2-man tents; Kelty? (Read 6650 times)
Ranger
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2-man tents; Kelty?
Apr 11th, 2014 at 5:31pm
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Looks like this year is going to be a solo trip for me. My wife is staying on an "every other year" schedule. Although I'm not technically solo, since it's me and the dog. I have a workhorse Eureka Apex 3XT that I take when there's two people. Great tent, it's been bombproof in some extended storms, but it's heavier and bulkier than I want to lug on a solo.

I have an REI dividend and a 20% off coupon to use by Sunday. I am looking for a 2 person tent, reasonably light weight, packs small, and $400 or less. Does anyone have one that they highly recommend?

The one that's caught my eye so far is the Kelty Trailogic TN2, which won Backpacker mag's "Editor's Choice" award for 2014. What I really like is the unique packing style - it packs into a 14" x 11" x 3" cube. That would pack well in a canoe pack. And the price is right. This model aside, does anyone have experience pro or con with Kelty tents?

Ranger
  
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jimmar
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Re: 2-man tents; Kelty?
Reply #1 - Apr 11th, 2014 at 6:40pm
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Can't go wrong with a Kelty product. My Gunnison 4 has me well for several years.
  
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Old Salt
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Re: 2-man tents; Kelty?
Reply #2 - Apr 11th, 2014 at 8:08pm
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I have a Kelty Grand Mesa 2 that I've used last few years and I like it. Easy, quick set up, tear down. Don't know if REI stocks them, I paid less than $150.  Wink
  
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Kingfisher
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Re: 2-man tents; Kelty?
Reply #3 - Apr 11th, 2014 at 8:49pm
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I have a Kelty Teton 4 and I liked it so much I got the Teton 2 for solo trips. Both have been an excellent value at just a little over $100.
  
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portage dog
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Re: 2-man tents; Kelty?
Reply #4 - Apr 13th, 2014 at 1:51pm
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I don't have any experience with Kelty, but a lot with the REI tents.  My personal light weight tent favorites are their Quarter Dome series, which won Editor's Choice in Backpacker Magazine a few years back.  Lots of room, great ventilation, easy set up, very stable, tough and dependable.  They also have great features like the stash pockets, fully opening door that stashes out of the way, adjustable vestibule tensioners and exterior fly door storage.  That helps if you want extra ventilation if you want to sleep with the fly open and keeps 'em from flapping in the breeze. The T2 is perfect for one plus a dog.  For two people, I have the T3.

They did make some changes and have a new model this year.  I have not checked one out yet. 

Their Half Dome series is also very good and much more economical.  I've owned some of these too and alway had good experiences with their tents.

pd
  
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DentonDoc
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Re: 2-man tents; Kelty?
Reply #5 - Apr 13th, 2014 at 6:13pm
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My favorite all-time 2-man tent is a REI Half-Dome 2 plus (the original design).

Marmot also makes some decent 2-man tents.  (Its my secondary choice).  However, Kelty does make a good product.
  
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Wind-In-Face
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Re: 2-man tents; Kelty?
Reply #6 - Jun 1st, 2014 at 1:30am
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I have had good luck with REI tents, but my favorite all time is my Big Agnes Fly Creek 2. Under your price  threshold, and if you look around you can find 'em for close to $300. Packs small, very light, reflective lines, bombproof in rain/wind. I use a piece of tyvek for a groundcloth. BA has an excellent rep for quality products.
Good luck
WiF
  
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Spartan2
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Re: 2-man tents; Kelty?
Reply #7 - Jun 1st, 2014 at 2:32am
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We have a Kelty Trail Dome 4 that has gone on several trips, and we like it very much.  Purchased mainly because I wanted one with extra  headroom, but it is lightweight, has been very durable, and was inexpensive.  Has been through storms, never a leak.  We had a brow pole break once and when Spartan1 wrote to Kelty they replaced it for no charge, quickly, no questions asked.

We are Kelty fans.
  
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Park1
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Re: 2-man tents; Kelty?
Reply #8 - Jun 20th, 2014 at 4:25pm
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I've had the Kelty Gunnison 2 for close to 15 years. We hit the Q every year and most years get out every other weekend throughout the summer and fall. This tent has seen a lot of use and many different weather situations. Never had a problem. It will be in the canoe on June 27th as we make our way down Beaverhouse! Wink
  
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