the stress of the two poles stretching it.I had to use a fastex clip with a strap (similar to the cross strap on a backpack) to wrap around the poles and pull them together to relieve the stress on the zipper.That solved the problem.

Storage compartments inside the tent:There are 4 mesh pockets at each corner of the tent.But they're aren't any hooks near the top of the tents if you wanted to hook a lantern to the roof.

Inside Space:I'm 5'7" and I was able to stand up completely with my head crouched a little bit.This is truly a 2 person camp with gear. I was able to fit a queen size air mat with no problems.The zipper wasn't as quiet as I hoped it to be. It still sounded like a zipper being pulled.The zipper was very smooth once I adjusted the two poles with the plastic strap.I didn't see any condensation the next morning, so I guess the tent vents very well.

Suggestions for design:This would be a perfect tent if it had a vestibule to store dirty clothes, boots, etc. A 2nd door would be nice, too.

Overall, I think I'll upgrade the the Kelty Gunnison 4.1 since it has a vestibule and a 2nd door.This is a nice tent for the camper on a budget.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty Trail Dome 4 Four Person Tent

Product Description:
An ideal family-camping tent that offers a view of the stars at the campground or in the backcountry, the Kelty Trail Dome 4 features a simple pole design and clip-sleeve construction that make it a snap to pitch. Offering spacious room for four, the Trail Dome 4 has a 55 square foot floor area (but does not include a storage vestibule). It features internal storage pockets, mesh ceiling, gear loft loops, side-release buckle tent-fly connection, noiseless zipper pulls that resist jingling when it's windy, and color-coded clip construction with DAC DA17 aluminum poles.


The Kelty Trail Dome 4 four-person, three-season tent. The DA17 pre-bent poles are made of proprietary aluminum alloy designed by DAC specifically for tents, which provides a large diameter pole with high stiffness, strength and durability at an affordable price. The clip construction provides great fly separation and increased air movement, and it makes it easier to set-up your tent but offers less strength than full-length sleeves. The clips connecting the poles to the tent are color-coded so set-up is easy and quick in low light conditions.
The Water Tight Wall (WTW) construction keeps the doors and windows from leaking, even in driving rain. All exposed walls are constructed of coated fabrics with the seams shingled downward to shed water. Exposed windows and doors have wide flaps covering the edges so they won't leak at the zipper even in high winds. Kelty's ArcEdge construction lifts floor seams up off the ground, preventing water seepage around the floor and wall seams. Taped seams on the floor and the rainfly ensure that the tent is protected from moisture and wet weather.
Specifications

    Seasons: 3 seasons
    Capacity: 4 person
    Floor area: 55 square feet
    Vestibule area: none
    Pole type: Two 12mm DAC DA17 aluminum poles + two 8.5mm fiberglass awning poles
    Number of poles: 4
    Number of doors: 1
    Number of mesh windows: 3
    Wall material: 68D 190T polyester taffeta
    Floor material: 1800mm PU polyester taffeta
    Fly Material: 75D 190T, 1800 mm PU polyester-taffeta
    Dimensions: 99 x 80 x 57 inches (LxWxH)
    Weight (minimum): 7 pounds, 10 ounces
    Weight (packaged): 8 pounds, 7 ounces


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9/24/2010

Kelty Grand Mesa 4-Person Tent (Ruby/Tan) Review

Kelty Grand Mesa 4-Person Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have been extremely pleased with this tent. It is spacious enough for my family of four and is very easy to set up.My ten and seven-year olds can pitch this tent almost completely by themselves.Hooks for the poles is a vast improvement over running poles through slits. The connections for the rainflap are very easy to use. The inside is pretty spacious.The one loop for a lantern is good, but would have liked one or two more.The storage compartments inside are sufficient,and between them and the space created when you close the rain flap we had all our gear out of the elements.Given the size of the tent it is not overly heavy, although I could not fit this in my pack using the bag is comes in. Instead I connected it via some extra straps on my pack and it worked just fine.We have had no issues with any component of this tent and would recommend it to other campers.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty Grand Mesa 4-Person Tent (Ruby/Tan)

Product Description:
Blending affordability with versatility, the Kelty Grand Mesa is a great choice for packing on your trail excursions. This freestanding tent sleeps up to four campers, offers three-season usage, and includes a single vestibule for storage. It also includes large mesh windows for optimal ventilation, full coverage, UV resistant polyester rain fly, and color-coded poles for quick-and-easy setup. Weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces, the four-person Grand Mesa has a 53.3 square foot floor area and a 18.8 square foot vestibule.
The aluminum DAC Press Fit poles offer more strength for improved durability and a more wind-resistant pitch. They use a color-coded clip construction that eliminates the hassle of feeding poles through cumbersome tent sleeves--just slide the shock-corded pole sections together and attach the clips. The tent also offers post and grommet type assembly with locking pole tips for convenience and security. The bathtub floor offers wrap-up sides for extreme weather protection, and the main fly and floor seams are factory taped for extreme weather protection. Other features include a single flashlight loop, mesh interior pockets for gear storage, external guy points for added stability in windy conditions, and noiseless zipper pulls.
Specifications

    Dimensions: 96 x 80 x 55 inches (LxWxH)
    Interior height: 4 feet, 7 inches
    Floor area: 53.3 square feet
    Vestibule area: 18.8 square feet
    Weight: 7 pounds, 4 ounces
    Seasons: 3
    Doors: 1
    Windows: 3
    Wall material: 68D 190T polyester taffeta
    Floor material: 1800mm PU nylon taffeta
    Fly material: 75D 190T, 1800 mm PU polyester taffeta
    Number of poles: 2

About Kelty
Kelty is based in Boulder, Colorado, and uses the natural backdrop of the Rocky Mountains to test, create, and continually innovate within their diverse outdoor product families of Apex, Backcountry, Trail, Basecamp and KIDS gear. Kelty combines the best in new technology with a healthy dose of common sense to create exceptionally made, affordably priced outdoor products.
Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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9/23/2010

Kelty Yellowstone 4-Person Tent (Navy/Grey) Review

Kelty Yellowstone 4-Person Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This tent turned out to be just about perfect for car camping. It's a little heavy, but it sets up very easily and is very roomy. We used it on a very rainy night and aside from a slightly damp floor, we stayed very dry.

My only complaint is that the instructions are pretty lousy. There's no information at all on how to connect a footprint or how to use the gear sling. I spent a lot of time guessing and am still not sure I'm doing it right.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty Yellowstone 4-Person Tent (Navy/Grey)

Product Description:
Nicely affordable and versatile for three-season usage, the Kelty Yellowstone freestanding tent offers a roomy interior for sleeping after a long day of hiking. This dome-style tent has a mesh ceiling and side vents for ample ventilation, water-proof rain fly with side-release buckles for easy attachment, and color-coded poles for quick-and-easy setup. Weighing 10 pounds, 2 ounces, the four-person Yellowstone has a 64 square foot floor area.
The shockcorded fiberglass poles have color coded clips that make setup a breeze. The tent also offers post and grommet type assembly with locking pole tips for convenience and security. Kelty's ArcEdge construction lifts floor seams up off the ground, preventing water seepage around the floor and wall seams. Other features include a large D-shaped door, gear loft loops, mesh interior pockets for gear storage, external guy points for added stability in windy conditions, and noiseless zipper pulls.
Specifications

    Dimensions: 96 x 96 x 59 inches
    Floor area: 64 square feet
    Vestibule area: none
    Weight: 10 pounds, 2 ounces
    Seasons: 3
    Doors: 1
    Windows: 2
    Wall material: 68D 190T polyester taffeta
    Floor material: 1800mm PU nylon taffeta
    Fly material: 75D 190T, 1800 mm PU polyester ripstop rain fly
    Number of poles: 3

About Kelty
Kelty is based in Boulder, Colorado, and uses the natural backdrop of the Rocky Mountains to test, create, and continually innovate within their diverse outdoor product families of Apex, Backcountry, Trail, Basecamp and KIDS gear. Kelty combines the best in new technology with a healthy dose of common sense to create exceptionally made, affordably priced outdoor products.
Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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