Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent Big Agnes Blacktail 4 Person Tent
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
Kelty
Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent
Best for: Affordable car camping for large families.
Big Agnes
Big Agnes Blacktail 4 Person Tent
Best for: Versatile crossover for backpacking or campgrounds.
Our Take
Worth flagging before you compare: the Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent is a dome and the Big Agnes Blacktail 4 Person Tent is a backpacking, so these two sit in different shelter categories.
The Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent is noticeably taller inside (6'5" peak height versus 4'2"), giving you more headroom to move around.
Floor space is also wider — 89 sq ft versus 60 sq ft for the Big Agnes Blacktail 4 Person Tent.
The Big Agnes Blacktail 4 Person Tent adds vestibule storage for muddy boots and wet gear.
Both score 8.2 overall, though the Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent wins more individual scoring categories.
The main tradeoff: the Big Agnes Blacktail 4 Person Tent leads on space and comfort despite trailing overall.
The Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent also has a price edge — $150 less at $199 versus $349.
Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.
🏆 Our pick: The Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent scores higher overall.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent
- Fast Quick Corner setup
- Massive gear-storage vestibule
- 77-inch peak height
- Stuffy with rainfly
- Weak fiberglass poles
Big Agnes Blacktail 4 Person Tent
- Spacious 60 square foot floor
- Dual vents for excellent airflow
- Value pricing for Big Agnes quality
- Heavy weight hampers long treks
- Small vestibule limits gear storage
Full Specs
| Spec | Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent | Big Agnes Blacktail 4 Person Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Dome | Backpacking, Dome |
| Capacity | 3 people | 3 people |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $200 | $350 |
| Weight | 14 Lbs 6 Oz | 7.8 Lbs |
| Floor Area | 89.2 ft² | 60.0 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 11 + 11 Sq Ft | |
| Peak Height | 77 | 50 |
| Doors | 1 | 2 |
| Floor Dimensions | 77"x120"x107" | 90 X 96 In |
| Pole Material | Fiberglass | Aluminum |
| Floor Fabric | 68 D Polyster / 1200 MM / CO | Polyester With 1500mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating |
| Rainfly Fabric | 68 D Polyster / 1200 MM / CO | Recycled 75D Polyester |
| Setup Time | 10 Mins | 5 Mins |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
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