Kelty Late Start Tent & Hitter Hike Camping Gear Review: A Comprehensive Look

This comprehensive review dives deep into the Kelty Late Start tent and a selection of complementary camping gear, offering a detailed look at their performance and practicality. We explore the ease of setup and durability of the Kelty Late Start, assessing its suitability for both novice and experienced campers. Beyond the tent, the review examines the Hitter Hike storage bag, evaluating its efficiency in packing and organization. Comfort is a key focus, with a thorough assessment of the Well X sleeping pad and Gelora Extreme Light 800 sleeping bag, considering their suitability for various body types and preferences.Furthermore, the review includes an evaluation of a Big Blue solar charger, highlighting its charging capabilities while noting its limitations. Additional essential camping equipment, such as a backpack, multi-tool, and cooking supplies, are also discussed, providing a holistic view of the entire camping setup. Ultimately, this review aims to provide readers with a well-rounded perspective on the reviewed products and their overall effectiveness in creating a comfortable and convenient camping experience.

Pros And Cons

Well X Sleeping Pad
  • Comfortable
  • Long enough for a 200+ lb person
  • Room to spare
Kelty Late Start Tent
  • Nice
  • Easy to assemble
  • Nice and low to the ground
  • Not very wide
Earth Pack 55 Liter Dry Pack
  • Holds a lot
  • Keeps gear dry
  • Included phone case may not be trustworthy
Big Blue 28 Watt Solar Charger
  • Charges great
  • Comes with clips to attach to gear
  • Water resistant
  • Has three charging ports
  • No built-in battery

Read more: 5 Best Family Camping Tents for Your Next Adventure

Kelty Late Start Tent Setup and First Impressions

The Kelty Late Start tent is surprisingly easy to assemble. Color-coded poles and clips make setup a breeze, even for a novice camper. The tent material feels durable and lightweight, and the zippers are high-quality. Initial impressions are very positive; it's clearly well-constructed.

The tent's design is sleek and low-profile, which is a plus. This keeps you off the ground enough for comfort but maintains a grounded feeling. The setup process was smooth and intuitive, a significant advantage for spontaneous camping trips.

Hitter Hike Camping Gear Bag and Tent Compatibility

The Hitter Hike bag is designed to compactly hold all the tent components. The reviewer points out that repacking the gear is the most challenging aspect. The bag is remarkably efficient and well-organized, keeping everything neatly in place.

The presenter demonstrating how easy it is to assemble the tent.
The presenter demonstrating how easy it is to assemble the tent.

Despite the tight fit in the Hitter Hike bag, everything fit snugly, suggesting the size is ideal for the Kelty Late Start tent and its accessories. The compact nature of this storage solution makes it an excellent choice for backpacking or car camping.

The Hitter Hike bag with the tent packed inside.
The Hitter Hike bag with the tent packed inside.

Sleeping Pad and Bag Review

The reviewer uses a Well X sleeping pad, praising its comfort and suitability for heavier individuals (he's over 200 lbs). It provides sufficient cushioning and support, significantly improving sleep quality while camping. The length is also adequate for taller users.

The Gelora Extreme Light 800 sleeping bag.
The Gelora Extreme Light 800 sleeping bag.

The Gelora Extreme Light 800 sleeping bag receives positive feedback for its lightweight design and comfort. The reviewer demonstrates the bag's spaciousness and ability to accommodate both him and his dog. The combination of pad and bag is highly rated for overall comfort.

Additional Gear and Accessories

A Big Blue 28-watt solar charger is highlighted, praised for its efficient charging capabilities but criticized for lacking a built-in battery. It features multiple charging ports, enabling simultaneous charging of various devices, making it convenient for long camping trips.

Various camping gear, including the Kelty Tioga backpack.
Various camping gear, including the Kelty Tioga backpack.

The reviewer showcases additional camping gear, including an Earth Pack 55-liter backpack, a multi-tool, a fire starter, and a portable stove. These items complement the Kelty tent and overall camping setup, suggesting a fully equipped camping experience. The emphasis is on durability and practicality.

Overall Conclusion and Recommendations

The Kelty Late Start tent offers excellent value for its price, combining ease of setup, durability, and comfort. The Hitter Hike bag is a practical addition, and the Well X sleeping pad and Gelora Extreme Light 800 sleeping bag provide a comfortable night's sleep.

Interior view of the Kelty Late Start tent showing spaciousness.
Interior view of the Kelty Late Start tent showing spaciousness.

The overall camping setup reviewed here is well-suited for both novice and experienced campers. The included gear offers functionality, convenience, and comfort, making it a strong recommendation for anyone planning a camping trip. However, individual preferences regarding specific gear brands might vary.

Final shot of the entire setup.
Final shot of the entire setup.