User Review: Kelty Grand Mesa 2

Kelty Grand Mesa 2
Above: The current Grand Mesa 2, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed May 14, 2007 by steve179

Rating:
Design: 3-season freestanding; full-coverage fly
Sleeps: 2
Ease of Setup: Extremely easy set-up; color-coded.
Weight: 4 lbs 2 oz (without stakes and bags)
Price Paid: $99

This is a "high-value" tent for the money (much as described by Backpacker magazine). Well-designed configuration that accommodates two reasonably well and makes a superb 1-man tent at just over 4 pounds. I contrast this tent to the Eureka Backcountry 1 which weighs only 4 oz less but is coffin-like on the outside, lacks room for any gear, and lacks any vestibule space.

The GM-2's full coverage fly stood up to repeated downpours without leaking at all. Ventilation is genuinely outstanding, especially with the vestibule open (which is of adequate size (about 6 sq ft) given the weight. My only "complaint" after several uses is that the interior has only one loop centered on the ceiling for a flashlight. Ideally, additional loops would allow one to run some para-cord for drying lines. This is the only reason I didn't give the tent 5 stars. I'll likely sew in some loops myself.

Color scheme (tan and burgundy) is low-impact and allows for sufficient light to enter the tent during the day. White panels on the tent's interior reflect headlamp light well. Although a fitted footprint is available, I opted to cut a piece of Tyvek to size (run through a wash cycle without laundry detergent to "soften" it), maintaining the lightweight nature of the combination. I consider this tent highly enough to buy a second for my son to use for Scouting backpacking trips.

Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Grand Mesa 2 at 3 online stores:

Store

Product Description

Price

Backcountry.com 2 purchase options:	Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Tent 2-Person 3-Season	$119.95	Buy Now
Backcountry.com 2 purchase options:	Grand Mesa 4 Tent 4-Person 3-Season	$189.95	Buy Now