Kelty Discovery Shade Shelter - Looks Just Like Rei Alcove To Me

Discussion in 'Other Gear & Equipment' started by Mark & Casandra, Apr 17, 2017.

  1. Mark & Casandra

    Mark & Casandra Junior Ranger

    I ran across the Kelty Discovery Shade Shelter on REI's website today....which surprised me a little bit since it appears to be almost a carbon copy of the REI Alcove and has basically all the same specs/size etc.....except the Kelty says it weigh about 4lbs 8 oz. more than the Alcove.
    [​IMG]
    If anyone has seen the Kelty in person, I'd be curious to know what you think of it & if it seems to be designed any differently to help it shed water better than the Alcove.

    Casandra
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2017
  2. Randy

    Randy Ranger Donating Member

    Curious also!
     
  3. Greg & Shelly

    Greg & Shelly Novice Donating Member

    We bought one last week. We haven't had a chance to use it yet with our Camp-Inn. We are headed out on our maiden voyage and long haul later this week. I can post a short review and maybe a photo or two after we get a chance to try it out.
     
    Randy and Mark & Casandra like this.
  4. Gypsy

    Gypsy Junior Ranger Donating Member

    Both the REI Alcove and Windwalls are on clearance. Hmmmm????
     
  5. Randy

    Randy Ranger Donating Member

    Looks in the picture like it may have a cross support pole for the roof? Unfortunate that it only comes with a single wind wall and you can't buy them separately. I posted a question on the REI site about the differences, we'll see if they answer. I did notice that the Alcove was on clearance sale and they only have ten left. Sounds like they may be discontinued.

    Randy
     
  6. Mark & Casandra

    Mark & Casandra Junior Ranger

    I did notice yesterday that the Alcove was on "clearance". I wondered if maybe they are just clearancing the current model/color version. But today curiosity got the better of me, so I just called REI to ask about it. The young man checked and said REI will no longer carry the Alcove model once their current stock sells out (they have 144 in stock as of today). He did say that they may or may not replace it with a similar/newer model........that decision comes from "higher up" info than he has available at this time. So..........if you've been thinking about the Alcove OR if you have one that you need replacement/parts for then you'd better contact REI ASAP! Snudley this means you after our Texas Roundup!
    Casandra
     
    Randy likes this.
  7. Betsey

    Betsey Camp-Inn Staff

    We have an Alcove and the only complaint with it is that REI did not offer replacement parts for the plastic connectors. So, if one breaks, the shelter is useless. Ours did break a few years back. REI still had their full return/replace policy active at that time, so we got a new Alcove. Maybe this new version has replacement parts? We also have the windwalls. One wall is large enough to cover 2 sides, so you only need 2 packages of windwalls to enclose the Alcove.
     
    Mark & Casandra likes this.
  8. Van_and_Terri

    Van_and_Terri Ranger

    We love the Alcove with a windwall during inclement weather. Makes a great little place to watch the rain while enjoying a glass of wine.
     
    Randy likes this.
  9. Mark & Casandra

    Mark & Casandra Junior Ranger

    Thank you, Betsey! You just saved me an unnecessary purchase! We bought one windwall when we bought our Alcove, but have never needed/used it yet. I've always thought you needed two windwalls to close off two sides & I was about to order another one since they are discontinuing them. Now I know I don't need to. :)

    Casandra
     
  10. adrianneross

    adrianneross Junior Ranger Donating Member

    Since the new Kelty shelter is a "Co-Op Exclusive" I wouldn't be surprised if it's the "same" shelter, possibly made in the same factory. I called REI and the girl took a look at the shelter and she says there are little holes in the hubs so it's very possible that the old Alcove windwalls (which are still for sale) might fit this new shelter!

    My recommendation is to call Kelty and ask about replacement hubs for this shelter. They call these things "shade shelters" because they're not really designed to withstand heavy weather so even if there's a warranty, it might not cover "improper use."

    When all four corner hubs on our Alcove failed during a microburst (bad pitch on my part - totally taco'd) a couple of years ago, I contacted REI and they referred me to their third party vendor (TentPole Technologies — Tent Pole Repair and Replacement Specialist). I can't remember what the price was for an individual corner hub, but it would have been around $80 (including shipping) to replace all four.

    I was able to return our mangled Alcove for a store credit but I think that's only because I had a newbie at the return counter. It's a great little shelter, as so many have said before - we used a tarp and then an easy-up for a while, but when I saw the Alcove was on clearance, I decided to get another one (plus windwalls) with the idea that if they changed the hub material, I could switch it out for a new one - doesn't look like they did, but we'll keep it anyway - it packs up a lot smaller than our easy-up and I can put it up by myself.

    I learned my lesson about guying it out properly, even if I don't think I need to.
     
    Tom & Diana P likes this.
  11. Randy

    Randy Ranger Donating Member

    I bought a second one on clearance given that it looks like it is being discontinued. The Alcove has served us well. When properly guyed out it will stand up to most anything. Held up fine in 50 MPH winds in Joshua Tree a few weeks ago. And hey, I love the color! :) The reply on the REI website to my question about the differences between the Alcove and Kelly Shelter only said that the Kelly is 4.5 pounds heavier.
     
  12. adrianneross

    adrianneross Junior Ranger Donating Member

    Pole diameter & material is the same, covered area is the same, peak height is the same, packed size is a bit smaller, but that could just be the size of the bag. Change in fabric could account for the weight difference, but it might also be the included windwall plus different tent stakes. With the holes in the hubs, I bet the shelters are identical. I suppose you could get a set of the Alcove windwalls (REI Co-op Alcove Windwalls) and return them if they don't work. It's kind of nice having the shaped wall for the peaked side.

    FYI - Alcove replacement hubs still available for purchase!

    Adrianne,
    Replacement hubs cost $9.50 each +shipping additional. Do you need the Blue, Green, or Orange Alcove hub?
    Please advise,
    Damien
    Customer Service
    TentPole Technologies
    12607 NE 95th St., Suite A109
    Vancouver, WA 98682
     
    AlCat likes this.
  13. AlCat

    AlCat Junior Ranger Donating Member

    replacement hubs is a wise purchase. Thanks for noting that!!
     
  14. Mark & Casandra

    Mark & Casandra Junior Ranger

    Well, it looks like the Alcove is sold out & no longer available on REI's site. Is it strange that this makes me sad? When I first started researching CampInns & scouring this forum, I remember the Alcove seemed to be the one thing that was most often mentioned/recommended that I felt like it was a required piece of equipment to outfit your CampInn. And now, all the new CI owners will be at a loss when they see the endless posts on the forum raving about the REI Alcove that they will no longer be able to find. It's like an era has come to an end. Can you tell I am a very sentimental soul.......and esp. so right now as I am drowning in wedding planning with our first two (of 4) children flying the coop & getting married in the next 2 months? Or maybe I'm just getting old. Nah!!!! :rolleyes:

    Casandra
     
    Randy likes this.
  15. campator

    campator Newbie

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