Kelty Zen Tents
Kelty Zen Tents
USER REVIEWS
[May 13, 2000]
Mike Roy
Backpacker
This is a great tent. It was easy to set up on the trail, and with the large vestibule I was able to keep all my gear dry through a night long storm. This was definately one of the best investments I've made, and it wasnt very expensive. Similar Products Used: None |
[May 11, 2000]
Jonathan Coley
Backpacker
The Kelty Zen is probably the best tent I have ever owned. From the ease of setup point, the Zen wins hands down, as there are only two poles to insert through two mesh sleeves after staking out the tent, and setup is complete. The Zen is also a durable tent. I've had mine on various types of ground, ranging from soft dirt to coarse sandy beaches, and after three years of moderate use it shows no signs of leaks, tears or other defects. Two other features that win the Zen in my book are the full mesh roof (use the rainfly for rainy nights) which allows for great ventilation and the interior room. The Zen is a condo for one person (weighing in right at 4 lbs) and close quarters for two. I use it as a solo tent, as there is plenty of gear room inside. The front fly is good for boots and small gear, but not much help for large packs. Similar Products Used: Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight |
[Apr 19, 2000]
Eric
Backpacker
If you're looking for a great tent at a great price, this is the one. It's light enough for a one man trip but roomy enough for two. It's easy to set up (I set mine up for the first time in the dark with a mini mag flashlight last weekend. Got to camp a little later than planned) and ventilates well. I'm from Texas so that's a huge plus. Kelty makes a good product at a fair price. If you want a good three-season two-man, take a look at the Zen. One thing I'd recommend, buy some Kelty Nobendium stakes. I got some after reading some of the reviews on the tent that said the stakes are kinda weak and I'm glad I did. I bent the first regular stake I put in the ground. Similar Products Used: None |
[Apr 18, 2000]
R. Voss
Backpacker
Great Tent. It keep me dry in some very wet weather during a Backpacking trip in yellowstone. Light weight, ample Vestibule room and good price make this a great bargain. Similar Products Used: None |
[Apr 18, 2000]
jim spatharos
Backpacker
I love my Zen. I can use it on solo trips thanks to the 4 lb. 3 oz weight (1998 version, the newer version is 4 lb. 10 oz.). Or I can use it as a two person tent and still be comfortable. The stakes are a little weak,but you can replace them with Kelty's better ones. While you do have to stake it out no matter what, with a little foresight in regards to time and weather, this is never a problem. I love mine. Similar Products Used: None |
[Sep 10, 1999]
Daniel
Backpacker
I rec'd this from a friend who needed a bigger tent for him and his mutt. I've used it twice-once up in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and once along the Upper Missouri River while kayaking in Montana. Just worked great-packed up real neat in the kayak. Great for the $$$ Similar Products Used: None |
[Sep 15, 1999]
Robert Torongo
Backpacker
So far, i have had good experience with this tent. the only problem i had was the crappy tent stakes that come with it. also, it can be tricky to set up the first few times you use it. overall, it is a great value. Similar Products Used: EMS Pampero, Mountain Hardwear |
[Oct 14, 1999]
Joe O'
Backpacker
I've had my Zen for 2 seasons now and it's the perfect tent for me.It is very compact and light-weight while also having plenty of room for 1 person or 2 if needed.I use it extensively for Bike touring,kayak trips and backpacking. Similar Products Used: None |
[Aug 03, 2000]
Colin Wilcox
Car Camper
I just bought this affordable tent and am very happy with it. It's very easy to set up and the ventalation is great. I stayed dry in Maine during a storm but got some drops of condensation on me in the morning. Other than that, I am very pleased with the rain fly and the roomy vestibule. I'm a car camper right now but plan to do some backpacking and I have no doubt that this tent will do me fine. And I didn't forget about the great price. Similar Products Used: None |
[Aug 01, 2000]
Patrick Bembry
Backpacker
A great tent for the money! I bought the 98 model from Campmor and got to try it out on the AT in July 2000. A storm came up that night but I stayed dry and comfy all night - my only concern was for my backpacking partners who had lesser tents. It is kind of hard to fold up correctly, but that's a small price to pay for dry comfort and relatively little pack weight. Similar Products Used: None |