Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4
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 Hotel 4
Best for: Spacious, budget-friendly car or backcountry camping.
Our Take
Worth flagging before you compare: the Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent is a dome and the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 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 Hotel 4.
The Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 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 Hotel 4 leads on space and comfort despite trailing overall.
The Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent also has a price edge — $200 less at $199 versus $399.
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.
Ask our AI for a personalised recommendation based on your camping style, group size, and budget.
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 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
Full Specs
| Spec | Kelty Discovery Element 6 Person Tent | Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Dome | Backpacking, Dome |
| Capacity | 3 people | 3 people |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $200 | $400 |
| Weight | 14 Lbs 6 Oz | 8.25 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" | 96 X 90 In |
| Pole Material | Fiberglass | Aluminum |
| Floor Fabric | 68 D Polyster / 1200 MM / CO | Recycled 75 Denier Polyester With 1,500 Mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating |
| Rainfly Fabric | 68 D Polyster / 1200 MM / CO | Recycled 75D Polyester Taffeta |
| Setup Time | 10 Mins | 5 Mins |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
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