Kelty Trail Ridge 2

Field Notes: Kelty’s tent is one of the roomiest “2-person backpacking tents” we’ve tested. After pitching this tent in a few different scenarios, testers recommend it as a first backpacking tent or a comfortable car camping tent.  

Pros: This thing is mammoth. Enormous. Room for three people, easy. Assembly was fairly simple, though testers struggled to secure and tighten the fly using Kelty’s unique ball-and-hook synch system. Aside from the corners of the fly, the Kelty pole snap system is secure and easy to use right out of the box—no directions required.

The Trail Ridge performed well in high winds, surprising given the luxurious height of the tent. 

For campers who go nuts for organization, this Kelty tent had more interior organizing space (ranging from included pockets to detachable gear lofts) than any of its competitors.

Cons: Did we mention that this tent is mammoth? It’s honestly too big to backpack, unless you’re splitting up gear (one person takes poles and stakes, one person takes tent and fly, etc.). As such, upgrade to the REI Quarter Dome 2 if you can spare the money. Dropping three pounds sounds optional if you’re a first time backpacker.  But once you get on the trail, every ounce counts. 

Favorite Feature: Space and organization were on the lips of all our testers when trying out Kelty’s Trail Ridge 2. From the almost 8-foot length of the tent to the dual 10sq.ft. vestibules, the Trail Ridge’s roominess was unparalleled. 

Tester Quote: “Sleeping in this tent, especially after spending a couple nights in the smaller backpacking tents like the Foray, or even the relatively spacious Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2, was beyond luxurious. Of course, since Kelty’s Trail Ridge is twice the weight and double the packed size of these smaller tents. But if you car camp and occasionally go on weekend overnights, this is a good choice (not to mention the cheapest tent tested). 

Bottom Line: Not our first choice for backpacking, this 6lb 3oz tent is a sturdy car camping tent that fits the needs of big and tall backpackers, car campers and those on a budget