II bought this tent in 1999. I have used it in three countries and almost every state across America's southern states and Colorado and Oklahoma. It was worth every penny. I have camped in it in all kinds of weather. Here we are, 14 years later, and it is still flawless. All zippers are still perfectly functional. There are no rips or tears, and all the seams are in picture perfect condition. Kelty really knows how to make a tent!!!

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.

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).

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

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Colemann

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.

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.

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Eureka 4 man
Kelty Vortex 2

got cut off. anyway first tent we have owned with vestibule. great feature. also has two entrances. great idea. pitces very easy. i certainly recommend the footprint which is very light and better than those heavy ground clothes. tent is very light for its size. i would recommend this tent.

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None

Set-up for the tent is easy for one or two people. I like how the rain fly drops down to the ground all the way around the tent for protection from rain. However, this tent doesn't breath at all. This is fine for anyone who is up before the sun everyday but not for me. Also the vestibule is to small you really have to fight with it to get in and out of the tent, especially if it is raining. Also the vestibule opens over the mesh in the tent allowing rain to enter. Biggest complaint is the airflow it gets way to hot in the tent in the morning. anyone want to buy it?

The KELTY V-4 so far was worth the price paid. My wife,son (9), daughter (5) and myself used it this past week end in the Emigrant Wilderness and really enjoyed it. It's weight is nothing compared to it's size. In fact I think that it is the lightest in it's class. Spresd this weight over several people and its just fine. It's (2) vestibules work well also. If you are looking for a 4-man tent seriously consider this one.

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REI 2-man tent. Weighed 6lbs. Not very impressed.

This is a great tent, totally waterproof, very roomy. Although I personally
find the weight a bit heavy, it is not more than other tents of the same
size. I just have to spread the weight among the other hikers. I've been
caught in all day rainstorms without experiencing a single leak or any
moisture on the inside. Four adults can sleep comfortably but their gear
would have to be in the vestibules. For 3 people, it is perfect. This is a
highly recommended tent for 2-3 people. I've had it for 2 years and love
it. This is one to definitely get.

Value rating: 5
Overall rating: 4


Thanks,
John Mah

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None