The Year's Most Talked about Tents - Telos VS Alto: Dan Becker and I Compare the Differences

My favorite gear for backpacking:
Wiley X Sunglasses: bit.ly/3NtJQKR
Backpack:
Sleeping Mattress:
Sleeping Bag: bit.ly/3JTea1h
Satellite Communicator: bit.ly/3HvEqMQ
Cook pot: bit.ly/3tdCZ23
Headlamp: bit.ly/3sYXKOS
Rain Jacket: bit.ly/3JGoOYU
Down Puffy Jacket (warm!): bit.ly/32Jn5Sb
Down Puffy Jacket (lightweight):
Hiking Boots: bit.ly/3eSMmvy
Hiking Socks: bit.ly/3qLVyaI
Water Filter:
Water Bladder: bit.ly/3t2SrxF
Camp Pillow: bit.ly/34n4749
Folding Knife: bit.ly/3sXQNNH
Trekking Poles: bit.ly/3Hzq4LB
Gear in this video:
Telos Tent: bit.ly/3HN3Xln
Alto Tent: bit.ly/33n09Z2
Eric's Puffy Jacket: bit.ly/3LAC4ze
Eric's fleece: bit.ly/3GTWwr8
Eric's Hiking pants:
Eric's sleeping bag: bit.ly/36ipLaI
Eric's Sleeping pad: bit.ly/3gtzyMZ
Eric's footwear: bit.ly/3LC44m7
Dan's sleeping pad: bit.ly/3HRM8BJ
Dan's jacket: bit.ly/3658MZd
Other videos with Dan: • Dan Becker vs. Eric Ha...
Sea to Summit's new lineup of lightweight backpacking tents made waves last year for backpacker's everywhere. The Telos and the Alto tents are similar for backpackers and share many of the same designs that have people talking about these tents. But there are several key differences. Dan Becker has been backpacking out of the Alto tent for most of last year. While I have been a proud owner of the Telos tent. In this video, Dan and I compare the differences between the two tents.

[@DanBecker]

WOW! The cinematography in this video is amazing! How can I get that cameraman to film my videos??!!

[@GenericUTuber32]

I hear that you're hiring for a videographer/editor. Maybe if you apply, you can hire yourself, save some money AND get that "I've had too much coffee" look for your videos as well.

[@noodles.dumplings.kimchi2878]

I agree the cinematography is excellent here.

[@normpeterson7767]

You two have good chemistry. I'm glad to see you doing videos together.

[@littlenicky31]

I spent over 4 weeks on trail in soggy old England/Wales carrying the telos tr2 solid interior model. There was never any moisture inside the tent, the space inside at camp was a joy and after a few days i could set up in well under 5 minutes. Im not ultra light but i keep my baseweight under 10kg for over a week trips, the weight was worth it to me.

[@hoser7706]

Is that a model with no mesh on the interior? Sounds like an epic trip. Probably no buffets to slay though. Just pubs and pints!?

[@anythingbutmyrealnamegoogl9615]

Did you get any condensation build up with the solid walls? Had people tell me it won’t be anymore weatherproof with solid walls, but I feel like it will hold up to driving rain and wind better. Just worried condensation will be worse.

[@hikerheadz1402]

Gentlemen... the light diffuser gets snapped in before you put the rain fly. Standing next to the door open the door reach in and snap it in so you can push from the top at the same time. You need to do this at both sides. Hope this helped.

[@amyjones-lonestarhoosier2029]

Great video guys!! Very informative! My sleeping pad won’t fit in the one for sure but love looking at them! Thanks!

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

Don't know how I missed this one, but I'm delighted to see another +Becker vid. So much more than just a crossover, this is a friendship I need to believe in.

[@charlieluchangco2843]

Just got back from a trip using Telos TR2. Echo what Eric said - performed amazingly in high wind. Only used 6 stakes - 4 corners and vestibules. No concerns at all on that.

[@jefesmith1078]

I don't have an opinion or any knowledge to share on the tents. I do however love when you two do videos together.

[@Kauha]

Haha what a timing. I was just wondering about these two tents and put in the search "dan becker sea to summit" and this video pops up, an hour after its release :D

[@MrTangent]

Interesting, I searched “Dan Becker Known Drug User, Knows How To Roll Things Better”.

[@colinme2672]

I have always carried a lightweight clothes peg that I have used on all my tents to clip the door back

[@dave6148]

Looking at the Alto for my next tent. Always like listening to you guys. Big thanks from the UK.

[@davidshirley6850]

Just watched dans version yesterday and still really enjoyed this from your perspective

[@austingavins9181]

Thanks for the video - enjoyed as always. Haze Outdoors channel also reviewed the Telos TR2 - he noted peeling seam sealing (brand new tent) and design issues that meant he tried it and then sold it on. Like yourselves he loved the straight sides, but there were too many issues - both quality and design - plus a high price - that meant he couldn't recommend. Did either of you notice any quality issues other than the female-to-female clips for the light bar?

[@AKDiavelV4]

I have the Alto TR1 and have had NO issue with water pooling up between the vent and tension ridge. I’ve had the tent out in some absolutely soaking conditions and slept comfortably.

[@zoebaz6969]

I have the telos tr3, my light bar clips up fine (but hasn't been all that useful during summer in northern norway 😂). Echo that it handles wind impressively! We have seen a bit of water pool over the tension ridge, but it eventually runs off and hasn't really been a problem. In terms of head room, my partner and i can both comfortably sit inside it in helinox ground chairs! So great! I agree that it's a high price point, but i was lucky to find it on sale.

[@MrJanvangorp]

Hi, I recently bought a Telos TR2 tent and the first rainy day I got water in the tent. The ventilation system was even closed but that was the place water queued up and after a while it dripped in. About 300ml in 12u got through. For the rest I realy love the size of this tent.

[@CalvertE98]

Look awesome! I love my nemo hornet elite though

[@stefanpreis77]

nice review guys! allways funny to watch you both ;-) would you also made a review about the msr hubba hubba nx2? warmest greetings from austria 😀

[@FrankHa.]

9:00 outside off the dessert, is from time to more rain😆at the same time is mostly more wind at the same time, the wind is only ollowed to blow from 2 direktion, when it blow from an other direktion, you definitivly get wet

[@jimaikmanokc]

great review - the Altos 1 does the trick for my solo treks (shed rain - no condensation - light weight- roomy for a 1 person) - I think there is an Altos 2 in my future!

[@KristiinaKasepaluHarakas]

Really love the style of both you

[@BackpackingTV]

thank you!

[@americafirst5453]

I got the telos tr2 from enwild for $375 on sale. LOVE the tent definitely worth the extra weight.

[@freddukepoo3359]

This was an in-tents review!

[@debbilermond1553]

My husband and I both have NEMO Tensor Insulated Wide Regular pads (25"), so we're looking at the Telos TR3 so we have more than enough room for the two of us!

[@brettmcchesney7930]

My son and I have 25" pads and love them. We bought the TR3 to accommodate the pads. Extra weight, but extra comfort. You won't regret it.

[@debbilermond1553]

@@brettmcchesney7930 I'm sure we won't! Looking forward to sleeping in it. My husband is 6'4" so we need the extra room that most tents don't have.

[@socialsciencer]

I'm all for this bromance 😍😍

[@ravendarkspear]

Showed up for the gear review subbed for the Dad jokes

[@richardbutler4654]

I used a Thermarest neoair max 64cm pad 2 long with a Seatosummit Etherlight regular tapered and they fit the floor pretty much exactly.

[@BackpackingTV]

The tapered cut makes a difference!

[@evguenistarikov9954]

Just got my TELOS and have installed it in my living room for a try. First: you gotta attach your rain fly to poles with Velcro for better stability, then you can really tense the fly till it’s like a drum. Second: my “light bar” clips to those tabs just fine. I guess yours is just defective. Third: all those little plastic anchors for loops are way to small, even for my normal hands. I believe for people with bigger hands and in a case your hands are a bit frozen it could be major inconvenience. Fourth: I have tried to fit my two 25” Nemos in, you just have to fold it over the walls at the bottom a bit. Fifth: without the footprint the fly-only mode is really flimsy, you really need to anchor it to the ground for structure to be stable. And yes, I agree, the way flaps folding, it could be done differently for better convenience. These my first thoughts on this tent. We’ll see how it’s going to be on the trail. Love vertical walls and head room though, and ventilation is really great!

[@HansenFT]

Shouldn't tense the fly like a drum though, it will get broken way more easily in wind etc

[@rolfdenver]

Great tents BUT the most talked about tent is the Durston X-Mid 2P Pro.

[@TH-sp5xw]

I don’t watch these two guys but saw your comment. Totally agree - seems like the best design out there. Just REALLY hard to get one.

[@johnschmalbach8243]

A little late to the party here but I'm pretty sure I know why you stake out the head end, it makes it lighter. Due to the design of the tent the foot end is smaller and thus the pole structure there is also smaller. If you designed the "U" shaped pole structure to be at the head end it would have to be larger and thus it would weigh more.

[@zamm4519]

I do own a S2S telos tr2 and have used the lightbar feature before to great effect. It can be a little hard to clip in at times but I think the connectors on your pole bag might just be wrong by mistake of an early version. Also yes, I do hate the door toggles just the same as Eric pointed out. They just kinda don't work very well.

[@mtpstv94]

2P tents in the ultralight arena: You must be a part of the Lollipop Guild. =P

[@richardbutler4654]

I have the Alto and my lightbar works fine. I believe the white plastic is just packaging because attaching it is a pain with it in place. The lighting is fine without the plastic. Has stood up well to a storm even when I couldn't get pegs down properly. Didnt need the velcro tags to the frame. The same storm that caused washouts of gravel didn't get through my top vents though I did zip it shut at the worst of the storm. Great performance on condensation even in a forest by a lake and two people.

[@glenndorsey9068]

I have the Altos and love it but I have no idea how you get two people in-works well for my dog and me, but sometimes even he is squished.

[@FluviusMagnus]

hello, at 8:33 the left corner is it broken?? like not too good sewing??

[@expectamiracle.406]

You and Dan are good together.

[@BackpackingTV]

We have fun that's for sure!

[@Ride_on54]

How much better would they be compared to say the Nemo Dragon fly bike packing tent

[@exploringMundos]

@5:14 Have the same issue on my 2P plus. I had issues this past weekend trying to put the light bar. Once i attached the two clips to raise the walls the pole is already looking weird, then when I clip the middle part it starts to pull the pole down. The rainfly I'm only able to attach one side. It stretches too much where I feel like it's going to break. My Alto plus has a zipper in inside and I can't even close it halfway. The fabric is too stretched.

[@exploringMundos]

@@DannyWright Yeah, I actually ended up returning it. I had the TR2 Plus, but can't get the plus for the Telos. So I'll stick around with the regular Telos

[@richardbutler4654]

Take the plastic packaging out , it isnt needed to make the lightbar work. I think its just to make a neat package in the store.

[@tonycritic1]

Tent you guys need to be checking out is the SlingFin Portal 2. Puts both these tents to shame. Check it out.

[@johncheeseman6764]

Hi Eric, just watched the Sedona trip with Dan Becker. Can you recommend a few good day hikes around Sedona. My wife and I will be in Sedona the second week of April. Thanks

[@BackpackingTV]

Hey John! There are many excellent hikes around Sedona. It's quite easy to find good ones. Doe Mountain has great views. Soldier's Pass is always a winner. I avoid Devil's Bridge as it's swamped with people.

[@Sheltowee1775]

What kind of hiking pants do you use??

[@briteshikes5099]

Too me the most talk about tent is the Durston Xmid!!! I finally have one and its amazing.

[@berniesbend]

I have the 1 and 2 person Xmid's. Wish I had the spare cash to get the new Dyneema version. The rain vestibules have magnet latches.

[@briteshikes5099]

@@berniesbend I was in the same boat didnt have the cash for the Xmid PRO but my 1p and 2p were delivered this week and I am super excited

[@bumbletakesahike2852]

I wish when folks review tents that you state all dimensions, not just head and foot width, length is a critical dimension for tall backpackers.

[@dustykidphoto]

read the fucking website

[@snlzach2205]

Those dimensions make me say that is almost a 1.5 person if you use a wide sleeping pad.

[@roaming_bob8591]

Wouldn't it make more sense to have the zipper for the vent hood to be on the inside, instead of the outside? That way if it was raining so hard with a driving rain you could zip it from the inside.

[@richardbutler4654]

You can and I have tried it. Just reach out the mesh door and its easy to get at

[@majamidzor3801]

Hi! How would you compare Telos to Copper Spur and if you need to pick one which one would it be?

[@BackpackingTV]

I have become a big fan of the Copper Spur and I find it superior. Both are great. But I like the design of the copper spur more and I use the big double doors all the time.

[@billswan9900]

Pooling water is not the issue, leaks occur with high winds affecting rain into the openings…test it out here in Minnesota for real results.

[@wilcohitzert9872]

You got the light bar inside out probably! I got a Telos TR2 Plus, and mine clicks perfectly but that white outside doesn't look familiair to me so my guess is trying to reverse it because the 'males' are inside maybe?

[@richardbutler4654]

The white plastic is packaging for the store and is not needed for the lightbar function.

[@gabrielgherasim7902]

Man, why did I watch this and Dan's video?

[@jaronard1]

2-person sleeping pads fit those tents perfectly. That’s how these can work for 2 people.

[@furiousdoe7779]

No rain in the desert….😜

[@GregJorgo]

Circa A$900 for these guys here in Oz! Ouch! Good review though!

[@MrTangent]

Both look like fantastic designs, and while weight is a concern, I value durability and camouflage equally as much. I like the grey, but wish they’d go for a drab green color. But this is way better than those awful neon/bright colored tents.

[@graaskov84]

The EU version is green

[@MrTangent]

@@graaskov84 Nice! I’ll have to see if it’s available here.

[@MrTangent]

@@graaskov84 Nice! I’ll have to see if it’s available here.

[@lakorai2]

How about a Durston Xmid review

[@TH-sp5xw]

Why? We all know its the best tent out there. Just too damn hard to acquire one.

[@MegaMastiffman]

That light bar thing is what happens when you have manufacturers that don’t have a rep or person familiar with the product I would be pulling every gee I don’t know every 35th tent to start fully set it up and go through fit reading a print wrong or a mis print that we would catch people in China or where ever will just follow the print to a T

[@bentarsaurus1042]

Does someone has this tent? And is it true that it gets wet inside? And if someone owned the hubba hubba, and this tent. Which one did you like better?

[@kke]

I wish they only made one of them, I can't choose.

[@yorkiemeetsworld2224]

This year's most talked about tent is the x-mid.

[@ManWentRogue]

What about a hilleberg tent ???⛺️

[@jurgschupbach3059]

Kusch Toms so Silly Polly

[@SQ228]

I'll make you feel better. In Australia its at least $650 USD

[@kyfisher3662]

OMG the cost! I'm gona stick with my Naturehike Mongar that cost a 5th of the price, until i win the lotto.

[@BackpackingTV]

Haha yeah I feel ya! The price is pretty crazy.

[@GoneFishingStories]

Well I'll bet you'll get rain in that top vent even if the rain isn't comming sideways.. just because it's so flat... So not that much wind needed to push it the wrong way...

[@richardbutler4654]

Not even in a major thunderstorm

[@richardbutler4654]

There is a lip on the edge to stop any water being blown over the edge and if it is really super extreme can be quickly shut without opening the outer tent. I was camped on a lakeshore when a major thunderstorm rolled in and hit me side on. Rained hard enough to wash out a foot deep channels in the gravel but I stayed nice and dry.

[@tshddx]

It's so unfortunate how there are so few backpacking tents that fit two 25 inch pads, and almost no information available about which ones do exist. Even the most rigorous reviewers tend to barely mention it. You basically always have to bump up to the 3-person versions that are usually way wider than you need, like 70 inches or more. In fact, the only backpacking tent I know of that can fit two 25 inch pads without being 70+ inches wide is the REI Half Dome. It's 56 inches wide and perfectly rectangular, and is absolutely perfect for two wide pads. The downside, of course, is that it weighs around a full pound more than even the 3-person lightweight tents from Big Agnes, Sea to Summit, etc. I would kill for a Copper Spur HV or Telos that's *just a few inches* wider to actually fit two adults!

[@BackpackingTV]

Hey Thomas have you looked at MSR's Hubba Hubba? It's a rectangular 50 inches wide and might be exactly what you're looking for! But yes, I too share your frustrations on 2P tent sizing.

[@tshddx]

@@BackpackingTV I've heard that's a purely rectangular tent but didn't realize it was wide enough. I'll have to look into it, thanks for the tip!

[@AntwonDaBusiness]

Too bad these tents leak and no one mentions that in reviews haha

[@richardbutler4654]

No leaks on mine in the last year despite some storms

[@leabethcampbell381]

OMG...LOVE the mental health reference!!! LOLOLOL!

[@patrickhowell2502]

6 mo later you could say this is a past tents video

[@mconley12345]

look cool but the fffed up on the floor demensions

[@florindagonzalez5700]

You look fine. Lol

[@LarryDickman1]

Eric who?

[@JohnZook78]

Hmmmm. I thought it was a wigwam and an igloo

[@nicksam5518]

if you break 500$, im looking at DCF. so, no thank you.

[@hoser7706]

Both look like poorly designed knock-offs of a BA Tigerwall or Copper Spur/Salt Creek. Sounds like they function better for breathability though

[@WYAD8]

I don’t trust these reviews anymore. Most of them are paid ads.

[@BackpackingTV]

This is definitely not a paid ad!

[@msilverhammer]

Talked about by who? Meh ...more marketing hype from Becker and Hansen! The caption should be the two most over pried tents of 2022!

[@TH-sp5xw]

At least he didn't use his girlfriend in a bikini as click bait this time.

[@luckylarrikin1439]

WAY too expensive.

[@sockcheese7613]

What the wrinkles

[@PeteBraginton]

@9:52...."Brandon" happened, and continues to fail...everything costs more now. Great video!👍 Makes me wonder what S2S could come up with using DCF rather than nylon/poly...they always have unique outside the box design in their product lines. Either of those two tents in DCF would be an intriguing option for "luxury backpacking tents". Although, they would likely cost $1300 and take 6 months to build lol!

[@albertorodriguez2062]

this is just backpacking GEAR tv, its like long ads at this point.

[@nedanother9382]

an absolute hard no - I don't need to figure out how or why a giant hole in the top of a tent is a terrible idea....its a giant hole in the top of a tent....that adds weight. This is exactly the same argument as putting a bladder of water in with the stuff that HAS to stay dry.. or taking nalgene water bottles...just Don't do it. You said it was great in the wind then put about 1 pound of pressure on that exact spot and it started collapsing the structure. its 2022.. this is a giant (not so good) version of the copper spur from years ago...two big sides instead of one. The copper spur was light weight, this is just heavy with WAY too many seams to leak. And finally its about 200 dollars more than the copper spur in my closet...I would light fire to 560.00 before spending it on this tent....everyone on the trail would know theres an idiot in that tent that couldn't produce 40.00 more dollars to save 2 1/2 lbs. on THE lightest tent on the market. I already wear socks with sandals out there...I'm one strike from being banned. I can't imagine a market for this. Sorry to poo poo your hard efforts but this isn't the right stuff. After seeing the other one....Huge swing and a miss for a good company trying to build a better mousetrap.

[@FrontlineLLC]

So what is your additional $40 buying you?

[@nedanother9382]

@@FrontlineLLC at 599.00 zpacks has the lightest full featured tent on the market at 14 ozs. the Soleplex (1 person) - until last year the duplex was 599.00 at 19 ozs. arguably THE best tent made for backpacking(2 person). My point being that no nylon tent can get anywhere near those prices and not be considered a foolish buy.... nylon and aluminum are cheap. None of this design is new or innovative...so why a price WAY higher than the newer better originals from almost 10 years ago. I'm being cranky but I find this installment from a good company almost comical. At north of 500.00 dyneema is the only way to go. But thats just my old cranky ass talking. You have a great day.

[@richardbutler4654]

Z packs dcf cost over a 1000 dollars in Europe so not in the same price range. The vent is actually protected by a lip on the edge which works well and can be closed from inside the tent. Been through a severe storm in an exposed position with no problems

[@nedanother9382]

@@richardbutler4654 Of course...I was being snarky. Insane how much of a tax you pay for US goods. And weird that somehow I suppose I couldn't buy it and just send it to you in the mail. Unless I could.

[@dyvel]

It could have been so great if you just included measurements in units used by the other 97% of the world's population.

[@BackpackingTV]

I agree it would be quite helpful, I'll try in the future. It's just not how I think though.

[@dyvel]

@@BackpackingTV I understand. Just a suggestion for future videos. As long as there are graphics or they are coverted in the info, that would be a good first step. You don't want a fiddle too much with something that is obviously working anyway :)