Kelty Late Start Backpacking Tent Lightweight Two Man - Fast Setup

In this review the Kelty Late Start backpacking tent stands out as a practical shelter for campers who value speed and simple setup above all else. Designed for quickcamp evenings and weekend backcountry runs, its single biggest selling point is how fast it goes from bag to livable shelter thanks to Kelty Quickcorner pole sleeves and color coded attachment points; the company claims a 1 person 3 minute setup time and customer feedback consistently praises the ease of setup. The tent balances roomy interior space with durable 68D polyester fabrics and a full coverage waterproof flysheet that keeps gear dry in poor weather.

Key Features

• Quickcorner setup: Color coded buckle points and pre-bent poles reduce fumbling so one person can pitch it in minutes even in fading light.
• Waterproof poly fly: Full coverage 68D polyester flysheet rated 1200 mm with DWR/PFC Free coatings sheds rain while minimizing environmental impact.
• Durable floor and canopy: 68D polyester bathtub floor and canopy provide abrasion resistance and reliable protection for repeated backcountry use.
• Roomy interior: Updated for 2024 with taller peak heights in larger models and a single door design that maximizes usable space for two people or gear.
• Packable and lightweight: Featherlight stakes and a two pole setup keep the packed weight low for backpacking and easy transport.
• Gear storage: One vestibule and inner gear pockets organize boots and small items so the sleeping area stays clear.

Who It's For

The Kelty Late Start is ideal for solo adventurers who want the fastest possible pitch and for two-person teams who camp at established campgrounds or on well-marked trails where a lightweight, quick tent matters. Hikers who swap campsites frequently will appreciate the quick setup and packability, while weekend car campers will like how little time pitching the tent takes.

Those who need an ultralight, three-season mountaineering shelter or a multi-door, multi-vestibule expedition tent should look elsewhere; the Late Start is designed as a practical, durable everyday shelter rather than a high-end, technical alpine tent.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very fast single-person setup thanks to Quickcorner sleeves and color coded attachments.
• Sturdy 68D polyester fabrics and reliable waterproof fly for wet conditions.
• Spacious interior for its weight class with useful gear pockets and a vestibule.
• Environmentally conscious DWR/PFC Free coatings used on fabrics.

Cons

• Single door design may be less convenient for two occupants than dual-door tents.
• Not intended as a technical alpine shelter for extreme conditions.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Kelty Late Start is a smart choice for campers who want fast, no-friction shelter that still performs in rain and routine backcountry use. Its combination of quick setup, durable 68D fabrics, and sensible storage makes it excellent value for weekend hikers and two-person teams who prioritize time saved at camp over technical features.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to set up?
Kelty advertises a 1 person 3 minute setup and customers report consistent fast pitches using the Quickcorner sleeves and color coded buckles.

Is the tent waterproof?
Yes, the tent uses a full coverage waterproof poly flysheet in 68D polyester rated 1200 mm and includes a bathtub floor to keep water out.

Can two adults sleep comfortably?
Yes, the 2P model offers 30 sq. ft. of floor area and a 43 in peak height, which customers say is roomy enough for two adults and gear.