Kelty Salida 2

Kelty Salida 2

3 season rated

The Kelty Salida 2 Tent  is an award winner for a reason.

I’m confident this impressive, versatile, lightweight trail tent will meet all your needs.

It is a quality modern design and light enough to suit the backpacker, also compact enough to stow and carry conveniently if you are a two-wheel traveller, bicycle or motorcycle.

The Kelty brand has stood the test of time  and been in operation since Since 1952.

Positive tent reviews are the norm for this company, which has buit its reputation by supplying cost effective, reliable outdoor gear that enables you, whether newbie camper or experienced backwoodsman, to tackle the trail with confidence.

As well as getting plenty of positive feedback from rank and file campers, Kelty has been recognized by the pros, and is a winner of the “Backpackers Editor’s Choice Award”.

Read what others have to say about this highly rated trail tent. Just click here.

Or for current deals, and free shipping details, click this link.

This Kelty Salida 2 person tent review ticks all the boxes for the technically minded.

BODY FEATURES:

Freestanding design

  • DAC Pressfit poles
  • Color Coded Clip Construction
  • Taped floor seams
  • Gear-loft loops
  • ArcEdge floor
  • Mesh wall panels
  • Internal storage pockets
  • Noiseless zipper pulls

Fly Features:

  • Taped seams
  • Side-release tent/fly connection
  • Noiseless zipper pulls
  • Guyout points

Tent Type:

  • Rated 3 Seasons
  • Number of doors: 1
  • Number of vestibules: 1
  • Capacity: 2

Dimensions:

  • Minimum weight: 3 lb 12 oz / 1.70 kg
  • Packaged weight: 4 lb 8 oz / 2.04 kg
  • Floor area: 30.5 ft2 / 2.83 m2
  • Vestibule area: 10 ft2 / .93 m2
  • Length: 88 in / 223.5 cm
  • Width: 55 / 45 in / 139.7 / 114.3 cm
  • Height: 43 in / 109.22 cm
  • Packed diameter: 7 in / 17.78 cm
  • Packed Length: 22 in / 55.88 cm

 

As you would hope, the Kelty Salida 2 is supremely simple to set up, which makes it especially practical for the novice.

There are many benefits of the design I like, and I feel confident you will too.

What I particularly like about this 2 person tent is that it’s three season rated and how quickly it can be transformed from hot weather to harsh weather situations.The rain proof fly is efficient in keeping you dry, but in warm weather, the mesh wall panels make it feel as if you are sleeping comfortably in the open.

In reality, you are still sheltered and protected from creepy crawlies and flying bugs.

If the weather turns nasty, the rain fly is simple to attach, thanks to a well designed clip attachment system.

Although easy to set up, be sure to stake out the fly tautly for peak efficiency in keeping you dry, and to avoid the chances of condensation issues.

The fly can be adjusted with its easy to use straps. It has convenient guy out points which provide that extra security when the the wind gets up.

 

The free-standing design and color-coded parts, is what makes this trail tent among the easiest to set up.

A free-standing tent is convenient  when you get back from your trip.

You can set it up on a clean paved area like a patio or driveway, making it simple to clean, dry and air out in the comfort of home.

Even if you have little experience, the Kelty Salida should take no more than five minutes to set up.

Don’t become complacent though, have a practice run at home to gain confidence and become familar with your new tent.

What makes this hiking tent so easy to erect is the fact the poles are attached externally.

The poles are simply clipped to the tent and there is no need to thread them through awkward sleeves.

 

The Kelty Salida is user friendly in its layout.

Kelty 2 person tent reviews

snug with the fly up

Its design is geared as much as possible to be a genuine two-person tent.

For a small tent, it has generous headroom, and is a little broader down one end of its length to better accomodate a couple of occupants.

As with most tents designated 2 person, you would get maximum satisfation by using it for yourself alone, and have the luxury to drag extra gear inside to be securely sheltered.

But if you are travelling light, or with a vehicle in which to stow gear overnight, then its an ideal sleeper for two.

To help give you room to move, there is a removable gear loft, and a centred loop suitable for hanging a lantern.

There are also internal storage pockets for those small and fragile items, like spectacles, watches or torches.

 

It is easy to compile positive 2 person tent reviews for this product, but not everyone will be suited by the single door.

Some campers prefer a two-door design to avoid having to clamber over a partner if they need to exit for a call of nature during the night.

If you are in this category, then click here to see our review of the two-door Mountainsmith Morrison 2 person tent.

On the other hand, others do not have an issue with the one door.

For them, one less door is one less zipper to worry about.

However, the zippers on the Kelty work smoothly, and will continue to do so if you follow normal tent maintenace.

For a single user, the one door design works well if you put your backpack and suppies on the side away from the entrance.

While some may have misgivings about just the one door, it’s more an expression of preference, rather than complaint.

Similarly, the single vestibule is perfect for those going solo, but a little cramped if two of you want to keep your backpacks sheltered outside. No problems for a couple of pairs of muddy boots though.

In fact the one genuine complaint I hear is that the quality of tent pegs supplied is not up to scratch.

If you are going to be a regular camper, it might pay to invest in some tougher, standby stakes.

 

This tent reviews site aims to point out the best budget tents.

So we’re reluctant to start talking about accessories. Extra expense and added weight.

But something we recommend, if your budget stretches to it, is a dedicated footprint for the tent.

This is a product to put under the base of your new tent.

It adds to your comfort and security against moisture, but even more importantly, adds to the life of the tent.

Find out details about this accessory and current pricing by simply clicking here.

The footprint is worth the money for some, including us, while others cut out a plastic sheet to put under the tent.
If budget is a premium consideration, you can forget the footprint, although don’t mess around with a flimsy plastic substitute.
Our tip is to outlay at least a minimal amount for a cheap, basic tarp to put under the tent. Just tuck the edges back under itself  at the base of the floor. Don’t let it protrude beyond the tent outside dimensions, to prevent water pooling.
For some cheaper tarp alternatives click here.

In a nutshell, this 2 person, 3 season tent is for you, if you value the following benefits:

  • Most of us need to be budget conscious these days, so you will appreciate the value-for-money side to this product.
  • Freestanding design, comes supplied with all you need to put it up.
  • An easy set up tent, aided by color-coded components.
  • Just as simple to dismantle and pack away.
  • Easy to set up on hard surfaces at home for cleaning and airing.
  • Suits the beginner camper and will impress the experienced.
  • Better headroom than some tents in this category.
  • Generous length for the comfort of taller campers.
  • Packs away convemiently and easy to stow in panniers on cycles.
  • Simple rain proof fly connection for quick transformation to cater for wet or dry conditions.
  • All seams are factory sealed.
  • Gear loft and internal pockets to keep floor space clear.
  • Built in fasteners to hold door open.
  • mesh wall panels to sleep “under the stars” when conditions suit.
  • Carries a 3 season tent rating to increase your camping or hiking options.
  • If you want to go “almost solo” there is room, at least, to take your dog camping.

 

For the current best deal, and free shipping details on the Kelty salida 2, simply click this link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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