User Review: Kelty Gunnison 4

Kelty Gunnison 4
Above: The current Gunnison 4, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed June 24, 2008 by Stephen

Rating:
Design: three-season, free standing modified A
Sleeps: 4
Ease of Setup: Five minutes or less / very easy
Weight: 8 lbs
Price Paid: $150

Our family of four (2 adults and 2 children - 10 & 11 yrs) purchased this tent just prior to a two month cycle tour through Spain in the spring of 2008.

There were several characteristics that drew our attention to this tent:

1. The size proved ideal for our family's needs. We wanted to tour with a single tent and I have to say that this proved very comfortable throughout the two months. There was enough width for all of us to sleep without disturbing anyone else and there remained sufficient space on either side to stow gear and sort things out. The height of the tent was great although it did catch the wind.

The dual vestibules were also a high priority for cycle touring.

2. At eight pounds this tent is light for its size and that is perhaps one of the three most important criteria we considered prior to purchasing.

3. We managed to pick it up through an ebay seller, and at 150$ it is a real bargain.

What we liked:

1. Aside from what I have already mentioned, the tent did keep out the rain. We experienced only a couple good rainstorms, nonetheless the interior stayed dry (not even any splash under the fly). Note however that when we pitched it on wet ground the water pushed right through the flooring and a groundsheet is a necessity for wet conditions.

2. The set up is a snap and even setting up in the rain it goes up so quickly that you can keep the whole thing reasonably dry.

3. The vestibules are a standard size for this model tent and provided ample storage for all our bags (four panniers, a trailer bag and 30L dry sack). One hesitancy I have about this design for a vestibule is that you really cannot leave it open under ever the slightest rain. Reaching for the zipper requires longs arms if you are to avoid getting wet from the condensation in the morning.

What needs attention:

1. I initially found the fasteners that hold the corners of the tent inner to the poles to be a bit weird. They are a molded plastic and although they held up admirably, I am not sure what the idea is behind the design as opposed to a length of webbing with a couple of grommets into which the pole is inserted.

2. The plastic hooks that suspend the tent inner on the poles have a weird twist to them, and even after two months I am never became adept at unhooking them with any level of dexterity. I have definitely seen much more simple designs out there.

3. While light, the poles are not strong! The first wind storm left us with two cracked poles that we had to baby throughout the rest of the trip. I was guying every point down on even the calmest night.

What is intolerable:

1. The noise! While a good fair weather tent (which many are) as soon as the wind came up it sounded as though I was inside a cellophane bag of potato chips. The noise of the fly rubbing against the poles and/or hooks was intolerable. At first I couldn't figure out what the heck the noise was believing that it originated from outside in the trees or something of the like. Three nights of little to no sleep was finally remedied with earplugs, however even then the noise was only cut down not out.

I have slept in many tents under windy conditions, and while all tents are noisy, this one is beyond anything I have encountered.

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