Finally -- A Review of Kelty Tents MSR 2, 3 & 4 Person Tents
The MSR, 2 Person Tent
These reviews are of tents I own and use.
Their MSR Line in particular is my choice since I find myself in some less than favorable places and conditions. It's times like these that a good tent is important and Kelty Tents perform.
In a sentence:
I am hard on outdoor equipment and if it doesn't live up to what the manufacturer says? Then there is no need to write a review, I simply return the gear to the manufacturer with my notes as to why it failed or did not live up to their claims. I almost always get a thank you and an upgraded item to retest.
On the flip side of that:
As I've gotten older, I have learned what equipment works, what I like and why.
Compact Backpacking tents - I've had my 'Mutha Hubba' for years
This rugged little three person tent lives up to every claim from the manufacturer.
Should you use this tent? Absolutely! Let me tell you why I think so.
The MSR lineup allows for choices. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not the lightest tent out there, but at just over 6 1/2 lbs, (3 person tent) it is not the heaviest either. I find at the end of the day, an appreciation for the roominess of the MSR line up of tents for not only myself but my gear as well.
The inside dimensions means you no longer have to sleep at an angle inside (like many normal 2-3 or 4 person tents), In this tent, my head and feet don't touch the sides, plus there's plenty of room for an air mattress...or two. If you use it freestanding, you can easily move it around your campsite or even pick it up to shake out leaves and dirt we all track inside.
I have used these tents in 5 Western and S. W. and S. Central states. I've been in all conditions including early powder snowfall, and the MSR line never fails to perform.
The 3 Person Tents background
Some of the nitty gritty on this tent
First, before we really get into a review of Kelty's line of MSR tents, you should know that Kelty's MSR tents are manufactured in Seattle Washington. That alone should attest to their weather handling abilities.
This is the reason I chose Kely tents for my personal backpacking, hiking or even hunting.The the MSR line exclusively starting with the 2 person tent. I know I just said 'I' use the tent, but you see, I like a little extra room at the end of a hard days hike, so I take this model even though it's a two person tent. Live in a rainy climate? Note the extra cover in the picture.
The Goods:
The tent's made of white 40D x 238T ripstop nylon 6, with 20D nylon mesh near the top of the walls for ventilation and a lot of other stuff, but know this: It keeps the water out. This great little tent even comes complete with a rain fly and huge 'D' style doors to make entry/exit simple. It stores compactly in a nylon stuff sack. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that it's a darned good tent!
Weight?
The entire package weighs in at just over 4 lbs. I attach the stakes and poles to my pack.
Should you own one of Kelty's MSR 2-3 or 4 Person Tent? - Let's take a look at why
A Winter Weather Tent - Great room inside and lightweight
A CampingmanNW Recommendation:
Regardless of who the tent manufacturer is, (and this reflects on no tent manufacturer out there) but here's a piece of common sense advice. Waterproof all seams, grommet attach points and tent pole sleeves before using the tent for the first time. Also the zipper seams and awnings too. Better safe than sorry I always say.
Hiker's & Campers Alike, Like the MSR Tent
Versatility is it's middle name
Camper's, just like hiker's, appreciate the versatility of MSR Tents from one person all of the way up to family size tents. Not only that, but their excellent construction. For that quick weekend getaway or for an extended hiking trip, I am sure you will find the MSR tent for you that is a perfect all around tent.
If you have a family, MSR makes a complete line of family tents. Tents that are made to the same exacting high standards. You will find quality of construction across the board in all of their products. You can't go wrong for the money and I'm going to bet that you would have go a long way, to find this quality of tent with this roominess for the price.
Check out MSR tents.
In Closing Today
Why Kelty and why the MSR line?
I chose to write a review of Kelty's MSR Line of 2-3 & 4 Tents today for several reasons. First: I most often hike alone or sometimes hunt with a buddy or two. The MSR line of 2-3 & 4 person tent is my tent of choice.
ANY Kelty tent is going to be a great tent, not only because they use the best materials, or all of the other stuff you hear from manufacturers today, but because it's just a quality made tent. If a guy like me (who is admittedly hard on stuff) can traipse around the countryside, in good weather and bad and still find the MSR lineup of tents, not only roomy but functional, strong and lightweight enough tent to backpack with? Then there must be something good about it.
I've camped in the rain, (setting it up and taking it down in the rain) I've camped in light snow and icy cold weather and have always found these tents up to the job and more.
Now, as I've said before, my recommendations today and my review of Kelty's MSR lineup of 2-3 & 4 person tents are just that.....recommendations. They are made to make you think.
To actually take a look at what you are buying or wanting to buy. Kelty tents may be a few bucks more or a few bucks less than the average, but well worth it. You can count on many good years of camping with this tent.
Thanks for reading, stay safe, and I'll see you on the trail--CampingmanNW
