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Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Review

A tent with a ton of flexibility for hikers who want one shelter to do it all
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Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Review
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Price:  $599 List
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Manufacturer:   Sea to Summit
By Ben Applebaum-Bauch ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 1, 2023
73
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 18
  • Comfort - 25% 8.5
  • Weather Resistance - 25% 7.0
  • Space to Weight Ratio - 25% 6.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 8.0
  • Construction Quality - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is an incredibly versatile tent. It has three distinct modes: double-wall tent, single-wall tarp, and shade canopy — that make it practical for a variety of backpacking styles and environments. If you find yourself going from desert trail fastpacking one season to weekend car camping in temperate forests, this shelter can cover it all. It has enough space for two and offers multiple features, including zippered vents in the fly and a light bar in the ceiling, that make it stand out from the pack. It's on the pricier side, but it's worth it for those who need a tent with a flexible format.
REASONS TO BUY
Highly adaptable
Double doors
Unique features
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Average dimensions
Editor's Note: We updated our testing metrics for this review on December 1, 2023, after the completion of our fall testing session.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Most Versatile Backpacking Tent
Editors' Choice Award
Best Three-Person Backpacking Tent
Editors' Choice Award
Best Two-Person Backpacking Tent
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Best Buy Award
Best On a Tight Budget
Price Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$396.95 at Amazon
Compare at 3 sellers
$560 List$209.93 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers
$199 List
$148.93 at REI
Overall Score Sort Icon
73
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53
Star Rating
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Bottom Line This tent has many different configurations to suit the needs of a wide variety of environments and seasonsThis tent offers enough room for three, without weighing you downA tent with plenty of pockets and great interior volume all in a lightweight packageThis comfortable, airy option can handle some abuse, though that durability adds weightSimple and reliable in mild conditions, this is a good solid backpack tent
Rating Categories Sea to Summit Telos... Big Agnes Copper Sp... SlingFin Portal 2 NEMO Aurora 2 REI Co-op Trailmade 2
Comfort (25%)
8.5
9.0
8.0
9.5
5.5
Weather Resistance (25%)
7.0
7.5
9.0
6.0
6.0
Space to Weight Ratio (25%)
6.0
9.5
7.0
5.5
2.0
Ease of Use (15%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
7.5
Construction Quality (10%)
7.0
7.0
8.0
6.5
7.5
Specs Sea to Summit Telos... Big Agnes Copper Sp... SlingFin Portal 2 NEMO Aurora 2 REI Co-op Trailmade 2
Measured Total Packaged Weight 3.67 3.81 3.34 5.51 5.65
Measured Floor Area., sq ft 28.00 39.20 27.74 30.33 30.21
Interior Floor Area to Weight Ratio, sq ft per pound 7.63 10.29 8.31 5.50 5.35
Measured Headroom Area, sq ft Not measured 25.04 13.24 25.28 4.86
Interior Headroom Area to Weight Ratio, sq ft per pound Not measured 6.57 3.96 4.59 0.86
Packed Size (length x diameter) 18.9 x 5.1 in 20.5 x 6 in 14.5 x 6 in 20 x (8 x 8) in 18 x 8.5 in
Dimensions (length x width x peak height) 84.5 x 53/43 x 43.5 in 89 x 68/59 x 43 in 85.6 x 51/42 x 44 in 84 x 52 x 44 in 87 x 50 x 40 in
Vestibule Area 19.5 sq ft 18 sq ft 8.4 + 8.4 sq ft 9.2 + 9.2 sq ft 19 sq ft
Peak Height 43.5 in 43 in 44 in 44 in 40 in
Number of Doors 2 2 2 2 2
Number of Poles 1 1 3 1 2
Pole Diameter 8.5/9 mm 8.7 mm 8.7/9.3mm 8.5 mm 8.5 mm
Pole Material Aluminium DAC TH72M DAC Featherlite NFL DAC Featherlite NFL Aluminum Aluminum
Number of Pockets 2 8 7 4 2
Guy Points 6 4 12 4 4
Gear Loft Sold separately No No No No
Rain Fly Material 15D ripstop nylon Proprietary patterned random rip-stop nylon with 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating 10D nylon 66 ripstop Sil 68D PU Polyester (1200 mm) Coated polyester
Inner Tent Material 15D polyester mesh Proprietary patterned random rip-stop nylon with 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating 15D nylon mesh 30D Polyester/ No-See-Um Mesh, 68D PU Polyester (1200 mm) floor
Fly Fabric Polyester,
Polyester/nylon
Type Two door freestanding Two door freestanding Two door freestanding Two door freestanding Two door freestanding

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Sea to Summit Telos stands out for its multi-mode pitch and unique features. It has an easy-clip fly, and the vestibule doors tie back in many different configurations. Its listed dimensions aren't exceptional but it feels roomier. It's a solid choice whether you plan to use it as a tent or a tarp.

Performance Comparison


sea to summit telos tr2 - this tent is a favorite for its ability to adapt to many types of...
This tent is a favorite for its ability to adapt to many types of environments.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Comfort


This model's interior offers more space than its dimensions initially reveal. Its 84-inch length and 53-inch width (tapering to 43 at the foot) are sufficient for two sleepers. However, what enables the Telos to stand out is the steepness of the walls and peak height volume. The unique design of the crossbar ensures that the highest point of the canopy is in line with the plane of your body when you sit up. It seems like a small thing, but it means that sleepers don't have to reposition their body to take advantage of the space when sitting up.


There are also an array of other useful comfort features in this tent. There are two standard storage pockets, one on each side. In addition, the tent and fly stuff sacks each have a hook that can attach to gear loops in the canopy for a ton of extra storage space.

sea to summit telos tr2 - the telos has large doors on either side for ease of getting in and...
The Telos has large doors on either side for ease of getting in and out.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

The pole bag also comes with an opaque plastic insert. This unit can be snapped to the ceiling to create the ultimate light diffuser. Once installed, sliding one or two headlamps into the bag creates a pleasant, even light throughout the tent. We are also big fans of the large double side doors. The curved zippers make it easier to open with one hand, and the size of the opening itself is generous, ensuring that it is easy to enter and exit the tent.

sea to summit telos tr2 - the lightbar (at top) is a unique feature among backpacking tents.
The lightbar (at top) is a unique feature among backpacking tents.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Weather Resistance


The weather resistance of the Telos is above average. It has a thin but effective 15D ripstop nylon fly.


The two vestibules protect gear and footwear while also keeping all of that extra stuff outside of the tent itself. The vestibule zippers also have a protective flap that keeps rain from seeping through. In nice weather, the fly can also be tied back in a wide array of configurations, from just one door to opening up the entire tent canopy to star gazing (while keeping the fly attached if bad weather rolls in quickly.

sea to summit telos tr2 - looking underneath the fly, the massive vent at the top has a zipper...
Looking underneath the fly, the massive vent at the top has a zipper so you can control how wide the opening is.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Our favorite feature is the ceiling vent. This is one of the few models in the category that has a zipper closure around the ventilation hole, making it possible to more precisely adjust the size of the opening, depending on your shifting needs for insulation and ventilation.

sea to summit telos tr2 - the fly runs low to the ground and beads water well.
The fly runs low to the ground and beads water well.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Space to Weight Ratio


As a double-wall tent, this model is in the middle of the pack. Its 3.67 pounds makes it seems well-suited for weekend backpacking trips and car camping.


The weight of this tent only tells part of the story. If you opt to pitch it as a tarp, without the main tent (and only the fly and footprint), then it's just 2.64 pounds. As with any tarp, this configuration sacrifices bug protection, but it makes the Telos a true ultralight option.

sea to summit telos tr2 - even without the footprint (sold separately), it is still possible...
Even without the footprint (sold separately), it is still possible to pitch the fly without the tent, which definitely lightens the load.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Ease of Use


The Telos TR2 offers a standard pitch with a couple of novel features. The poles lock into the corners of the tent, and it comes with standard pole clips to secure the canopy. We also appreciate the simplicity of the hook and loop system that pulls the ceiling out to maximum volume; it requires much less awkward stretching and bending of the tent than other models.


The included stakes are also excellent. They are super lightweight but strong. Each one has a series of three teeth that allow them to grip the cord at the corners of the tent especially well.

sea to summit telos tr2 - the setup is straightforward. color-coded poles lock in at the...
The setup is straightforward. Color-coded poles lock in at the corners and clips on the tent attach to the poles.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

The fly also has easy-to-clip hardware at each corner. This is another feature that really minimizes the time it takes relative to other models that can require more precision and more fussing. To pitch it in tarp mode is one less step — you can just go straight to attaching the fly to the poles. A third option is 'hangout' mode, which essentially takes the tarp set up and props up one end using a pair of trekking poles and a couple of strategically placed guylines for added stability. It definitely takes some extra time to do this, but if you need a break in the desert or find yourself going to the beach but don't own an umbrella, this is a totally viable alternative.

sea to summit telos tr2 - with the large loop and hook system, you don't have to wrestle to...
With the large loop and hook system, you don't have to wrestle to get the crossbar secured to the tent as is often the case with other models.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Construction Quality


The fly fabric is a thinner 15D, and the floor is a slightly burlier 20D ripstop. These fabrics are more delicate. Without a footprint underneath, we expect that some pinholes will form on the floor of the tent, which usually happens when it is pitched repeatedly on abrasive, sandy surfaces. On the plus side, the pole pockets that attach the fly to the crossbar are especially durable rubber. The corner grommets and fly hardware are strong metal, and the tri-corner stakes are especially bend-resistant.


Should You Buy the Sea to Summit Telos TR2?


This model performs admirably as a traditional double-wall tent, but it also has a variety of excellent features that make it stand out. With that in mind, the versatility of this tent is what really sets it apart. Its higher price tag is definitely a consideration, however, for those who like the option to switch between a double-wall tent and a single-wall tarp, this is a reliable two-in-one model that provides flexibility for a variety of environmental conditions. Both modes are easy to set up and provide solid three-season protection.

sea to summit telos tr2 - separate stuff sacks make it simple to divide the load. it's also...
Separate stuff sacks make it simple to divide the load. It's also nice to have multiple stuff sacks if the fly and tent are wet and you want to separate them from the rest of your gear.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

What Other Backpacking Tents Should You Consider?


No other model has this tent beat for adaptability. However, if you want a double-wall tent with a little more space and versatile vestibule options, check out the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. The Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2 is a similar option that has superior weather resistance. For a very similar weight, you can also have more space with the Nemo Dagger Osmo.

sea to summit telos tr2 - for three-season outdoor adventures, the telos tr 2 is our favorite...
For three-season outdoor adventures, the Telos TR 2 is our favorite for adaptability.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Ben Applebaum-Bauch