Kelty Dart II

Review Date
October 10, 2005

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: bikenraider99 ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $145.00 at REI

Summary:
A lightweight, compact, easy to set up tent. It says it'll fit 2, but 1 is all I've used it for. Needs a pretty good amount of guy outs in order to stay dry. Got damp this last time I used it, first time in about 5 or 6 uses in the summer/fall.

Customer Service:
Well, by email they're pretty good. Got an answer in 24 hours before I found the problem listed on this site.

Similar Products Used:
Coleman tents, and an old 2 man Army Camel tent.

Review Date
December 19, 2002

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Reviewed by: EricSapp07(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Roanoke, VA

Price Paid:  $150.00 at REI

Summary:
I don't know about this being the best tent some of you all decribe it as. It build up so much condensation at the end of the tent, soaking my sleeping bag/sleeping pad. There would also be puddles surrounding me requiring toweling around the whole tent. I would not recommend the tent to anyone. Another problem i had was not being able to sit up, it sloaps to dramatically.The vestibule size is great and the lightwieght. After strong winds and heavy rains the tent began to sag. I will now go for a top of the line tent, Im thinking Bibler or Mountain Hardware. Happy hikin!

Customer Service:
Great. Gave no hassle about the return, Very happy to be able to get a full refund.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty Clark

Review Date
April 25, 2002

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: happykday(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $135.00 at Galyans

Summary:
I purchased the Dart 2 because I was very weight conscious and the price was outstanding. The ease of a single wall tent sounded great and it was originally listed as a 4 season tent. Well, my first few outings were great. In hot, nice weather with just me and my dog, the Dart 2 was great. It's easy to pitch and staking is no problem (and necessary). In less desireable weather the Dart still worked well. In heavy wind, it felt like I was in a wind tunnel. Even with two people in the tent, we could not maintain any heat. Finally, I took the Dart 2 on a 21 expedition to Alaska in the summer of 2002. I was with two companions who had the REI 2 person convertible tent. We decided to rotate sleeping arrangements. It rained every day in Alaska and the Dart was terrible. I actually had puddles in my tent. It sagged terrible and the condensations was insane. This single wall tent couldn't breath at all. It's basically a large bivy for only good weather. I've learned my lesson on going superlight on long expeditions and saving money. You really get what you pay for here. After 5 nights, the three of us fit snuggle in the REI tent and I never unpacked the Kelty Dart 2 again. It still sits balled up in my gear room, 9 months later. I have just purchased a Hilleberg Nammatj 3 GT, going for the best of the best.

Customer Service:
N/A

Similar Products Used:
Eureke, Sierra Designs, REI

Review Date
August 12, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Jeff Legato(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from San Luis Obispo, CA USA

Price Paid:  $40.00 at REI

Summary:
Got this at an REI garage sale for $40. Couldn't pass it up to replace my old, broken poled, 10 pound dome tent. Have had it out several times now by myself and with my wife. This tent is so light and compacts so small!

It's perfect for one and nice and cuddly for two lovers ;). I did notice condensation on the inside every morning except one but come to think of it, I have noticed condensation on the inside of every tent I have ever slept in so that's not an issue for me. I never awoke with my bag soaking wet in this tent unlike some of the reviewers even when both of us were in it near the ocean where it was really humid over night.

I like this tent a lot even though I had to reinforce it where the one pole attaches to the base of the tent after noticing a tear.

Similar Products Used:
old Kelty dome tent

Review Date
July 27, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Andrew(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Eldersburg, Maryland,USA

Price Paid:  $129.00 at REI

Summary:
An overall good tent with little weight for lots of space. However, after completing a 14 day backpacking expedition in the southwest, I found my sleeping bag to be wet from condensation every morning. I would suggest the Kelty Clark instead.

Similar Products Used:
None