Kelty Screenhouse - 2009 BCS

We purchased the 2008 version. This review is based on that model. It looks like the pole system is different in the newer model and hopefully more improved.

We bought this tent to use in the Green Mountains of Vermont in July. We set it over a picnic table and used citronella candles to keep the bugs out. Worked great. It also kept the rain out numerous times but you have to make sure the storm flaps are down. I don't know if it's waterproof or water resistant but a little nikwax will always help with that. It seems to be fairly sturdy and stays put in gusty wind but I haven't given it the acid test in Colorado yet. It works really well with 4 people, 6 would be a stretch so I would get the large size for more than 4 people.

The main problem I have is with the pole system. The poles when put together are very long and don't hold together well. The cord system within the poles are way to loose. Don't put the poles together first as the directions suggest. Instead, put them together as you feed the poles through the tent. DO NOT PULL THEM. They will come apart, especially during breakdown. I always assemble new tents a few times before I actually use them. It took me longer to break it down than it did to put it up because I attemped to pull them out. If two people put it together it goes much quicker. Just make sure to push and not pull. If the poles come apart inside the tent it takes forever to get them out.

The only other complaint is with the storm flaps located by the zippers on the doors. If the wind is blowing, the flaps are only secured by small velcro strips that don't hold when its windy.

I would still recommend this tent. Kelty makes a fine product. It just needs a few improvements that were hopefully made with the newer model.