Thanks so much for this review. After a very rainy car camping trip last week, I’ve been considering buying this. Your review answered many of my concerns.
So far not bad. I’ve experienced some leaks, which caused me to move some gear around while in a rainstorm. The poles are holding up so far, but has also been a concern every time I put it up. They held up in the rain and wind. I have a feeling if you let it sit out for extended periods of time the sun and weather may weaken the poles , but time will tell.
Great video! I use it on the back of my 4Runner. I am 5' tall & have no trouble putting it up. First time I used it, winds gusted to approx 50 km/hr & it held up just fine with good tent pegs & all the tie down points & guy lines attached. It's great for creating shade, as well as providing shelter from wind & rain. I plan to scotchguard it for additional protection.
Thank you! Better review of an actual user setting it up than the Kelty official video (IMO). I really like mine and, like you, it took me a few minutes to figure out best way to set up and attach it to my teardrop (as a changing room, potty room...whatever) You did a great job! (the dog was funny!)
I just got mine today. How did you secure the sides so you could use as a changing / potty room off the teardrop? That’s exactly what I bought mine for.
@@barbshubert9667 I have a square drop (Hiker Trailer)it has 2 doors, the one on the passenger side is under the regular 270 awning. I set up the Kelty shelter over the second door (driver side) and secured it with the straps and stakes that came with it. Works well. I use the zipper door on the shelter rather than either side to get in and out of it. Happy camping!
Thanks for the video! It was really helpful--I'm thinking the Backroads is more complex than I want and I should check out the Sideroads instead. Also, I loved your leg lamp and Temple U banner. 🙂
This is a pretty cool product, and we just bought one two days ago. The evening after buying this product, we found that one of the pols' elastic chord had been broken at one end and the segments of one of the longer poles would not stay together. So, after some work, we were able to tie a small nylon chord to both ends of the broken elastic chord. We contacted Kelty and got a huge argument from them about replacing the pole under warranty. They gave us zero options until I threatened to review them negatively on the internet. They then told me to destroy the shelter (cut it up and break the poles) and send pictures that we destroyed it, and they would send a new one. IT WAS JUST THE POLE! Why destroy the whole thing? After contacting a customer service (CS) manager, the CS rep offered to replace just the pole, but asked for a proof of purchase (which we had already sent them) along with pictures of the damage. Unfortunately, we didn't take pictures of the damage before we tried our own repair. Now, the damage is hidden in the pole segment and we would have had to break it to get to the damage to take a picture. So, we'll just wait for it to break again. Not sure I would purchase another Kelty product after this CS experience.
Wow that’s unfortunate! Especially from a pretty well known brand and they have been around for a while. Glad you DIY though! Would be interested to see when it does break. I was worried about the pole quality myself.
Watched your video 3 times. A lot of useful information. I do have questions: 1) how wide is it, frame wise, when set up? I'm considering for a tailgate cover on a cargo trailer that I use for a deck. The tailgate (ramp) is 6 feet wide. Would this fit over it? 2) what is the total length when set up? Thank you.
Unfortunately I did not take any measurements, but I did pull it out real quick and did my best! The top portion that covers the car along with the straps to the tires is 5'8". The very bottom that you see stretched out on the front panel with the door is 8'. I measure what I believe is the side panel to be 8'5". From the thumbnail I would imagine a total length of 8' plus with the side panels staked out on the ground. Might be just short to cover the cargo trailer ramp? Wish I could be more help. Next time I setup I will take measurements for sure.
@@Toomuchgearguy So it's plenty big enough to set up a camp kitchen and hang out but not big enough to skip putting up a dedicated camp potty. That's helpful, thank you... Edited to add: That's gonna be really nice....
Never clip the any hook onto a pole tile the pole is in its grommets or sleeves. And for the love of all things pickled, DO NOT walk on the tarp fabric!
Thanks so much for this review. After a very rainy car camping trip last week, I’ve been considering buying this. Your review answered many of my concerns.
Glad I could help! It’s always the small things that they don’t tell you about!
How is the shelter holding up for you? I have read reviews about poles splintering. Great video. Thanks!
So far not bad. I’ve experienced some leaks, which caused me to move some gear around while in a rainstorm. The poles are holding up so far, but has also been a concern every time I put it up. They held up in the rain and wind. I have a feeling if you let it sit out for extended periods of time the sun and weather may weaken the poles , but time will tell.
Great video!
I use it on the back of my 4Runner. I am 5' tall & have no trouble putting it up.
First time I used it, winds gusted to approx 50 km/hr & it held up just fine with good tent pegs & all the tie down points & guy lines attached. It's great for creating shade, as well as providing shelter from wind & rain.
I plan to scotchguard it for additional protection.
I like the scotchguard idea!
Thank you! Better review of an actual user setting it up than the Kelty official video (IMO). I really like mine and, like you, it took me a few minutes to figure out best way to set up and attach it to my teardrop (as a changing room, potty room...whatever) You did a great job! (the dog was funny!)
Oh a teardrop! That has to be an awesome setup! Thank you!
I just got mine today. How did you secure the sides so you could use as a changing / potty room off the teardrop? That’s exactly what I bought mine for.
@@barbshubert9667 I have a square drop (Hiker Trailer)it has 2 doors, the one on the passenger side is under the regular 270 awning. I set up the Kelty shelter over the second door (driver side) and secured it with the straps and stakes that came with it. Works well. I use the zipper door on the shelter rather than either side to get in and out of it. Happy camping!
Great review. Got mine today. Excited to try it out on the side entry of teardrop.
I have one and love it!!!
Thanks for the video! It was really helpful--I'm thinking the Backroads is more complex than I want and I should check out the Sideroads instead. Also, I loved your leg lamp and Temple U banner. 🙂
Yes the Sideroads looks like another good option. Not as much coverage, but a good choice for quick shelter. Ha the first to mention both! Thank you!
This is a pretty cool product, and we just bought one two days ago. The evening after buying this product, we found that one of the pols' elastic chord had been broken at one end and the segments of one of the longer poles would not stay together. So, after some work, we were able to tie a small nylon chord to both ends of the broken elastic chord. We contacted Kelty and got a huge argument from them about replacing the pole under warranty. They gave us zero options until I threatened to review them negatively on the internet. They then told me to destroy the shelter (cut it up and break the poles) and send pictures that we destroyed it, and they would send a new one. IT WAS JUST THE POLE! Why destroy the whole thing? After contacting a customer service (CS) manager, the CS rep offered to replace just the pole, but asked for a proof of purchase (which we had already sent them) along with pictures of the damage. Unfortunately, we didn't take pictures of the damage before we tried our own repair. Now, the damage is hidden in the pole segment and we would have had to break it to get to the damage to take a picture. So, we'll just wait for it to break again. Not sure I would purchase another Kelty product after this CS experience.
Wow that’s unfortunate! Especially from a pretty well known brand and they have been around for a while. Glad you DIY though! Would be interested to see when it does break. I was worried about the pole quality myself.
Yea, too bad....@@Toomuchgearguy
Thanks - really helpful review.
Thank you!
Watched your video 3 times. A lot of useful information. I do have questions: 1) how wide is it, frame wise, when set up? I'm considering for a tailgate cover on a cargo trailer that I use for a deck. The tailgate (ramp) is 6 feet wide. Would this fit over it? 2) what is the total length when set up? Thank you.
Unfortunately I did not take any measurements, but I did pull it out real quick and did my best! The top portion that covers the car along with the straps to the tires is 5'8". The very bottom that you see stretched out on the front panel with the door is 8'. I measure what I believe is the side panel to be 8'5". From the thumbnail I would imagine a total length of 8' plus with the side panels staked out on the ground. Might be just short to cover the cargo trailer ramp? Wish I could be more help. Next time I setup I will take measurements for sure.
@@Toomuchgearguy So it's plenty big enough to set up a camp kitchen and hang out but not big enough to skip putting up a dedicated camp potty. That's helpful, thank you...
Edited to add: That's gonna be really nice....
Never clip the any hook onto a pole tile the pole is in its grommets or sleeves.
And for the love of all things pickled, DO NOT walk on the tarp fabric!