Packability
The TN2’s poles are separated into shorter, 14” sections (compared to the 16” sections many tents use), which means they can sit horizontally across most packs, which can be a plus when packing.
The tent also comes in a handy sack that packs it into a more wide-and-flat orientation than the traditional cylinder most tents pack into. This makes it easier to stuff the whole thing into your backpack without having to separate the individual parts. Of course, if you’re being smart and splitting the load, this isn’t a big deal. But for solo trips, or for those attempting to display some chivalry, it’s very convenient.
Durability
Other than the aforementioned zipper snag, I haven’t had any real durability issues with the TN2. I’ve camped in some pretty foolish spots in order to gain a sunrise view of the mountains, which means that the TN2 has suffered through a lot more wind than it reasonably should have. So far, I haven’t had any issues with it collapsing—even in high winds—and none of the fabric has torn.
I’ve also had a rocky camp or two where I neglected to bring a footprint, but the TN2’s floor has shrugged off the abuse so far. I’ll report back at the end of the summer if any issues do arise.
Weight, Price, and Comparisons
At $250 and a stated 4.25 lbs, the TN2 sits on the slightly cheaper and heavier end of the spectrum. The first obvious competitor would be the REI Half Dome 2, a tent I’ve spent a few nights in. At 4.56 lbs, and $200, the Half Dome is just a little cheaper and heavier than the TN2, although it does have a little more floor space. I found the TN2 to be just a little easier to set up, and I like the features and shorter poles of the TN2 enough that I’d opt for the TN2 — though it’s still a close decision, and they both fill a very similar niche.
The Kelty TN2 is also similar to the NEMO Galaxi 2 ($250), but the NEMO is bigger (90×54) and heavier (4.9 lbs). So this decision comes down to your personal uses: Are you a taller person who needs the extra sleeping room? Go for the NEMO, the extra weight won’t kill you. For shorter people, though, I don’t see a super compelling reason to abandon the Kelty.
Who’s It For?
If you’re planning your through-hike of the PCT, you hopefully already realize that this isn’t the tent for you. Go with something smaller, lighter, and more expensive. On that sort of trip, comfort on the trail trumps comfort at the camp.
And if you never plan on camping more than 20 feet from your car, go get whatever mega-palace Wal Mart has on sale right now. It will be cheaper and more spacious.
But if you need a comfortable, versatile tent that (a) won’t kill your back when the miles stretch to double-digits, (b) won’t hurt your wallet, and (c) isn’t so small that you’ll want to kill your tentmate when you end up hunkered down in a rainstorm, the TN2 fits the bill.
Bottom Line
The Kelty TN2 is an affordable tent with some clever features that make it both comfortable and easy to use. Its shorter poles make it very packable, and the convertible fly makes for some great views — just make sure to stake it down if it’s going to be windy.