Kelty Backpacking-Tents Kelty Grand Mesa Tent

I purchased the Kelty Grand Mesa 2-person tent back in 2009 and it is still my favorite tent. That being said, it is my favorite for some pretty selfish reasons, mainly in that it allows me to have my own simple and quiet space while out in the wilderness. I am a social camper, but not a social sleeper. I need my lone space!I've paired the Kelty Grand Mesa footprint as well as an ultra light set of tent stakes to make this tent my go-to for hitting the trails. I've already pointed out that I like my space and my privacy, so I tote the rain cover with me on all of my treks. The rain cover adds a little over 1 lb to the total carry weight, but for me, it is worth it. Also worth it to have the cover if there is any chance of water falling while you are away. The rain cover is also the only means to covering the mesh windows on the sides of the tent. There are no interior zip windows or flies to cover the mesh windows.The rain cover provides a spacious vestibule, when set up. You can easily store 2 packs and gear, and still have room enough to get in and out of the tent. I, however, tend to store my pack and gear with me inside the tent. I pack lightly.The 2 pole system is easy for a one person setup. Poles snap into hooks along the top of the tent, snap, pop and go. It is just as easy to disassemble. Even if a second set of hands is available, I tend to set the tent up solo. It just goes faster and the other person is free to set up another part of camp. The snap and pole system is secure. I have never experienced a sag or partial tent collapse once the tent was up.This is a 2 person tent, and for a gal my size, yes, it is easily a 2 person tent. I have shared the tent on a few occasions, without issue. We both kept our packs and gear in the tent with us, too. We were able to lay out 2 thermarest mats side by side. Our packs are kept at the foot of the tent, furthest away from the door, with the grab and go gear stored in the corners at the head of the tent, near the door. Because this is not a side entry tent, you can set up side by side and not worry much about disturbing each other's space. There are a couple of handy mesh pockets that are great for storing the smaller grab and go items. I also tend to store a pair of glasses in the pocket, up off the ground, for safe keeping,The tent + rain cover fit easily inside the gear sack provided. I can squeeze all of the air out and carry the tent (upright) in the main compartment of my pack. I still have room enough for my Jetboil, food, sleeping bag, thermarest roll, clothes, toiletries, lighting and any other special gear for the occasion. It is easy to balance the pack and distribute the weight evenly for a comfortable carry. The longest pack I have done in a day is 10 miles, but the pack never grew heavy.The long, lean and low profile of the tent has proven useful in windy conditions. It affords the option of turning and securing the tent in a manner that minimizes exposure to the winds. I've been in windy conditions that toppled most of the tents around me, tossing some into rivers and down canyons. My tent stayed in place. With gear stored in the foot of the tent, there is added weight and security. A friend tried storing gear in her more boxy tent in the same windy conditions and the tent caught so much wind that it tumbled all of the gear into one corner and waved wildly about until we could secure it again. My Grand Mesa, not a single wind problem to date.I've camped in humid conditions, modest rain conditions, cold conditions, high heat conditions and moderate conditions. The tent does seem to hold in a bit of humidity, but I've been able to expose the mesh windows and air the tent out to bring it back to a more stable place. It has not proven to be major issue. The more bodies your have in this space the more heat it will retain, so be mindful of your personal heat tolerance.This tent has been easy to clean. I shake out any debris before collapsing the tent and try to tap off and wipe down as much dirt as possible. If needed, a quick hose down at home takes care of the rest, but I've only had to do that when the dirt has been fine and dusty.One more thing I love about this tent is the lighting. It allows in a nice amount of light, even though it does not have a moon roof. I've had tents with moon roofs, allowing for star gazing before, and love them, but in reality, it is something I am ok without. I can stargaze from outside the tent or from the front window, just have to pull back the vestibule.The Grand Mesa 2 will remain my 1-2 party trail tent, but I have upgraded to the Grand Mesa 4 person tent to allow space for family or expanded gear car camping trip. But I might still take this tent so I can have my own room. :)

I am an avid backpacker/camper - I am out at least 100 nights/year. I have (counting) five tents and this is my go-to if I am using a tent. (I prefer a hammock but sometimes it is not feasible). It is not ultralight, but lightweight enough for backpacking and roomy enough for car camping.For newbies - a 2 man tent means it is comfortable for one person with a nominal amount of space for gear. I don't care how much you adore your mate, it is too cramped for 2 people if you have any gear. The vestibule is good-sized for your pack if you are solo... 2 packs + 1 door = a pain in the arse getting in amd out. Ditto if one party is taller than 5'8. My Grand Mesa is currently with a friend who is rafting thru the Grand Canyon for 3weeks. He was a bit cramped when trying it out and said he had to be a little angled. I am 5'5 and can sit up comfortably in the tent.Set-up: easy. 2 poles, clips. Poles have been super sturdy (but take care of them). The mesh liner gives you a little privacy if you don't have the rainfly on - vs ones that have mesh all the way down. Rainfly attaches with clips and has velcro wraps to attach to poles for extra security if it gets windy.I have camped with numerous heavy rains and stayed dry. I always use a footprint (got a dandy one at Walmart for $10 that fits this perfectly and has brass eyelets which fit into the tent pole ends) to protect bottom and I re-waterproof the rainfly and bottom annually. I always let it air out after each use and inspect for any tears.The tent comes with guy lines for the 4 corners but has quite a few extra tabs to attach additional lines if it gets really windy. (Of course it matters how the tent is positioned, staked, tied down, but it handled 40+ mph winds. (Not going to get any sleep with that force, but, my Kelty survived it.)The rainfly has a flap to protect the zipper - I assumed all tents had that, but discovered that the hard way when I had freezing rain on my Eureka... it was frozen solid! I had to crawl out from under the rainfly frozen solid and wait for the sun to thaw it out.The rainfly has secure tabs so that it can stay staked but roll it back 1/2 way for entry.It has handy pockets on either side of the door which are handy for lights, etc. There was no gear loft with this one, but I fashioned my own so I could stash additional lightweight items overhead, but you will probably knock your head - there are tabs to attach them.I took off 1 star because of the zippers - they tend to catch from time to time.*helpful hint: always zip your tent completely when putting away so that when you set it up, you don't have to worry about ants or other critters getting in.

as expected