Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent Lightweight Two Person Waterproof Tent

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1. montague shaw Verified Buyer – 30 May 2024

   Finally broke down and bought what I thought would be a decent tent. I have purchased other Kelty products in the past and very happy with quality. This tent, not so much. The tent is super easy and quick to set up. Stitching is superior to other tents I have owned. The zippers are high quality and sewn really well. The aluminum poles are definitely more sturdy during windstorms than fiberglass. I’m 6’1″, 250 and have plenty of room to fit by myself. It would be hard to fit two people my size. The first night I used it moisture came through the floor material, even though I used a tarp under it, leaving me soaking wet. Water from rain can be blown under rain fly and into tent also. The second day I used it, ants ate through the floor! Had no food inside, but they wanted in so they, made holes in the floor material which is not very tough. Buying the footprint is an option, but I didn’t want to spend an extra $60+ on what should be included with tent to make it usable. Slightly disappointed with purchase. It’s now past the return window, so I’m stuck with a not so waterproof/resistant tent.

   

2. Wes Short Verified Buyer – 28 December 2024

   Hands down a great tent. Plenty of room. Easy to store and assemble. Exactly what you want for a tent. Breaks down to an easy to pack size.
   

3. Keith Austin Verified Buyer – 7 January 2025

   I purchased this item in preparation for hiking/camping season here in Va. I was looking for a 1-2 person tent with a small packing profile that was also easy to setup. This tent is perfect! I set it up in indoors in a matter of minutes. Based on my previous experience with tents, this item will fit my needs easily.
   

4. Anonymous Verified Buyer – 14 January 2025

   The tan/FDE looking color shown in the advertised picture is actually much closer to something like an “olive green” in person. Still a great color combination for a great tent! 👍🏻
   

5. Outdoorsman Verified Buyer – 4 February 2025

   Took this to CO backpack elk hunting. Stood up to 35mph wind 2 downpours and ME. Easy and quick to set up, no zipper issues over 3 weeks of use. Enough room for a mattress and the quality is second to none
   

6. -TK- Verified Buyer – 21 February 2025

   A good system to pickup for backpacking.
   No it’s not the ultralight mosquito weight tent everyone dreams of having. But this is a great start for any backpacker looking to pick up gear at a reasonable price.
   

7. Peach Queen Verified Buyer – 20 March 2025

   I bought this for myself and my dog. It’s the perfect size for both of us. Construction is top notch. Held up through winds and rain. Easy to setup. I wouldn’t change a thing.
   

8. CHB Verified Buyer – 27 March 2025

   This isn’t necessarily a hit on the listing, but the product it’s self. Packed wight is 5lbs, and minimum weight is 4lbs 12 oz. I don’t know where they get 4 lbs 5 oz from. They don’t say how they got that weight so it is impossible to replicate. I was able to get the 4 lbs 12 oz weight by dumping the stuff sack it comes in. I tried without the rainfly, but that took it down to 3 lbs 8oz. I bought this to replace an aging, dilapidated, and deteriorating REI Half dome. matching configurations, the half dome is lighter in every way. I will say, the construction on the Late Start is amazing. I wouldn’t say military grade, but pretty much near close. The material seems far more durable then the half dome. I actually like the tent. I think it’s well made and feels of high quality. It gives me confidence it would last a very long time. However, I am going on a backpacking trip for 4 days and once’s equal pounds and pounds equal pain. Literally, in this situation, every once is counted and every once counts, and this tent aint it.