← All Tents

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent

Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4

Big Agnes

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4

★ 8.1 Backpacking
Sleeps 3 Seasons 3-season Weight 8.25 lbs Est. Price $400

Best for: Spacious, budget-friendly car or backcountry camping.

Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent

Kelty

Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent

★ 8.1 Dome
Sleeps 2 Seasons 3-season Weight 5 lbs 7 oz Est. Price $160

Best for: Budget-friendly backpacking and weekend camping trips.

Our Take

Worth flagging before you compare: the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 is a backpacking and the Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent is a dome, so these two sit in different shelter categories.

The Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 sleeps 3 versus 2 for the Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent — if headcount matters, that's the deciding factor before you even look at scores.

Floor space is also wider — 60 sq ft versus 46 sq ft for the Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent.

It also has vestibule storage for muddy boots and wet gear.

The Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 and the Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent are remarkably well-matched, both scoring 8.1 overall.

The biggest gap is space and comfort, where the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 holds a clear advantage.

The Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent also has a price edge — $240 less at $159 versus $399.

Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.

Still deciding between these two?

Ask our AI for a personalised recommendation based on your camping style, group size, and budget.

Score Comparison

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4
Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent
Overall Score
8.1
8.1
Space & Comfort
9.0
7.0
Quality & Durability
8.0
8.0
Weather Resistance
8.0
7.0
Value for Money
7.0
9.0
Ease of Use
7.5
8.0
Intangibles
8.0
8.0

Pros & Cons

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4

  • Huge 60 square foot floor
  • Easy pitch with TipLok buckles
  • Dual doors and twin vestibules
  • Too heavy for solo backpacking
  • Ventilation struggles with interior condensation

Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent

  • Fast Quick Corner setup
  • Durable aluminum poles
  • Waterproof tub floor
  • Heavier trail weight
  • Single door access

Full Specs

SpecBig Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent
Tent Type Backpacking, Dome Dome, Backpacking
Capacity 3 people 2 people
Seasons 3 Season 3 Season
Est. Price $400 $160
Weight 8.25 Lbs 5 Lbs 7 Oz
Floor Area 60.0 ft² 45.9 ft²
Vestibule Area 11 + 11 Sq Ft
Peak Height 50 49
Doors 2 1
Floor Dimensions 96 X 90 In 48.5"x87"x76"
Pole Material Aluminum Aluminum
Floor Fabric Recycled 75 Denier Polyester With 1,500 Mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating 68 D Polyster / 1200 MM / CO
Rainfly Fabric Recycled 75D Polyester Taffeta 68 D Polyster / 1200 MM / CO
Setup Time 5 Mins 5 Mins
Warranty Lifetime Limited Lifetime
Made In Imported Imported

Ready to Buy?

Big Agnes

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4

Kelty

Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent

Still not sure? Let us recommend the perfect tent for your adventures.

Find Your Perfect Tent →