Review:
Kelty Outdoor gear
Since 1952, Kelty has built affordable, reliable outdoor gear that enables everyone, from the first-time camper to the experienced mountaineer, to embrace any experience with confidence. While most people are familiar with the name, they may not be aware of the thought that goes into making a name that endures. Part of this is continuing to come up with new products to fit the ever changing lifestyles. inspire. They are known for their gloves but also carry baselayers and hats.
Little Dipper 40 Junior Girls Sleeping Bag
When looking for a sleeping bag for a two year old granddaughter, we were steered towards the Little Dipper. As soon as she saw this kid-friendly sleeping bag with a quilted liner and pillow pocket, she fell in love with it and did not want to wait until she was going camping, but used it every night! We found out quickly that it is perfect for sleep overs as well as outdoors. This two-season, synthetic bag includes a pillow pocket, and integrated storage compression sack for easy transport.
We love the two-way, locking blanket zipper with the zipper draft tube with anti-snag design. It has sleeping pad security loops for the little wiggler. It can be fully unzipped and opened flat for use as a blanket. With the extra insulation centered over the chest, a pillow pocket, and a drawcord replaced by elastic for child safety, Kelty has incorporated function with fun and style. It even includes an integrated compression storage sack so you never lose it. This bag weighs just a little over 2 pounds, will fit a girl up to 4’4” and since it is a polyester bag, is easy to maintain.
Kelty continues to improve their products that impress us. New for 2010, this top-of-the-line trail-based carrier has a unique five-point, adjustable child's harness for your child and auto-deploy kickstand. With a unique moulded back panel, and numerous convenient extras such as Kelty's Sun Hood and changing pad, this deluxe carrier exceeds all expectations.
Not only is there under-seat storage, a padded adjustable-height child's seat, toy loops, carry/lift handles, a removable, washable cockpit pad, an organizer pocket, waist belt storage pockets, but also a great fit. It has a sliding waistbelt torso-length adjustment, a laminated, padded and contoured waistbelt, laminated curved, padded shoulder straps, laminated, padded backpanel, load-lifter straps. sternum strap, and the Scherer Cinch waistbelt system (US Patent 5,465,886).
All this is on a lightweight aluminum frame, with a 50-pound weight limit. Put this all together with a carrier that looks great and we feel anyone would love to use this.
We were pleased to test the backpacker pads from Kelty and were not disappointed. The regular size is rectangular with a length of 72" and a width of 20". It is made from die-cut foam for warmth and support, self-inflating, easily stores in stuff sack with a repair kit included. It is a full 1" high and only weighs 1lb. 8oz.
We tell our readers that a good night's sleep is very important for backpacking. We feel you should pick your pad that may weigh a little more, but accomplishes great sleep. This pad has all the features of the regular backpacker pad, but with women in mind. The length is 66˝, width: 20˝, with more padding at a height of 1.5˝. The weight is only 1 lb. 10 oz.
Although we have used Kelty products for years, we had no idea how enjoyable a fabulous base camp tent can be. This one is so innovative, be sure to have the directions on setting it up with you the first time. This tent has a "halo" tent pole to go around the top of the tent so the side-walls are almost vertical. How nice when you either have a large family, or a camping with a tall, large man!
The tent body is freestanding with a color-coded clip-sleeve construction. It has taped floor seams, adjustable stakeouts, mesh panels, internal storage pockets, lantern and gear-loft loops. We loved the back porch storage for our dirty boots.
The fly is more than a fly. In good weather, you can open up both the mesh and the sides. If bugs are a bother, it becomes a screened porch and in inclement weather, it can be fully closed down for extra room. How nice to be able to cook in all kind of weather! We do caution you about how to cook in any enclosed area. The dual entry vestibule gives stability to the fly. It even has cup holders, taped seams, and noiseless zipper pulls.
This great three season tent sleeps 6 and is 80" high. It comes with an easy to pack bag. The packaged weight is 21 lb. 14 oz and packs to 28" by 30". After using it, we no longer think of tent camping as roughing it!
...Fiftysense Product Review Panel