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Kelty Tents – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Posted on July 10, 2017 by Brandon

Is Kelty a good tent brand?

Should you rely on their tents to keep you safe from the harsh outdoor elements while you’re out camping?

Well that’s what I will be covering in this article – writing down everything I know about this brand so you can make a more informed decision on your purchase.

The Good Things About Kelty Tents


Good On Paper

  • Kelty KNOW how to build their tents for such conditions. If a tent is designed for winter use, it will be able to withstand those conditions without trouble. Furthermore, many of their 3-season tents can handle some minor winter conditions as well – even though they aren’t built for them
  • They never skimp on the quality of their tents. 99% of Kelty tents that I’ve reviewed have all been high quality and durable – 1 reason why they’re a common brand with a strong reputation
  • Their backpacking tents perform incredibly well. They are lightweight and strong enough to stand up against tough winds
  • They have tents with amazing water-resistance. Even their cheap tents can withstand hours of torrential downpour without leaking
  • High positive reviews and low negatives, which is why I choose Kelty over other common brands. They have such a high rate of good feedback and only a small number of negative

The Bad Things About Kelty Tents


  • They’re not exactly cheap. Their cheap tents are priced at roughly $100, sometimes a little more, while their more expensive tents are 3-4x that, but that’s what you get when you shop high quality I guess
  • Some of their 2+ person tents only offer 1 door, which can be a pain when you’re camping with other people
  • A lot of their tents contain vestibules, however, a large number of their vestibules are too small
  • The stakes they provide, as with most brands, aren’t the best. They work, but can be rendered useless on extremely hard terrain
  • Some of their cheap backpacking tents are on the heavier side. You may have to use them for camping or just spend a little more money to get one that’s lightweight

My Take & What I Really Think Of The Kelty Brand


If you want a tent that is high quality and ACTUALLY going to keep you sheltered all night without falling over or leaking, the Kelty brand is one of, if not THEE best way to go.

Kelty tents have proven time and time again that they will do the job beyond expectations and not have any issues whatsoever – another reason why Kelty is my go-to brand for camping.

They aren’t the cheapest brand on the market, but that’s because they simply do not offer cheap/low quality tents.

Furthermore?

They have amazing customer service and a 1-year repair warranty, so you can send the tent back for any repairs your tent may receive in that amount of time.

In A Nutshell


Kelty are a little more expensive than other brands, but at least you know you will be safe from the rain and wind when you’re counting on it the most.

When you and your family/friends are relying on you and your judgment to get a decent tent to stay standing, even in the harshest weather conditions, you can’t go out and get a $50 Coleman tent, because it’s bound to start leaking and/or fall over.

Personally, I think it isn’t worth trying to “go cheap” just to save a buck or 2. I would rather spend a little more to get a tent that’s going to perform better than I ever expected it to.

The Kelty brand can do that without fail!

So are their tents worth it and going to stand the test of time?

Hell yeah!

Give me a comment below.

1. Tell me – are you currently looking at a Kelty tent to purchase?

2. Do you need it for backpacking or camping?

See my favorite Kelty tent here >>>

 

-Brandon

Camping Mastery

2 thoughts on “Kelty Tents – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly”

  1. Douglas Willoughby says:
    January 10, 2020 at 3:19 am

    I have 2 Coleman tents that actually performed well in wind and rain. One is the instant 6. Have used it for5 season years. It is getting tired. Then bought a Colman dome tent that sleeps 3. It is ok size for one. Now have on order Kelty Outback 4. Can’t wait to try it by next weekend! I live in Central Florida and our seasons are mostly warm. So I think it is going to be a good upgrade!

    Reply
    1. Camping Mastery says:
      January 10, 2020 at 2:20 pm

      Very cool Douglas! I am sure you will have a great return on your investment. Do let us know how it goes next weekend!

      Reply

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