Kelty Backroads Shelter

2026-01-30T19:00:00

Unfortunately, my husband I opened up our brand new back roads shelter when arriving at recent campsite a couple days ago. One of the stretchy ropes inside one of the long flexible poles was bisected. We also had difficulty putting the shelter up. We should have practiced at home first. Also, as there was no internet service in the camp, we could not go online to review how to ***** the shelter. Please send us a new long pole with intact stretchy cord. I cannot review the full shelter till we can set it up, and we are hoping to place it against our Sprinter van.

Jennifer F.

Originally posted at

2026-01-06T19:00:00

Haven't had a chance to use it yet and probably won't until the Spring. Will give you feedback then! I'm pretty sure it is going to be excellent.

Andrew H.

Originally posted at

2025-08-10T20:00:00

The backroads is perfect side room for teardrop camper. its roomy for dog crate and chairs, and as a changing room. Its just perfect

Lisa R.

Originally posted at

2025-07-01T20:00:00

Super versatile works great for giving you extra protected space. Use it as a hangout area, kitchen, or garage for motorcycles. Love it!

jay

Originally posted at

2025-05-02T20:00:00

Fabulous. Better than expected. Easy to assemble and take down.

Tracey S.

Originally posted at

2025-02-24T19:00:00

I've been buying SUV tents like they are going out of fashion. Some too big (too much fabric to fold when wet! Ugh) some too flimsy (holes after 1st use), some too small. I finally have a winner! The backroads is easy to assemble even in wind. The fabric is better than any other shelter in this style. The poles were a surprise, thicker than standard. Older, solo female camper got this assembled and then folded and back in the bag in no time. Good tie downs with clips. If it keeps me dry in the rain it'll be perfect! I'm giving it a 5 trusting it will.

Katrina A.

Originally posted at

2024-12-27T19:00:00

As usual every item that I've ever purchased from Kelty is of top notch quality.

James A.

Originally posted at

2024-08-08T20:00:00

This Kelty Backroads Shelter is going to be a game changer for my campervan camping experience. I converted a GMC extended 1 ton Savana a few years ago. I came up with an awning system that did the job in fair weather, but in rainy or windy conditions, it just didn't perform well. When I saw this Backroads Shelter, I just knew it would out perform my prior setup. I had a chance to try it out last weekend. It was easy to set up and it is clear the the design will allow good rain protection, without the water pooling issue of my former setup. With the beefy tie down stakes, wind will not be a problem either. I am very impressed with the quality and the design. Thank you Kelty!

Elaine K.

Originally posted at

2024-07-20T20:00:00

I was having trouble finding a suitable awning for my A frame camper. I got this based on the specs and it was great. Minor adaptations as the secondary attachment point wasn't long enough. Overall love this thing. Saved my stuff from quite a few torrential downpours.

Kait

Originally posted at

2024-07-05T20:00:00

I love this as an alternative to using an awning. It only takes about 5minutes to set up and is easy to attach on either side or on top of the tailgate on my car. But there are some improvements to be made: the gap in front (mentioned by others), the pockets for mouting straps (that often falls out), the lack of more attachment points inside (for LED strips, etc) and that the excisting attachment points for front door, side flaps and roof light leaks in heavy rain.

Ivar M.

Originally posted at

2024-04-03T20:00:00

This is a high quality product. However I am disappointed that here is a gap on the outside bottom where it almost contacts the ground. There should be a flap that makes full contact with the ground. This makes the window screen pointless. Also the side flaps only work if you have a high mounting point. Six inches of more material could fix it.

Robert E.

Originally posted at

2024-03-20T20:00:00

The first time setup was at home. It helps to watch the video. After that it was easy. I can use it at the side or over the galley of the teardrop trailer. I don't usually have nice grass to set it up. The first time out, I was in a horrendous rain storm with much wind. It did fine and did not leak. Luckily I had staked it down before the storm. The second time, I had to use it on a mostly downhill spot, and it still worked well. I really like it for privacy and shade for me and dog.

Lorelei

Originally posted at

2024-03-09T19:00:00

I have used this shelter for camping in my Subaru several times now, and I just love it. It's very easy to set up and has plenty of room for a chair, table, cooler and more. Mine has been through a thunderstorm and 30 mph winds and held up fine. I really like that I can roll up the sides and open the door to let the breeze in, or keep it closed up and use a propane heater to stay warm. The best part is that unlike a tent, there is no bottom for moisture to condense on, so it's dry when I want to pack up. It is absolutely worth the money I paid for it.

Denise

Originally posted at

2024-02-20T19:00:00

Worked out well.

Henry D.

Originally posted at

2024-01-17T19:00:00

I'm writing this as my wife and I are being protected from a rain shower. We have our Backroads shelter attached to the rear of our Pacifica minivan with a RoadLoft camping insert. . This is the second season using this shelter. We cook out of the back of our van and are protected from rain, wind and strong sun. There is ample room for two large folding chairs and a small table. Our firewood is also protected against rain. We have also set it up on a side door, but prefer the rear door. Having the choice of three entrances is genius. There were one or two occasions when a few drips made their way through but all in all it is a solid product. Easy for two people to put it up and take it down. Only two stakes are needed when secured to a vehicle in light winds. If we go out for the day, we simply detach the straps from the wheels, more the car up, and lay it down. We stake dow the top or lay folding chairs across the top to prevent wind from lifting it up. A recommendation for improving the design is to add some interior loops so string lights can be added. There is one lantern loop that is well placed. Another suggestion is adding grommet holes in the short straps at the top. Optional rigid poles could be placed there and tied or strapped to stakes so the shelter could be free standing, or the van could be backed up under it.

Bob W.

Originally posted at

2024-01-14T19:00:00

I bought this for bad weather when truck camping. It does a fantastic job of keeping water from getting in the back of my truck & topper. There's plenty of space to still cook on the tailgate and for several chairs. Exactly what I was looking for when I came across this product. Only downside is that it's difficult for 1 person to set up. The poles are very thick and are hard to bend & hold while trying to get the other poles installed. It's still worth it, especially for the price compared to other shelters.

Michael P.

Originally posted at

2023-12-27T19:00:00

I like the fact that it can be used on the side or the back of an SUV. The side panels are great also. However it does not seem as secure in the wind as the model without the sides.

Daryl Y.

Originally posted at

2023-12-03T19:00:00

Just finished a 2 week trip through the southern states. This Backroads Shelter made a tremendous difference. Van camping has its challenges, mainly where space is concerned. One doesn't van camp to set inside. The Backroads is like adding a whole other room to your site. For the most part, we used it as a shelter for our camp kitchen. We placed it over our sliding door and it fit perfectly. It also doubled as a privacy room for our outdoor shower off the back of the van. This thing is so easy to set up. I used magnet clips to secure the side doors to the van. I am very impressed with the quality build and heavy material. It should last a long time. Well worth the money.

Chris R.

Originally posted at

2023-10-26T20:00:00

I am 67 and just started van camping with other senior women. I value my privacy and at my age need to be able to get up with urgency and the shelter is a life saver. I can clear my van of most things from the van and have a shelter for sitting in day or night with privacy. If I need to go somewhere it's easy un hook from my minivan and drive away. I just tip it over my stuff. It's so very light that I can drive up and easily lift it back up and reattach. The complaints I often read is about it not being heavy duty and not having a floor. Those are exactly the reason I like it it's very lightweight. I can pull it up on my car all by myself and I just put a tarp down. It's not some thing that keeps critters out, I don't need it to be tight against the van but the side wall do at on the van. I'm packing up now from camping (van) after three days of heavy rain. The shelter did not leak and it handles the wind. My challenge now is getting it home so I can take it out again, unfold it and wash the dirt and evergreen needles off it and dry it before packing it up again. Oh, and I set this up in a rain storm at dusk and finished in the dark. Every time I go to one of these meet ups ladies tour my Kelty and three senior women told me they were getting there own. I'm going to Arizona in November for 6-7 months and am sure I'll be giving tours at all the meet ups I go to. This is a great shelter for senior women. Easy to put up and take down and move around. I would wish for some type of post/end protectors as I need to drag it periodically. You need to hire me for the winter as I will be seeing hundreds of ladies like my self this winter for all over at winter meet ups.

Jan L.

Originally posted at

2023-09-02T20:00:00

I have tried several solutions for dry, protected space off the back of my 4Runner. I was a little worried this would be a hassle to set up and taken down, and was i so wrong! - Easy set up, secure in moderate winds, and lots of protected space! - Used for the first time up in Plumas NF in CA, and it worked awesome. Protected against the wind and bugs when fully closed, provided privacy for changing and a nice space to just hang out. Room inside for two adults and maybe a kid or pet, set up a small table and do your cooking. - Would recommend.

Lizabeth

Originally posted at

2023-08-28T20:00:00

I received the Backroads and immediately set it up on my truck. Used my Yakima rack system to secure it. Provides the cover and living space I needed to expand my truck camping living area. It will be tested on a week long fly/fishing camping trip in September 2023 and I will update. I like it so far.

Jerry P.

Originally posted at

2023-07-03T20:00:00

After using the Sideroads awning with my Honda CRV at a few campgrounds this summer, I've now bought the Backroads Shelter as well. The setup is essentially the same with both, just now I have the additional sidewalls for early/late sun protection, or privacy when wanted. The setup was really easy. I don't have to worry if I get the campsite without any shade because I bring my own.

Rebecca

Originally posted at

2023-06-19T20:00:00

We got this to add to our car camping and hiking kit and love it. Only used it once but it is well built and works well attached to either the side or back of our suv. BTW, we are using it on a 2019 Chevy Traverse and real easy to attach to the roof rails.

Michael i.

Originally posted at

2023-06-14T20:00:00

Backwoods shelter is simple to put up and get securely latched onto the back tires. I used it as an awning at the back of my small camper. It kept everything stored underneath dry and made for a great "mudroom" at the camp site.

Bethany M.

Originally posted at

2023-05-27T20:00:00

Great product. I wish I could add pictures.

Csilla

Originally posted at

2023-04-23T20:00:00

If you are on the fence about buying this?. Just buy it! You won't regret it. It made our camp trip this weekend when it unexpectedly started snowing. We were camping with toddlers and we all hung out and played under the vestibule, and kept warm. We have 4-runner and it was a perfect fit.

Kristen D.

Originally posted at

2023-02-28T19:00:00

It's great. Just as described! Easy to set up and install. I've used it on my van and love that it basically gives me another room. It's like a vestibule to my van, but also a cool tent-like area to chill with a beverage after a day exploring. I highly recommend this and plan to try it out on my outback as well.

Kurt P.

Originally posted at

2023-02-12T19:00:00

I love the shelter! But your video is for yuppies, not real life! Why not create a video of someone setting it up in the wind or rain? Why not create a step by step guide so we can do more than dance inside our house? LOL

Misty G.

Originally posted at

2023-02-07T19:00:00

Worked great! Was fairly easy to set up and easy to use. I only set it up if I'm staying at a place longer than three days. I think that's because I'm lazy to set it up. The one thing I wished I could do with it is be able to put polls on the end and set it up as an awning with more space under it. Otherwise, it's a great shelter.

Rex C.

Originally posted at

2023-01-01T08:19:26

This fit very nice on side or back of my ford transet connect good job

LEO B.