Last week we reviewed the Kelty Gunnison 2.1 tent. This versatile back woods shelter works equally well at a full-service campground as it does on a lightweight backpacking excursion. We're hooking-up one lucky Gadling reader with a Gunnison 2.1 of their own. That's right, it's time for a tent upgrade.
The Gunnison 2.1 is a two-person shelter that sets up quickly, and keeps occupants dry in heavy downpours. With camping season in full swing, there's no better time to win some new outdoor digs.
HOW TO WIN:
- To enter, simply leave a comment below telling us your favorite camping spot.
- The comment must be left before Friday September 3, 2010 at 5pm Eastern time.
- You may enter only once.
- One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
- The winner will receive one free Kelty Gunnison 2.1 tent.
- Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
- The tent is valued at $189.95
- Click here for complete Official Rules.
Dryness factor
We put the Gunnison up in dry conditions, but the weather soon went south. A thunderstorm rolled in and produced heavy rains and lightning, the perfect testing environment. Everything stayed dry inside the tent during the storm, including items we stored outside under the fly (in the vestibule areas). This was mostly due to the rain fly's seams, which are taped, creating impenetrable corners and edges on the fabric. In serious wind and rain it's best to use the guy lines provided to stake out any loose sections of the rain fly.
Versatility
DAC featherlite poles are some of the lightest and easiest to install in the tent universe. The weight of these poles, along with the polyester walls, make for a tent light enough to carry on a backpacking excursion, where ounces count. The Gunnison weighs just under six pounds when packed, and can easily be split up among two trekkers, dividing the load.
The two vestibules are not particularly large, but sizable enough to accommodate a backpack and boots on each side. The interior of the tent will sleep two six-footers snugly, but doesn't leave much room for storing gear inside. This is where the gear hammock (seen at right) comes in handy. Headlamps, eyeglasses, and maps can be safely tucked away by hanging them in this lightweight attic.
Price point
The Kelty Gunnison 2.1 comes in at $190 and can be found at Kelty, REI, Altrec, and most major outdoor retailers. The main competition for the Gunnison is the REI Half Dome 2. The Half Dome 2 has a similar features listing, but at $199, costs slightly more.
The Gunnison makes for a great go-to tent for multi-sport outdoor enthusiasts. Performing equally well in the campground as it does in the back country, this tent can easily make the gear list of virtually any adventure trip.
For the true tent geek, we've listed the specs below.
Seasons: 3
Number of doors: 2
Number of vestibules: 2
Capacity: 2
Minimum weight: 4 lb. 14 oz. / 2.21 kg
Packaged weight: 5 lb. 9 oz. / 2.52 kg
Floor area: 37 ft2 / 3 m2
Vestibule area: 10.2 ft2 + 10.2 ft2 / 0.9 m2 + 0.9 m2
Dimensions:
Length: 92" / 234 cm
Width: 58" / 147 cm
Height: 40" / 102 cm
Packed diameter: 7" / 18 cm
Packed Length: 25" / 64 cm