Kelty TN2, TN3 & TN4 Tents Discussions | Drop

Apr 11, 2017

So, who knows the "real" dimensions of these tents as the listed dimensions are clearly wrong (and as others have noted misleading). Are they measuring with stakes? (I wouldn't be surprised).
Unless I really suck at math (and I may) the quoted dimensions of 85"x70" = 42 sqft. The specs however say 39.2 sqft.
Size is important to me (I see you sniggering!) and I'd like to know the real dimensions before purchasing. Thanks!

Apr 12, 2017

SantiagoDracoI have the TN2. The only way your calculation would be correct is if the floor were rectangular. It is not.

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Apr 12, 2017

SantiagoDracoOK, I got the math here now: You must be looking at the TN3. It's a trapezoid, wider at the head end than the feet end. So you have rectangle based on wide end: 84" x 70", /12, /12 = 40.833. Based on narrow end: 84" x 64", /12, /12 = 37.33. Linear change in one dimension only, so average: 40.833 + 37.333 = 78.166, /2 = 39.083. Pretty close. That's not the simplest way to calc a trapezoid, but perhaps a bit more intuitive

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Apr 12, 2017

rmzalbarAh, thanks rmzalbar. I had been operating on the assumption that the tent is a perfect rectangle... sure looks that way from the pictures ;)

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Apr 12, 2017

SantiagoDracoI really like my TN2. The materials and construction appear to be of high quality, and I've had it out several times. I felt it was roomy enough for myself and my girlfriend. However, it's the first backpacking-class tent I've owned, so I can't give a comparative review. I have heard of two issues with these tents. Some people have had the window delaminate from the fly, and had the tent repaired by Kelty; possibly a manufacturing defect that affected a particular run of tents; mine is very firmly attached. On the design side, I've seen reports that a flat triangle can be formed at the top of the tent in the center of where the three poles cross, which can support a puddle of water. I've only had the tent in light rain, so I have no personal experience with this.

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Apr 13, 2017

rmzalbarI saw that as well (re the rain issue).
I'm trying to decide if I want to go with the TN3 or TN2. I have two dogs, 50 and 55lb, and I plan on them sleeping in the tent with me on outings for a while until I can get them experienced enough to be outdoors (or might just always use a tent. So...my concern is the size of the 2 vs 3. I'm thinking that with the narrower end the 2 might not be roomy enough. I'd like to avoid the extra weight of the 3 but might not have a choice.... any thoughts on roominess on the 2? I'll be using an Exped DL7 (72x26.5) mat along with the two dogs.
Thanks!

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Apr 14, 2017

SantiagoDracoI found it comfortable enough with my girlfriend, and I think two dogs would be OK but they'd have to sleep tandem. Ultimately I feel like I'd want a 3-man tent if I had two dogs, just because three creatures are going to want a bit of wiggle. Plus you could give them dog packs to compensate for the extra ounces of weight. One thing that's not obvious is that it's not quite as long as you might like. I'm 6' and the foot of my bag basically has to touch the end. That's not necessarily a problem, due to the all mesh inner wall, but something to know beforehand. The walls at both ends are pitched steeply upward so it still feels roomy despite this. The TN2 is 6'11" but the TN3 is only an inch longer than that.

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Apr 14, 2017

rmzalbarMy thinking exactly. I am going to keep my TN3 order. As for packs I have two Ruffwear Palisades packs and the dogs will definitely be contributing to the load ;) I'm only 5'8" so length won't be a problem. Thanks for chiming in!

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Elsid

697

Aug 8, 2017

SantiagoDracoHi, I've read a lot of reviews on these tents, and many people say that they purchased the 3 for 2 people, and many say they wished they had purchased the 3. From what I've read, people say the 3 is just right. Does anyone know how this tent does with codensation? Does anyone have any suggestions on water systems? Thanks. Ps. In the military, we had the one man canvas tents, and we would dig a trench and an out with a downward slope for rain management. Awe, the good ole days with heavy canvas and wood.

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