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Kelty Screenhouse

rated 5.0 of 5 stars

The Screenhouse has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best warm weather tents for 2024.

photo: Kelty Screenhouse warm weather tent
Version reviewed: medium

I purchased the Kelty Screenhouse two years ago and have used it about 2 dozen times.

Set-up of this unit is a little tricky, but, once mastered it is no big deal. I can set up the tent solo in about 10 minutes, a little faster when I have help. Once set up the tent is taut and can be easily transported to the site of your choosing.

The medium Screenhouse is able to fit over a large campground picnic table, but space to the sides is limited. We have had eight people dining at one time in the screen house, entry and exit is handled by using both doors on each side of the screen house. So everyone enters on the side of the table that they are going to sit at. This is definitely a sit down shelter as headroom falls quickly to the center and to the sides. It does provide a bug free place to eat and gather around the table.

On one trip we experienced absolutely nasty weather, 35-40 degrees, with constant showers, I mean it rained non-stop for three days. During this time the condensation inside the tent was almost as bad as the rain. Some sort of rainfly would have probably eliminated this condition, but, it is a single wall tent. A tarp over the tent would probably rectify the situation if one left breathing room between the tent and the tarp. Other than that one experience I have been very happy with my purchase.

For those that wanted more room and headroom then the large unit would be worth the difference in purchase price. Quality has been first rate, and the figure nine adjusters are a nice touch. When it is staked down well the unit handles wind very well, and the shades allow for closing up the unit and warming up a bit on a nice night. This unit does not have a floor and I personally would not want one for its intended purpose.

Price Paid: $239

Wonderful spacious screenhouse that can be used in all kinds of weather. Should be brought back by Kelty.

Pros

  • Universal
  • Durable
  • Good size 3-season
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • When it’s raining very badly you need to periodically lift up the ceiling of the screen to get water accumulated in the middle of the top off the screen. The solution was tubes crossings over the top and creating a better slope in an even older version of three-season Kelty screenhouse.

We love this screenhouse. Bunch of our friends who frequently go camping as well also consider this one of the best pieces of their family camping essentials.

We got ours almost 10 years ago and it is on its last legs, but there is nothing comparable on the market to replace it with. This is a three-season screen without any ridiculous air tubes or floor that is so useless when you trying to put an 8 feet heavy camping table inside. All windows have mesh and each can be covered additionally to protect you and your other camping gear from from rain or wind.

It’s easy to set up by two people, but one person can do it as well. It's very roomy and functional. This old screen was really worth buying. Kelty SHOULD BRING IT BACK. 

Background

Used it many times each year for about 9 years.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $299

Love this one. Beautifully made. Setting it up is not super easy, at least with my IQ. But once you get it set up, it is COOL!

Sleeps: 3
Ease of Setup: not really easy, but doable
Weight: 15
Price Paid: $200

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Specs

Medium Large
Price MSRP: $259.95
Historic Range: $99.95-$339.95
Reviewers Paid: $200.00-$299.00
Seasons 3 3
Number of doors 2 2
Minimum Weight 14 lb 5 oz / 6.49 kg 17 lb 2 oz / 7.77 kg
Packaged Weight 15 lb 3 oz / 6.89 kg 18 lb 0 oz / 8.16 kg
Floor Area 99 sq ft / 9.20 sq m 143 sq ft / 13.29 sq m
Width 132 in / 335.28 cm 156 in / 396.24 cm
Length 108 in / 274.3 cm 132 in / 335.3 cm
Height 74 in / 187.96 cm 76 in / 193.04 cm
Packaged Diameter 8 in / 20.32 cm 8 in / 20.32 cm
Packaged Length 24 in / 60.96 cm 26 in / 66.04 cm
Number of poles 4 4
Pole Types DAC Hybrid DAC Hybrid
Wall Material 68D Polyester 450 mm 68D Polyester 450 mm
Fly Material 68D Polyester 450 mm 68D Polyester 450 mm
Price $259.95 USD $299.95 USD