Choosing Kelty Tents - Kelty Tent Reviews

When searching for a quality camping tent, kelty tents rise above many tent brands for backpacking, hiking or car camping trips including the kelty yellowstone, kelty gunnison and other well rated models.

kelty has come a long way since Dick Kelty and his wife were making Backpacks from a garage before 1952.

You will be pleased to know , kelty tents are not made within a garage where the history of this company began.

We know kelty has high standards, and has a great reputation. However, all tent manufacturers have the good, the bad and the ugly. The kelty tent reviews here will provide the information you need to know, to decide whether you want to see a kelty camping tent taking care of your outdoor adventures and protecting you from the elements.

A kelty tent is priced and designed for appeal to the cost conscious backpackers and campers, still looking for quality.

Kelty Camping Tents - An Overview For Popular Models

Most kelty camping tents have these features is common: ArcEdge floor with taped seams, floor construction lifts floor seams up off the ground, preventing water seepage around the floor and wall seams., color-coded clip construction for easy assembly, rather than sleeves, 3 season (summer, spring, fall) and fly vents that provide a great ventilation, reducing condensation.

The freestanding design allows you to pitch the tent and then move it around your campsite to find the optimum position, avoiding uncomfortable rocks etc. The taped seams of the Kelty protect the interior of the tent from wind and rain. However, be smart and use seam sealer to protect the tents further.

The kelty gunnison models start from a 2 person tent to a 4 person capacity. Although, rated best for backpacking and hiking, they are suitable for car camping. All models have 2 vestibules that make valuable storage space when needed for gear or boots.

The kelty gunnison tents are all freestanding and use DAC Featherlite NSL poles + swivel hub with color-coded clip construction that makes setting up a breeze. They are all the same tent design with the only difference being the capacity.

The two large vestibules are kind for those wanting a spacious backpacking tent, although those counting the ounces may find this unsuitable.

These are the three sizes available below.

• Kelty Gunnison 2.1: 2 Person tent; Maximum weight 5 lbs. 9 oz.
• Kelty Gunnison 3.1: 3 Person tent; Maximum weight 6 lb. 8 oz.
• Kelty Gunnison 4.1: 4 Person tent; Maximum weight 8lb, very lightweight tent for car camping.

We provide further detailed information about the gunnison models advantages and disadvantages. Visit the kelty gunnison tents page here.

Unlike the gunnison, these dome shaped, free-standing style yellowstone tents will only be suitable for base camp and car camping, due to the significant weight increase. There is a lot to be said for what you receive for your money here. However, will you be sacrificing quality?

When the weight increases, so does the materials used. The poles are fibreglass and the rain fly is PU polyester ripstop.

The two most popular kelty yellowstone tents:

• Kelty Yellowstone 4: person tent, Cost below $200, weighs 10lb. 14oz.
• Kelty Yellowstone 6: person tent, Cost also below $200 ,weighs 18lb. 5oz.

The page for the kelty yellowstone will explain more of the benefits, and what they can offer, those searching the kelty tent range.

The teton design is a mixture of the gunnison and yellowstone. The two teton models have 1 vestibule for gear and 1 door, using two 9mm and 11mm DAC Press-fit poles to assemble.

Suitable for backpacking, hiking and car camping. The negative consumer reviews for kelty teton tents is the issue with the rain fly not covering the tent to the floor, and the vestibule being small for storage. Also, not having a lot of room for two people has been an issue unless you like the snug fit style. However, all consumers agree with how these stand up well against storms, wind and rain, surprising some people.

Being light weight, easy to set up and reasonably priced is what attracts consumers to the teton. Paying much less for 3 season tents this size will probably not happen, they will be standard cheap tents that will bring many other issues. We get what we pay for.

The two Kelty Teton Tents available:

• Kelty Teton 2: person tent, maximum weight 4 lb. 10 oz. Priced approx $150-$170
• Kelty Teton 4: person tent, maximum weight 7 lb. 8 oz. Priced around $200

Full reviews available for the Kelty Teton Tents provide more specific information.

The grand mesa comes in 3 sizes, 2, 4 and six person capacity with 1 door and vestibule.

Grand Mesa 6: Person Tent, Maximum weight 14 lb. 8 oz. 2 14.5mm DAC DA17 poles. Height: 70" / 178 cm. Sleeping six would be a challenge. Suitable for 4 or 5 max, although this applies to most tents. This will meets the camping needs of a small family looking for a tent that has an easy set up, and good weather protection whilst saving the pennies with a price tag at time of writing below $200 (this may not last) .

Grand Mesa 4: Person tent, Maximum weight 8 lb. 4 oz. 2 - 11 mm DAC Press-fit poles. Height: 55" / 140 cm. Costs under $200. Sleeping 3 comfortable, although sized at 4. Suitable for base camp, car camping and backpacking if load shared( poles, etc)

Grand Mesa 2: Person Tent, Maximum weight 4 lb. 10 oz. 2 - 9mm DAC Press-fit poles. Height: 44" / 112 cm. Priced under $140. Very similar as kelty grand mesa's above, only difference is height, size and cost. Lightweight tent to be used for backpacking, base camp, or car camping

The difference between the grand mesa 2 and kelty gunnison 2.1 is the gunnison has a larger inner tent (height etc), vestibule (2 vestibules), better pole type and an extra door. However, if you are looking to save money to buy other gear this could be a winner; Also loses a few ounces for using less material.

Kelty Tent Reviews

Kelty Gunnison Tents: The kelty gunnison models start from a 2 person tent, to a 4 person capacity. Although, rated best for backpacking and hiking, these kelty camping tents are suitable for car camping.

Kelty Gunnison 2: Reviewing the kelty gunnison 2 tent for those searching to find the best 2 person backpacking tent. The freestanding design and ease of set up attracts many adventure seekers.

Kelty Yellowstone 6: Person family Dome Tent, for the cost concious small family considering a freestanding affordable 6 person tent from the Kelty Yellowstone tent range.

Kelty Crestone 1 and 2 Person Tent, is another affordable Kelty tent option, suitable for backpacking and hiking with various advantages and disadvantages for the adventure seeker, checking out the Kelty tents range.