The best feature of this Kelty Offsite 2 Person Tent is its price which is simply incredible. But this is still a reliable tent and backed with such a globally known brand.
Key features & benefits
- Simple dome tent.
- 1 Door.
- 1 Window.
- Very easy to use.
- Freestanding.
- Incredible price.
What is in the name
Here you have a very simple dome type tent supported with two main X-crossed poles shown in the picture below. As you see, the walls are angled so the volume is limited, quite typical for such a design. The peak height is only 40 inches (102 cm).
The tent has one door and this is enough in view of its size, and the door is with a small mesh section on the top so this gives a front window as well. Note that there is one short brow pole that supports the fly on the front and this allows for views when the fly is on.
The fly attaches to the tent’s base through buckles in the corners, one is shown below. There is no vestibule for storage, but this is why you have an easy access, and the small awning creates a dry entry here.
The tent is fully freestanding so you can move it around and rotate even when the fly is on. This is yest another positive consequence of the absence of vestibule.
Materials
The poles: You have them three in total and this is a fiberglass material so common in budget tents, and even in far more expensive ones from Vango for example.
On the canopy they attach to the tent through clips, but in the corners you have what they call the Quick Corners design. This is something they have in most of their latest tents.
So you have narrow pockets where you place the ends of poles, see one in the picture below. This is convenient because the pole will not jump out when you put it there and go to do the same on the other end.
The fabric: Most of the canopy is a No-See-Um mesh, and all taffeta areas, including the floor and the fly are a 68D polyester with the same 1200 mm waterproof rating. This is a decent value for the fly but less great for the floor where you would expect a bit more. But I am sure this will work just fine for most situations.
You also have several internal storage pockets for organization, and the tent comes with pre-attached guylines so you can secure the tent in windy conditions. The carry bag is a shark mouth type so it is easy to store the tent inside.
Ventilation
The tent has plenty of mesh on its canopy, plus the small window that is protected and you can keep it with mesh almost always. There are no floor vents, but the taffeta walls are low on three sides, and the fly does not go to the ground, so you will always have fresh air getting inside.
There are no vents on the fly, but this is not so bad because that awning on the front plays a role here and vapor can escape.
Who is it for
Regarding the best use & climate, this is a tent that can be used in up to three seasons. It is low profile and very aerodynamic, but that useful awning is not the best feature for very windy places. If you orient it properly it will still work well even in such conditions.
Regarding the size, the tent is quite long but its width is not so great for two users, in particular because of such angled walls around. But there is enough space for two standard sleeping pads.
There are no vestibules for storage, so I see it as a perfect solo tent, and you can use it for a variety of activities assuming that you do not carry it anywhere. So it is a great option for cycling and motorbike tours as an example.
Regarding the weight, as mentioned, this is not a tent for the trail, it weighs 5 lb 8 oz (2.49 kg). But it can be described as lightweight. You have seen its carry bag, the numbers are such that you can transport it on a bicycle.
Regarding the price, well this is again Kelty without a match. The price is simply incredible, this is a great value for the money.
Specifications
- Official capacity: 2 people.
- Weight: 5 lb 8 oz (2.49 kg).
- Minimum weight: 4 lb 11 oz (2.3 kg).
- Dimensions (L x W): 88 x 50 in (223 x 127 cm).
- Area: 30.5 ft² (2.83 m²).
- Area per person: 15 ft² (1.4 m²).
- Packed size (L x D): 20 x 5.9 x 4.5 in (51 x 15 x 11 cm).
- Peak height: 40 in (102 cm).
Final thoughts & rating
In summary, this Kelty Offsite 2 Person Tent is a very simple and reliable small shelter that will do the job and will not break the bank. It is very easy to use and compact enough to be transported even on a bicycle.
It can accommodate two people, but it is simply perfect for solo use. Fully recommended.
Below you can see how I rate it against my usual rating criteria so that you can easily compare it with other items of this type:
Kelty Offsite 2 Person Tent
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Lightweight.
- Amazing price.
Cons
- Not very wide.
BEST PLACEs TO BUY
For more options, please check under the category Tents for 2 People. Check their Tanglewood 2 tent if you want to have a vestibule for storage. But see also this unique pet-friendly Mission Mountain Pawsible Tent with a separate room for your pet(s).
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