Kelty is a reputable and very well-known company that provides camping gear including backpacks, shelters, sleeping bags, and other essential gear to make any camping trip comfortable, more convenient, and memorable.
Kelty brand products certainly stand up to provide quality, innovation, and affordability. Their goal is to inspire more people to go outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and scenery without having to worry about complicating their trip with confusing tent setups and gear that requires a lot of time, attention, and instruction.
Kelty offers a diverse selection of tents and other shelters that are sure to accommodate anyone with a decent amount of tent floor space; from backpack tents with minimum weight for the solo camper to great tents for a family of campers looking for some quality time together in nature.
The following are reviews of some of the best tents that Kelty has to offer:
1. Kelty Salida 2 Tent
The Kelty Salida Tent has the capacity to fit up to two people and is a great tent for backpackers and hikers because it is lightweight and compact. It is a free-standing tent that includes one door, one vestibule, and only two poles and has fabric and mesh tent walls. The vestibule offers ten square feet of additional space and setup is fast and easy.
| Price | $$ |
| Product Dimensions | 55 x 43 x 88 inches |
| Product Weight | 5.97 pounds |
Pros
- Lightweight, compact, easy to carry and setup
- Has side entry for easy and convenient access
- Vestibule offers additional space for storage
- Seams are factory taped for weather protection
- Includes a UV-resistant polyester fly
- Noiseless zippers so no one is disturbed
- Multiple mesh storage pockets for even more storage solutions
Cons
- Lacks in ventilation for warmer weather conditions
- May experience issues with condensation
2. Kelty Trail Ridge 4 Tent
The Kelty Trail Ridge 4 Tent can accommodate up to four people and features dual doors for easy access and convenience. There are two vestibules to provide ample storage space for all your gear and its freestanding design allows for easy setup and is easy to move around when needed.
| Price | $$$$ |
| Product Dimensions | 59 x 82 x 97 inches |
| Product Weight | 12 pounds |
Pros
- Steep mesh walls offer an excellent view and ventilation
- Sidewalls are pushed upwards allowing for more room
- Includes a polyester rain fly to keep water out
- Internal storage pockets and two vestibules for additional storage space
- ArcEdge nylon floor with taped waterproof seams
- Easy setup with color-coded clip construction
Cons
- Needs more ventilation around the tent
- Lacks visibility when the rain fly is attached
3. Kelty 2 Person Venture Tent, Gray
The Kelty 2 Person Venture Tent makes an ideal choice for backpacking because it is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. It can accommodate up to two people and features a freestanding design which makes setup quick and easy. The carry bag, stakes, and guyline are all included with the tent.
| Price | $ |
| Product Dimensions | 88 x 54 x 43 inches |
| Product Weight | 4 pounds, 8 ounces |
Pros
- Freestanding design, lightweight, easy to assemble
- Color-coded fly and tent connections
- Wide door for easy access
- Storage pockets to store gear
- Includes a full coverage fly and fully taped seams for weather protection
Cons
- May be cramped with two people
- May not be able to find a footprint
4. Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent
The Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent is a durably constructed with fully taped seams for improved weather protection. It has a D-shaped door for easy access in and out of the tent and also has internal storage pockets to store all your smaller gear. It is a three-season tent and can accommodate two people and their gear comfortably. The vestibule area of the tent offers an additional fourteen square feet of space for storage.
| Price | $$ |
| Product Dimensions | 57 x 43 x 85 inches |
| Product Weight | Approximately 4 pounds |
Pros
- Aluminum poles offer improved strength and stability
- Large door for easy access and a vestibule for additional space
- Freestanding design is quick and easy to setup
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Waterproof fabrics for adequate weather protection
Cons
- Zippers may allow water to enter the tent
- May be a little tight for two people and a lot of gear to fit
5. Kelty Acadia 4-Person Tent
The Kelty Acadia 4-Person Tent offers adequate space for up to four people and is a three-season tent that can provide weather protection during adverse weather conditions. It features mesh panel walls for improved ventilation and has two doors providing easy and convenient access for everyone. It also has a lot of interior space for the family and their gear and is easy to set up.
| Price | $$$ |
| Product Dimensions | 98 x 87 x 59 inches |
| Product Weight | 10 pounds, 7 ounces |
Pros
- Freestanding tent design allows quick and easy setup
- Three-pole design also makes it easy to setup and take down
- Roomy interior with ample space for the family and gear
- Dual doorways offer convenient access
- Includes two attached vestibules for additional gear
- Factory-sealed floor and fly seams for weather protection
- Mesh panels offer ventilation
Cons
- The third pole for the rain fly may be a bit long
- May need to purchase better stakes for stability
- Floor may be thinner than other tent options
Final Thoughts
Kelty tents are packed with value and high-quality features at just the fraction of the price of other tents. Out of the five Kelty tents reviewed, I would have to recommend the Acadia 4-Person Tent because it allows adequate space and weather protection and is easy to set up and take down.
The ventilation is good compared to the other tent options because of the two large doors and the windows. The windows also offer the mesh panels to help keep the bugs out of the tent.
Finally, this Kelty tent comes at an incredible value and is extremely affordable. All the tents in this review are feature-rich and would all make good shelters for your next camping trip. It is up to you to determine how much space you will need, how much weight you will want to carry, and what features you simply cannot live without.
