Showing posts with label rain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rain. Show all posts

Sportz® Dome-To-Go SUV / Hatchback Tent Review

SportzĀ® Dome-To-Go SUV / Hatchback TentPurchased the hatchback tent for our annual trip to the 24 hours of Daytona.Set up was quick and easy.Everything was working great.
However, the sleeve over the end of the vehicle is attached by 2 suction cups on top, and did not hold up to the Daytona wind.A better design would be a strap from 1 wheel well over the top to the other wheel well, sewn into the sleeve.
Item 2: one of the shock cords broke when we were taking it down.No big deal, but make the shock cords heavier.
Nothing's perfect, and a few fixes make it a great roadside camper.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sportz® Dome-To-Go SUV / Hatchback Tent

Product Description:
Sportz Dome-To-Go SUV / Hatchback Tent converts easily to a stand-alone ground tent. It gives you plenty of room and plenty of options. The whole gang can come along... the roomy 8' x 8' x 6'4" h. design sleeps 4-5 people plus the additional space provided by your vehicle. The sleeve allows you to drive your vehicle away from the camp site while the Tent is still standing. Remove the sleeve and convert to a stand-alone ground tent for your convenience. Here's more: Large entrance door and no-see-um mesh windows; Removable patented sleeve design; Woven polyethylene-coated floor; 190T woven polyethylene body with 800 mm watercoating; Shock-corded, aluminum poles and slip design for fast and easy set-up; Gear loft and mesh pockets for additional storage; Fits most compact SUVs and hatchbacks; Convenient carry case for under-seat storage. It's the Dome-To-Go for the family on-the-go! Order Today! Sportz Dome-To-Go SUV / Hatchback Tent

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Kelty Grand Mesa 6 Footprint Review

Kelty Grand Mesa 6 FootprintSince the price is high, my expectation was that it would be thick and solid fabric. It is extremely thin which you feel all little rocks and cracks in the ground. It does not rip and appears to be strong but it is overpriced. I also have a similar size tarp that I purchased 9 years ago for $35 which offers much better protection and support.

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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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Kelty Yellowstone 4 Footprint Review

Kelty Yellowstone 4 FootprintI 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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Kelty Villa 4 Four Person Tent Review

Kelty Villa 4 Four Person TentI was interested in the Kelty Villa as it was one of the less costly family-camping tents with a full rain fly that runs to the ground.I discovered the rain fly design is terrible, it fits poorly at the top such that water could pool, and has far too much tension where you access the tent such that it is very difficult to operate the zippers.It is more likely you will break the zipper teeth leaving you soaked in a storm.

The tent does seem to have good ventilation.It's not my favorite tent in terms of quick setup.It takes too long for one (experienced) person.

In total, I would not recommend this product.

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

Product Description:
Featuring a radical reconfiguration of the traditional dome tent, the Kelty Villa 4 is a great choice for use as a basecamp tent. The three-season, four-person Kelty Villa 4 has a 68 square foot floor area that's complemented by a 14 square foot vestibule area for storing gear and wet, muddy boots and clothing. The tent features extensive mesh at the top as well as four windows and a large D-shaped door for an aerodynamic venting system to regulate temperature and reduce condensation.
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. Other features include a tall handy organizer wall with a series of bookshelves and pockets keeps everything tidy, internal storage pockets, 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 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 Kelty Villa 4 four-person, three-season tent.
Specifications

    Seasons: 3 seasons
    Capacity: 4 person
    Floor area: 68 square feet
    Vestibule area: 14 square feet
    Pole type: 14.5 DAC DA17 aluminum poles
    Number of poles: 4
    Number of doors: 2
    Number of mesh windows: 4
    Wall material: 68D 190T polyester taffeta
    Floor material: 1800mm PU polyester taffeta
    Fly Material: 75D 190T, 1800 mm PU polyester-taffeta
    Dimensions: 120 x 102 x 64 inches (LxWxH)
    Weight (minimum): 14 pounds, 3 ounces
    Weight (packaged): 15 pounds, 5 ounces


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Kelty Palisade 4-Person Tent Review

Kelty Palisade 4-Person TentThe 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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Kelty Teton 4 Tent 4-Person 3-Season Review

Kelty Teton 4 Tent 4-Person 3-Season... with two kids, in a jungle in southern Madagascar.

We stayed dry. It rained torrentially for 11 days straight- and not a drop of water got inside the tent. Amazing! On dewy mornings, there was quite a bit of condensation on the bottom walls, but the air circulation through the mesh roof is excellent and the condensation lasts only an hour or so once the sun's up. We left our boots in the vestibule every night, and they were always dry in the morning, even after a gale.

The tent holds up well in strong winds. It was difficult to sleep through gales, though, because the vestibule does flap in very strong winds.

Malaria is a problem in the area we camped in, so I was concerned about the netting and whether mosquitoes could bite through the light fabric. I need not have worried. We used the vestibule as an `air lock'. Not one creepy crawly or mosquito got inside the tent over the course of a month.

I wouldn't call this a four-person tent. It's perfect for an adult and two small kids- I could fit my backpacker's cot, two air mattresses for the kids, and a month's worth of gear inside. You could fit four sleeping bags inside, head to tail like sardines, with no gear, but that's no way to live.

The tent's very easy to set up and take down; it takes 5-10 minutes for an adult, or 10-15 minutes with a ten year old helping you. I like the fly buckles on each corner of the tent, but wish Kelty had included an extra plastic buckle. We lost one the first time we set up the tent, and now have to knot the strap to hold the fly down.

The tent's very light, too- great for backpacking.

It's the best 3-season tent I've ever owned.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty Teton 4 Tent 4-Person 3-Season

Product Description:
The Kelty Teton 4-person 3-season tent is a classic 2-pole dome tent perfect for weekend camping and warm climate backpacking. Whether you're traveling with a party of four, or prefer extra space to store your gear, the Teton 4 provides plenty of room. The Teton saves weight by providing tons of mesh ceiling ventilation. While riding out storms won't be this tent's forte, muggy nights can be spent peacefully thanks to generous airflow. Side wall vents also promote air movement. The Teton has one D-shaped door and taped floor seams. The rainfly has taped seams and side-release tent/fly connection buckles. This is an awesome lightweight tent for an incredible price!

Product Features

    Material: Nylon taffeta, 1800m PU nylon taffeta, polyester taffeta
    Freestanding: Yes
    Poles: 2
    Pole Material: DAC Pressfit
    Stakes: Aluminum
    Doors: 1 D-shaped
    Clip/ Sleeve: Clip
    Floor Space: 98 x 80 in, [area] 54 cu ft
    Interior Height: 58?
    Vestibule Space: 12 cu ft
    Seam Sealed: Taped floor seams
    Bathtub Floor: Yes
    Ventilation: Mesh ceiling, side wall vents
    Interior Storage: None
    Packed Size: 8 in x 26 in
    Weight: 7 lb 8 oz
    Recommended Use: 3-season camping, backpacking
    Warranty: Lifetime
    Country of Origin: China


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Kelty Gunnison 4.1 Tent (Spring 2010) Review

Kelty Gunnison 4.1 TentThis is a great 3 season tent with 2 large vestibles and plenty of ventilation. It is of course over rated for capacity as all tents are but it will comfortably house my wife, my dog and me with some gear. Easy to set up, re-pack and very durable so far, just remember to always use a tent footprint. You can buy better tents but for the money this one ranks high in value.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kelty Gunnison 4.1 Tent (Spring 2010)

Product Description:
The Gunnison 4.1 Person Tent by Kelty. The redesigned Gunnison with its improved features is a freestanding, color-coded clip construction shelter that offers quick, two-pole setup and spacious quarters for a couple or a crowd. It includes internal storage pockets for organization and a combination of hubbed, high-quality DAC Feather lite poles. FEATURES of the Gunnison 4.1 Person Tent by Kelty Freestanding Color-coded clip construction ArcEdge floor Taped floor seams Jake's Foot stakeouts Mesh panels Internal storage pockets Gear-loft loops Taped seams Side-release buckle tent-fly connection Fly vents Welded Clear window Noiseless zipper pulls Guyout points SPECIFICATIONS: Capacity: 4 person (4.1) Seasons: 3 Number of Door: 2 Number of Vestibules: 2 Number of Poles: 2 Pole Type: DAC Featherlite NSL polesswivel hub Wall Material: 70D DyeFree polyester taffeta Floor Material: 1800mm PU nylon taffeta Fly Material: 75D 1800mm PU polyester taffeta Minimum Weight: 7 lb. 7 oz./3.37 kg Packaged Weight: 8 lb./3.63 kg Floor Area: 57 ft2/5.3 m2 Vestibule Area: 15.6 ft215.6 ft2/1.4 m21.4 m2 Length: 100"/254 cm Width: 82"/208 cm Height: 52"/132 cm Packed Diameter: 8"/20 cm Packed Length: 28"/71 cm

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

Kelty Grand Mesa 4-Person TentI 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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