Kelty Vortex 4

Just bought this tent last year for weekend campouts and annual trips to the Rockies. A magnificent purchase. I'll be the first to admit that hiking it in and out is not for the faint at heart (somewhat weighty), but by letting my fellow campers carry the vestibule and poles, it wasn't too bad. (There's especially some gratification if they don't know they're helping out!)

The tent is really stylish also. The contrasting colors are really sharp until you put on the rainfly/vestibule. Kelty probably could have invested a little bit more time designing the color scheme on it (somewhat bland).

The doors (never, ever buy a tent with only one door!!!) are designed in a way that allows them to fold out of the way when open so they're not laying on the ground. Also some very clever and simple to use connectors that attach the rainfly/vestibule to the tent itself (very, very easily). When you unzip the flap on the door where the mosquito net only is showing (not sure how to say it), there's also clever connectors that are much easier than tying strings.

I'd recommend the tent to anyone. Has all the features I was looking for and is a product to be proud of. Good luck.

The price can't be beat for a tape sealed floor tent! The features are "Top of the Line" for workmanship and design.

I slept three confortably for one week backpacking with gear on the last outing I took. One morning we awoke to find the tent was in 1-2 inches of water (it rained a little that night) and the floor felt like a water bed but ALL our gear stayed dry!

The upper gear loft and two side pockets are a welcomed feature for glasses, flashlights and alike.

Although the tent has proper ventilation I do not recommend zipping the two vestibules, over each door, down with three occupants it will heat up real fast. Insted I found that staking the opposite vestiblue flaps (right on front and left on back) and setting the zipper at half way up will still keep out the normal New England rain and still keep your shoes dry. See manufactur's details for more information.

I do recomend the optional KELTY ground tarp to save your investmentand and to have a clean place to pitch and roll up your tent.

I recomemnd this tent to any adult or older Boy Scouts where the weight is a fair trade off to a wonderful home away from home.

This has been an answer to my search for a simple, inexpensive, weather-proof home away from home. I have experienced no problems with construction/durability...I have owned and used this tent in the Sierras and Montana for the last three years. I have not had any problems with wind, condensation build-up during wet weather, or ill effects during light snow. It doesn't leak! It is a good size for 2 people and gear. The vestibules are very handy. Ample headroom. Comes with gear loft and mesh pockets for stashing stuff at night. When the fly is guyed tight, I go to sleep feeling confident that I will sleep well no matter what Mother Nature throws at me.

All in all, it is the envy of my cheapskate buddies who have suffered from wet gear and bedding - to my relentless amusement. After all, what are friends for but a little honest perspective.

I have one very minor complaint - the stakes are not worthy of the name - get some good ones

Excellent workmanship and adequate design. Vestibules, advertised to be large, are poorly thought out and not much functional space -- disappointed in that feature. Tent has specific application for rough weather but generally the design lacks in functionality compared to others that are also cheaper -- tent fly zipper is difficult to reach, flaps on fly and on tent fall into tent when opened and bring outside in with them, extremely limited viewing opportunity if you like to look outside in good, non-buggy weather; tent is light but optional ground cover mat is of some value to protect floor but turns out to be additional weight.

Excellent material quality, durable and very water tight. The fly extends to the ground and creates a small vestibule over each door. It was purchased to use as a two man tent (We like to be comfy!). Might be tight with four people. When the doors are fully sealed it does tend to collect condensation, but on the other hand we survived a tornado in this baby. In fact we would have slept through it, if not for the commotion of other less fortunate campers. A very satisfied customer.

I bought this tent for a car camping trip for three people. But has used it since for some backcountry camping.

It is a bit heavy, but divided btw 3 people, it is well worth the roominess gained once it has been set up. Enough space for three people and their backpacks.

The two poles are of equal length, so setup is a breeze.

Have used it for six weeks continuously and it has yet to show any real wear and tear.

The Vortex 4 is a great tent for the money. Although listed as a four person tent, this is optimal for three. The vestibules provide more than enough storage space and provide a cooking area for cold days.

The height of the Vortex 4 (as with most 4 persons) tends to catch wind and traps very little body warmth.

Overall, the Vortex 4 is highly recommended for three and a half seasons of hiking.

I love this tent, it has everything you could possibly want in a tent. very easy to set up, bathtub floor, lots of headroom, large vestibules (2!), reasonably priced, holds up to weather and aluminum poles. The only problem i had was one of the poles got bent in heavy winds on the outer banks, nc. (but it was very windy and everyone else's tent got blown over.)

The first Vortex was returned due to a badly leaking floor. The replacement we used for three weeks out west. Loved the two entry doors but the tent had excessive condensation w/rainfly. Also, both grommets had deformed and started detaching from the webbing. Sent this tent back to EMS and was refunded my $ as they said they had numerous problems with this tent.