Kelty Grand Mesa Tent

            The Kelty Grand Mesa Tent series was designed to accommodate backpackers, yet still meet the needs of car campers with families. The three tents in the group are lightweight for the size and carry all the durability of Kelty tents. The polyester taffeta material won’t stretch even when wet, and is polyurethane-coated on the floor and rainfly. In addition, all seams are taped and the floor features Kelty’s ArcEdge technology which keeps the seams off the ground. Large areas of mesh promote air circulation and prevent condensation, and a vestibule adds extra space for gear. And of course all three tents are easy to set up with color-coded clip-sleeve construction for the shock-corded aluminum poles.

            This is the smallest of the Kelty Grand Mesa tent family and is a true backpacking tent. It covers only 29 square feet—dimensions are 82x58 inches—with an additional six square feet in the vestibule. The interior is 44 inches at the highest point. It’s cozy for two adults, but all that mesh keeps it ventilated. There are only two poles needed so the whole tent weighs only 4 pounds, 2 ounces, which makes it a good choice to carry on a backcountry trek.

            If you need a little more space without a lot more weight, the Grand Mesa 4 might be an option. It sleeps three or four people on the 53-square-foot floor, but still weighs only 7 pounds, 4 ounces. The sides measure 96 inches by 80 inches and that doesn’t include the 18.8-square-foot vestibule. This Kelty Grand Mesa tent also sets up easily with only two poles.

            With 99 square feet of floor space this is the largest of the Grand Mesa tents, accommodating up to six adults. It’s also the tallest with 70 inches of headroom at the highest point. There’s also a 29-square-foot vestibule, accessed directly from the tent through the only door. At 13 pounds, 2 ounces, it’s a bit heavy for the trail, but if you’re hiking with others you can split up the tent, fly, and poles.