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The Kelty Gunnison 2 series out-performs its price level and as proven in this actual high altitude test, it can be pressed into mountaineering service when needed. Its 92″x58″ floor area and 40″ height provides its users with 37 sq ft (+10 sq ft vestibule) of living area (specs subject to change of course). I prefer rectangular floor plans for their roominess and simplicity and Gunnisons have it. This gives excellent livability for one dude or dudette plus dog; two adults will find it a tight fit. Factory weight is listed around 5 lbs 9 oz but my upgraded Kely Gunnison 2 weighs in at actual pack weight of 6 lbs 11 oz. These upgrades include a cut and fitted footprint (from plastic blue tarp) and 8 MSR GroundHog tent stakes (superior to the stock aluminum ones). Expect fast pitching due to color-coded tent fly and clip pole attachments. Some sagginess in the sidewalls may be noted in the design, a characteristic of two-pole designs. The polyester rain fly is excellent, providing double vestibules on each of the zippered, mesh entry doors. The crisscrossing DAC aluminum two pole design is common and some noodly-ness should be expected but most will find it adequately strong. But when properly guyed out, extra rigidity is achieved and the tent Gunnison will ride out moderate winds well (angled rain fly sheds wind well too). Velcro pole attachments for fly-to-poles are provided. Poles are DAC 7000 series aluminum. Mesh integration is excellent (as shown) and achieves good …
Video Rating: 4 / 5

When the hike is steep and long, experienced hikers will look to shave weight. A key target: your choice of shelter. Some will go minimalist with just a tarp or rain fly but I always prefer the tent for its comfort, bug, snake resistence, and total wind and weather proofness. So for these hikes a very light tent is in order. All manufacturers lowball their tent weights; I find them to be about 1 lb underrated. Therefore a quality 2-person tent often weighs about 6.5 lbs. The REI Quarterdome T2 Plus (extended version of the regular Quarterdome) breaks those ranks with a 5 lb tent (about 5 lbs 5 oz after stake, footprint, guyline upgrades that I do). For a tent providing 35 square feet of livability and 15 square feet of vesitbule storage area, that is an achievement (the T3 Plus will have 47+15 sq ft but is heavier). The Quarterdome T2 Plus packs small and carries easily in its compression strap equipped olive drab stuff sack. The 94″x54″ living area is size efficient (rectangular is my favorite) but may lack the ultimate room that heavier tents provide, especially noted in the width dimension. This floor plan pitches more easily in confined areas. The ventilation of the Quarterdome T2 Plus (and all Quarterdome tents) is outstanding and the 100% clip pole attachments help here. There is excellent mesh integration along with impressive and functional fly vents with stable velcro “standoffs” which are adjustable and keep them open. Zipper quality, overall stitiching, stress …
Video Rating: 4 / 5