Gear review: Sea to Summit Telos TR3 tent

The morning fog was still lifting off Lake Temagami when a sudden downpour tested my newly purchased Sea to Summit Telos TR3 tent in grey (also available in green).

As water drummed against the rainfly, I lay inside, perfectly dry, wondering if this three-person tent justifies its premium price tag.

After three seasons of backcountry canoe trips across Ontario with this shelter, I can finally answer: mostly yes, with a few important caveats.

This ultralight, freestanding tent stands out with its innovative design that maximizes space without adding extra weight.

What really caught my attention was the Tension Ridge architecture.

It creates more headroom than most tents I’ve used before, making it comfortable for all three campers to sit up at once.

The ventilation is top-notch too, which kept condensation to a minimum even on a chilly night.

While setup becomes intuitive after practice, my first attempt during that Temagami rainstorm was frustratingly complicated compared to my trusty old Big Agnes Copper Spur.

The fabric inner tent feels durable yet lightweight, striking a good balance for three-season camping.

Bottom line

At $800 CAD, the Telos TR3 offers an excellent blend of space, weight, and versatility that outperforms the similarly priced MSR Mutha Hubba NX in headroom and ventilation, though it falls short in ease of setup and durability of stake points.

You’ll appreciate the thoughtful design features when you’re setting up camp after a long day on the trail.

Check out the Sea to Summit Telos TR3 on Amazon and upgrade your camping experience before your next trip!

Overview of the Sea to Summit Telos TR3 tent

After two years and seventeen backcountry trips with the Telos TR3, including a memorably muggy August weekend on Georgian Bay where temperatures hit 29°C, I’ve thoroughly tested its limits in typical Ontario conditions.

This three-person tent uses what Sea to Summit calls “Tension Ridge Architecture” that creates impressive headroom for a tent this light.

At just 2.22 kg, it’s amazingly portable while still offering enough space for three adults.

The ventilation is outstanding thanks to smart design features that keep air flowing even when it’s raining—a crucial advantage when packing three sweaty hikers inside after a day of portages in Algonquin Park.

The waterproof coating held up perfectly during an unexpected shower on my trip.

The aluminum poles are both lightweight and sturdy, though I’ve found the pole junction points more prone to bending than my previous North Face tent when dealing with rocky Canadian Shield terrain.

The materials feel premium – the outer tent uses 15D ripstop nylon while the base is made of slightly thicker 20D ripstop nylon for durability.

You’ll appreciate the versatility of this three-season tent that packs down to a compact 44 x 11 x 11 cm size.

The colour blends nicely with natural surroundings while still being easy to spot at your campsite.

Key features

After comparing the Telos TR3 to both my old North Face Stormbreak and my camping partner’s MSR Hubba Hubba during a particularly wet spring in Killarney Provincial Park, several features make this tent worth considering despite its hefty price tag.

Tension ridge architecture

The unique ridge design is what makes this tent truly special.

Unlike traditional dome tents, the Telos uses a tension ridge that creates more vertical walls.

This clever design gives you more usable space inside without adding weight.

During a five-day canoe trip through Quetico, all three of us—including my 6’4″ brother-in-law—could sit up fully without head touching ceiling, something impossible in the similarly priced Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 2 we used last season.

The architecture also creates better stability in windy conditions compared to other tents I’ve used.

Ultra-light design

At just 2.22 kg (4.9 lbs), the Telos TR3 won’t weigh you down on the trail.

You’ll barely notice it in your pack during long hikes.

The aluminum DAC Th72m poles provide excellent strength while keeping weight minimal.

The 15D ripstop nylon outer tent and 15D polyester mesh inner tent contribute to the lightweight nature without sacrificing much performance, though I did get a small tear in the floor after a particularly rocky campsite near Tobermory—something that never happened with my heavier 4-season tent.

Superior space and ventilation

The interior of this tent feels surprisingly roomy for three people.

The nearly vertical walls make the usable space much greater than what the 44 x 11 x 11 cm packed dimensions might suggest.

Air flows beautifully through the mesh panels, keeping things cool on warm nights.

The ventilation system prevents condensation buildup even during those dramatic temperature swings common in northern Ontario nights.

When camping near Lake Superior last September, temperatures dropped from 22°C to near freezing overnight, yet we woke without the damp interior that plagued my friend’s Marmot Limelight during the same trip.

Waterproof and durable

The Telos stood up to an unexpected rainstorm with no leaks whatsoever.

The waterproof coating on the 15D ripstop nylon outer tent works exceptionally well.

I was particularly impressed with the 20D ripstop nylon base, which kept ground moisture at bay.

After two years of regular use, the tent shows wear at predictable points.

The seams remain well-sealed, but the stake points have begun to stretch and one grommet tore during a particularly windy night on Bruce Peninsula.

For comparison, my campmate’s REI Half Dome has withstood similar conditions without these issues, though it weighs nearly 800g more.

Pros and cons

Camping in the great outdoors calls for reliable gear that won’t let you down when the weather turns.

After testing the Telos TR3 in everything from muggy Bon Echo Provincial Park summer heat to early spring frost in Killarney, here’s my honest assessment of what works and what doesn’t compared to other popular options like the MSR Mutha Hubba and Big Agnes Copper Spur.

Pros

• The tent is surprisingly spacious for a 3-person design, with plenty of headroom that lets you sit up comfortably.
• Setup is quick and intuitive – I had it pitched in under 5 minutes on my second try, though still not as quick as my friend’s Copper Spur.
• Ventilation is excellent thanks to the clever Tension Ridge design that creates more interior space while allowing air to flow.
• The modular design lets you set up just the rainfly as a sun shelter during day trips.
• Weight distribution is well-thought-out if you’re sharing the load with hiking partners.
• The two vestibules are significantly larger than those on the North Face Wawona, providing ample storage space for wet boots and backpacks during those inevitable Ontario downpours.

Cons

• At $800 CAD, it’s more expensive than the MSR Mutha Hubba NX while offering similar performance in most conditions.
• Stuff sack is a bit tight – packing it away takes patience and practice.
• Stakes could be more robust for rocky terrain or high winds.
• The 15D floor fabric required a footprint purchase ($89 extra) for adequate protection on typical Canadian Shield campsites—an expense that should be included at this price point.
• Interior pockets are limited – you might want to bring additional storage solutions.
• The zipper can occasionally catch on the fabric if you’re not careful.

Campsite compatibility

When you’re out in the wild, the Telos TR3 really shines at different campsites.

During a particularly challenging portage route through the Kawartha Highlands where we faced everything from pine forest to exposed rock faces, the Telos demonstrated impressive adaptability.

The dome shape handles windy conditions well, making it perfect for exposed campsites.

Its freestanding design means you can set it up on various surfaces – from rocky terrain to sandy beaches.

I love that it’s lightweight (just 2.22 kg) which makes it easy to carry to remote spots.

Though marketed as a 3-person tent, I’ve found it most comfortable for two adults plus gear when canoe camping in Algonquin—perfect for my wife and me plus our standard poodle who accompanies us on most trips.

Its small footprint (44 x 11 x 11 cm when packed) leaves more room for your campfire or cooking area.

The waterproof coating has withstood eight-hour rainfall during a memorably wet Canada Day weekend at Bon Echo Provincial Park when lesser tents in neighboring sites began to leak.

You’ll appreciate how the aluminum poles handle uneven ground while maintaining stability.

Both the grey and green colour blends nicely with natural surroundings – a small but thoughtful touch when you’re trying to enjoy nature without standing out too much.

Ease of setup

After setting up dozens of tents over twenty years of camping throughout Ontario, the Telos TR3 falls somewhere in the middle range for setup ease. My first attempt during a backpacking trip along the La Cloche Silhouette Trail took nearly 15 frustrating minutes.

The colour-coded poles and clips make it nearly impossible to get confused, even as daylight was fading.

The tent body attaches to the frame with simple clips, though the Tension Ridge pole requires more careful handling than standard dome designs like the REI Half Dome that my hiking partner uses.

Even in windy conditions, I could get the Telos pitched in under 10 minutes by myself.

The included aluminum stakes are notably flimsy compared to those that come with MSR tents—I’ve already bent two on typical Canadian Shield campsites and replaced them with sturdier aftermarket stakes.

What’s especially nice is how the rainfly goes on without any head-scratching moments.

After the learning curve (about three setups), everything makes sense with this tent’s design, though it still requires more attention than the almost foolproof popup design of my car camping Coleman tent.

Comparison to competitors

At $800 CAD, the Telos TR3 competes directly with several established backpacking tents popular in Canada. Here’s how it stacks up:

Compared to the MSR Mutha Hubba NX ($639), the Telos offers noticeably more headroom and better ventilation, but the MSR has more durable floor fabric (30D vs 20D) and has proven longevity over many seasons.

Against the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 ($749), the Telos provides similar interior volume but with more vertical walls. However, the Copper Spur’s setup is more intuitive and its zipper design causes fewer snags.

The North Face Wawona 4P ($539) offers significantly more vestibule space and durability at a lower price point, but weighs nearly a kilogram more and doesn’t pack down nearly as small for portage trips.

For winter enthusiasts, it’s worth noting that unlike the MEC Spark 3 ($429) which can handle light snow loading, the Telos is strictly a three-season tent that I wouldn’t trust for late fall trips in northern Ontario when early snow is possible.

After two seasons in Ontario’s backcountry: The verdict on the Telos TR3

After two full seasons of testing the Telos TR3 across Ontario’s diverse landscapes—from the rocky shores of Georgian Bay to the dense forests of Algonquin Park—I’ve come to appreciate its strengths and accept its limitations.

For canoe campers and backpackers willing to invest in premium gear, the Telos TR3 delivers exceptional livability in a lightweight package that few competitors match.

The Tension Ridge design creates a living space that feels genuinely comfortable for two adults plus gear (or three close friends).

Where this tent truly shines is ventilation.

During those muggy July nights when condensation turns many tents into saunas, the Telos remained remarkably dry and comfortable.

The versatility of setup options—from full tent to partial fly to minimalist shelter—has proven valuable during day trips from basecamp, offering welcome shade during lunch breaks on hot portage routes.

However, at $800 CAD plus an another $90 or so for the essential footprint, you’re making a significant investment. For the money, I would expect more durable stake points and floor fabric better suited to Canadian terrain.

Setup becomes intuitive after practice but remains more complex than some competitors like the Big Agnes Copper Spur.

The Telos TR3 hits a sweet spot for experienced campers who prioritize interior space and ventilation while counting every gram.

If you’re primarily car camping or new to backcountry trips, the similarly sized but more durable and affordable options from MEC or The North Face would serve you better.

For my specific needs—multi-day canoe trips in Algonquin and occasional backpacking along the Bruce Trail—the Telos has become my go-to shelter despite its premium price point.

Its combination of livability, weight, and weather resistance has genuinely enhanced my wilderness experiences across Ontario.

Check out the Sea to Summit Telos TR3 tent on Amazon.