User Review: Kelty Quartz 4

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

Reviewed February 28, 2008 by edwinholt

Rating:
Design: four-season
Sleeps: 3
Ease of Setup: simple 2 pole setup with vaulted pole sleeves
Weight: 12 lbs
Price Paid: $250 with footprint

This is a very good tent although it is quite heavy.

Three buddies and I used the tent on a canoing trip up in Minnesota with the average temp of 40F during the day. It held up nicely during downpours and freezing nights 10-20F (it truly is a 4 season tent).

It was a tight fit for 4 “American Men”, but the vestibules were handy to cover our equipment. The tent design was quick and easy to set up solo, kept me dry and safe through monstrous winds, hail and rain that came in every direction. Some water condensation, but with four men fishing for a week and rain everyday what would you expect.

If you use this for an extended hike make sure you spread the weight. I went on a hike with the family during the summer months. Although I dispersed the weight (how much can you do with little children) I noticed during the end of the day the tent could be lighter. The evenings were very pleasant without the rainfly, but seemed hot with it on and the vents open.

It should work for large groups (such as Boy Scout troops). The design should be rugged enough for younger adventurers. Just insert two poles and the majority of the work is done. The tent stakes are not skimpy and are made to handle the weather.

The patented clips that are attached on the polyester rainfly are a very nice feature. It keeps it taught during driving rains. And the rainfly actually goes down to the ground, a hard feature to find without paying for it!

Overall this is a very good tent for the price.