Sea to Summit Telos Evo Freestanding Backpacking Tent

The Sea to Summit Telos Evo is a 3-season freestanding backpacking tent built around Tension Ridge architecture, which sweeps the poles upward to create more headroom, higher doors, and greater usable floor space than a conventional dome geometry. The rainfly uses recycled Ultra-Sil LS fabric with a Sil/PeU coating: non-PFAS, bluesign APPROVED, and flame-retardant free. The Telos Evo is available in TR2 (2-person) and TR3 (3-person) configurations.

Room to Move, Not Just to Sleep

Tension Ridge architecture sets the Telos Evo apart from tents that sacrifice interior volume to save weight. By angling the poles upward rather than inward, the design raises the tent's profile so occupants can sit upright comfortably, pass gear without contorting, and exit through taller doors without crawling. The TR2 reaches 105 cm (41 in) at peak height with 2.6 m² of floor area; the TR3 reaches 123 cm (48 in) with 3.7 m² of floor area. That geometry also lifts the vestibule, making it easier to access and stow wet gear outside the sleeping area.

Weatherproofing Without PFAS

The Ultra-Sil LS rainfly fabric is made from recycled nylon and polyester yarns woven in a mini-ripstop grid, then coated with Sil/PeU and finished with a non-PFAS DWR treatment. The lower-stretch construction holds a taut pitch even when wet, which reduces flapping and keeps the fly's geometry tight against wind. The Apex Vent at the tent peak includes a closeable storm flap, so ventilation can stay open in light rain and be sealed in heavy weather. The Ultra-Sil LS floor carries a 2500 mm hydrostatic head rating (20D nylon, 50D polyester).

Versatile Setup for Variable Conditions

The Telos Evo supports multiple pitch configurations beyond the standard full setup: a hangout mode and a stargazing mode adapt the shelter to fair-weather use without requiring a full teardown. Adjustable stake-out points let hikers fine-tune inner tension and stake placement on rocky or uneven ground where standard spacing does not work. Hold Fast Clips (anodised aluminium, colour-coded to match pole ends) connect the rainfly and pole tips to the tent corners with one hand, even with gloves on. The tent pole bag doubles as a Lightbar, diffusing a headlamp into an overhead lantern for ambient interior light.

Features

• Tension Ridge architecture: poles swept upward for increased headroom, taller doors, and more usable vestibule space
• Ultra-Sil LS rainfly: recycled, bluesign APPROVED, non-PFAS, Sil/PeU coated, lower-stretch for a taut pitch
• Apex Vent with storm flap: high-capacity peak vent with closeable cover for ventilation control in all conditions
• Multiple pitch modes: standard, hangout, and stargazing configurations for versatile shelter use
• Hold Fast Clips: anodised aluminium, colour-coded, one-hand operation with gloves
• Lightbar: pole bag converts to a headlamp diffuser for ambient interior lighting

Specifications

Who This Is For and Isn't

The Telos Evo suits backpackers and bikepackers who want a 3-season freestanding shelter with genuine interior volume, particularly those who prioritise headroom, ventilation, and the flexibility to pitch in multiple configurations on varied terrain.

The Telos Evo is not a 4-season or winter mountaineering tent. The floor geometry is designed for tapered or Contour-shaped sleeping mats; standard rectangular mats do not fit the TR2 or TR3. A footprint is not included and is sold separately.

Common Questions

Does the Telos Evo use PFAS compounds or flame retardants?

All materials in the Telos Evo tent are 100% non-PFAS, and the tent does not use flame retardants. The Ultra-Sil LS rainfly fabric carries a non-PFAS DWR finish and is bluesign APPROVED.

Is the Telos Evo freestanding, and what poles does it use?

The Telos Evo is a freestanding tent. The TR2 uses DAC Featherlite NSL 8.5 mm and 9.0 mm anodised aluminium poles; the TR3 uses DAC Featherlite NSL 9.6 mm and PF 9.5 mm anodised aluminium poles. Stakes are still recommended to secure the tent in wind.

Do I need a footprint under the Telos Evo?

A footprint is not required. The Telos Evo floor is Ultra-Sil LS (20D nylon, 50D polyester) with a 2500 mm hydrostatic head rating. On boggy ground, a footprint can improve waterproofness; on rough or rocky ground, it helps reduce floor wear over time. A footprint is sold separately.

Will standard rectangular sleeping mats fit inside the Telos Evo?

Standard rectangular sleeping mats do not fit the Telos Evo TR2 or TR3. The tent is designed for lightweight use and is intended to be paired with tapered or Contour-shaped sleeping mats that match the tent's floor geometry.

What pitch modes does the Telos Evo support?

The Telos Evo supports multiple pitch configurations, including a standard full setup, a hangout mode, and a stargazing mode. Adjustable stake-out points allow fine-tuning of inner tension and stake placement on uneven or rocky ground.