What do you call a tent you've used before? Past tents What do you call a tent you got for free?? Present tents!
Okay, okay… I'm sure some of you want me to zip it after all these dad jokes, but dang it, I'm pumped to tell you about Sea to Summit's (relatively) new Telos TR2 tent in this review. These guys have been making killer gear for a long time, but this was their first foray into the tent game.
So naturally, I raised my hand and asked if I could get a hold of one in order to share my thoughts with this backpacking community. I have to tell you right off the top, I was genuinely thrilled with what they brought to the table. But let's dive in and unpack all the reasons why.
About the Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent
Straight from the horse's mouth:
“[This] two-person freestanding tent will radically change your perception of what an ultralight backpacking tent can be. Sea to Summit's engineers made it their mission to design a tent that is easy to set up and is filled with clever, functional features.”
Price: $599 (USD)
Capacity: 2 Person
Design Type: Freestanding
Season Rating: 3-Season
Dimensions: 84.5 x 53 x 43 in.
Height: 43.5 in.
Floor Area: 28 sq ft.
Packed Weight: 3 lbs 10 oz. (Can be lightened with different set up modes)
The Fair Share Storage System
Right off the bat, I loved how Sea to Summit packaged the Telos tent. The rainfly, main shelter, and poles are all compartmentalized so that they can be separated for different carrying strategies. Everything can still be hauled as a single unit, OR you may choose to pack the poles inside your bag, pass off a piece to your hiking partner, and/or stow your wet fly on the outside of your pack, away from everything else.
Stand-Out Features of the Telos TR2
The Telos has one of the highest ridge lines I've ever seen in a lightweight 2-person tent. To accomplish this, Sea to Summit took the usual design of two downward bending poles and flipped the script so that there is this nice V-shape, high-tension ridge – thereby freeing up loads of head room and boosting the livability.
On top of this (or rather, underneath), there is a subtle pull-tab design that makes it easy to disconnect the fabric from the ridge when it comes time for teardown. The specialized roof also allows for a ventilation port with a U-shaped zipper right at the apex of the tent. This is precisely where all the heat and condensation tends to collect throughout the night, so there's no better spot for an adjustable vent.
Color Coded Attachments
Looking lower on the tent, you'll be happy to find color-coded attachment points complete with nifty little snaps. This makes setting up the rain fly that much easier. And speaking of making things easier, I know a lot of people skip over their tent's guy lines, but the ones on the Telos are so simple that you'll have no excuse not to.
The first thing you'll notice upon climbing into the Telos TR2 is how big the entrance is. Sometimes ultralight tents force you to basically army-crawl inside. If it's rainy and the tent is sagging, it can be even more of a squeeze. So once again, props to Sea to Summit's high ridge line design for freeing up such a spacious doorway.
Remember the compartmentalized packing design I raved about a second ago? Well, two of those sleeves can buckle to the inside corners of the tent, giving you extra storage for all your nicknacks (i.e. sunglasses, cell phone, lighters, knives, etc.).
The sleeve for the tent poles actually attaches up top, which gives you an ambient light source if you chuck your headlamp in there. And adding to those corner pockets are traditional envelope style storage areas that will help to reduce clutter even further. You guys know how obsessed I am with organization!
Something truly revolutionary is the fact that the interior tent can be torn down while the rain fly remains built. This will save you a ton of headaches when you wake up to inclement weather.
Hang Out Mode
Sea to Summit has a great habit of making their gear useful in multiple ways. And I've never seen anything like their “Hang Out Mode” in a tent design. Using my trekking poles (or their specifically designed poles) and the rain fly, you can quickly create an open-concept shelter that feels way more social than a tent.
If it's sunny, then this mode will offer some shade without detracting from the breeze, and if it's pouring rain, then you can fashion yourself a little card-game spot to wait it out with friends, or a place to cook meals. If the weather refuses to break, then your tent can eventually be set up underneath the canopy, and then with a few quick maneuvers, the fly will attach right where it needs to be for the evening.
Overall Thoughts on the Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent
Setting up the Sea to Summit Telos
Even though I really dug all its design features, the Telos TR2 tent is objectively a bit more complicated to set up than your average tent. But with that said, it's still very user-friendly – no YouTube instructionals will be required. If you just follow the color-coded feet I mentioned earlier, and play around with the guy lines and Hang Out Mode, then you'll be able to figure it all out on the fly (hey oh!).
This shelter truly excels in terms of livability. The Telos is spacious, easy to get in and out of, comfortable to sit and move around in, and has excellent storage and organization options to help keep your space clean.
Now, I tested this tent on one of my favorite trails on a sunny and still day in Sedona, Arizona. So in order to put the Telos through the ringer, I had to create some nastier conditions with both my leaf blower and garden hose when I got home.
Telos TR2 Tent Wind and Water Protection
I'm happy to report that the Telos TR2 aced my simulated storm test. Plus, Sea to Summit is the type of brand that goes all-in with whatever they choose to do. So when they entered the tent market, I knew they produced something that could take a punch, and withstand the test of time.
Who is the Sea to Summit Telos TR2 tent for?
The Telos TR2 is an outstanding tent, but there's no doubt about it, $600 (USD) is pretty pricey. So if you are new to backpacking, I think you might be better off starting with something more basic, probably heavier, and nowhere near as versatile, but that's also in the $200 – $300 range.
As you progress, and find yourself wanting something to take those backcountry experiences to the next level, then the Telos will have your name written all over it. And for you hardcore ultralight backpackers out there, keep in mind that even though 3 pounds, 10 ounces is already quite light, you can get it closer to sub-3 by losing some of the internal extra touches.
This concludes my total gush on the Sea to Summit Telos 2-person tent. If you want to dive a little deeper into this tent, as well as the even lighter Altos TR2, click here to see how they compare. And for more low-downs on everything hiking and camping-related, head on over to BackpackingTV.
| Brand | Product | Our Review | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea to Summit | Telos TR2 2-Man tent | Sea to Summit Tent Comparison: Telos vs Alto | $599 | Buy Now |
| Sea to Summit | Altos TR2 | Sea to Summit Tent Comparison: Telos vs Alto | $549 | Buy Now |
Sunglasses: WileyX sunglasses
