Kelty Late Start Tent
Best lightweight shelter for backpackers seeking quick and easy setup.
Designed for those who value speed and simplicity, this shelter eliminates the frustration of complicated pitching. Its intuitive corner system and pre-bent poles create a spacious, reliable refuge that sets up in seconds, even in the dark.
$159.95
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Who it's for
- Solo campers arriving at the site after the sun goes down
- Backpackers who prioritize livable interior headroom and vertical space
- Budget-conscious adventurers seeking a long-lasting and dependable shelter
Who should skip it
- Pairs who prefer independent access and dedicated gear storage areas
- Ounce-counting hikers focused on minimizing their total pack weight
- Campers frequently staying in warm, damp, or high-humidity climates
Performance breakdown
Setup Speed
Quick Corner technology makes pitching this shelter remarkably fast and intuitive.
Interior Volume
Pre-bent pole architecture creates surprisingly generous headroom for a two-person tent.
Weather Protection
Full-coverage rainfly provides reliable shelter during unexpected storms and heavy winds.
Portability
Lightweight aluminum poles keep the pack weight manageable for weekend backpacking trips.
Packing Efficiency
The Shark Mouth carry bag eliminates the struggle of stuffing tents away.
Living Space
Floor area is adequate for two, though tight for gear-heavy campers.
Key Specs
Floor Area
19.7 square feet
Floor Fabric
68D Polyester
Footprint Included
Yes
Minimum Trail Weight
3.56 lbs
Number of Doors
1
Number of Poles
2
Packed Dimensions
16.5 x 14.5 x 6.5 inches
Pole Material
Aluminum
Seasons
3 Season
Sleep Capacity
2 people
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