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MikeAK
just got here
Canada
7 Posts |
 Posted - 29 April 2009 : 16:19:44
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| Hello, I am looking to buy a dome tent for some car camping this summer and was wondering if anyone could tell me about Kelty and if they make good tents? I live in a small town where walmart is basically the only place to get gear so I'll have to order online and won't be able to check the tent out first. I've found the Kelty Yellowstone 6 and it looks like a decent tent for what I am looking for but because I really don't know what I am doing I figured I'd ask around before buying. Any input on this tent or kelty tents in general would be much appreciated. |
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Donny
a post-count junkie
Canada
1001 Posts |
Posted - 29 April 2009 : 17:33:19
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Never looked at these tents before. Let's see.
Tub Floor they call it a ARCEDGE floor is a must - GOOD!
Color Coded tent clip construction - Sure beats trying to slip the poles through sleaves. Plus leaves a better air gap between the tent and the fly.
Water Tight Walls - Hmmmm seems as if they have done what they consider a good water proofing scheme on the windows and doors.
Noisless zipper pulls and internal storage pockets - ya OK, I would expect this with any good tent.
90 sg.ft. - Good size but as we all know it will sleep 6....but not comfortably. Can be done but 6 people will be packed in pretty tight.
76" high and no vestibule - Ok if you are just car camping
At least the fly is a ripstop polyester, only 75D, but again good for car camping. And according to the picture the fly is a full length fly (almost 100% full length) which is a top priority
BUT, without the vestiblule you have the "peak" design at the door which I personally don't like....but ???
OK, I'm no professional on tents. But I would say for the price that seems like a pretty darn good tent.
For CAR CAMPING |
Donny |
Edited by - Donny on 29 April 2009 17:36:23 |
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MikeAK
just got here
Canada
7 Posts |
Posted - 29 April 2009 : 17:57:22
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Thanks for your reply, Donny.
Can I ask what you mean when you say "without the vestibule you have the "peak" design at the door"? I am not sure what you mean by that.
Yes we are just looking for a fairly decent tent for car camping in the summer. Nothing extreme, just weekend trips to campsites. I just don't want to buy a tent I wish I'd never wasted my money on.
...Also, so you'd say the rainfly is good on this tent?
Thanks
If you would like to suggest me a tent that would be ok. I'm primarily looking for an easy dome setup, something that doesn't make me cringe when it's time to put up or take down. |
Edited by - MikeAK on 29 April 2009 17:59:45 |
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Dusty Boots
addicted to OAC
Canada
608 Posts |
Posted - 29 April 2009 : 18:41:56
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You are looking at a 6 person tent, but how many do you actually plan will be sleeping in it?
While I have some experience with a couple of Kelty Backpacks and am quite satisfied with them, I have no experience with their line of tents. I suspect they offer good value, much like their backpacks, but I think there might be better quality tents(aluminum poles which are stronger/more durable than fiberglass) for roughly the same price point and are available on-line.
Here's a review I did on a very good quality 4 person tent that works well for 2-3 people. MEC makes very good/durable equipment for a reasonable price and have a return/warranty policy that can't be beat.
http://www.outdooradventurecanada.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=895
What ever tent you end up buying, I highly recommend purchasing a custom made footprint for that tent, as it saves wear n tear of the floor and it's ability to keep water tight.
I would also suggest doing a little 'research' to better inform yourself and make a more informed purchase before you part with your hard earned money.
http://www.mec.ca/Main/articles_main.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396038673&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=1408474396038673&bmUID=1241043995269
Then come back with more specific questions and the members will be able to help you out a bit better,
Dusty |
now back in Ontario |
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MikeAK
just got here
Canada
7 Posts |
Posted - 29 April 2009 : 19:16:44
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| Number of people will be me, my wife and our 3yr old son. This is our first tent purchase and have no idea what we are doing. That is why we posted here looking for some friendly advice. Sorry if we are not "informed" enough for you, Dusty. |
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Preacher
moderator
1084 Posts |
Posted - 29 April 2009 : 19:37:01
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Don't worry about not being informed. That's what internet forums are for! So pedants like me can show off.
quote:
Originally posted by Donny
Never looked at these tents before. Let's see.
Tub Floor they call it a ARCEDGE floor is a must - GOOD!
Color Coded tent clip construction - Sure beats trying to slip the poles through sleaves. Plus leaves a better air gap between the tent and the fly.
Water Tight Walls - Hmmmm seems as if they have done what they consider a good water proofing scheme on the windows and doors.
Noisless zipper pulls and internal storage pockets - ya OK, I would expect this with any good tent.
90 sg.ft. - Good size but as we all know it will sleep 6....but not comfortably. Can be done but 6 people will be packed in pretty tight.
76" high and no vestibule - Ok if you are just car camping
At least the fly is a ripstop polyester, only 75D, but again good for car camping. And according to the picture the fly is a full length fly (almost 100% full length) which is a top priority
BUT, without the vestiblule you have the "peak" design at the door which I personally don't like....but ???
OK, I'm no professional on tents. But I would say for the price that seems like a pretty darn good tent.
For CAR CAMPING
Agree on all points in general. I didn't actually look at the tent, but I like Donny's reasoning.
Get a tarp. Even if it's a crappy blue plastic one. When it rains you don't want to be cooped up in a tent. Put the picnic table under it. It's going to rain.
What park you heading to? |
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Rondeauboy
just hanging out
Canada
99 Posts |
Posted - 29 April 2009 : 19:58:21
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| Hi Mike, and welcome to the forum. I have and use a Kelty Pagosa 4 for my 'base camp' (aka car camping) tent. It sleeps 2 adults and two children under the age of 10 very comfortably. In my opinion, and many around the internet will agree, Kelty make a very good quality tent a good price point. Although they do have what they consider to be a lightweight line, the majority of their tents tend to be heavier and more in line with other stalwart companies. I feel they may look as sexy compared to some but they will not let you down with their materials, workmanship, design or customer support. I think you will be happy with a Kelty tent. |
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Dusty Boots
addicted to OAC
Canada
608 Posts |
Posted - 29 April 2009 : 20:33:12
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Don't get me wrong, Mike. We were all uninformed at one point and like Preacher says, that's the beauty about Internet forums! 
Ok, 3 people. You did right in choosing a 6 person tent, although they will seldom sleep 6.- More like 4
A fairly inexpensive offering with pretty good quality can be found here. I've dealt with these people before and find the service very good. It has aluminum poles, 2 doors and a super large vestibule - http://www.greatadventure.ca/00cart/CandyPress/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=1210
Look here for a little more detail on the tent's materials etc - http://www.sonomaoutfitters.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=11525!025
Again, as Preacher suggests, a tarp will expand your 'living space', when the weather turns foul. You wouldn't want to be couped up in a tent at those times and believe me, they do happen.
A cheap 12' x 16' tarp is large enough to string up over a picnic table, to cook and eat under, while sheltered from the elements. Here's a video on some easy knots to tie/untie, making stringing a tarp easier,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2fdTtKuQRE
Dusty |
now back in Ontario |
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Laurie Ann
forum admin
Canada
7002 Posts |
Posted - 29 April 2009 : 21:37:45
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Mike there are some great points made here. Dusty is a great guy and wasn't trying to be snooty or anything just encouraging you to do some research - which you are just by posting here. A tent is a big purchase and can easily make or break a camping trip especially when you are dealing with a youngster (our little guy is now 8).
The comment that stands out the most is about expanding your living space with a tarp. We even do this on backcountry trips with something called a VistaWing... and anyone who has ever camped with my husband knows his propensity for rain.
And if you ever need any advice on camping with the little one please ask... there are lots of us here who've taken our kids.
Bryan and I started out with car camping and a cheapie tent from Canadian Tire (I think it was made by Spalding). That tent served us well with the addition of a tarp to create an area for the picnic table. It was big for the two of us (a six man tent) and it took forever to set up. That was back in the day when you had to assemble the poles. |
A FORK IN THE TRAIL :: WILDERNESS COOKING :: BACKPACKING RECIPES :: CRAVEABLE |
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Hillbilly
a post-count junkie
Canada
2087 Posts |
Posted - 29 April 2009 : 23:35:21
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I have to agree with many of the comments so far. I went to the web site and found some of the tents have pics with flies to the ground. Always pick that type, never a half fly. I have no experience with this brand tent but as mentioned you do have to buy a tent with the sleeping capacity, my opinion, # of people X 2. Meaning, 4 people to a tent you need an 8 person tent, 2 to a tent you need an 4 person tent, etc. My opinion.
Bill |
Temagami Area, a paddlers Heaven. Canoe Temagami, then you will understand.
www.ottertooth.com
Help SAVE Temagami Old Growth Forests by donating to Earthroots at www.earthroots.org
www.friendsoftemagami.org www.wildernesscleanup.com |
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MikeAK
just got here
Canada
7 Posts |
Posted - 30 April 2009 : 02:10:37
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Dusty, that is a beautiful tent you linked but I'm afraid my wife was a bit overwhelmed by the picture. She, or I guess I should say we, are looking for something with the least amount of poles and stakes needed. Which is what led us to the Kelty dome tent.
Preacher, we don't have anything other then local campsites in mind right now. We're more interested in getting the little monster out and started in the camp mode. Both me and my wife camped a lot as kids and miss it a great deal.
Laurie Ann, We are very excited about getting our little guy out for his first time. We kind of look at the tent as a make or break deal as well which is why we have no interest in a cheap walmart brand regardless of the car camping title. We'd rather do it right or at least close to it the first time around. This is also why we'd like a larger tent now as I see us as a family of 4 sooner rather then later and would like to have the extra room just in case.
Could anyone tell me if aluminum poles would be better for a tent this big or does the whole aluminum vs fiberglass only come into play in harsher environments? |
Edited by - MikeAK on 30 April 2009 02:12:11 |
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scoutergriz
addicted to OAC
Canada
685 Posts |
Posted - 30 April 2009 : 08:16:16
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I always try to get aluminium poles, wind or thunderstorms can come up at any time and fiberglass poles have a tendancy to split or break without warning. Aluminium poles will usually bend and you can straighten them enough to use simply by placing them on the ground and stepping on them (don't do it over your knee or they will break or kink)
The kelty has fiberglass poles, but may be ok depending on the amount of tieouts, and how sheltered the campsite is. With those big, flat panels it can catch a lot of wind, I would look for at least 2 tieouts on each corner (1/3rd from top, 1/3 from bottom) to distribute wind load.
You might want to look at the Eureka Bon Echo 9, It has similar features but uses aluminium poles and has a nice vestibule for gear and muddy boots |
of all the things I've lost, It's my mind I miss the most
Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists
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Dusty Boots
addicted to OAC
Canada
608 Posts |
Posted - 30 April 2009 : 09:41:03
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Mike, the bigger the tent, the greater need for aluminum poles.
I was backpacking with 2 buds in Southern Utah. I was using a single pole set-up_aluminum) and my 2 buds were using exactly the same tent, except one was using the stock aluminum poles, while the other was using carbon fibre poles, in order to shave 7-8ozs of weight. We got caught in sandstorm, with gust of over 90kph. Long story short, one of the carbon fibre poles snapped during one gust and if it wasn't for me having an extra Y peg(to mend his broken pole with duct tape, like a 'splinter') my bud would have been in a bit of a pickle.
As stated, aluminum poles will bend under a strong gust of wind and then 'bounce back', while a fiberglass pole, much like the carbon fibre pole will snap/shatter.
The tent I linked to in my 1st response to your query has all the aluminum poles 'tied' together, using a 'hub system', so you can't loose any poles. It is a very good, stable tent with 1 large vestibule. If needed, you can order another vestibule for the other end of it, for fairly cheap. Also, it's footprint extends under the vestibule, making it a mudroom of sorts, where you can store your gear and not get it muddy.
This tent would be large enough for the three of you and is well priced for the quality of the tent. Look at the materials and amount of waterproof coating on the floor. That is usually the first thing to wear out, besides the zippers and fly's on most tents.
Too bad there isn't an outdoor gear store near you, so you can visit and erect your prospective 'home' to see what all is involved in erecting it(mesh sleeves vs clip attachments) and to check it out for interior size.
The design/build of a tent, will determine how much usable floorspace it will have. The more vertical the walls are, the more usable floor space you will have, meaning that it will be 'larger' than one with more sloping walls.
Keep reading up on that link I posted and things will soon start to 'make sense'. 
Dusty |
now back in Ontario |
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Hillbilly
a post-count junkie
Canada
2087 Posts |
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Donny
a post-count junkie
Canada
1001 Posts |
Posted - 30 April 2009 : 19:40:49
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Gee, lots of responses since the original one. Let's try to keep things in perspective here....Mike is talking about car camping. I don't think he is ready to tackle the back country of Utah. And even it he does find himself in some very nasty weather, he is ..........CAR CAMPING
Anyway, Mike as far as the 'peak design at the door" goes, I'm refering to the fact that the fly extends out over the door and makes a 'peak' covering (entrance) in front of the door. The door is not fully protected in case of driving wind and rain. A FULL FLY with vestibule would close in the door entrance completely. HOWEVER, you don't have to worry about this as much as if you were to be backpacking or canoeing and camping in the back country of Utah or other isolated places where you would need to depend on a top design tent.
Happy camping.
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Laurie Ann
forum admin
Canada
7002 Posts |
Posted - 30 April 2009 : 20:01:47
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quote:
Originally posted by MikeAK
Laurie Ann, We are very excited about getting our little guy out for his first time. We kind of look at the tent as a make or break deal as well which is why we have no interest in a cheap walmart brand regardless of the car camping title. We'd rather do it right or at least close to it the first time around. This is also why we'd like a larger tent now as I see us as a family of 4 sooner rather then later and would like to have the extra room just in case.
We often car camp in our backcountry tent which is the 3 person variety. Tobias was never phased by the size but we always have a tarp set up so we aren't completely tent bound in the rain (of course that depends on the rain - lol).
One thing about tents backpacking and car camping style alike which is very important and what Donny is addressing is the fly. If you get wet it can ruin a whole trip. Also consider the time of year when you are camping. In summer a bigger tent is okay but I find in the cooler weather that a smaller tent stays warmer.
I'm not sure what budget range you are looking in but one of the car camping tents we love is the Eureka! Outside Inn. I don't see this offered on their site anymore but I am a big fan of Eureka! It is a great tent but it is really designed for car camping. We've had great experiences with their tents and the customer service is really great.
Their site is www.eurekatentscanada.com just to give you some more options.
Donny is right (shhh - don't tell him that) you really don't need a backpacking style tent unless paddling or backpacking is your goal.
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A FORK IN THE TRAIL :: WILDERNESS COOKING :: BACKPACKING RECIPES :: CRAVEABLE |
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talltimber
a post-count junkie
Canada
3978 Posts |
Posted - 30 April 2009 : 20:09:47
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Since I am to see the Donny in a week I am going to tell him he was right but Mrs.Donny still wont believe it!!!  |
to do more canoeing than working! Someday. |
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scoutergriz
addicted to OAC
Canada
685 Posts |
Posted - 01 May 2009 : 08:05:08
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Sure, Mike is car camping, but s**t happens. I was at Grundy a couple years ago when a huge windstorm hit and I was surprised at how many tents blew apart. even though they can shelter in the car there is still their gear to consider- I saw sleeping bags in trees, air mattresses in the lake (some still in the tent )and personally chased and tied down several tents . This seems to happen around once or twice a year now .
Unless you are camping it the middle of a forest, weather plays a major factor in tent selection. most car sites in parks are fairly open and don't allow the flexability of wilderness sites, you can't move your tent back into the bush without ending up in your neighbour's site.
I think that with car-camping's larger tents and the inability to seek better shelter (without packing up) wind and rain load are even more important than most interior trips, it's gotta' be able to protect your gear, or you're going home.
there's also the fact that the better the quality, the longer it'll last, and tents should be a multi year purchase, not an annual thing |
of all the things I've lost, It's my mind I miss the most
Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists
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punch
getting warmed up
Canada
64 Posts |
Posted - 01 May 2009 : 17:17:48
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quote:
Originally posted by MikeAK
Hello, I am looking to buy a dome tent for some car camping this summer and was wondering if anyone could tell me about Kelty and if they make good tents? I live in a small town where walmart is basically the only place to get gear so I'll have to order online and won't be able to check the tent out first. I've found the Kelty Yellowstone 6 and it looks like a decent tent for what I am looking for but because I really don't know what I am doing I figured I'd ask around before buying. Any input on this tent or kelty tents in general would be much appreciated.
I can't remember the brand right now, but for family car camping trips, we have a 12' dome that is one of those e-z up types, the poles remain attached, and you push up from the center and it springs open, litterally up, with fly in under 5 mins...takes a bit longer to collapse though
its great for car camping. |
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MikeAK
just got here
Canada
7 Posts |
Posted - 01 May 2009 : 20:48:11
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Thank you all for your opinions, they were all a big help. We've decided on the Kelty Trail Dome 6 because it's big enough, easy to set up and has aluminum poles. I think it's exactly what we want for our family summer car camping weekends.
Thanks again, everyone. |
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Donny
a post-count junkie
Canada
1001 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2009 : 14:41:16
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Compared to the Yellowstone 6 you get 10 more sq.ft., 2 doors, aluminum poles, 4 inches less head room , almost 5 pounds lighter......worth $100 more????? Perhaps.
Good choice Get back to us with a full report on your first camping trip
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Donny |
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Topic |
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Does Kelty make good tents?
