The Kelty Discovery 2 tent has generated considerable buzz, but is it truly worth the hype? This review dives into the details of this two-person tent, examining its setup, design, features, and overall performance. We'll explore its strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive assessment to help you decide if this tent is the right choice for your camping adventures. From its compact pack size and lightweight design to its ventilation and weather resistance, we'll leave no stone unturned.This in-depth review covers everything from the initial unpacking and setup process to a detailed examination of the tent's interior space and weather protection. We'll analyze the build quality, ease of use, and overall comfort, highlighting both the positive aspects and the potential drawbacks. Ultimately, this review aims to provide you with a clear picture of the Kelty Discovery 2's capabilities and limitations, helping you determine if it meets your specific needs and expectations as a camper.
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Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Kelty Discovery 2 tent arrived in a compact stuff sack. The package included the tent itself, rainfly, poles, stakes, and instructions. Initial weight check revealed it to be 5.5 pounds, a reasonable weight for a two-person tent. The packed size was approximately 17.5 inches long, 6 inches wide at its widest, and 5 inches at its narrowest. This makes it relatively easy to pack and transport.
Setup Process
Setting up the Kelty Discovery 2 is fairly straightforward. The tent poles are easily inserted into sleeves at each corner. The tent is freestanding, which means you don't need to stake it down immediately – a big plus! The rainfly attaches quickly, and the included clips and straps make the process very intuitive. While the stakes are included, an upgrade might be considered for improved performance.
Connecting the central pole is simple; three clips on each side secure the rainfly. The final step is attaching the rain fly support bar which adds stability to the rainfly and keeps it from drooping over the door.
Exterior Features and Design
The Kelty Discovery 2 features a well-designed rainfly with guy lines for added stability. The rainfly offers great coverage on the sides. The orange straps on the rainfly and corresponding pocket aid in proper alignment. The overall design is sleek and functional.
The tent has a nice arc to the rainfly in the back, providing ample headroom even without staking it down. The rain fly extends slightly over the door for additional weather protection. The overall construction appears durable and weather resistant.
Interior Space and Features
The interior of the tent boasts plenty of mesh for ventilation and bug protection. This mesh covers most of the roof and sides. The inclusion of solid panels on the sides provides some privacy and insulation. The zippered door is simple but effective, and it includes a smaller mesh window for ventilation. Interior pockets offer convenient storage for smaller items.
The interior is surprisingly spacious, despite the overall compact design. Despite the mesh design, the tent retains heat well. The two zippers on each side of the door allow for easy access and various ventilation options.
Length Limitation and Overall Assessment
The biggest drawback is the tent's length. At 86 inches, it’s too short for someone nearly 6’2” to sleep comfortably. The reviewer's head and feet both touched the sides when laying down, even resulting in his head resting against the tent fabric which is not ideal in bad weather.
The rainfly's upward curve on the sides exacerbates this issue, providing insufficient coverage for the reviewer's head and feet in rainy conditions. Due to this significant limitation, the reviewer decided to return the tent and opt for a longer alternative, like the Nemo Aurora.
Conclusion: A Great Tent, But Not for Everyone
The Kelty Discovery 2 is a well-constructed, lightweight, and easy-to-set-up tent with many desirable features. Its freestanding design, ample ventilation, and clever design details are big positives. The price point is excellent for the quality offered. However, its shorter length significantly limits its suitability for taller individuals. Consider this tent if you're shorter and looking for a budget-friendly option with high quality, otherwise consider a longer alternative.
If length isn't a concern, the Kelty Discovery 2 is a top contender in its price range. The build quality and ease of setup are outstanding. For those seeking a tent that comfortably fits taller campers, however, alternative options with more length would be necessary.