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 (5.5 miles) of yarn weighs 15 grams (half an ounce).
• Hydrostatic head (mm): Measures waterproof rating – the height (in mm) of a water column a fabric can resist.
• Example: 2500mm = 8.25 feet of water pressure.
• Higher numbers mean greater waterproofing.