Differences between Alto standard / Alto Plus and Telos standard / Telos Bikepack / Telos Plus tents? Differences between Alto standard / Alto Plus and Telos standard / Telos Bikepack / Telos Plus tents?
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Differences between Alto standard / Alto Plus and Telos standard / Telos Bikepack / Telos Plus tents?

Sea to Summit’s Alto and Telos tents share a similar design philosophy but differ in structure, materials, and weather suitability. The Plus versions of both add protection for cooler, windier conditions.
 

Alto – Semi-Freestanding

Alto TR 1 & TR 2

  • Inner walls: Mesh for maximum airflow and clear-night stargazing.
  • Floor: 15D nylon with 1200mm hydrostatic head (ultra-lightweight)

Alto TR 1 Plus & TR 2 Plus

  • Inner walls: 20D nylon fabric to block cold drafts while maintaining good airflow.
  • Vents: Located in doors and apex for adjustable ventilation.
  • Floor: 20D nylon with 2500mm hydrostatic head (higher weather protection).

Summary:

Alto: Semi-freestanding, lighter, and ideal for warm-weather backpacking.

Alto Plus: Add internal wind protection, and a more waterproof floor

Telos – Freestanding 

Telos TR 2 & TR 3

  • Inner walls: Mesh for enhanced summer ventilation and stargazing.
  • Floor: 20D nylon with 2500mm hydrostatic head (lightweight yet protective).
  • Poles: DAC NSL with 40cm / 16" pole segments
  • Bags: 15D Nylon Fair Share System

Telos TR 2 Plus & TR 3 Plus

  • Inner walls: 20D nylon with unzippable vents in the doors and apex, designed for colder or windier environments where drafts might enter under the rainfly.
  • Floor: 30D nylon with 4000mm hydrostatic head (highly waterproof and durable).
  • Poles: DAC NSL with 40cm / 16" pole segments
  • Bags: 15D Nylon Fair Share System

Telos TR 2 Bikepack

  • Inner walls: Mesh for enhanced summer ventilation and stargazing.
  • Floor: 20D nylon with 2500mm hydrostatic head (lightweight yet protective).
  • Poles: DAC NSL with 30cm / 12" pole segments
  • Bags: 420D Nylon with Evac waterproof/air-permeable bases + StretchLoc Straps

Summary:

Telos: Fully freestanding, more space, ideal three-season backpacking tent

Telos Plus: Add internal wind protection, and a more waterproof floor

Telos Bikepack: Same spec as standard Telos with shorter pole segments and custom bike bags

Materials Reference

  • Mesh: All tents use no-see-um proof mesh.
  • Denier (D): Indicates the thread’s weight – not thread count or fabric strength.
    • Example: 15D means 9000 meters of yarn weighs 15 grams.
  • Hydrostatic head (mm): Measures waterproof rating – the height (in mm) of a water column a fabric can resist.
    • Example: 2500mm of water pressure.
    • Higher numbers mean greater waterproofing.

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