Let’s Dive into Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent
The Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent promises to be a reliable and comfortable shelter for outdoor adventures. Designed by Kelty, a trusted name in camping gear, this tent boasts a stargazing fly, included footprint, and lightweight aluminum poles. It’s positioned as a backpacking-friendly, 3-season tent perfect for two people, striking a balance between weight, space, and features.
My search for a new two-person tent stemmed from wanting something lighter and more packable than my old behemoth, without sacrificing comfort. I specifically needed a tent that could withstand unpredictable mountain weather and allow for some stargazing on clear nights. The included footprint and stargazing fly of the Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent immediately caught my eye.
Unboxing the Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent, I was immediately impressed by the compact packed size and relatively light weight. The olive oil/Aegean blue color scheme is aesthetically pleasing, and the materials felt durable to the touch. The included footprint and stakes were neatly packed alongside the tent body and rainfly.
I considered the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus and the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 before settling on the Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent. While the REI tent offered similar space at a slightly lower price, it lacked the stargazing feature. The Big Agnes tent was lighter but significantly more expensive.
My first impression of the Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent was one of excitement. It seemed to offer a great compromise between features, weight, and price, ticking all the boxes for my backpacking needs. I was eager to test it out on the trail.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent during a weekend backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains National Park. The weather was relatively mild, but we experienced a brief, intense rain shower overnight. The campsite was located in a wooded area with a slightly uneven ground surface.
The tent performed admirably during the rain shower, keeping us completely dry. Setting up the tent was straightforward, even in the dim light of dusk. The color-coded poles and clips made the process intuitive.
The only slight issue was the initial difficulty in perfectly aligning the footprint with the tent body. After the first setup, I marked the corners to make the subsequent setups easier.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including three additional backpacking trips and a car camping weekend, the Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent has proven to be reliable and durable. The tent has held up well to moderate winds and continued to provide excellent rain protection. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.
The floor material shows no signs of abrasion, thanks to the included footprint. Cleaning the tent is relatively easy; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and debris. Compared to my previous tent, the Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent is significantly lighter and more packable. It has definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of portability and ease of setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent
Specifications
- Sleep Capacity: 2-Person. This is a true two-person tent, suitable for two adults or one adult and gear.
- Minimum Weight: 4 lb. This relatively light weight makes it suitable for backpacking, especially when divided between two people.
- Weight: 5 lb. This is the packed weight, including tent, footprint, poles, and stakes.
- Packed Size: 16.5x6x6. This compact size allows for easy packing in a backpack.
- Floor Area: 27.85 sq ft. Offers enough space for two people to sleep comfortably.
- Internal Length: 84 in. Suitable for taller individuals.
- Internal Width: 49 in. Provides adequate shoulder room for two occupants.
- Internal Height: 43 in. Allows for sitting up comfortably inside the tent.
- Vestibule Area: 10.35 sq ft. Each vestibule offers useful covered storage space for gear.
- Body Material: 68D Poly 1200mm, 40D No-see-um mesh, 68D Polyester / 1500 mm. Provides a good balance of water resistance and breathability.
- Floor Material: 68D Polyester / 1500 mm, 68D Polyester. Durable and waterproof floor material.
- Rain Fly Material: 68D Poly 1500mm. Ensures adequate rain protection.
- Tent Poles: 3, 3 Aluminum. Lightweight and strong aluminum poles provide stability.
- Tent Footprint: Included. Protects the tent floor and adds water resistance.
- Seasonal/Temperature Use: 3 Season. Designed for spring, summer, and fall camping.
- Doors: 2. Provides easy access for each occupant and promotes ventilation.
- Number of Vents: 2. Allows for airflow to minimize condensation.
- Included Accessories: Shark mount stuff sack, guy lines, stakes. Provides everything needed to set up and secure the tent.
- Color: Olive Oil/Agean Blue. An attractive and relatively subtle color combination.
Performance & Functionality
The Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent performs its job exceptionally well. It is easy to set up, provides ample space for two people, and offers excellent protection from the elements. The stargazing fly is a standout feature, allowing for unobstructed views of the night sky on clear nights.
The tent’s strengths lie in its lightweight design, ease of use, and effective weather protection. One potential improvement would be slightly longer guylines for increased stability in high winds. It definitely meets expectations for a mid-range backpacking tent.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent is excellent, especially considering the price point. The materials feel durable and the stitching is well-executed. The tent is lightweight and relatively easy to pack, making it a great choice for backpacking.
The tent is user-friendly, with an intuitive setup process and well-placed features. There is a minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent should last for many years. The included footprint significantly extends the life of the tent floor. Cleaning the tent is simple and straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent comes with a footprint, stakes, and guylines, providing everything needed for basic setup. While there are no specific Kelty-branded accessories designed exclusively for this tent, the tent’s design is compatible with aftermarket accessories like gear lofts and upgraded stakes. Generic tent repair kits can also be used for maintenance.
Pros and Cons of Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent
Pros
- Lightweight and compact, ideal for backpacking.
- Included footprint adds value and protects the tent floor.
- Stargazing fly offers unique nighttime views.
- Easy to set up with color-coded poles.
- Excellent weather protection for a 3-season tent.
Cons
- Guylines could be longer for increased stability in strong winds.
- Aligning the footprint perfectly takes a bit of practice.
Who Should Buy Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent?
The Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent is perfect for:
- Casual campers and backpackers looking for a lightweight and affordable 2-person tent.
- Those who enjoy stargazing and want a tent with a unique feature that allows them to view the night sky.
- Individuals who appreciate a tent that is easy to set up and provides reliable weather protection.
Who should skip this product?
- Those who frequently camp in extremely harsh weather conditions (heavy snow, high winds).
- Campers needing a lot of interior space; although adequate for two, it could feel cramped for some.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Consider upgrading the stakes for increased holding power in soft ground.
Conclusion on Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent
The Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent is a fantastic value for the price. It offers a compelling combination of lightweight design, ease of use, and unique features like the stargazing fly. The included footprint is a welcome addition, providing extra protection and extending the life of the tent.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the features and build quality. I would definitely recommend this tent to anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable shelter for their backpacking or camping adventures. Get out there and explore the world with the Kelty Far Out 2 w/Foorprint Tent!