Kelty Grand Mesa 2 Person Tent

2025-07-07T20:00:00

perfect little tent!

Ari K.

Originally posted at

2025-02-01T19:00:00

I haven't camped with it yet. I set it up within a few minutes. It fits my needs well. I was looking for quick, easy and good quality tent. I'm excited to get it out.

Jonathan S.

Originally posted at

2024-09-23T20:00:00

Have owned this tent for 6 or 7 years now. The price and the weight were both appealing. I just got back from a 4 day trip in the back country of WA state and used this tent the whole time. After years of use the tent has 2 small tears. One on the floor and one on the mesh(user error). This is a lightweight tent so materials are thinner. Have had zero issues with the rainfly or zippers. After all these years it's finally starting to stretch the elastic in the poles but it's still usable. These problems all seem like normal wear and tear from use to me. The one downfall I would say from the grand mesa 2 is that I would like to see more cargo storage and I've seen cordage on other brands to hang socks or whatever after a long day hiking/hunting. Overall it's easy to setup, lightweight and simple. Would recommend.

Jeff H.

Originally posted at

2023-09-01T20:00:00

I have had this new tent out 2x now for weekend backpacking. I do love it. Stay warm on cool damp summer nights and a breeze to set up. I did get better stakes for it bc I like something meatier for hard ground than what came with it. Also would recommend getting the footprint bc the floor seems a bit dainty for the forest floor. Hasnt ripped on me as of today's date without one, but I wouldn't trust it to hold out for long. The 2 person is kinda small, but I can get my mat and pack inside. I can't imagine 2 ppl in it. Im a 5'8 girl at 145 lbs and feel a wee bit cramped. I rocked this bad baby out in a severe thunderstorm with hail and all, and didn't get scared of it flying off in the wind. I was honestly more scared of the teee

Amy M.

Originally posted at

2023-08-14T20:00:00

I recently spent three nights in a Grand Mesa 2 on a canoe trip in the Adirondacks. I have a number of issues with the basic design of this tent: 1) it is a little too narrow for two adults on pads. The tent needs to be about 4 to 6 inches wider than it is. 2) While the tent is tall enough to sit up in, its only tall enough if there is one person in the tent. If two people are in there, neither can sit up. 3) If you were buying this as a solo tent, you should look at other models as this is really too heavy for a solo hiker. 4) There is no significant vestibule space. There is enough room for two pairs of shoes and a day pack, but there is not space for even one overnight pack. 5) There isn't enough fly coverage to fully protect the rear of the tent in a rain. The front and sides, with careful pitching, are fine, but the back of the tent will be exposed. The tent has good points, its made from strong materials, its easy to setup, it has two storage pockets inside and the attachment points for a gear loft in the top of the tent. I don't own one - the one I slept in is owned by the camp at which I work, but I was going to spend my own money, I wouldn't buy this tent. Lastly, this review isn't a general knock on Kelty - I think Kelty makes great gear. I just think that this tent was designed to look good on a REI showroom floor and not actually perform well for two people.

Dave

Originally posted at

2023-07-11T20:00:00

I LOVE IT! Easy to set up and take down!

ROBERT M.

Originally posted at

2023-06-23T20:00:00

I have slept in the tent for about a week now with no problems! The stakes where also of much higher quality than I expected. A good purchase at this price point.

Skyler B.

Originally posted at

2023-06-22T20:00:00

I bought the 2019 version of this tent and retired it officially spring 2023 after a gust of wind pulled out the tent along with its 8 stakes and tore a hole through fly, footprint, and tent. The Grand Mesa 2 was a great purchase, unbeatable value for the money. I used it as a car camping tent and (conservatively) put over 150 nights in it. Easier to set up with 2 people, but it wasn't too hard to do alone. I liked the large pockets by the door on each side of the tent. The seam sealing started to peel in this past year, and one of the zippers started to skip teeth towards the end. I was planning to put a new zipper on it before the wind forced me to retire the tent. I would purchase this tent again with no hesitations, but I decided to upgrade to the Far Out 2 so that I can have dual doors. If you're primarily camping alone, the front entrance never bothered me, and the 2p size was perfect to leave a duffel bag of clothing out of the weather. I often fit myself, my partner, and our 80lb dog in this tent, but it wasn't always comfortable when the dog spread out. Excellent car camping tent, if you're on the fence, go for it!

Maddie

Originally posted at

2023-05-15T20:00:00

I picked this up a couple of years ago just before starting a popular two-weekend training course in May 2021. I have about three weeks of nights in it under varying conditions. It is super-easy to set up - just stake the corners first, then place the poles. The fly is easy to attach and guy out. The dormer vent pops up easily enough. Packing up is easy, the sack easily receives the rolled-up tent. For a two-man, it is tight. I jokingly call it my 1.5 man tent. Might be OK for a couple of kids or partners. But it is great for one person without being too large for any gear you don't want out in the useful vestibule. The ventilation is great. I've used in in mid-20°F nights and found the vestibule covered in frost (no biggie), but it is not a 4-season tent (duh) and I wouldn't dare use it with any winter weather. The fly is pretty waterproof. I haven't quite identified where the small dribble of water off the peak of the dormer vent is coming from. The footprint attaches easily, and I just keep it attached (obviously letting the tent fully dry before bagging). If you are 6' or taller, you may find that the foot box of your sleeping bag pushes hard enough to wick moisture from the fly (even when guyed). I'm 6'1", and it is a regular occurrence. The tent is orange and brown, but looks blue and yellow from the inside (which I rather like). The vestibule is roomy enough and easily accessed from inside or out, making getting in or out of the tent easy (even for my nearly 60yr old body). This is my go-to tent when joining my sons in their troop or pack campouts. It's held up well so far, but I don't abuse my gear.

Chuck C.

Originally posted at

2023-03-30T20:00:00

Absolutely love this tent!!! Light enough for a overnight hike camp... easy to set up and sturdy in weather. Only problem I can find is that Kelty doesn't offer to buy tent poles separately for this tent, and I had my poles stolen off my camp site last time I was out. Would hate to have to buy a whole new tent when I just need the poles.

Mike D.

Originally posted at

2023-01-16T19:00:00

This is the second one I own. I bought it for my boy as we both love camping. This tent is great, light weight and roomy. Very quick set up and take down. light enough it can be backpacked.

John F.

Originally posted at

2023-01-09T19:00:00

I bought this tent for summer camping and got caught off guard by a crazy storm (40 mph gusts and heavy rain coming in sideways). This tent didn't skip a beat in handling it like a champ. Highly recommend.

Parker

Originally posted at

2022-07-02T20:00:00

Phenomenal tent. Water proof, light weight, quality materials including poles and even light weight well made tent stakes. Will be purchasing more Kelly gear soon

Matt J.

Originally posted at

2022-06-09T20:00:00

After testing MULTIPLE one person backpacking tents and other dome tents, I finally found this!! Where have you been??? THE selling point on this tent is they way the vestibule opens up. FINALLY someone designed an easy open vestibule! I know, this may seem like a no big deal to some, but for me, I absolutely HATE the tents on the market today. They ALL have the same basic design. The center zip vestibule. This makes it so you have to pretty much crawl on you hand and knees and almost lay on your stomach to get to the zipper. And then, if there is an outer peg that the vestibule half is connected to, you have to play around with that as well. Horrible design!! And I hated them all. Now comes the Grand Mesa 2!!! For me, this was a SERIOUS game changer!! It is heavier than I wanted, however, I would rather carry an extra 2 pounds and have the luxury of this easy access vestibule zipper!!! For one person, this tent is super roomy! Well manufactured, as I would expect nothing less from Kelty!! All seams are taped and I love the new corner sleeve design. Kelty has hit this one out of the ballpark!! Kudos to your design team on this one!! You might consider making a Grand Mesa 1!! I would have purchased that for sure, but this two person tent will work. Highly recommend this piece of gear!!

Brian B.

Originally posted at

2022-05-30T20:00:00

Holds up against strong winds and sleet. Highly recommend.

hana a.

Originally posted at

2022-05-28T20:00:00

Needed an extra solo tent for a week BWCA canoe trip. This was perfect. Easy set up. There were a few days of rain, and everything stayed dry inside. This tent would have been tight for 2 but excellent as a solo.

Steven D.

Originally posted at

2022-05-15T20:00:00

This is the third grand mesa 2 that I own. Have yet to wear one out or have one leak on me in a storm. Perfect tent for me on camping, backpacking, kayaking trips.

tonie

Originally posted at

2022-05-15T20:00:00

This is the third grand mesa 2 that I own. Have yet to wear one out or have one leak on me in a storm. Perfect tent for me on camping, backpacking, kayaking trips.

tonie j.

Originally posted at

2022-02-15T19:00:00

I purchased my Mesa2 back in early 2016 after going through numerous other brands that all let me down. I used my Mesa2 on many occasions both in backcountry, on the Appalachian trail, and random campgrounds over the course of 2016 before I pitched it in a wooded section on the back side of my dad's property on December 26th, 2016 for an overnight campout with my son. I never took it down... until today (February 16th, 2022). The rain fly was ripped in a few sections from falling limbs and such. I removed the rain fly and the tent itself is still in perfect condition. No rips, no tears, zipper still worked, everything was great! I would highly recommend this tent as it has been exposed to the elements in East Tennessee for over 5 years! Great Job Kelty!

Bobby

Originally posted at

2022-01-20T19:00:00

I've used many Coleman, Eureka and Alps offerings. I have taken this tent three times as a solo shelter to have room for gear. It has not disappointed me; super easy to pitch the single door and design features all make for a nice experience. The price is acceptable as is the weight.

David M.

Originally posted at

2022-01-03T19:00:00

It was very good. The rain fly worked very well. It was very spacious and enjoyable

Laura M.

Originally posted at

2021-12-12T19:00:00

Easy to set up, roomy and very good ventilation. I own 2 of them!

Anthony

Originally posted at

2021-12-12T19:00:00

Easy to set up, roomy and very good ventilation. I own 2 of them!

Anthony K.

Originally posted at

2021-10-03T20:00:00

Have had this tent for 2-3 years and it?s been great. Have used it in high winds and rain and remained dry and upright. It?s a little tight with two people and their packs but it can be done.

Trey

Originally posted at

2021-06-08T20:00:00

I?ve been using a grand mesa 2 for the last 8 or so years. This thing has gone the distance. Through the rockies, cascades, olympics, and more, no rain wind or rough handling has ever forced me to repair this tent. The only complaints I have are: lack of two doors/vestibules means not a ton of room for 2 to store their gear, and the tent is quite cozy for two average height/weight men. Will likely be moving to a lighter option as 4+ lbs is a bit much for backpacking.

Nick

Originally posted at

2020-12-26T19:00:00

I love this tent for backpacking in the desert by Zion and St. George. I?ve had two full size adults in there but it was a bit tight. This probably due to the fact that I?m 6?4? and 225 Ibs. I just upgraded to the tallboy 4 for the reasons about but still love this grand Mesa and will use in the desert, especially with its low profile and the big desert winds!

Ryan

Originally posted at

2020-12-04T19:00:00

Love it. Have traveled all over backpacking, camping and even firefighting! 10yrs strong Highly recommend

Ben

Originally posted at

2020-08-31T20:00:00

Generally a very good tent. I bought it to use on a 12-day, 11-night remote wilderness rafting trip in Alaska, where the drop-off and pick-up were done in a Piper Cub so there was a weight limit on the gear that could be transported. The tent is very light, strong, compact, durable, keeps ground water out, and it sets up and takes down very quickly. The screen mesh is small enough to keep the tiny no-see-um pests out, yet allows good ventilation. I have a Kelty Trail Dome 2 that is 20 or so years old. It has larger diameter poles than the Grand Mesa 2, but the rainfly on the Trail Dome only covers the top 1/3 or 1/2 of the tent, and I needed a tent with a rainfly that fully covers the tent. I have only two issues with the Grand Mesa. (1) the tent should be 4" to 6" longer. I'm 6' tall, and when lying down flat on my back, my head and feet were pressing into the ends of the tent fabric; and (2) while the rain fly comes nearly to the ground and there is room in the entry vestibule to keep footwear or other gear covered outside the tent, water still sheets off the rain fly into the tent from the top of the zippered door of the rainfly when you open it, so it would be good to have a pole or hoop of some kind that would extend the top of the entry vestibule outward past the bottom of the tent. Otherwise, just remember to slap the inside of the rainfly several times to get as much water off the outside as you can before opening the zipper. I would also recommend attaching the guy ropes to the rain fly with better knots than provided by the factory, because the guy ropes will untie themselves and come off the first time you shake the water off the rainfly.

David C.

Originally posted at

2020-08-01T20:00:00

Fits perfectly in the back of a full sized pick up for which having the entrance at the end is handy. Easily fits a twin air mattress. Used it a few times this summer and was always comfy

Ryan H.

Originally posted at

2020-07-23T20:00:00

I bought this as a lighter option to the 2 person tent I had been carrying. I didn't need a bunch of bells and whistles. I just wanted something that was well constructed, lightweight, and simple to setup. This tent checks all those boxes. The quick corners and rainfly clips makes it easy to setup. The poles are nice and compact when they're broken down. I keep them in the front pocket of my pack, and they don't stick out obnoxiously tall. My only suggestion is a second rooftop vent to help move hot air out of the tent.

Ryan G.

Originally posted at