Description of Kelty Crestone Tent 1-Person 3-Season:
The minimalist Kelty Crestone 1, configured with a vestibule to take maximum advantage of available living space, is an ideal tent for backpacking and other 3-season pursuits where weight is a primary concern. Individual clips secure two aluminum Featherlite poles quickly and easily for set up. The mesh ceiling is great for star-gazing and Kelty vented both the tent and fly to increase air circulation and prevent condensation. Other features include taped seams, internal storage pockets, an easy buckle tent/fly connection, and noiseless zipper pulls. Solo camping has never been easier.
Bottom Line: The Kelty Crestone 1 is an ideal light and fast solo backpacking tent.
When I was working at BPS we sld a lot of these tents because of the price but we also sent a lot back bc people were not happy with them. Just remember a good price does not outweigh the quality of the tent
For 1 person hoop style tents you can't find a better value for the money. Are there better solo tents out there? Sure, if you want to pay the extra $100-$200.
Bottom line is that it is comparable to the more expensive brands in weight(especially for a full rain fly model), has a bigger than average vestibule, sets up in less than 5 minutes (first time), and is sturdy in 30-40 mph winds. The only drawback is the square footage. The Crestone checks in at 19.12 sq-ft. Most other tents in this class are around 20 sq-ft. I'm 6'-1" and didn't find it to be a problem though.
I actually have the Kelty Clark model, which I'm pretty sure is the predecessor to the Crestone. This is my 7th season using this tent in both the southern Appalachians and the northern Rockies, and it has performed very well: easy/fast to pitch, sturdy construction, compact & lightweight for a double-wall tent, reliably waterproof, withstands high winds & snow weight, warm but well ventilated/minimal condensation. Enough room lengthwise(I'm 5'5")and widthwise (for 1 person + dog or gear). Height is debatable--I find it fine for sleeping, but being a little claustrophobic, I do not like to spend much conscious/non-sleeping time in it, and I change clothes inside it--possible but cramped--only if it's raining or very cold outside. One small complaint is no see-through window to outside (although this may not be true for Crestone?)--I'm thinking of sewing in my own. For the price (& it comes factory seam-sealed!) and weight, this has been a quality solo tent that has always provided warm, dry shelter.
