June 2009 edit from June 25, 2007
If I could, I'd reduce this rating to 3 stars.Minus a star for the strength needed for setup.Also subtracted another star based on the other reviewer's point that the shade provided is smaller than the footprint space taken up by the outstretched legs - unless the panels are used. And the height is a bit low, in my opinion.Overall, in this updated review I can say this cover has stood up well to winds - 30-45mph+ -and rain, with or without the panels in attached over several campouts in 2007-2009.
I was searching for a shade that could stand up to wind, rain and weather, but that also provided wall panel(s) to keep the shade planted directly over my gear while the sun moves across the sky. I chose and purchased this at it's full price, though it wasn't specifically advertised as a weather shade.
Since 2007 was the first year Kelty offered wall panels with this model, I suppose they underestimated how much in demand the panels would be, or how many panels people would want to buy, especially at the price for each wall (yikes). It took a few months of research to find 4 available panels, most were sold out.
The design/set up is very SIMPLE, but hard to achieve.Slide the poles through the diagonal pockets of the shelter (like a tent frame).The four corner legs of the material have metal pins that must be pushed into the ends of the poles at each corner.The pins go in easily when the legs are not being pulled taut, but once one pin goes in, the opposite side requires the strength of at least 2 well-muscled people.Tip: at least one time we've successfully used a panHandler appliance to grasp the pin and push it in.
The 4 wall panels block out the suns rays and rain. You might get away with only one panel for sunblock, as it's fairly easy to move the panel around as the shade moves with the sun, but 4 panels are great for rainy blustery days.If you plan to use the panels, don't stake the legs until putting the panels on all 4 sides, testing the distance from hook to hook. Otherwise the legs can be placed too far away for the panel to hook to each leg and you'll have to pull up the leg (& restake) to make the panel fit.
The super lightweight shelter packs easily into a smallish, roomy carry case, and there is plenty of room for all 4 extra accessory wallpanels.
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Kelty Shadehouse 12' Shelter (Navy/Grey)Product Description: Add an extra shelter to your car camping compound with the Kelty Shadehouse, available in 10-foot and 12-foot sizes. Offering a welcome respite from both sun and rain, the Shadehouse is great for covering up a picnic bench for dining, protecting extra gear, or just for relief from the elements. Made from polyurethane-coated polyester taffeta fabric, it features 16mm aluminum DAC DA17 poles for improved durability and a more wind-resistant pitch as well as guy-out points that ensure the Shadehouse stays just where you want it.
Specifications - 12 Foot
Dimensions: 144 x 144 x 85 inches
Floor area: 144 square feet
Weight: 7 pounds, 15 ounces
Specifications - 10 Foot
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 80 inches
Floor area: 100 square feet
Weight: 7 pounds, 4 ounces
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.
Buy cheap Kelty Shadehouse 12' Shelter (Navy/Grey) now Get 9% OFF
I have a 2000 Honda Odyssey that is big enough for my wife and I to sleep in while camping, but not big enough to store all our camping gear at the same time.So, when I came across the Carport Deluxe in a catalog I knew I had found the answer to our problem.It was *perfect* on our first outing.At night we'd keep it down with all our gear inside the shelter and there was still tons of room (this thing is HUGE) for changing, or reading, or eating dinner, etc.During the day we'd put it up as an awning and it was great for shade (once again, it is much bigger than we expected, but that is a *good* thing).We've also used it for tailgate parties at Anaheim Stadium, and it can be used separate from the van as a shelter at the beach.It has performed perfectly for it's purpose.
