The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 isn’t just another freestanding backpacking tent—it’s a modular shelter system that adapts to your environment, activity, and comfort preferences. Designed with input from DAC pole engineers and Sea to Summit’s own product team, the Telos TR2 introduces a unique Tension Ridge pole system, multi-mode pitching, and clever storage solutions that elevate it beyond standard two-person tents.
Whether you’re fast packing through the Pyrenees, bike packing across the Midlands, or setting up a basecamp in Snowdonia, the Telos TR2 offers a rare combination of liveability, adaptability, and packability.
Design and Architecture
At the heart of the Telos TR2 is its Tension Ridge pole system, which curves upward rather than downward—creating near-vertical walls and a peak height of 43.5 inches. This results in:
- Exceptional headroom for sitting up and changing clothes
- High door openings for easier entry and exit
- Improved vestibule volume for gear storage
The tent’s geometry feels more spacious than its footprint suggests, with a floor area of 28 sq. ft. and a tapered width from 53″ at the head to 43″ at the foot. It comfortably fits two standard sleeping pads side-by-side, though wide pads may require overlap or tapering.
Setup and Pitching Modes
The Telos TR2 supports three distinct pitch modes:
- Standard double-wall tent with inner mesh and full rainfly
- Fly-only tarp mode for ultralight shelter (with optional footprint)
- Hangout Mode, converting the fly into a semi-open canopy using trekking poles
Setup is intuitive thanks to:
- Colour-coded DAC NSL poles
- Quick-connect aluminium feet
- Hook-and-loop ceiling tension system
- Easy-clip fly hardware
The modular FairShare storage system divides the tent into three stuff sacks (fly, inner, poles), allowing weight-sharing between partners and transforming into gear pockets and a Light bar diffuser for interior lighting.
Weather Resistance and Ventilation
The Telos TR2 is rated for three-season use, with materials and features that support reliable weather protection:
- Rainfly: 15D ripstop nylon with silicone/PU coating (1200mm HH)
- Floor: 20D ripstop nylon bathtub-style (2500mm HH)
- Seam-taped construction for waterproof integrity
- Dual vestibules for gear protection and airflow
Ventilation is a standout feature:
- Apex Vent at the peak, zip-adjustable from inside
- Baseline Vents at the lower fly edges for passive airflow
- Mesh inner for full-body breathability
In field tests, the Telos TR2 performed well in steady rain and moderate wind, with minimal condensation and no water ingress. However, the fly’s thin fabric may sag slightly in prolonged wet conditions, and the vent design requires attention during sudden weather shifts.
Interior Features and Liveability
Inside, the Telos TR2 feels more like a mini cabin than a cramped shelter. Key liveability features include:
- Two large side doors with curved zippers for easy access
- Four internal pockets, including stuff sack conversion pockets
- Light bar pole sack, which diffuses headlamp light across the ceiling
- Generous vestibules (19.5 sq. ft. total) for packs, boots, and cooking gear
The vertical walls and high ceiling make it easy to sit up, play cards, or organise gear without brushing the canopy. It’s one of the few tents in its class where two people can comfortably coexist without feeling boxed in.
Weight and Packability
- Minimum trail weight: 3 lbs 4.3 oz (1482g)
- Packed weight: 3 lbs 11 oz (1657g)
- Packed size: 5 x 19 in (13 x 48 cm)
While not ultralight, the Telos TR2 offers a strong space-to-weight ratio, especially considering its freestanding design and modular pitch options. The FairShare system allows creative packing strategies, and the separate sacks help isolate wet components during breakdown.
Durability and Materials
The Telos TR2 uses premium components:
- DAC Featherlite NSL poles for strength and weight savings
- YKK zippers for smooth operation
- Aluminium hardware for long-term reliability
- Tri-corner stakes with multi-tooth grip for secure pitching
The 15D fly and 20D floor are lightweight but require care. A footprint is recommended for abrasive or wet ground, with Sea to Summit offering Lightfoot and Bigfoot options for tailored protection.
Comparison Chart: Telos TR2 vs Key Competitors
| Feature | Telos TR2 | Copper Spur HV UL2 | Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P | MSR Hubba Hubba NX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (min) | 3 lbs 4 oz | 3 lbs 2 oz | 3 lbs 14 oz | 3 lbs 14 oz |
| Floor Area | 28 sq. ft. | 29 sq. ft. | 31.3 sq. ft. | 29 sq. ft. |
| Peak Height | 43.5 in | 40 in | 39 in | 39 in |
| Doors / Vestibules | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Ventilation | Apex + Baseline Vents | Fly vents + mesh | OSMO fabric + vents | Mesh + fly vents |
| Pitch Modes | Tent / Tarp / Hangout | Tent only | Tent only | Tent only |
| Stuff Sack System | Modular FairShare + Lightbar | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| UK Price Range | £400–£460 | £420–£470 | £430–£490 | £390–£440 |
Value and Pricing
Retailing around £460, the Telos TR2 sits at the premium end of the backpacking tent market. However, its modular pitch options, liveability, and clever design features justify the investment for users who value comfort and adaptability.
Available from retailers like Ellis Brigham, Sea to Summit UK, and Backcountry, it often sees seasonal discounts and bundle offers with footprints or accessories.
Final Verdict
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is a standout tent for backpackers who want more than just shelter. It’s a liveable, adaptable, and thoughtfully engineered system that performs across a wide range of conditions and use cases. While not the lightest or cheapest option, it delivers comfort, versatility, and innovation in a way few tents do.
If your adventures span seasons, terrain types, and activity styles—from bike packing to alpine trekking—the Telos TR2 is a worthy companion.
