7 Best Kelty Backpacking Tent
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Best Kelty Backpacking Tent in 2025
Kelty Grand Mesa 2P Backpacking Tent – 3 Season 2 Man Camping Thru Hiking Shelter, Aluminum Poles, Single Door + Vestibule, 2024 Model (2P)
- Fully featured and refreshed for 2020, the reliable backpacking companion Grand Mesa tent is now even grander. Easy, affordable, and awesome… like your favorite freeze-dried meal. Without the heart burn.
- 2020 Updates: Kelty Quick Corners keep poles in place during setup, EZ-Zip vestibule with fully taped seams, Shark Mouth carry bag for easier pack up and storage.
- Dependable Materials: 2 compact folding, DAC pressfit aluminum poles, weather resistant and long lasting 68D polyester tent floor and rainfly fabric, and fully seam taped construction. Color coded clip and fly attachment for simple set up.
- Freestanding, Lightweight Design: Freestanding design allows for the tent to be pitched and then moved around to find the best camp site. Lightweight materials contribute a weight of 4lbs. 1oz (2 person) or 6lbs. 13oz (4 Person).
- The Nitty Gritty: Overall size (in inches) 85x57/44, 30 square feet interior space, packed size 16x7x7in, packed weight 4lbs. 12oz. 1 door, 1 vestibule, rated for 3 season use.
Kelty Late Start 2P Backpacking Tent – Lightweight Two Man Camping Tent Shelter with Quickcorners, Aluminum Poles, Waterproof Poly Fly, Updated for 2024 (2 Person)
- SIMPLE SETUP: Refined and refreshed for 2024, The Late Start by Kelty is the crown jewel of EZ living in the outdoors with 1 person 3 minute setup time, Quickcorner pole sleeves, and color coded buckle attachment points, JACK-OF-ALL-CAMPING: Durable 68D polyester fabrics in the tent bathtub style floor, flysheet are waterproof and built to last – roomy interior peak height up to 56 inches within a single door design, great for campgrounds or backcountry trails, WATERPROOF POLY FLYSHEET: full coverage rainfly in 68D Polyester / 1200 mm / C0. Additional guyouts provide ample air flow even in rough conditions while keeping your buns (and gear) dry and safely nestled inside, PROTECTING NATURAL SPACES: Kelty is 1 of 4 founding members of The Conservation Alliance, and has always strives to protect wild spaces. All tents are made with DWR/PFC Free fabrics and coatings, reducing waste and negative environmental impacts, NITTY GRITTY: 1 door 1 vestibules (lots of gear storage with inner gear pockets to boot) featherlight stakes, 2 pole setup. 1P model: 19.7 sq. ft.
- 37 in peak. 2P model: 30 sq. ft.
- 43 in peak. 4P model: 56 sq. ft.
- 56 in peak.
Kelty Discovery Trail Backpacking Tent, Lightweight and Easy to Setup Backpacking Shelter with 2 Aluminum Poles, Single Door Single Vestibule, Stuff Sack Included
- WELCOME TO BACKPACKING: First timers and old timers alike will find the fully featured and wallet friendly Discovery Trail series to be a welcome addition to their camping cache (PS store your gear properly folks), BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING IN COMFORT: Easy set up with Kelty Quick Corners, lightweight pressfit aluminum poles, pre-attached guylines (no more shoe lacing), and intuitive shark mouth stuff sack that actually fits it all with ease, NO FRILLS = MORE FUN: Taped seam, waterproof fly, single door / single vestibule design, just 2 poles, environmentally friendly fabric finishes (try saying that 3 times fast), fly vent to reduce condensation, PROTECTING NATURAL SPACES: Kelty is 1 of 4 founding members of The Conservation Alliance, and has always strives to protect wild spaces. All tents are made with DWR/PFC Free fabrics and coatings, reducing waste and negative environmental impacts, NITTY GRITTY: 1P – Min Weight: 3lb 6oz, Floor Space: 19 sq. ft.
- Peak Height: 40in. 2P – Min Weight: 4lb 5oz, Floor Space: 33sq. ft.
- Peak Height: 42in. 3P – Min Weight: 5lb 7oz, Floor Space: 46sq. ft.
- Peak Height: 49in.
Kelty Late Start 2P - Lightweight Backpacking Tent with Quickcorners, Aluminum Pole Frame, Waterproof Polyester Fly, 2 Person Capacity
- SUPER FAST SETUP: Kelty’s quickcorners make setting up fast and easy – as it should be. Pole sleeves at the tent corners matched with pre-bent aluminum poles for a formidable frame, Shark Mouth stuff sack for EZ packing up in the morning, RUGGED + ROOMY: Durable 68D polyester fabrics in the tent bathtub style floor, flysheet are waterproof and built to last – roomy interior sports a peak height up to 56 inches within a simple single door design, WATERPROOF POLY FLYSHEET: full coverage rainfly in 68D Polyester / 1200 mm / C0. Additional guyouts provide ample air flow even in rough conditions while keeping your buns (and gear) dry and safely nestled inside, PROTECTING NATURAL SPACES: Kelty is 1 of 4 founding members of The Conservation Alliance, and has always strives to protect wild spaces. All tents are made with DWR/PFC Free fabrics and coatings, reducing waste and negative environmental impacts, NITTY GRITTY: 1 door 1 vestibules (lots of gear storage with inner gear pockets to boot) featherlight stakes, 2 pole setup. 1P model: 20.6 sq. ft.
- 37 in peak. 2P model: 30 sq. ft.
- 40 in peak. 4P model: 56 sq. ft.
- 56 in peak.
Kelty Far Out Backpacking Tent + Tent Footprint Package, 2 or 3 Person Capacity, Backpacking Starter Kit and Camping Shelter, Stuff Sack Included (3 Person)
- FAR OUT AND GOING FARTHER: A steady launching point for new backpackers, or those looking to jump back into the fold, the Far Out sports user friendly specs + INCLUDED FOOTPRINT lightweight (easy carry) aluminum poles, and pre-attached guylines, STARGAZING FLY: Stargazer fly allows for campers to set up for a night under the stars while still having weather protection at hand – the rainfly can be repositioned while inside the inner tent or likewise rolled off for spur of the moment star show, MORNING PACK OUT IS EZ-PZ: Forget the days of struggling with the stuff sack – Kelty’s shark mouth stuff sack provides an extra wide, 45 degree cut opening for ease of storage, even if the contents aren’t packed up perfectly, PROTECTING NATURAL SPACES: Kelty is 1 of 4 founding members of The Conservation Alliance, and has always strives to protect wild spaces. All tents are made with DWR/PFC Free fabrics and coatings, reducing waste and negative environmental impacts, NITTY GRITTY: 2 door 2 vestibules (lots of gear storage with inner gear pockets to boot) featherlight stakes, 3 pole setup. 2P model: 4lb 10oz weight, 28 sq. ft.
- 43 in peak. 3P model: 5lb 3oz weight, 40 sq. ft.
- 43 in peak.
Kelty Night Owl Backpacking Camping Tent, 3-Season 2P or 3P Thru Hiking Shelter – Lightweight Aluminum Pole Frame, Oversized Doors with Spacious Interior, Ceiling Pocket, 2 Doors 2 Vestibules (2P)
- DURABLE ALL-STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Durable garage heater with all-steel construction and powder-coated finish. Ideal for space heaters for indoor use in garages, workshops, and commercial areas.
- SAFETY-FIRST WITH THERMAL LIMIT: This electric space heater is lightweight at 9 pounds with a floor-mount design for easy relocation. The 6-foot cord and NEMA 5-15 plug make it perfect for office use.
- EASY-TO-USE & PORTABLE DESIGN: This electric space heater for office use is lightweight at 9 pounds, floor-mounted for easy relocation, includes a 6-ft cord with a NEMA 5-15 plug for flexible heating.
- MADE IN THE USA WITH RELIABLE QUALITY: The TPI 150TS Series thermostat heater is a compact, efficient portable space heater (15"D x 17.1"W x 12.8"H) with a clean white finish for seamless integration.
Kelty Tanglewood 2 or 3 Person Backpacking and Car Camping Tent – Sturdy Frame, Quick Corners for Easy Setup, Double Stake Vestibule, Clip-on Rainfly (2P)
- EZ PZ SETUP: Setting up camp shouldn’t be a stressful job, and with the Tanglewood tents from Kelty, it isn’t. Pre-bent poles, Quick Corners attachment system, clip-on rainfly, and preattached guylines make set up a breeze, WALLET FRIENDLY: Camp in comfort with quality gear without selling the golf clubs. All the specs you would expect of a reliable camping shelter, at an entry level price that will even make coupon cutters blush, STURDY STRUCTURE: Foul weather happens, and the Tanglewood is prepared. Fully seam taped, full coverage rainfly, fiberglass frame, double staked vestibule – all working in harmony to keep you and your gear protected from mother nature’s tantrums, PROTECTING NATURAL SPACES: Kelty is 1 of 4 founding members of The Conservation Alliance and has always strived to protect wild spaces. All tents are made with DWR/PFC Free fabrics and coatings, reducing waste and negative environmental impacts, NITTY GRITTY: 2P-Min Weight 5 lb. 6 oz.
- Floor Space 29.43 sq. ft.
- Peak Height 44.5in.
- Packed Dims 18x8x6in. 3P-Min Weight 7 lb. 8 oz.
- Floor Space 39.48sq. ft.
- Peak Height 45.5in.
- Packed Dims 19x10x8in. 3 Season, single door. Stuff Sack Included.
Best KELTY BACKPACKING TENT – Soldier‑Ready Gear
A field‑tested guide from the First Avenger on picking the perfect Kelty tent for any mission.
Why Kelty Is the Right Ally for Your Adventures
When the trail gets rough, you need a shelter that’s as reliable as a shield. Kelty’s lineup blends lightweight aluminum frames, weather‑tough fabrics, and quick‑corner setup—so you can focus on the mission, not the mess.
Key Battlefield Criteria
- Setup Speed – In a pinch, you need a tent that pops up faster than a surprise attack.
- Weight & Pack Size – Every ounce counts when you’re carrying your gear for miles.
- Weather Defense – Rain, wind, and cold are enemy fire. Look for sealed seams and high‑denier polyester.
- Living Space – Your squad needs room to rest, store gear, and keep morale high.
- Eco‑Responsibility – We all protect the planet, just like we protect each other.
Top Kelty Contenders – Choose Your Weapon
Kelty Grand Mesa 2P – The All‑Season Heavy‑Hitter
This 2024 refresh brings Quick Corners that lock the DAC press‑fit poles in place, a fully taped rainfly, and a shark‑mouth carry bag. At 4 lb 12 oz, it’s light enough for the backcountry yet sturdy for a three‑season campaign. The freestanding design lets you scout the perfect campsite before you set anchor.
Best For
Two‑person crews who need a solid, reliable base for longer treks or unpredictable weather.
Kelty Late Start 2P – The Speed‑Setup Specialist
Three‑minute deployment, thanks to Quickcorner sleeves and color‑coded buckles. The 68 D polyester fly is waterproof with a 1200 mm rating, and the interior peaks at 56 in, giving you ample headroom for gear and a good night's sleep.
Best For
Fast‑moving pairs who value a lightning‑quick pitch, whether you’re hitting a campground or a hidden alpine flat.
Kelty Discovery Trail – The Rookie‑Friendly Ranger
Simple two‑pole system, pre‑attached guylines, and a shark‑mouth stuff sack that fits like a glove. Weighs in at 4 lb 5 oz for the 2‑person version, with a 33 sq ft floor and 42 in peak height. Perfect for first‑timers and budget‑savvy adventurers.
Best For
New hikers who need an easy setup without sacrificing durability.
Kelty Far Out – The Stargazer’s Fortress
Features a removable “stargazer” fly for open‑sky nights, plus a lightweight aluminum pole set and included footprint. The 2‑person model packs at 4 lb 10 oz with 28 sq ft of floor space. Ideal for those who want night‑sky views without compromising protection.
Best For
Backpackers who love a bit of romance under the stars while staying dry.
Kelty Tanglewood – The Budget‑Battalion
Pre‑bent poles, Quick Corners, and a clip‑on rainfly make this entry‑level tent a no‑brainer. Weighs 5 lb 6 oz for two people, offers 29.4 sq ft floor area, and includes a full‑coverage rainfly. It’s the affordable choice that still stands up to a rainstorm.
Best For
Teams on a tight budget who still demand reliable shelter.
How to Match a Tent to Your Mission
Assess Your Crew Size
Two‑person tents (Grand Mesa, Late Start, Discovery Trail) give you space to stretch without excess weight. If you’re hauling a third teammate or a lot of gear, the Far Out 3‑person version or Tanglewood 3‑person upgrade offers extra room.
Consider Terrain and Climate
For high‑altitude or unpredictable weather, choose a model with a fully taped rainfly and higher waterproof rating (Grand Mesa, Late Start). For mild, summer treks, the Discovery Trail’s basic fly will suffice and save you a few ounces.
Pack Efficiency
All five tents use Kelty’s signature shark‑mouth stuff sack, but the Far Out’s extra‑wide opening makes that final roll‑up feel like a victory lap.
Field Tips from the First Avenger
- Secure the Poles First – Quick Corners lock the frame; treat them like your shield’s grip.
- Stake in a Triangle – Angle the stakes for maximum wind resistance, just like you’d set a defensive perimeter.
- Ventilate Smartly – Open the inner vestibule flaps to reduce condensation, keeping your gear dry and morale high.
- Leave No Trace – Use the provided footprint and DWR‑free fabrics to protect the wilderness as you protect each other.
Final Call to Action
Every hero needs a base of operations. If you want rugged reliability and a quick‑setup that lets you focus on the trail, the Kelty Grand Mesa 2P is your command post. For speed‑focused squads, the Late Start 2P answers the call. No matter which Kelty you bring, you’ll have a shelter worthy of a soldier’s standards.