If you are in search of an ultralight, collapsible, nicely packable, and exceptionally strong camping table, then this Kelty Linger Side Table review is for you. Keep reading.
Key features
- Ultralight & backpack-portable.
- Fully collapsible.
- Very easy to use.
- Great capacity.
- Hardtop type.
Where to buy
You might want to check on Amazon, they have a global shipping service and many regional stores. So please follow the link and check from your location.
What type of camping table is this
The word ‘Side’ in the name implies that this is a low table, not exactly a dining table. So you can use it even when you are sitting on the ground. But this is a fully collapsible hardtop table which is light enough to be carried attached to a backpack.
This is a very strong construction but this is not surprising when you see all those support bars under the tabletop. As you realize there are 8 of them making four X-shaped structures that stabilize the 4 legs poles.
So the capacity here is 150 lb (68 kg) and this is more than in some other top-notch (and more expensive) tables on the market. You will see some in the comparison table below.
I would call this table ultralight, it weighs 2 lb 14 oz (1.3 kg). This is more than in its competitors shown in the comparison table below, but the capacity/weight ratio here is 52, and this is better than its competitors.
What is included
There are 4 elements only, plus the carry bag:
- The frame. This is a hubbed structure that contains 12 poles. The material is anodized aluminum.
- 2 Support poles from the same material, which you clip on the top of the frame. They serve as the main base for the hardtop.
- The hardtop. This is a hard material, aluminum slats in the external fabric, and you can roll it up nicely. It clips to the frame through a series of plastic elements that are pre-attached to the frame.
Note that the tabletop has two sleeves where you store those two support poles. You will see in the video below how quickly you can have this table ready, this is the matter of 30 seconds or so.
As you see from the picture above, the feet are large and this is a floor-friendly construction. You can use this without issues in any floored family camping tent. This is a better design than it the competitors shown below.
Please see more in this short video:
The price & rating
This table is on the US market with the price shown below. This is a budget-friendly item, more affordable than its top competitors, you will see this in the comparison table below.
Please see how I rate this table, the same criteria are used for all the tables in the site, and this allows for easy comparison:
My rating of the Kelty Linger Side Table:
-
Weight - 9.8/10
9.8/10
-
Dimensions - 7.2/10
7.2/10
-
Packed size - 9.8/10
9.8/10
-
Craftsmanship & features - 9.8/10
9.8/10
Summary
My total average rating is:
Pros
- Ease of use.
- Craftsmanship.
- Capacity.
- Weight.
Cons
- A bit long when packed.
User Review
( votes)Specifications
- Type: collapsible camping table.
- Weight: 2 lb 14 oz (1.3 kg).
- Weight capacity: 150 lb (68 kg).
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 14.5 in (57 x 37 cm).
- Height: 17 in (43 cm).
- Packed size: 24 x 4 x 4 in (61 x 10 x 10 cm).
- Frame: anodized aluminum.
- Fabric: 600D polyester.
Kelty Linger Side Table vs Competitors
I mentioned competitors, so here are two of them, the lightest camp tables currently on the market. As you realize, Linger Table has a better Capacity/Weight ratio, and its tabletop has the same area as Big Agnes tabletop, the Helinox tabletop is a bit larger.
Note also that Linger is more affordable than the other two tables. Please follow the links for more.
Weight,
lb (kg)
Dimensions
(W x D x H), in (cm)
Packed size,
in (cm)
Capacity,
lb (kg)
Capacity/Weight
Hardtop
Carry bag
Price
Kelty Linger
Side Table
2.87 (1.3)
22.5 x 14.5 x 17
(57 x 37 x 43)
24 x 4 x 4
(61 x 10 x 10)
150 (68)
52.3
yes
yes
$$
Helinox Table
One Hardtop
2.14 (0.97)
23.5 x 15.7 x 15.4
(60 x 40 x 39)
15.7 x 5.1 x 4.7
(40 x 13 x 12)
110 (50)
51.5
yes
yes
$$$
Big Agnes
Woodchuck
2.19 (0.992)
21.5 x 15.5 x 17
(55 x 39 x 43)
21.5 x 3.5 x 3.5
(55 x 9 x 9)
90 (41)
41.3
yes
yes
$$
Final thoughts
So this Kelty Linger Side Table is really stylish and very supportive, suitable for camping, at the beach, and basically anywhere outdoors. Although it is a bit heavier than the lightest tables on the market (shown in the table above), it is still in the category of ultralight camping tables.
This is a quality product, fully recommended. I have included it in my list of ultra lightweight backpacking tables.
You might want to compare this table with some other great options on the market, the ALPS Mountaineering Dash Table and ARROWHEAD OUTDOOR Heavy-Duty Portable Camping Folding Table.
Note that I am not paid by the brand, and this is not a sponsored text. Please use the comment box below in case of questions or comments. I wish you pleasant camping.
Thanks for these table reviews, helpful. However, you don’t explain why you give such importance to the capacity/weight ratio relative to other criteria. It would help if you gave some scenarios where that extra 18 to 27 kg of weight-bearing capacity is important enough to be worth trading off for a slightly smaller table. I am struggling to think of anything in a camping situation.
Hi Kathleen, you are right that the set of criteria is not perfect for every specific table but at least they are applied consistently. It was difficult to come out with something really universal but detailed enough for rating. It would have been easier for me just to use “features, craftsmanship, price” or some similar simple combination, yet this would look a bit superficial.
The point is that not every feature rated here is crucial for just every table, but the rating is detailed enough that you can choose/decide which of the features is essential to you and then choose the right table. I hope that my explanation makes sense. Thank you for the comment.
Your explanation makes no sense. Give her an example or scenario where you’d need 110lbs weight capacity.
Hi John, in fact, the number is 150 lb and not 110 lb. I am afraid I am not giving any explanation in the text, this is from the manufacturer. So I cannot argue about this, my guess is they just wanted to point out how strong this table is. Or perhaps this is to inform users that it is not strong enough to be used for sitting on it.