Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent SlingFin Portal 3 Tent
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
Kelty
Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent
Best for: Affordable three-season backpacking and car camping.
SlingFin
SlingFin Portal 3 Tent
Best for: Rugged alpine adventures in harsh weather.
Our Take
Worth flagging before you compare: the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent is a dome and the SlingFin Portal 3 Tent is a backpacking, so these two sit in different shelter categories.
The Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent is noticeably taller inside (4'7" peak height versus 3'8"), giving you more headroom to move around.
Floor space is also wider — 53 sq ft versus 41 sq ft for the SlingFin Portal 3 Tent.
The Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent and the SlingFin Portal 3 Tent are remarkably well-matched, both scoring 8.1 overall.
The biggest gap is space and comfort, where the SlingFin Portal 3 Tent holds a clear advantage.
The Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent also has a price edge — $465 less at $224 versus $690.
Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.
Ask our AI for a personalised recommendation based on your camping style, group size, and budget.
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
SlingFin Portal 3 Tent
- Unmatched stability in harsh winds
- Smart internal pockets optimize organization
- Kickstand vents manage condensation flawlessly
- Relatively expensive for backpacking tents
- Clam-cleat fly tensioning is confusing
Full Specs
| Spec | Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent | SlingFin Portal 3 Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | Dome, Backpacking | Backpacking, Dome |
| Capacity | 2 people | 2 people |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 3 Season |
| Est. Price | $225 | $690 |
| Weight | 7 Lbs 7 Oz | 4.2 Lbs |
| Min Trail Weight | — | 3 Lbs 12 Oz |
| Floor Area | 53.3 ft² | 40.5 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | 18.8 Sq Ft | 20.6 Sq Ft |
| Peak Height | 55 | 44 |
| Doors | 1 | 2 |
| Floor Dimensions | 96 X 80 In | 92 X 68 In |
| Pole Material | Aluminum DAC Pressfit | Aluminum |
| Floor Fabric | Coated Nylon Taffeta | 20D Nylon Ripstop PE 1800mm |
| Rainfly Fabric | Coated Polyester Taffeta | 10D Nylon 66 Ripstop Silicone Coated (Sil/Sil) Fabric |
| Packed Size | — | 6x17 In |
| Setup Time | 5 Mins | 3 5 Mins |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
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