Revolutionary Backpacking Tent? The New Sea to Summit Telos Does Things I've Never Seen Before 

I used to do PR and Marketing for Sea to Summit in the UK a few years ago. They make superb quality lightweight gear, I still use it now, has lasted really well. The company are great people too, all genuninely passionate outdoor people. Tim (the owner) is a legend - was the first person ever to walk from the sea (at the Bay of Bengal) to the summit of Mt. Everest - hence the brand’s name 😊

I LOOOOVE this tent! I bought it (the TR2) early spring 2021, and it has joined me on several trips in varying conditions. I have set it up on bumpy grassy terrain on sandy soil, in hot and dry weather as well as pouring rain. It has performed outstandingly. It is easy to set up, easy to pack. Even my spouse, who was not an a fan of camping, has been joining me more on camping after we bought this tent. The main pros for us are the double entrance/exits, and headroom. We can both sit comfortably upright playing cards and boardgames inside, get dressed etc. Another thing is that it fits an exped duo lw (we have the UL winter version) perfectly, making it feel extra roomy while sleeping, and allowa for super comfortable and undisturbed sleep. It still allows for extra space in the foot-end for gear or even smaller backpacks. We also bought the additional gear shelf (can't remember the name. Gear loft?), and it makes organizing a breeze! It's easy to put up a drying line inside for wet clothes too. I was not a fan of the light bar thingy. We prefer hanging our lamp of choice in the loops instead. You didn't mention the stargaze function. If no rain is forecasted, you can pitch the tent with the rainfly rolled up only over the center above the mesh tent. You now have free view atound and above you. If it suddenly starts to rain after all (the weather is super unstable where I live), you can easily drag the fly over the mesh tent, and secure it, to stay dry the rest of the night. I got it quite a bit cheaper than the original price on a promotion sale, but I really could have paid more now that I have tried it.

Will be interested to learn how it does in real-life, getting in/out in the rain (calm as well as breezy/windy) Some tents get you wet from the door flap, and/or the loss of vestibule/tent protection when the door is unzipped, especially if secured to the side to avoid that "face slap of wet rainfly". The interior height/usable space looks appealing for hunkering in during bad weather, tall hikers, use as a base camp etc. For hot sunny weather, the option of making a sun shade from the fly is certainly an asset for areas short on trees/natural shade. Looking forward to future updates on this tent!

Ive done over 300 miles thru hiking with this tent. 200 alone 100 with my adult daughter. I love it it no problems, no condensation, performed well on less than ideal ground, liveable but cosy space for two palace for one and up in minutes after the first few days.

Sea to Summit makes some incredible gear and this tent looks like it's going to be another great piece! I like all those unique features, they really looked at some of the issues with a normal tent and improved them. I'm not going to rush out and get one because my current tent collection is good enough, but this one would definitely be at the top of my list if I was shopping. Great video!

Love this tent! Served me well in Yosemite backcountry. Two small people that love each other, really one big guy tent. Two thumbs up.

I love that the interior can be taken down before the fly. There have been so many times that I've had to take camp down in the rain. Finally a different tent design! Love it! Thanks for the video.

Great video. Looks like a great tent. One feature I love is the all mesh upper so when you don’t need the fly, you get full view outside. I have the REI Quarter Dome 2, which is very similar: good footprint size, high ridge with vertical walls, full mesh upper, color coded tabs and just under 4lbs. I love it and it’s only $350. Might be worth your watchers considering for a bit less money. I do like the hang out mode of this one, but wouldn’t spend the extra $150 to have it. Thanks for the review

I have had this tent almost a year, 4 back packing trips and 8 car camping trips. I love everything about it. Even with condensation

I just bought this tent and used it in the Ozarks in Arkansas for the new year holiday. Definitely love this overall. Sadly, the rain fly did have a couple of leaks which I’m sure I’ll have no issues replacing, but I’ll find out shortly. It was about 10°F on 1/2/2022. The inside of the tent was actually about 29°F while I wasn’t inside, and warmed up to around 36°F with me inside. Love the design. Nothing bad to say about it so far (aside from the leaks, but again, I’m sure this will be easily replaceable). As far as hangout mode, I think this would be good for a day on the beach. I believe it’s depicted by SeaToSummit.

Thanks for reviewing this one, Eric. It's a fantastic-looking tent - if I had the shekels, I'd spend for it in a heartbeat.

Great video and review. Extra bonus points for the video of the dog drinking the water in your rain test. I recently bought the Telos 2 and I feel that it is just quality throughout. I’m also happy with my Big Agnes copper spur UL, though again the Telos quality just shines

I love this tent it is a little heavy but what you get in return it's worth it. I spent 3 weeks in this tent on the AT and loved it it feels huge inside. Awesome video as always.

I'm really impressed with this tent. As far as the hangout mode, I usually hike with a guide's tarp which I use basically for this purpose. In my area there are a lot of bears. I wouldn't want to cook in the hangout mode because I wouldn't want to get any odors on my tent. I normally cook well away from my tent.

I’m actually set in the 2 person tent category right now with a Big Agnes Copper Spur and a Mountain Hardware Aspect (both are outstanding). But this Sea to Summit has me thinking maybe I could use one more!? The hang out mode is an awesome idea. I’ve seen car camp tents that can do something similar, but being able to put up a structured canopy in the backcountry is awesome.

"Why tent maker's didn't think of this" -> wind profile? What you get now with this inverted bar V shape is essentially rectangular shape of the tent and I'd be a bit worried using that in high wind conditions. This is also my concern with the "hangout mode", because it's literally like a deployed parachute.

It's always interesting when someone innovates something with a different form factor that changes the way we think and use a product. Bravo 👏

At $750 in Australia, This thing is ridiculously overpriced for what you have just shown me. I love my sea to summit gear, but I doubt it's worth the price.

Very cool product. I like how much space it has inside, and the ability to have the fly up without the actual tent under it.

Thanks for your comments. I have the Alto TR1 - the 2 lb 7 oz lightweight solo version of the Telos which I used for 4 weeks in Colorado this summer / fall. As a 70 YO I fully appreciated the light weight and the uniquely designed interior space - extra width just where you need it the most. Monsoon rains presented no issues. The ample fly and more than adequate bathtub floor kept me dry and the ability to pitch the tent from the inside under the fly during real rains was especially appreciated. Keep on keeping on!

As usual, Sea to Summit doesn't fail to innovate. Very interesting design and not surprising for Sea to Summit, it seems to be very well made with quality materials including some very clever custom fastener bits.

All of my most memorable experiences with tents were at the end of the days hiking rushing to put the tent up before the havens opened up and rained all over me.. looking forward to your wet weather review of this tent.

Very well thought out and unique design. The bags are interesting, especially considering they are the only company that I know of that was smart enough to make their air mattress bag also be the pump sack. Very smart duo purpose piece of gear

I love Sea to Summit, I have put their gear through -20f below and 4 days of storms. Price of this is little high, weight is a little heavy but the space looks amazing. I do like the hang out mode and would use it, this way you don't need to pay for a dyneema tarp if you are out on a day trip or want to make some lunch, out of a deluge. Bravo missio brother, we dig it!

If I were doing more wilderness citizen science backpacking, with extended stays in camps, this would definitely be a tent worth considering. The ideas on the guy lines are great. And I am going to steal the fly side attachment peg. I hike in rock slab and rooty country so carry 3-4 made up guy line extenders to get over obstacles or tie off to rocks.

I would definitely use that tent!! Great video. Thank you.

This tent didn't fare too well in Section Hikers' review. The apex vent leaked in light rain and there were some quality issues as well. I think it's also a little too narrow for two people.

Thanks for showing the latest gear.

I am an avid long distance kayaker. I use the Telos 3+ and it is a life saver in the bush from a long day out on the water. I love everything about the tent.

Thanx for showcasing the tent for us & the vid ✌️

All Sea to Summit products I have used have been good quality. Looks like a good tent. The company has obviously well thought out this product. Some great features. I would definitely consider using this tent. And the price: basically you get what you pay for. I like versatility of the rain fly used as itself also. Looks to be a winner. Would like to see it tested in extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, and wind. I love your opening humor. Right on, bro.

Its seems really well made and thought out a bit expensive with the weight over 3 lbs

Good to see that Sea to Summit is making some innovative tents. As for me, I'm hiking all day and just crawling into the tent at night for a few hours sleep, so I prefer something lighter such as sub-2 pound category. For many people I'm sure this will be great.

At 1,657g (total weight according to S2S, and please be sure to state metric weights in your videos for us folks not in the U.S.), this tent is not really lightweight. On the other hand, it is freestanding, and has some very nifty features like the hangout (shade mode!), and that makes it more versatile in some areas than, say, my Duplex (which costs about the same). The Telos is a different animal. Don‘t think I‘d ever buy it due to its weight, but love the courage S2S is showing in pioneering some new designs.

Cool tent and great sceanary! Thanks for sharing.

Interesting to see Sea to summit making a tent! Great overview Eric 🤙🏽 I like the top zipper at the vent…. That’s sweet

Great review. Ty . May have to purchase this one. Very nice Sea to Summit keeps impressing me.

Nice tent! Thank you!

Totally awesome!

My first shot on your channel, so good entry. Inspiring, but common sense, too.👍🏻

Awesome! I like the packed away single component which can be carried outside a smaller backpack. I like the multifunction bags, I like the hangout mode for sun and wind shade. I wouldn’t hesitate to spend that money. Good quality is priceless. I bought an Argentinian knife/fork/spoon set decades ago, and use them everyday for lunch. I wish I’d bought several. I have a Colmans salt and pepper set i carry when flying (or used to), i have a pair of snow overshoes I use as storage bags for my camping gear, I’d like for there to be a very light inflatable sleeping bag/sleeve which can also serve as a sponge wash bathing bag (turn it outside in to wash and back to dry, even sleep in it in the open when necessary), but I have to replace my missing camp stove. Torches, there are so many great ones. There could be an over shoe band that charges things while you are walking, and then there is the multi tool!

Great review. Thanks

I simply love the way they designed this tent. But it’s a bit heavy on price tag. Definitely going on my wish list for Christmas 🤩👍🏻

This looks awesome! Expensive though. I don't see myself being able to justify an upgrade to this any time soon as my current tent was less than half the price, basically same weight, and is generally similar but without those couple features like the extra headroom and storage pocket places, but it definitely has caught my eye if my current tent ever fails or I find myself with a bunch of money hahah. It's cool too see sea to summit branch out into more stuff too because you're right, they generally make some really nice stuff.

That's really cool. Possibly something to save for!

Very gorgeous looks simple to set up and I like it. What more can you really ask for, except a cheaper price. I'm not able to buy anything from sea to Summit just about everything they have is Way Beyond me and I've been backpacking for quite some time. So as far as the tenth goes if it was given to me I most definitely would take it, it's an excellent tent but as far as me buying it no no no. I also like the hang out mode. Thanks for the video and thanks for the demonstration I definitely give the tent a thumbs up. Have a great day and stay safe and keep your powder dry!

Thank you 😊

I have been looking at this one for my son and I. I have a BA Copper Spur 1P for myself, but something like this would be pretty awesome for the kiddo and myself.

I'm just looking at it. And I love it.

It looks nice in the elevated position! I would appreciate, when standing like that if mesh was hanging down to the ground and attached to a floor. I just dont like mosquitos.

Awesome tent!

I love this tent!!!! Thank you for sharing

I have been backpacking for over 50 years. I started backpacking when man first walked on the moon (July 1969). I was 16 and now at 69 I still go backpacking with my wife of 49 years. I am always looking for ways to lighten my pack. We have the MSR Hubba Hubba tent and it has served us well. But your tent looks interesting.

Very nice I’ll give it a try

Great review!

I'm an artist, so I think the hangout mode is something I would like to try. Thanks for sharing.

Good video thanks ... it s reminds me my Marmot Force 3. I will try to do that canope thing with the poles...

Very inventive, nice. 👍

They had a really great deal a few months back at 25% off. I was going to purchase it but ended up seeing that Big Agnes had 25% and the Copper Spur was not available but the Salt Creek SL 2P was and I got that one. I couldn't find many reviews on it but it truly is an awesome tent. 3 doors and porch area. Polyester and freestanding at 4lbs and the price was right.

haven't been backpacking that much, just a 3 month trip on the PCT.. actually set up my tent I think 3 times during that 3 months, the rest of the time I slept outside. I think Hangout mode might be the most used mode for me.

3 pound 10 ounces, is that really lightweight? Seems heavy to me especially as the inner is all mesh.

Great video! I would love to see a follow up that shows how well the hangout mode performs in the wind or rain. I cycled through Namibia in 2019 and something like that would have come in useful! Also - how stable does the mesh look? I'm not a fan of soo much Mesh.

It's an interesting looking tent! Pretty flash. My immediate thought with the high ridgeline is to wonder how well this will do in sustained high winds--coastal or mountainous hiking are often done in windy or stormy conditions which you can't just wait out, and that high ridgeline looks like a big sail at the moment. Can you update again after you've seen it handle storms with higher winds, to compare how it does to tents with a lower profile? Great video, thanks!

The "hang out mode" seems like a clever idea, at least with the added high poles. But apart from that, I have seen many of these features on tents 20 years ago. And it seems that Sea to Summit is merely acknowledging what most of us had already done on our own- remove the inner tent and carry it separately, carry the fly separately to dry it or to distribute weight, etc. I mean, it's nice they give you an extra bag for that, but... not exactly a new idea. The frame shape does seem unusual, but l would have to see how it actually performs in high winds.

Fantastic tent

I'm just getting started in backpacking (again after 30 years) and plan on a two week trip in the summer. It looks like this will be the tent I plan on buying. Thanks for the review.

Now I want this tent. It's pretty danged cool.

Be willing to try this

Love it☺️

Thanks for this highly informative video!

Hey great review of this tent I would like to see you do a video detailing using the tent in regular mode then convert to hang out mode and back again.

Awesome tent no doubt, but not $500 awesome. Props for the rain so color code system, that is a really cool idea. I would have to really think about paying more than $100 for it to be honest. Waaayy too many other options available for $500! Hell, you could put together a real decent beginners backpack kit for the price of this single tent.

Hangout mode would be great. I despise those times when I must hike in rain gear. A quick, easy shelter from the rain would be great! ✌😎

Cool tent!

Hey Thanks Love it big guy

How good is the floor and does it come with a ground sheet? It looks like it has a lot of innovative features.

This is a winner, quite innovative.

wow this tent is absolutely sickkk

It's got some thoughtful design aspects that I've seen in other tents but only one or two of and not all in one. The color coded fly should just be a no brainer auto include for any non simetrical tent imo. The "hasty hooch" configuration (what they call "hang out" mode) is a personal requirement for any tent I use. The weight seems really good although time will tell if the tent itself is as bomb proof as the extra pockets make the interior mess issue lol. I also like how they made the top cross bar at an upward angle for extra lift rather than in line with the primary frame pole since those tend to bend down making a dome and reducing accessibility like you mentioned. I usually break my tent down into sections anyway for various set ups (like the aforementioned hasty hooch) and weight balance distribution in my pack but the additional sacks for the same purpose are nice even if they add a tad bit of weight since you get the additional versatility and pockets out of them. For $500 it feels a bit much or at the very least fairly niche, but thats also coming from someone who regularly lugs around a 50lb+ ruck and uses 6lb+ military tents where durability and function take priority over weight, as much as I'd love to cut a bunch. But for those whove already cut the weight and bulk of the other big items and have the budget this looks promising.

Great first look! This and I think the Alto series were the tents for 2021 that most channels were talking about. And I'm going to trash it. Not a knock against your review which was great! 👍 But $500 for a just about 4lb tent is absurd. Combo this with the $400 spark and you have $1k for 2 items that aren't even ultra light. Might as well go dyneema and get the altaplex and arc blast. S2S charges Zpacks prices for Gonex weight 🤣🤣🤣

Sorry, I'm in the UK, sideways rain here means that "innovative" vent on the top is an absolute liability, that would be like a waterfall in to the tent in a storm. And yes I know you can close it down, but condensation is bad enough here as it is, I need a vent I can have open in the rain otherwise I may aswell not bother with the fly lol.

Let’s just take a second and thank Sea To Summit for making this tent NOT orange, green, or blue. Finally. A beautiful grey. THANK YOU! 🙌🏼

Very nice tent, its does remind me of my MRS hubba Hubba. Exept for the top vent msr doesnt have that. Nice review Hans

Very very cool ! Sea to Summit bringin it!

looks to me like the Nemo Hornet. I like the roof vent though. as for the fair share rig, Nemo's been doing the split pack option for sharing the load for years. Surprised you didn't call that out. It does have some awesome features though, like the tent pouch converted to pocket and the fly as a shade options.

The "hangout mode" is basically what the USMC Combat Tent does, the rain fly can be set up separately from the tent as a shade cover and is well used when we are in the desert.

I got an MSR Hubba Hubba Nx, circa 2017, from Amazon, brand new, for $289. 3.5 lbs, huge, and a beast. $499 for a tent is way too much.

ill buy this tent when they iron out the package and other issues. thanks to everyone supporting s2s with their early access tents.

Just got the telos Tr3 for Christmas I’m so excited to take it out this spring!

Good review.

another great review, Eric!

OMG I missed the pun at the beginning the first time. Is there anything you didn't like about it? Fun sequence with the garden hose and your dog! 😍🤣

It’s similar to the Huba Huba space wise. I like the separate packing bags for fly and inner, (going to steal that idea) and the fact you can use them as storage in the tent. Hangout mode looks interesting, not sure how much I’d use it. And going to see if I can do it with Huba Huba.

I appreciate the dad jokes LOL!

It's definitely the tent for me, sweet video!

Good review-you could sell a fridge to an Eskimo. 😂 You did a good job. Not sure about a few things. Love the vertical walls and space inside. The price …hmmm A little heavy and a little quirky maybe but a good tent. My Big Agness Fly Creek is not as roomy but lighter.

Can you set the fly up before the rest of the tent? That would be a huge advantage, set up the poles and the fly in the rain then set up the rest under the fly.

Awesome 👌

Granted the tent is receiving great reviews, and I’m certain they are due. But folks, why so expensive?

This looks amazingly awesome! I could just never afford it. 😪