There may have been more advanced tents released in 2014, but few are as versatile as Kelty’s TN2. The TN2 speaks to those who vary their approach to the outdoors from car camping to backpacking, who do a little bit of everything and would classify themselves as neither casual nor extreme.
The TN2 provides a large sleeping and living area at 28.8 square feet of space and 3.5 feet tall; space is definitely worth the trouble when car camping (when it’s not much trouble at all). With its rectangular shape, mesh walls, and stargazing fly (which extends into an entry awning), the tent delivers the homey qualities you want in a casual car-side shelter.
Though a larger tent typically doesn’t translate well into the backpacking world, several design features allow this bigger tent to travel small. When packed up, short poles allow the TN2 to stuff down into a flat, 11 x 14-inch rectangular “tent cube” that fits nicely into the average backpack. At 4 pounds and 9 ounces, it won’t break the back, either. It’s a little bigger and heavier than most proper backpacking tents, but it is still modest enough to fit into small camping areas you might encounter in the backcountry.
It’s this double duty that earns the TN2 its stripes. Perhaps you would not choose it if you exclusively identify as a car camper or a backpacker. But those who find themselves in between will enjoy the way this tent delivers the best of both worlds for one reasonable price.