Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
Kelty
Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent
Best for: Affordable three-season backpacking and car camping.
Big Agnes
Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3
Best for: Backpacking and camping with extra gear.
Our Take
Both are dome tents, so this is a direct apples-to-apples comparison.
The Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent is noticeably taller inside (4'7" peak height versus 3'8"), giving you more headroom to move around.
Both score 8.1 overall, though the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 wins more individual scoring categories.
The biggest gap is intangibles, where the Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 holds a clear advantage.
The Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent also has a price edge — $175 less at $224 versus $399.
Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.
🏆 Our pick: The Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 scores higher overall.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent
- Lightning-fast Quick Corner setup
- Durable aluminum press-fit poles
- Oversized Shark Mouth bag
- Single entry door
- Cramped for four
Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3
- Massive gear-storage vestibule
- Simple freestanding setup
- Durable recycled polyester materials
- Heavy for backpacking
- Long tent poles
Full Specs
| Spec | Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent | Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Dome, Backpacking | Dome, Motorcycle, Backpacking |
| Capacity | 2 people | 2 people |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $225 | $400 |
| Weight | 7 Lbs 7 Oz | 6 Lbs. 14 Oz. |
| Min Trail Weight | — | 6 Lbs. 5 Oz. |
| Floor Area | 53.3 ft² | 44.0 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 18.8 Sq Ft | 28 + 9 Sq Ft |
| Peak Height | 55 | 44 |
| Doors | 1 | 2 |
| Floor Dimensions | 96 X 80 In | 90 X 70 Inches |
| Pole Material | Aluminum DAC Pressfit | Aluminum Pressfit |
| Floor Fabric | Coated Nylon Taffeta | Polyester With 1,500mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating |
| Rainfly Fabric | Coated Polyester Taffeta | Polyester With 1,500mm Waterproof Polyurethane Coating |
| Setup Time | 5 Mins | 10 Mins |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Lifetime Limited Warranty |
| Made In | Imported | USA |
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