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NEMO Mayfly OSMO 3 Lightweight Backpacking Tent Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent

Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict

NEMO Mayfly OSMO 3 Lightweight Backpacking Tent

NEMO

NEMO Mayfly OSMO 3 Lightweight Backpacking Tent

★ 8.1 Backpacking
Sleeps 2 Seasons 3-season Weight 4.1 lbs Est. Price $320

Best for: Durable, lightweight three-season backpacking.

Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent

Kelty

Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent

★ 8.1 Dome
Sleeps 2 Seasons 3-season Weight 7 lbs 7 oz Est. Price $225

Best for: Affordable three-season backpacking and car camping.

Our Take

Worth flagging before you compare: the NEMO Mayfly OSMO 3 Lightweight Backpacking Tent is a backpacking and the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent is a dome, so these two sit in different shelter categories.

The Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent is noticeably taller inside (4'7" peak height versus 3'6"), giving you more headroom to move around.

Floor space is also wider — 53 sq ft versus 40 sq ft for the NEMO Mayfly OSMO 3 Lightweight Backpacking Tent.

The Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent also offers significantly more vestibule space — 19 sq ft versus 9 sq ft.

Both score 8.1 overall, though the Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent wins more individual scoring categories.

The main tradeoff: the NEMO Mayfly OSMO 3 Lightweight Backpacking Tent leads on ease of setup despite trailing overall.

The Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent also has a price edge — $95 less at $224 versus $319.

Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.

🏆 Our pick: The Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent scores higher overall.

Score Comparison

NEMO Mayfly OSMO 3 Lightweight Backpacking Tent
Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent
Overall Score
8.1
8.1
Space & Comfort
7.0
7.5
Quality & Durability
8.0
8.0
Weather Resistance
7.5
8.0
Value for Money
8.5
8.0
Ease of Use
9.0
8.0
Intangibles
7.0
7.5

Pros & Cons

NEMO Mayfly OSMO 3 Lightweight Backpacking Tent

  • OSMO fabric stays tight wet
  • Huge doors offer easy entry
  • Axial anchors make setup simple
  • Snag-prone rainfly zippers are frustrating
  • Budget PU floor lacks durability

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

Full Specs

SpecNEMO Mayfly OSMO 3 Lightweight Backpacking TentKelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent
Tent Type Backpacking Dome, Backpacking
Capacity 2 people 2 people
Seasons 3 Season 3 Season
Est. Price $320 $225
Weight 4.1 Lbs 7 Lbs 7 Oz
Floor Area 39.7 ft² 53.3 ft²
Vestibule Area 8.6 Sq Ft + 8.6 Sq Ft 18.8 Sq Ft
Peak Height 42 55
Doors 2 1
Floor Dimensions 88 X 68/62 In 96 X 80 In
Pole Material Aluminum Aluminum DAC Pressfit
Floor Fabric Coated Nylon Taffeta
Rainfly Fabric Sil/PU OSMO Poly Nylon Ripstop (1500 Mm) Coated Polyester Taffeta
Setup Time 20 Mins 5 Mins
Warranty Lifetime Limited Lifetime
Made In Imported Imported

Ready to Buy?

NEMO

NEMO Mayfly OSMO 3 Lightweight Backpacking Tent

Kelty

Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Tent

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