When camping, an important factor in choosing a tent is convenience and accessibility, in addition to reliability and strength. If you’re looking for a well-built tent for short camping trips in mild weather, the Kelty Acadia 2 is a great option. The Acadia 2 has two doors and two vestibules, one for each expected camper, which makes entering and exiting a breeze. This freestanding tent is quick and simple to setup, and the taped seams provide a waterproof exterior. This tent is spacious and provides internal storage, as well as the vestibules for external storage. The Acadia 2 is a 3-season tent and provides maximum ventilation and breathability. This tent is priced relatively low, at $119.95 from the manufacturer. The Kelty Acadia 2-person tent is an excellent choice for the casual camper looking for an easy, convenient shelter for their enjoyment.
What to Look For
Size and Weight
If you are car camping, the size and weight of the tent does not matter, as you will not be carrying it on your back. However, for backpacking, you want to choose a tent that is as light as possible, without sacrificing quality and durability. For car camping, you still should keep in mind that a tent marketed as “two person” tends to have very little elbow room when filled to capacity. It is generally a good idea to purchase a tent that has a capacity two people higher than what you are looking for.
Seasonality
There are three main types of tent seasonalities; 3-season, extended 3-season, and 4-season. 3-season tents are most popular, as they are lightweight, and designed for relatively temperate conditions. Their main purpose is to keep you dry, shield you from insects, and provide privacy. Extended 3-season tents are designed to be suitable for summer use in addition to early spring and late fall, where you might have to withstand some inclement weather. 4-season tents are true to their name in being engineered to withstand heavy snow, high winds, and colder temperatures. These tents can be used in any season, but are specially designed to shield you in more extreme weather.
Tent Materials
It is important to keep in mind when shopping for a tent that fabric canopies with higher-denier materials are more rugged than those with lower-denier materials. In addition, higher-denier floors are more durable and more successful in preventing leakage.
Ventilation
In many tents, mesh panels are used to provide a view and ventilate the tent to manage condensation. This is ideal for hot, humid climates. However, it holds in less warmth, so mesh panels are not as good for colder climates.
Overview and Features
The Kelty Acadia 2-person tent is constructed of 68-denier polyester, which is relatively high for a tent, making it sturdier. The floor is taped at the seams and is 75-denier polyester. The Acadia 2 does not come with a footprint, so despite its sturdy material, the user would do well to buy a footprint to protect the floor. The Acadia has mesh panels for ventilation and breathability, as well as providing the camper the ability to view their surroundings. The fly is 75-denier polyester with taped seams that help to keep water out. It creates two vestibule areas for extra gear storage. The fly is reliably waterproof and is able to withstand rain and wind. The setup is super easy, as the tent is equipped with clip construction, and it can be set up quickly and efficiently, leaving more time for other activities around the camp.
Pros
- The mesh panels provide excellent ventilation, so it is a good tent for hot, humid weather.
- Setup is fast and easy due to the fact that this tent only has three fiberglass poles.
- Two large doors that zip three-quarters of the way provide accessibility.
- The taped seams of the tent and the fly provide reliable waterproofing.
- The interior has numerous storage pockets to help keep your gear confined and organized.
- The fly creates two vestibule areas for extra gear storage.
Cons
- The Acadia 2 has a packaged weight of 7lb, 8oz and a minimum weight of 6lb, 9oz. This is rather heavy for the size of tent that it is, and it would only be good for car camping, as it would add too much weight for a backpacker.
- Though marketed as a two-person tent, it is rather small for two people and would be better for a single occupant.
- This is a 3-season tent, and the mesh panels do not keep heat in, so this tent is not suited for colder temperatures.
- This tent does not come with a footprint, and due to the lower-denier material, a footprint should be purchased additionally.
Specifications
Kelty Acadia 2 Tent | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Recommended use | 3-season camping | Vestibule Area | 13+10 sq ft/1.2 + .93 sq m |
Occupancy | 2 person | Doors | 2 |
Seasons | 3 | Pole type | Wrapped fiberglass |
Packed diameter | 7 in / 17.78 cm | Number of poles | 3 |
Packed length | 24 in / 60.96 cm | Freestanding | Yes |
Minimum weight | 6lb 9oz / 2.98kg | Clips or Sleeves | Clips |
Packed weight | 7lb 8oz / 3.4kg | Interior storage | Internal Storage Pockets |
Floor area | 32 sq ft / 2.9 sq m | Wall material | 68D Polyester |
Length | 88 in / 224 cm | Floor material | 75D Polyester, 1800 mm |
Width | 52 in / 132 cm | Fly material | 75D Polyester, 1800 mm |
Height | 43 in / 109 cm | Seam sealed | Taped Seams |
Overall, the Kelty Acadia 2-person tent is an excellent 3-season tent for car campers in the warmer months. It has excellent ventilation and is waterproof, though it is not for camping in rugged conditions. The tent is spacious for a single occupant but would be cramped for two campers and their gear. It is accessible and convenient, as getting in and out is easy, as is setup. This tent is not well suited for backpacking or canoe camping, as it is on the heavier side. It would be an excellent choice for a weekend camper with a lower budget, as it is on the cheaper side for a tent of this size and quality. However, it would not be a good tent for a backpacker or for a longer trip, as it is not very durable. It is ideal for a single camper, while any more occupants might make it uncomfortable. This tent is a great choice for the casual, single camper who is looking for a convenient and accessible tent within a lower price range.
Have you decided to buy Kelty Acadia 2?