Colorado’s Grand Mesa is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world, and a perfect playground for US adventure seekers. Kelty have named their tried and tested backpacking tent after this much-loved landscape. And while the classic dome shape might not look much of a grand design, on closer inspection it offers plenty of features geared towards making camp and trail life easy. For example, Kelty Quick Corners make for lightning-fast setup, while the EZ-Zip porch makes entry and exit simple. The Shark Mouth carry bag also allows for efficient pack-up when it’s time to roll out.
You’ll probably find a Kelty pack or tent at every trailhead and campground in the 50 states, from Alaska to New Mexico. They’re one of the biggest and best-loved US outdoor gear brands. In fact, American entrepreneurial spirit is in Kelty’s DNA. Just as Henry Ford is forever associated with the Ford Motor Company, Kelty is closely associated with its founder, Asher ‘Dick’ Kelty. A tireless inventor and passionate outdoorsman, Kelty developed a host of innovations in outdoor gear, including the first aluminium frame backpack, the first waist-belt, the first padded shoulder straps and the first zippered pockets. Those are all design elements that are still found on almost every quality trekking pack sold today.
In the 1960s and 70s, these technical advances were so ground-breaking that Kelty packs were carried on expeditions to Everest, K2, Cholatse and Antarctica. But just as importantly, Kelty’s affordable and widely available packs encouraged thousands of Americans to explore the backwoods and mountains of their own country.
Today, Kelty is still dedicated to getting everyone outdoors, with a wide range of sleeping bags, tents and other outdoor equipment – including, of course, its iconic packs.
-Jordan, Verified Buyer
