User Review: Kelty Gunnison 2.1

I've had the standard (not the "pro") Gunnison 2 person tent for approx. 5 years and have used it in a variety of locations and seasons.

I haven't done any winter camping with it, and (hopefully) never will. The tent is designated a 3-season tent, and I'll take Kelty's word for it. 

The tent is very easy to set up, and though I've never actually timed it I'm guessing I can set it up in 5 or 6 minutes, including staking. A few words about the stakes that come with the tent. Throw them away. Immediately. Don't find out when you're on a trip that the stakes are garbage. Mine bent while I pushed them into the ground with the palm of my hand.  

I have had the tent in one absolutely huge downpour on a trip in Arkasas one spring.

Some gear got wet before we had the tent up, but we didn't have any issues with leakage in to the tent.  There is a lot of mesh used for ventilation and I haven't had issues with condensation, but I haven't had to wait out a 2 or 3 day storm in it either.

We've also used the tent in some high wind areas and the tent has stood up to the wind without an issue.  

Gunnison 2.1 backpacking in the Tetons.

There are certainly lighter options on the market, and they will lighten your wallet correspondingly. The MSRP for this tent is $199. The weight according to the Kelty web site is 5 lbs. I know this is horrendous if you're a serious ultra-light packer, but considering the Gunnison 2 person has 37 sq feet of floor space, two 10 sq foot vesibules, and two doors, these seemed like worthwhile trade-offs.  And since it is a 2-person tent, you can split the load with your partner.  

I am all around happy with this tent!!