Kelty Grand Mesa 4 tent
The Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent is a reliable and budget-friendly option for campers seeking a spacious and easy-to-set-up shelter for family or group outings. Known for its durability, weather protection, and convenience, this 4-person tent provides a comfortable camping experience without breaking the bank. After testing this tent in various conditions, here's a comprehensive review of its features and performance.
Design and Build
The design of the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent is practical and straightforward, focusing on ease of use and functionality. The tent features a freestanding design with two aluminum poles that are lightweight yet strong, providing excellent stability. The tent body is made from durable polyester material, and the rainfly offers full coverage, ensuring protection from the elements. The Grand Mesa 4 is designed to maximize interior space, providing ample room for four people to sleep comfortably.
Setup and Ease of Use
Setting up the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent is quick and easy, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced campers alike. The color-coded clip construction simplifies the setup process, allowing you to pitch the tent in just a few minutes. The freestanding design means that once the poles are attached, the tent can be moved and adjusted easily before staking it down. The straightforward design ensures that you can spend more time enjoying your campsite and less time struggling with complicated instructions.
Space and Comfort
The interior space of the Grand Mesa 4 Tent is generous, with a floor area of 54 square feet and a peak height of 56 inches. This provides enough room for four people to sleep side by side, with extra space for gear storage. The tent also features a large D-shaped door, making entry and exit easy, even with multiple occupants. The mesh walls and ceiling enhance ventilation, reducing condensation buildup and providing a comfortable sleeping environment.
Weather Protection
The Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent offers excellent weather protection, making it suitable for three-season camping. The full-coverage rainfly provides reliable protection from rain and wind, while the factory-sealed seams ensure that no water leaks through. The tent's bathtub floor design keeps the interior dry, even in heavy rain, by preventing water from seeping in from the ground. The sturdy aluminum poles and guy lines provide stability in windy conditions, ensuring that the tent remains secure and upright.
Durability
Durability is a strong point for the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent. The high-quality polyester material used for the tent body and rainfly is tough and resistant to wear and tear. The aluminum poles are robust and designed to withstand the stress of regular use. The zippers, seams, and other components are all well-constructed, contributing to the tent's overall longevity.
Portability
While the Grand Mesa 4 Tent is not the lightest option on the market, it strikes a good balance between weight and durability. Weighing in at around 7 pounds, it is still manageable for short backpacking trips or car camping. The tent comes with a convenient carry bag that includes compression straps, making it easy to pack and transport.
Features
The Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent includes several useful features that enhance its functionality and convenience. The large vestibule provides additional storage space for gear, keeping the interior clutter-free. The tent also has internal storage pockets, perfect for organizing smaller items like headlamps, phones, and keys. The reflective guy lines and tent markings improve visibility in low light, making it easier to navigate around the tent at night.
Pros
- Spacious interior with room for four people
- Easy and quick setup with color-coded clip construction
- Excellent weather protection with full-coverage rainfly and sealed seams
- Durable materials and construction
- Large vestibule and internal storage pockets for gear organization
- Good ventilation with mesh walls and ceiling
- Budget-friendly price point
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some ultralight backpacking tents
- Limited headroom for standing
Conclusion
Overall, the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent is an outstanding choice for campers seeking a reliable, spacious, and budget-friendly tent for family or group outings. Its combination of easy setup, excellent weather protection, and durable construction makes it a great option for three-season camping. While it may not be the lightest tent for backpacking, its generous interior space and thoughtful features make it a comfortable and practical choice for car camping and shorter hikes. If you're looking for a versatile and dependable tent that won't break the bank, the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent is a fantastic option.
