User Review: Kelty Sunshade

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

Reviewed October 29, 2006 by Michael Boyd

Rating:
Design: three-season freestanding canopy
Sleeps: 4
Ease of Setup: Achievable with one person but very easy with two
Weight: 11 pounds 12 ounces
Price Paid: $135

The Sunshade is reasonably easy to setup. There are plenty of guy outs to pin this baby to the turf. The stakes provided will work if used in a fairway but I have yet to come away with all stakes straight and usable after setting up in most campgrounds. Choose much more sturdy stakes than Kelty provides if you want your Sunshade to stay put. Sandbags, rocks or logs are also good choices for anchoring the three corners down.

The height adjustability is achieved by moving the legs closer toward the center or outward away from the center. Because of this shelter being freestanding it is very easy to move to any location desired. If used over camp furniture it can be a bit annoying to duck in and out and it restricts your view somewhat if you choose to sit in the more upright chairs.

The Sunshade is a charmer on the beach when activity takes place on the sand. This shelter turned into a party tent on a camping trip when meal time and the rain came at the same time. Eight adults and two children crowded around a picnic table stayed dry under my Sunshade and made me the hero of that trip. The three legs had to be placed on objects 18-24 inches off the ground to minimize this quantity of heads from touching the canopy.

This is an attractive shelter and very sturdy to the elements. I’m glad I made the purchase, especially for ground activity. A four pointed canopy, in my opinion, would be a better choice over picnic tables.

Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Sunshade at 5 online stores:

Store

Product Description

Price

Altrec Outdoors 2 purchase options:	Sunshade (Medium)	$139.95	Buy Now
Altrec Outdoors 2 purchase options:	Sunshade (Large)	$169.95	Buy Now

REI

Sunshade - Large

$180.00

Buy Now

Powderfin.com 3 purchase options:	Sunshade - Accessory Wall - Large	$29.99	Buy Now
	Sunshade - Accessory Wall - Medium	$29.99	Buy Now
	Sunshade Shelter - Large	$169.95	Buy Now