Sea from Summit is most well-known for their high-quality backpacking and sleeping pads However, their recent move to the camping market placed them in the spotlight of long-time players such as Nemo as well as MSR. Sea to Summit has introduced two models this year’s model: semi-freestanding Alto TR and freestanding Telos TR. We took the latter on an adventure within the Colorado’s San Juan mountains and came amazed by the spacious and airy interior. It’s because of the distinctive central ridge pole. The Telos is expensive at around $500. The slim floor will require extra caution to avoid snags or tear, however it’s an extremely well-constructed and thought-out design for backpackers who are weight conscious. Here’s a look at what we think of the Telos TR2’s performance overall. To find out how it compares against its competitors read our review about the top camping tents for backpackers..
Score:95
Packaged weight:3 lbs. 10.7 oz.
Floor area:28 sq. ft.
Capacities:2P, 3P
What we like: :Tension Ridge pole does an excellent job at maximizing overall livability.
What we don’t:Pricier than the competition and thinner fabrics will require added care.
Rating: (4.7/5) check price on amazonPerformance
The Livability of the Internet as well as Interior Space
With a comparatively average 28 square-foot area of floor, Sea to Summit’s new Telos TR2 is a spacious and comfortable tent. The spaciousness is largely because of the brand’s unique and ingenuous Tension Ridge pole, which can be bent gently upwards towards its top (by contrast, the majority of tents have ridge poles that slant downwards). This leads to higher-quality doors as well as more vertical walls each of these features were apparent the first time I crawled inside the camper. As a reference point it is worth noting that Telos’ 43.5-inch peak height is higher than its closest competitors. It also offered ample headroom to move about freely and comfortably withstand an unexpected and intense hailstorm that lasted for 12,000 feet when trekking through Colorado’s Mt. Sneffels Wilderness.
As I mentioned in the previous paragraph The Telos has an area of 28 sq. feet for floor space but isn’t as large as the most popular designs, including the Big Agnes” Copper Spur HV UL2 (29 sq. feet.) the Dagger II from Nemo (31.3 sq. feet.) as well as MSR’s Hubba hubba NX (29 sq. ft.). In fairness, the more roomy Dagger is my preferred tent over the last few seasons. I didn’t feel there was much different in terms of overall space however I can imagine adding a dog or partner to the mix will make the smaller size more obvious. Also, the Telos flooring does appear to taper towards the bottom (from 53 inches. to 43 inches. ) This means that you’ll probably need to sleep shoulder-to-shoulder with a tent companion. However, the dimensions are sufficient to accommodate the majority of conventional 20-inch sleeping pads side-by-side, as well this 84.5-inch length is adequate given that the majority of “regular” pads measure around 72 ins long. To give you an example my height is 5’6″ and could sprawl around haphazardly, leaving plenty of space on both sides.
Weight and Size of Packed
With a weight of 3 pounds 10.7 pounds and a pound this Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is lighter than a lot of its freestanding competitors. As a reference, we can look at top alternatives include Nemo Dagger 2P and MSR Hubba NX are comparable. Nemo Dagger 2P and MSR Hubba Hubba NX (both 3 lbs. 14 oz.) weigh a bit heavier, but both tents use the thicker floor (30D as opposed to. the Telos 20D) to increase durability. Big Agnes famous Copper Spur HV UL2 more in line with similar materials, and has a comparable level of livability. It weighs 3 pounds and 2 ounces. It is possible to go lighter by focusing on ultralight designs such as Zpacks Duplex. Zpacks Duplex (1 lb. 3.4 oz. with trekking poles to assistance), Tarptent Double Rainbow (2 2 lbs. 10 oz.) (or REI Co-op Air Flash 2 (2 2 lbs. 8 oz. ) But you can expect to make a few trade-offs when you use these tents that are streamlined.
When it’s time to unpack the Telos TR2 is stuffed into three separate sacks, referred to as”the “FairShare” storage system — that are designed to distribute the burden between three packs. Each bag can be used for multiple purposes The rainfly and the tent stuff sacks can be transformed into storage pockets for gear in the interior and the camping pole bags (called”the “Lightbar”) could be employed to light up by packing your headlamp into it and attaching the tent’s ceiling to the tent. The bags also stack together making the pack smaller and easier and easy to transport for one individual. As a reference, the complete package measures 5.1 and 18.9 inches after stuffed it is quite competitive. I’ve never encountered any difficulty finding room in a backpacking bag to fit all the elements.
High Quality of Construction and Durability
To minimize weight, Sea to Summit opted for a light fragile and delicate 15 denier (D) cloth for Telos rainfly and canopy with 20D as the flooring. To be certain I had no difficulties pitching the tent, without any footprints within the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness However, the terrain was pretty pliable with no sharp roots or rocks below it, and I’ve made sure to be aware of any potential hazards in the future outings. If you’re insecure about your gear, or simply want a bit of security, it’s an excellent option to buy the 68D Lightfoot footprint on your own costing $45 (Sea to Summit offers a Bigfoot footprint for $70 which gives you coverage below those vestibules).
Other than the floor, I do have a little concerns about durability regarding The DAC poles are strong and provide confidence even in turbulent and stormy conditions (more on this later) Also, the YKK zippers work smoothly while the fly has been sealed along with polyurethane in order to increase tear strength and improve waterproofing. Also, it’s important to note that some of our testers had problems connecting to the Lightbar to the freestanding Alto TR2 ( see our detailed overview here) however, I’ve been able to use the light feature on the Telos without issue. Overall If you use reasonable precautions and use an appropriate footprint, your tent will have a longevity that is long-lasting and healthy.
Weather Protection
As I’ve mentioned before the other day, we were astonished to be confronted with a raging hailstorm when we were backpacking through the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness and the Sea to Summit Telos TR2 deftly stood up to the fierce winds and torrential rain. The storm erupted fast enough that I didn’t have the time to pitch the tent correctly (it has four guylines) and, as a result, it was attached to the ground with just six stakes (it includes eight). Despite bowing quite heavily in the wind–which was completely expected considering my unorganized pitching technique–the tent was able to keep me comfy and dry. The bathtub’s floor is slightly thicker than other tents (20D instead of. 15D) and was able to suffocate the moisture and stifled drafts. And the rainfly successfully resisted the pea-sized rain that rolled in from the sides and sideways hail. Following that test, I’m certain declaring that the Telos will be able to stand up to the worst of weather conditions without difficulty.
But, as we saw when we tested Sea To Summit’s new Alto TR2 (the Telos’ semi-freestanding sister) however, the Telos TR2’s Tension Ridge design does allow water to collect close to the vent’s upper end. I was careful to leave vents open at the start of the storm to test purposes. However, after approximately five minutes of heavy rain I decided to close it when water began to accumulate within the concavities of the fly. To be fair, while making the fly more taut will have helped. However, the water didn’t get into the tent as I managed to swiftly close the vent without having to go inside. However, the tendency of the design to collect water near the vent can be an issue for those who often spend time in humid and humid locations where both protection and airflow are essential.
Ventilation
It has a largely mesh body with a dedicated vent at the bottom and top and bottom, it is the Telos TR2 is a true top of the line in the camping tent market with regard to airflow. As I mentioned earlier that top Apex vent is kept wide through it’s Tension Ridge pole, which allows water to collect during a storm however it also provides significant airflow under favorable conditions. The tent also has Baseline vents in the lower part of the rainfly. These vents can be folded up and tied to let air in from below. I haven’t stayed at temperatures higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit since I received the tent, however I haven’t noticed any condensation or any indication of the lack of breathability even during the storm, with the vents shut. I’ll make sure to keep this review up-to-date if the situation happens when I bring the tent out into warmer weather.
Vestibules , Storage and
We love the convenience of two-door-and-vestibule tent designs, and Sea to Summit’s Telos makes it easy and convenient for two backpackers to move around. As I’ve mentioned before the doors are high and make exit and entry easy. The vestibules don’t seem to be huge in size, at 19.5 square feet in total They do provide plenty of space for storage of a backpack, hiking shoes as well as other equipment which you do not want to take with you into the tent
For storage inside the tent I had no difficulty finding space for my necessities. There are the above-mentioned bags that double as storage compartments at the front of the tent, as well as the Lightbar located at the ceiling which can be used as a source of illumination using a headlamp or for storing other smaller objects, as well as two built-in pocket storage systems made of mesh. Sea to Summit also sells a net Gear Loft for $20 it is located at the foot of the tent. It’s perfect for the storage of clothing as well as other bulkier and larger equipment. It’s an excellent arrangement that will make the majority of backpackers satisfied.
Setup and Take Down
The main benefit of opting for a completely freestanding tent is that they’re generally easy to set up which is the case with Sea to Summit Telos TR2. Sea to Summit Telos TR2 isn’t an exception. I had a few issues the first time , as I was unable to join the fly in the right way (I didn’t know that the clips were color-coded) However, this was purely a user-error. After two more night in tents, I’ve got learned the procedure The first step is to lay the tent’s body on the ground, and put stakes in the corners using those adjustable stake-out loops. Then, join the shock corded pole system and align the colored tips to the appropriate end of the tent. Then, turn to the Tension Ridge pole so that it faces upwards. Then connect the tent’s body onto the frame of the pole.
If you’d like to include a rainfly, it’s as simple as connecting the clips to the quick Connect pole feet, and then securing it to the Tension Ridge pole inside the fly’s pockets made of fabric. The fly is also equipped with multiple Velcro tabs that run along its inside of it to make it more secure to the other parts of the piece. The last step is taking out the vestibules before the tightening process. It’s important to note that our reviewers who examined Alto TR2 Alto TR2 found that the pole feet required a significant amount of tension in order to stay in place, but they fell off at the last minute in heavy winds. However, the Telos proved to be a success even in the hefty gusts that we saw during the San Juans. One final point can be that the rainfly is able to be towed by itself using trekking poles and utilized as a staging or seating area. This is what Sea to Summit calls “Hangout Mode.”
Other versions of”Sea to Summit” Telos TR
The standard 2-person Telos TR to Colorado for evaluation, and Sea to Summit also offers the form of a three-person model in addition to 3 Plus and 2 Plus models. For larger groups or if you prefer more space The Telos TR3 is priced $100 more than the TR2 model at $599. It comes with 39.5 sq ft of space for floor, and it has a 52.5-inch high peak, and weighs in at 4 pounds 10.7 pounds all in. TR2 Plus and the TR2 Plus and TR3 Plus models are priced at $59 and $539, respectively.. specifically designed to offer additional protection from weather conditions with cloth-lined inner tents (rather than the mesh-heavy canopy that comes with regular models) and floors with more standards for waterproofing (they’re intended to be used in the three seasons or more.).
What We Love
- With a comparatively average of 28 square feet floor space it is it is the Telos’ Tension Ridge pole is a great choice for making the most of overall living space and livability.
- at 43.5 inches in height at the height At 43.5 inches, the Telos is noticeablely taller than most of its rivals, and its doors are large enough to let you in and out of the building in easy.
- Most mesh body with vents in the middle and at the bottom encourage good airflow.
- Weight is competitive , at just 3 pounds 10.7 pounds particularly when you consider the huge quantity of internal storage.
- It’s simple to set up and remove thanks because of the design that is freestanding and color-coded pole clips.
The Things We Do Not
- At 499 dollars The Telos is more expensive than a lot of its direct competitors by about $50-$100.
- The floor of 20 denier is thin and fragile. We recommend buying an extra footprint in order to avoid tears and snags.
- Water is likely to pool at the upper vent during the event of prolonged and severe rain because of the concave Tension Ridge design.
- Tent tapers vigorously at the bottom of the tent Most backpackers be able to fit two normal-width sleeping pads side-by- each other.
Comparative Table
| TENT | PRICE | WEIGHT | FLOOR | AREA | Height | DOOR(S) | CAPACITI E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea from Summit Telos TR2 | $499 | 3 lbs. 10.7 oz. | 20D | 28 sq. ft. | 43.5 in. | 2 | 2P, 3P |
| Nemo Dagger 2P | $430 | 3 lbs. 14 oz. | 30D | 31.3 sq. ft. | 42 in. | 2 | 2P, 3P |
| MSR Hubba NX Hubba | $450 | 3 lbs. 14 oz. | 30D | 29 sq. ft. | 39 in. | 2 | 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P |
| Big Agnes Copper Spur | $450 | 3 lbs. 2 oz. | 15 20D | 29 sq. ft. | 40 in. | 2 | 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P |
| REI Quarter Dome SL 2 | $349 | 2 lbs. 14 oz. | 15D | 28.7 sq. ft. | 38 in. | 2 | 1P, 2P |
| Sea up to Summit Alto TR2 | $449 | 2 lbs. 15.7 oz. | 15D | 27 sq. ft. | 42.5 in. | 2 | 1P, 2P |
The Contest
Sea To Summit’s Telos TR2 stands out from the camping tents because of its outstanding quality of life and headroom, thanks to its unique Tension Ridge pole. But, there’s plenty of high-end alternatives to look at among them, and one of our all-time favorite are The Dagger from Nemo. It’s stacked up against the Telos Dagger, the Dagger is larger in floor space (31.3 sq. feet.) It also has a larger area for vestibules (22.8 sq. feet.) and also uses the thicker floor material (30D)–all at a cost of around 70 cents less than the Telos. But the Dagger does not meet the mark in regards to weight (3 3lbs. 14 oz.) and the height of peak (42 in. ) and peak height (42 inches), and peak height (42 inches), the latter is apparent when sitting and walking around. As I’ve experienced, despite having a smaller floorplan it is a lot more spacious. Telos feels equally roomy inside, and I like the wider selection of pockets. They are both well-rounded, thoughtfully constructed freestanding alternatives, and a final choice will be based to personal preference regarding the weight, price and endurance (note that Dagger 2P is not available at the time of publication. Dagger 2P is unavailable at the time of writing however we anticipate that it will be in inventory in the near future).
Next next is the MSR Hubba Hubba NX, that has a lot in similarities with the previous Dagger. Similar to the Nemo the Hubba is a bit larger than Telos in weight, at just 3 pounds and 14 ounces, all-in but it has an excellent living space and is durable with two vestibules and doors 29,220 square feet of floor space with near-vertical walls and a sturdy floor of 30 denier. This MSR is also a fantastic ventilator , and offers excellent protection against the elements. When compared against the Telos it’s noticeably less at 39 inches at its highest and doesn’t have the same vestibule area (17.5 sq. ft. total). With a cost of an additional $50, we believe the Telos is the best choice for backpackers who are concerned about weight however, MSR is the better choice. MSR is the more tested and durable model.
Our most favored backpacking tent this year includes Big Agnes famous Copper Spur HV UL2 that is a remarkable combination of size, weight and amenities. It is the Big Agnes is lighter than the Sea to Summit at Sea to Summit at 3 pounds and 2 ounces. It also has ample headroom and floor space (40 in. as well as 29 square. feet. and 29 sq. ft.) It has a quality build, with thoughtful storage options, massive zippers and a simple-to-pitch freestanding design. The main drawback comes from the usage of thicker materials, but Copper Spur’s 15x 20-denier flooring isn’t much thicker that Telos’. Telos’. If you don’t absolutely require the extra headroom offered by Telos’ Sea to Summit We believe that Copper Spur to be Copper Spur the better value with a price of about $50 less.
If you’re looking for a larger discount, REI Co-op’s Quarter Dome SL 2 is a fascinating alternative. It costs just $349. Quarter Dome is very competitive with a light, 2 pounds 14 ounces weight with two vestibules and doors and a great overall living experience by having 28.7 cubic feet of floor space as well as close-to-vertical walls. The area where Sea to Summit Sea to Summit is able to gain its edge is in its ventilation and maximum height. It’s higher by an impressive 5.5 inches, and features vents at both the bottom and top for maximising airflow, whereas this Quarter Dome only features an upper roof vent. The question of whether or not these advantages are worth the extra $150 will be contingent upon your goals and priorities (and as with the Dagger previously mentioned it’s possible that this Quarter Dome SL 2 should be back in stock within the next few days).
The last but not least of all is another option from Sea to Summit’s latest tent line-up that is the Alto TR2. Alto TR2. In contrast to the freestanding Telos one, the Alto is Alto is semi-freestanding, meaning it requires an extra amount of energy and time to set up (you’ll require staking out the corners at the top end, and then utilize the guylines to keep everything in place). It’s also a little smaller with a floor space of 27 square feet as well as a 42.5-inch high peak. The Alto is the lightest option with a weight of 2 pounds 15.7 pounds and comes in at a lower price of $449. We consider that this is the best choice. The open-top Telos is the most comprehensible model for backpackers in general however, the Alto is a tempting alternative for those who are looking to reduce the weight and bulk.
