Kelty Zen

I love this tent! I got this at a super discount clearance price, and wasn't expecting a whole lot, but was very surprised. The two pole design is so easy to set-up, and it's no problem in the darkest of night. It fits two people snugly or one person and a dog. It collapsed on me in a few surprise storms, so be sure to use guy lines in wind and rain. I literally left this tent set up in my backyard in Montana all last winter and quickly wadded it up when I moved. I didn't get around to unpacking it for a few months and expected to find mildew and all sorts of funk, but nothing, it was still in perfect usable condition. The fabric might not be as strong as other higher priced tents (I got a small hole in the floor my first night in it), so take a repair kit if you're backpacking, but a few holes are well worth the savings. The condensation has proven minimal compared to other tents I've had.

This has been a solid tent. I've used it for solo hiking. I haven't had it out in extreme conditions, but it has kept me dry during some rain showers. Ventilation hasn't been a problem but most of the camping I've done has been fair weather.

I've since upgraded to a freestanding tent which makes drying a tent at home much easier. With the hoop-style tents, you can't pitch (not easily anyhow) in your garage to let it air out and for cleaning. However, set up and breaking it down is super easy. Takes just a few minutes.

The zippers sometimes stick a little, but if you're careful, you can avoid it.

For the price, this is a terrific tent. User friendly, light weight, good features, and quality materials and construction.

I've used this tent since 1999 or 2000 on several kayak trips (six days on the Au Sable in Michigan), National Parks (Isle Royale twice, Glacier just last month) and it has always been great. Kayaking I used it as a solo tent with plenty of room for gear. Backpacking I love the light weight and both my wife and I shared the tent with no problems. We are both under 5'8" though.

The only negative I have about the Zen is the fact that is is not free standing. The last few nights in Glacier we had some pretty rocky sites and the stakes would only go into the ground a few inches. Luckily we didn't have any wind so it was no problem. Overall a great little tent.

Purchased my Zen from Campmor and I can't complain about the quality of the tent. I use it on a lot of solo kayaking trips. I've had it on the Buffalo River in rain, hail and even remembered how to find the fetal position one time in a lightning storm. Great tent for summer star gazing w/o the fly. The only drawbacks are: #1 This tent isn't free standing and needs to be staked out good to get it to stand tight. #2 Don't expect to look out through those fly windows and see what's sniffing around.

Found mine on sale so it was an even better buy. I love the full length screening and full coverage rain fly. Seems tend to "drip" with rain so you should seam seal them or tape them over.

Two adults in the tent would be a squeeze but in winter it would help hold heat.

Adequate ventilation in summer with no fly; hot with it on.

I am 6' 1" and have plenty of stretch room.

All round, a good tent for the money and an excellent first backpacking tent. I would recommend it to virtually anyone.

Great little tent. Packs small, doesn't weigh much, but is well put together. Has traveled on my bike and on my back with ease. Sleeps 1 with lots of room, or two close friends. Warm on a sub-30 night backpacking in the Shenandoahs and cool (without fly) on a 85+ night on a bike trip down the C&O canal. Haven't been in heavy rain, but light showers are no problem. Vestibule is small, but serves to keep a few things out of the rain.

Outstanding tent. I bought this tent for many reasons...reputation, price and features, I haven't been disappointed. I do a lot of camping/hiking (Scout master) and didn't want multiple tents, this one suits me fine. I'm 6'2" and fit nicely with my gear, 2 people would require good friendship. At just over 4lbs and being a small bundle it fits easily on any pack. The advertisements don't do it justice. You can't beat it for the price...even if it cost more!

A fantastic tent for 3 seasons. Sets up easy, doesn't let in any rain, and just looks nice. The vestibule is big enough for all of your stuff to keep dry, and there is extra room in the tent with two to let your food bags sleep with you when the coons come a knockin'. I am actually getting another tent because I want to try out winter camping, but I'm quite satisfied with this one.

A great tent to be sure, however weighing in at 5 lbs 2 oz add a footprint for protection and you're at 5 lbs 10ozs... heavy by backpacking standards for one person, but if you're looking for room, and ease of use with awesome zipper mechanisims that gilde like butter this tent's for you, breathable, stout in winds, it's a great 3-season tent and if you are hiking with a companion you can't beat this tent.

I have taken this tent hiking in the Idaho Sawtooth Mountains and a week-long trek in Yellowstone. Very satisfied with the performance. Withstood a severe downpour without any leaks. My only complaint is the tent stakes. I replaced them with a better set after my first outing. I would highly recommend this tent. Great value for the money.

The Good: Lite wt. Easy set up. Quality zippers. Great rain fly coverage. Very stable in wind.Great vestibule.

The Bad: Shock cord lost elasticity after two summers of use.

Not recommended for winter use. Could be lighter for long backpacking trips. A little crowded for two people.

I do much backpacking, bike touring, and canoeing...this tent is perfect! It sleeps me and plenty of my gear (which doesn't say much because I'm only 5'6")...It sleeps 2 closely with an ample amount of gear at your feet...Great tent...I give it four stars!

A bombproof little tent. Lots of space inside. Breathes great. Eclipse windows work awesome. Hardcore lightweight tent especially when a heavy 4 season tent is not needed. Fly has nice features w/ integrated vestibule. Expedition-proven Kelty gear.

Wolf Jaws

"Get Some"

Excellent tent for what it is designed for (3 season). Fly started to leak after 2 days of rain. Reseal before 1st use. Set up quickly, reasonably tight, good room. Highly recommend as a value tent.