The Kelty Salida 2 is a backpacking tent designed to accommodate two people and is suitable for use in three seasons. Compared to other lightweight backpacking tents, it performs exceptionally well. The Backpacker gear testers have extensively tested the weatherproof protection of this tent. The tent provides ample internal space of around 30.5 square feet and vestibules of 10 square feet, which is sufficient for two people.
The Kelty Salida 2 is designed with a color-coded clip construction, making it easy to set up and move around. It is also freestanding, which makes it more comfortable for campers. The tent has two DAC pressfit aluminum poles, which make it strong and durable enough to withstand rough weather conditions and wind. Moreover, the tent\’s webbing or side release buckles allow for adjusting the rainfly of the tent, so campers don\’t have to worry about it sagging when wet. The tent features a single door with noiseless zipper pulls and multiple guyout points.
The Backpacker Editor’s Choice Award notes that tent prices tend to seesaw between weight and cost, but this is not the case with the Kelty Salida 2. Its price is around $160, and it weighs only about 1.7 kilograms without the rainfly. The tent is fast and easy to set up, thanks to its colored clip construction. Campers will appreciate the meshed wall, which provides four-side cross-ventilation and offers an excellent view of the stars and moon at night. Additionally, the tent is well-ventilated while keeping rainwater outside.
The Kelty Salida 2 comes with stuff sacks, guyline/tighteners, and stakes. Two stakes are enough to hold out the fly if it\’s not too windy. However, the tent is sturdy due to its use of two aluminum poles. The tent is also effortless to take down, and everything can be conveniently fitted into the storage sack. The tent has internal pockets that provide space for small items such as a wallet, flashlight, or snacks without wasting valuable room space. This tent is versatile enough to be used in various weather conditions without causing discomfort to campers.
However, a drawback of this tent is that perhaps the room area is not enough for two adults. Rainfly design looks may be good but not perfect because if the wind blows in the opposite direction, rain may enter from the back. Also, since it has only one door, you may be disturbed if your tent mate needs to get out.