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Kelty Gunnison 3.1

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: Kelty Gunnison 3.1 three-season tent

My husband and I are campers, but we wanted a tent that was larger than a 2 sleeper to keep our gear dry and close. I'm thrilled we chose the Kelty Gunnison 3.1.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to set up
  • Two entries

Cons

  • Not really big enough for three people

This is the 4th tent we've ever owned, and it's crazy easy to set up. Now when we camp, I'm usually able to arrive at the campground ahead of him, and I don't hesitate to set this up. I love the fact that the poles were easy to set up and ground, and there are no pockets to slide them through. They all clip to the tent, and the clips are very easy to operate and sturdy.

I also like that there are doors on both sides, so there's no stepping on anyone else to get out.

Setup and breakdown were both easy, and it's very lightweight. I highly recommend this tent.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $259

Needed a smaller tent for two and gear for a Scout outing. Tent arrived on departure day, no time to play around with it.

Overall, very good tent. First pitch was in the dark, clear skies, no moon. Tent was very easy to pitch, connected aluminum pole design is very convenient, and the retainers at the tent corners make a positive connection. I highly recommend extending one pole completely and anchoring it at opposite corners, then the other pole. This lets you pitch in a fairly tight area, and in a crowded Scout camp, keeps your poles from getting stepped on. With full clip construction, (no pole pockets), the rest of the pitch is a breeze. Literally, 10 minute pitch in the dark, including stakes and rainfly.

Two doors, two vestibules is nice, it keeps gear dry and readily at hand but not in the way. You also don't have to climb over anyone to get out.

Like most tents, the 3 person capacity is a bit overstated, unless you are intentionally traveling REALLY light, so that is not a knock on this tent.

Design: Three season freestanding
Sleeps: 3
Ease of Setup: Very easy
Price Paid: $220

Great value and very comfortable for two people!

Pros

  • Easy setup
  • Two doors
  • Excellent value

Cons

  • Heavy for backpackers

My husband and I took this tent along with us while we were backpacking along the Great Glen Way in Scotland. It was the perfect size tent to accommodate us and our gear. The setup is quick, easy, and intuitive. We loved having two doors!

Since this trip, we've been buying more ultralight equipment, and would probably not carry a tent this heavy, anymore, but I'm looking forward to using this Kelty for some car-camping trips. It's a great tent for the price!

Source: bought it new

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Specs

Price MSRP: $229.95
Historic Range: $36.97-$239.95
Reviewers Paid: $220.00-$259.00
Seasons 3
Number of Doors 2
Number of Vestibules 2
Capacity 3
Minimum Weight 5 lb 14 oz / 2.66 kg
Packaged Weight 6 lb 8 oz / 2.95 kg
Floor Area 48 sq ft / 4.45 sq m
Vestibule area 9.9 sq ft + 9.9 sq ft / 0.9 sq m + 0.9 sq m
Width 75 in / 191 cm
Length 92 in / 234 cm
Height 46 in / 117 cm
Packed Diameter 8 in / 20 cm
Packed Length 28 in / 71 cm
Number of poles 2
Pole Type DAC Featherlite NSL Poles + Swivel Hub
Wall Material 70D Dye Free Polyester Taffeta
Floor Material 1800 mm PU Nylon Taffeta
Fly Material 75D 1800 mm PU Polyester Taffeta
Product Details from Kelty »