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Big Agnes C Bar 3 Backpacking Tent Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent

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

Big Agnes C Bar 3 Backpacking Tent

Big Agnes

Big Agnes C Bar 3 Backpacking Tent

★ 8.0 Backpacking
Sleeps 2 Seasons 3-season Weight 4.9 lbs Est. Price $350

Best for: Affordable three-season backcountry backpacking

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 C Bar 3 Backpacking Tent is a backpacking and the Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent is a dome, so these two sit in different shelter categories.

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

Both score 8.0 overall, though the Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent wins more individual scoring categories.

The biggest gap is value for money, where the Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent holds a clear advantage.

The Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent also has a price edge — $190 less at $159 versus $349.

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

🏆 Our pick: The Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent scores higher overall.

Score Comparison

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

Pros & Cons

Big Agnes C Bar 3 Backpacking Tent

  • Great technical value for backpackers
  • Color-coded poles make setup simple
  • DAC hubs create roomy interior
  • Extremely cramped for three people
  • Poor ventilation causes wet walls

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 C Bar 3 Backpacking TentKelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent
Tent Type Backpacking, Dome Dome, Backpacking
Capacity 2 people 2 people
Seasons 3 Season 3 Season
Est. Price $350 $160
Weight 4.9 Lbs 5 Lbs 7 Oz
Min Trail Weight 4 Lb 5 Oz
Floor Area 39.0 ft² 45.9 ft²
Vestibule Area 11 Sq Ft
Peak Height 44 49
Doors 1 1
Floor Dimensions 88 X 66 In 48.5"x87"x76"
Pole Material Aluminum Aluminum
Floor Fabric Recycled 75D Polyester Taffeta 68 D Polyster / 1200 MM / CO
Rainfly Fabric Recycled 75D Polyester Taffeta With 1500mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating And PFAS Free Water Repellent Finish 68 D Polyster / 1200 MM / CO
Packed Size 16.5 X 53cm
Setup Time 10 Mins 5 Mins
Warranty Limited Lifetime Limited Lifetime
Made In Imported Imported

Ready to Buy?

Big Agnes

Big Agnes C Bar 3 Backpacking Tent

Kelty

Kelty Discovery Trail 3 Person Tent

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