Kelty Far Out Backpacking Tent

What We Think

Kelty built the Far Out around a single compelling idea: a backpacking tent that lets you fall asleep watching the stars without sacrificing weather protection when you need it.

That roll-back stargazing fly is the headline feature, and owners consistently report it delivers exactly what it promises.

With an overall score of 8.1, this is a tent that earns its place through thoughtful design choices rather than spec-sheet dominance.

Space & Comfort

At 28 square feet of floor area and a 43-inch peak height, the Far Out is genuinely roomy for a solo backpacker, scoring a 9.0 in Space & Comfort.

That's enough space to sit up comfortably, spread out your gear, and not feel like you're sleeping in a coffin.

The two-door design is a welcome touch at this price point, though owners do note that the single-door entry on some configurations can feel limiting when you're trying to access gear in the vestibule.

Value for Money

At $210, the Far Out includes something most competitors charge extra for: a protective footprint.

That inclusion, combined with the stargazing fly and aluminum poles, makes this tent score a 9.0 in Value for Money.

The Clostnature One-Person Tent costs less than half as much at $72, but you're giving up the stargazing feature and the included footprint, and owners of budget tents consistently report shorter lifespans.

Weather Resistance

The 68D polyester rainfly and floor provide solid three-season protection, earning a score of 8.0 in Weather Resistance.

This isn't a tent you'd choose for sustained mountain storms, but it handles typical backcountry rain without issue.

The roll-back fly design actually improves ventilation when conditions allow, reducing condensation buildup that plagues many dome tents.

Ease of Use

Kelty designed the Far Out with shorter pole segments specifically to fit in bike panniers, a detail that owners who cycle to campsites consistently praise.

The 10-minute setup time is reasonable for a freestanding dome, and the aluminum poles are forgiving for beginners, earning a score of 8.0 in Ease of Use.

If you're preparing for your first solo trip, our overnight backpacking checklist can help you avoid the common mistakes.

Quality & Durability

Here's the honest tradeoff: at 4 pounds 10 ounces, the Far Out is heavy for backpacking, and that weight comes partly from the stargazing fly mechanism rather than burlier materials.

The 68D fabrics are adequate but not exceptional, scoring a 7.0 in Quality & Durability.

The Camppal Backpacking Tent weighs nearly a full pound less at 3.75 pounds, which matters when you're counting ounces on longer trips.

User Reviews

Owner feedback runs strongly positive, with a score of 8.6 in User Reviews.

The most common praise centers on that stargazing fly, which owners describe as the reason they chose this tent over lighter alternatives.

The included footprint also earns frequent mentions as a genuine value-add rather than marketing fluff.

Who It's For

The Far Out is ideal for solo backpackers who prioritize the camping experience over shaving every ounce from their pack.

If watching meteor showers from inside your tent sounds like the point of being out there, this tent was designed for you.

Bike tourers will appreciate the pannier-friendly pole segments, and beginners will value the included footprint and straightforward setup.

The Bottom Line

The Kelty Far Out scored an 8.1 by doing something different: building a backpacking tent around stargazing rather than weight obsession.

You'll carry an extra pound compared to ultralight options, and that's a real tradeoff for long-distance hikers.

But if the night sky is why you're out there, this tent earns its weight.