Kelty Vortex 4

Review Date
June 4, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: zabazaba ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $205.00 at Campmor

Summary:
What more can I say other than this is a great tent. Bought it as a family tent for my wife and two girls. Used it car camping and backpacking. Tips scales ~9lbs as advertised. I have older version than one pictured that has two zipper door. Pros: Vestibules are great, large enough for all gear. Fly is bulletproof and extremely water resistant. Set-up is so simple and quick its a wonder more dome tents don't use the sleeve and dummy pole end system. 8 stakes secure 4 tent corners and 4 fly midpoints. Stakes are larger lightweight aluminum. Poles are large diameter aluminum with shock cords. No other tent can beat its $/SF or lbs/SF. Cons: No window in fly so when all buttoned up you can't see out. Due to height and two pole design probably not great in high winds or stretching into four seasons.

Customer Service:
Not used to date

Similar Products Used:
Eureka Backcountry 2, REI Half-Dome. The Kelty Vortex 4 is superior to both in design and durability. The PVC fly is superior to the tafetta nylon.

Review Date
April 19, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: gladesman ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $215.00 at REI

Summary:
We've used this tent for four seasons, almost exclusively in south Florida, either kayaking in the Keys and Everglades, or backpacking along the Florida Trail.

Pros:
This tent has a fantastic space/weight ratio. The tent is less than 8 lbs, and easily accomodates 3 adults and gear. We usually have 3 adults and one child; it's tight, but acceptable.

The double doors are a major bonus. Not only does it improve ventilation, but makes it easier to answer those 2am nature calls, or get out to watch the sun rise. Plus, the two doors make it easier to get at gear stowed in the vestibules.

It really does well in a range of conditions. We've been through tropic downpours, wind storms, evenn hail storms, and it's come through with flying colors. Even in the very humid conditions normal here, there isn't much condensation inside the tent. It does have some trouble in strong winds because it only has two poles, but we've braved 30 knot winds with few problems.

It's very durable. We're kind of tough on tents, and it's worn well. It's fallen in the bay, blown over in strong winds, and used repeatedly by my two sons and their two friends. It does seem to stain, but even that takes some effort.

Cons:
The airflow is not that great, and it can be very hot. The side panels are relatively high, and the mesh is about 2 feet above the ground. The breeze is in the attic; opening the doors is the only way to get any air, but in the Everglades, that's suicide.

The vestibules are a bit small. It's not easy to put four packs, shoes, etc in the vestibule while it's raining.

The pole sleeves are a major pain. It makes it hard to put up and take down with one person, especially when space is limited, (i.e. little dry ground).

Review Date
January 13, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: ramjamram(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Kelty Vortex 4 has proven to be a great overall tent. I have taken it car camping or extreme camping under severe weather conditions. In all, it has kept us nice and dry and away from the high winds. It is easy to set up. I can set the tent up in 2 minutes. It has a nice look as well which many onlookers tend to envy. Vortex 4 is very strong and light for its class. Thus its the perfect overall tent. If you are not an extreme extreme backpacker, then this is a good tent to share between 2 to 3 adults.

Customer Service:
Never had to use. I just go to their website. www.kelty.com

Similar Products Used:
Colemann

Review Date
April 14, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Matt Hall(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Hughson

Price Paid:  $200.00 at Campmor

Summary:
This is an update to an earlier review. I agree with a few of these reviews i the fact that this tent does not breathe very well. However I have found that if you tie a small rope to the side ties of the fly and guy them out a ways with a stake that it increases airflow. i found this out on accident when I had to pitch this tent on a granite base and use large rocks to anchor it down. Now, on with the good. This past weekend three of us spent a few days in Big Basin Redwood State Park and while we were there we encountered 2-3 inches of rain and this tent kept us dry, very dry. So I say again that this tent is a good purchase for a 4 person tent, well built, water proof, ample space and not to hard on the wallet.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Enjoy :)

Customer Service:
Not needed so far.

Review Date
May 24, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Mike(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Baltimore, Md

Price Paid:  $195.00 at REI

Summary:
I just finished an 85 mile 5 1/2 day trip using the Vortex 4 - it was wonderful for two adults and a Husky, and would have had room for a third adult. The weight may seem high, but split between two-three carriers (I personally wouldn't try and put 4 adults in this tent unless you are REALLY small) it is more than manageable. The tent is quick and easy to set up - very easy to set up for one person (5 minutes), a big plus after a long day to be able to have the other go hang bear bag ropes or start dinner.... Through some heavy rain, not a single drop leaked in. It was also nice to have enough room for two adults to sleep comfortably knowing that the wet dog had enough room of her own not to be pressed up against our down bags!

My only complaint would be condensation. We perpetually woke up with a very wet inside of the fly. Not a huge deal, but not wonderful. We kept the vents to the fly open, but it didn't help a ton. Part of it was having a heavy breathing dog spewing out moisture all night, but this definitly wouldn't detract from me recommending the tent to others.

Customer Service:
Great experience with Kelty customer service the handful of times i have contacted them. Quick response (I always have contacted via the web) and good answers.

Similar Products Used:
Eureka 4 man
Kelty Vortex 2