We got the order to test the new Telos TR2 tent from Sea to Summit. Not on the campsite, but in a special place. Said and done. What came out of it can be found here in this experience report. So much can be revealed: We are blown away - from the scene as well as from the tent.
A report by Remo Schläpfer - With the support of Sea to Summit
«Hello Remo. Are you interested in testing the new Sea to Summit tent? ”Said the voice on the other end of the line. Philipp Kundert, who sells the Sea to Summit brand in Switzerland, called me a few weeks ago and asked me to test the new Sea to Summit tent, the Telos TR2, in the field.
Of course, I don't want to miss something like that. I already have Sea to Summit products testednamely cookware, sleeping bags and mats, and knew what I was getting myself into: products that convince. But tents are new terrain for the Australian outdoor outfitter.
Where should the tent be set up?
On a climbing day with a buddy, I say that I really want to take advantage of the currently good autumn weather and that I need a spectacular place to test the Telos TR2. His answer comes immediately: "If you want something really unique, you have to go up there!" He points to the summit east of us and shows me pictures on his cell phone. Recovered. The pictures look perfect. The space on the summit is very limited, just as big to pitch a tent. There is no more space. And the view - it couldn't be better.
We start with light luggage
The next day I leave the office at 15.00 p.m., cycle home and pack the Telos TR2, den Spark III sleeping bag and the feather-light one Etherlight sleeping mat in my backpack and off I go. Time is running out, because the sun sets shortly before 19.00:2.5 p.m. - and there is still a short drive and XNUMX hours of access ahead of me. On the way I get something to eat and a drop of red wine and then it's time to hurry off and look for the way to the summit. Because the preparation was a little short in the heat of the battle, I don't know how exactly to get to the sleeping place. And that was to take revenge later.
Arrived on the saddle right next to the summit, I look in the direction of the planned campsite. It is not clear to me where to continue, which is why I climb slightly on the opposite side and look at the last few meters of the planned summit. From this perspective, the presumed final passage through the notch seems to be in difficulty area 6b. So not the terrain that I want to take on unsecured with approach shoes. Confused, I write to my buddy.
After a few text messages it becomes clear: The notch only looks so difficult and exposed from this perspective - from the opposite side. As I go down to the entrance of the gap, I realize what influence the perspective has. There is an almost flat path up to the summit. I am reassured.
The space for the telos and the tent itself exceed my expectations
After the brief interlude of uncertainty, I quickly reached my goal. I don't have the right time to enjoy it yet, because I want to set up the tent before sunrise if possible and take a few pictures for this report.
The evening before the trip, I briefly had a Video on the Sea to Summit Youtube channel in which it is shown how the tent must be set up. That is enough to find out what is necessary for the construction.
Set up, made easy
I unpack everything and it quickly becomes clear: this is no ordinary tent. The poles, for example, are made from a single piece, so it doesn't take long to figure out which pole has to be threaded where in the tent. Due to the shape of the scaffolding, it quickly becomes clear what belongs where. In addition, Sea to Summit works with different colored poles and fastenings. That's a smart thing!
A short time later, the tent is completely erected in front of me. It only took a few minutes to set up and one thing made it a little more complex than usual: the nature of the ground did not allow me to push the hooks into the ground to secure the tent. But thanks to the easy-to-use buckles, the loops, which are normally attached to the hook, could simply be tightened around a stone.
By the way: in one separate article let's go into detail about the technical finesse of the Telos TR tent.
time to sleep
After taking a few photos, I dedicate myself to supper and a good drop of wine. Without paying attention to the name of the wine, I chose a suitable red wine with a suitable name for the evening in the shop: “Senza Parole”, too good German: “Without words”. But I don't stay outside for long, because the breeze is rising and the temperatures are not so pleasant in autumn. Time to go to the tent.
What I quickly notice about the Telos TR2 are the spacious areas in front of the two entrances. This makes it easy to store rucksacks, cookware and shoes - which remedies the otherwise usual chaos in the tent. The interior itself is good for two people, but it will be cozy. Since I'm traveling alone, I can't complain about space problems.
By the way, Sea to Summit has come up with a nice gimmick with the tent pole bag. In combination with a headlamp, the so-called light bar creates a pleasant, warm light and thus illuminates the interior of the tent. But now I say “go out the lights”, good night!
Technical details
- 3-season tent for 2 people (there is also the TR3 for 3 people)
- Outer and inner tent can be set up individually or in combination
- Y-shaped pole end in the head and foot area for vertical tent walls and maximum volume
- Outer tent: silicone / polyurethane-coated 15D Ultra-Sil-Nylon, inner tent: 15D nylon mesh, water column: 1mm
- Tent floor: 20D nylon, water column: 2mm
- Dimensions: 134 x 109 x 215 cm
- Maximum interior height: 102 cm