CORE 4P vs Kelty Tallboy 4P

Quick verdict

Only one available on Amazon

The Kelty Tallboy 4P was out of stock on Amazon at our last check. Check the CORE 4P listing before buying.

CORE 4P: Two adults and gear on fair-weather car-camping weekends.

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CORE 4-Person Dome Tent

amazon.com price: ~$100

Kelty Tallboy 4-Person Tent

amazon.com price: ~$200(last checked Jan 30)

Currently unavailable on Amazon

See in-stock alternatives

CORE 4P review

Best for: Two adults and gear on fair-weather car-camping weekends

A plain 8 x 7 ft fiberglass dome with good headroom and room for one queen airbed; CORE says it is most comfortable for two, and the fabric is rated 1200 mm.

A traditional two-pole dome: fiberglass poles seat in ball-and-socket feet, over a 68D polyester body rated 1200 mm, a P.E. sheet floor, sealed seams and a taped rainfly. The 8 x 7 ft floor has 54 in of center height and fits one queen airbed; CORE rates it for 4 but calls 2 plus gear the comfortable load. Ground vents and a mesh ceiling move air. It weighs 10 lb and packs to 24 x 10 x 6 in.

Good

  • 54 in center height and room for one queen airbed
  • Ground vents plus a mesh ceiling to let warm air out
  • Gear loft included; packs to 24 x 10 x 6 in

Watch for

  • 1200 mm fabric and a P.E. sheet floor: low ratings for heavy rain
  • One door for up to four people

Specs from CORE 4 Person Dome Tent product page and Amazon.com listing, checked Oct 26. We compare published specs and design; we have not tested it ourselves.

Check price on Amazon

Kelty Tallboy 4P review

Best for: Two to four campers who want stand-up headroom

A tall 4-person tent with a 70 in peak for standing to dress; the trade-offs are one door, no vestibule and a partial fly.

The Tallboy 4 has an 85 x 96 in floor (57 sq ft) and a 70 in peak on three fiberglass poles in an X-pole frame. It weighs 9 lb 14 oz minimum and 11 lb packaged, and packs to 24 x 7 x 10 in. One door and no vestibule mean gear stays inside, and the fly is a partial cover.

Good

  • 70 in (5 ft 10 in) peak height at the center
  • 85 x 96 in floor (57 sq ft)
  • Freestanding X-pole frame on three poles

Watch for

  • One door and no vestibule: shoes and packs go inside
  • Fiberglass poles and a partial fly

Specs from Kelty Tallboy 4 product page and Amazon.com listing, checked Oct 26. We compare published specs and design; we have not tested it ourselves.

Currently unavailable on Amazon

See in-stock alternatives

Side-by-side

Spec CORE 4-Person Dome Tent Kelty Tallboy 4-Person Tent
Price (typical) $100 $200 (last checked Jan 30)
Capacity 4-person 4-person
Weather rating 3-season 3-season+
Floor 96 x 84 in, 56 sq ft 85 x 96 in, 57 sq ft
Peak height 54 in 70 in
Weight 10 lb 9.88 lb trail
Doors 1 1
Vestibules not listed 0
Poles fiberglass fiberglass
Setup poles with ball-and-socket feet not listed
Rain fly not listed partial
Packed size 24 x 10 x 6 in 24 x 7 x 10 in

Green marks the better figure where more (or less) is plainly better. Weights and ice claims are the makers’ own figures.

Common questions

Which one should I buy?

The Kelty Tallboy 4P was out of stock on Amazon at our last check. Check the CORE 4P listing before buying.

Where do these specs come from?

From each maker’s product page and retailer spec sheets, linked under each review. We compare published specs and design; we have not tested these products. Check the listing for the exact version you are buying.

Where do these prices come from?

These are recorded Amazon prices. Check the listings for current price and availability.

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