It is reasonable that Expect a few child issues with a company’s new product, even more so when it’s a category the brand has not ventured into before. That was what I was expecting when I first heard about Sea to Summit’s new ultralight tents: they freestanding Telos and the slightly cheaper one, semi-freestanding Alto. But the company, which typically makes sacks for outdoor things, sleeping pads and camping cookware, came right out of the gate with some of the best tents on the market.
I tested the Alto TR1, but both of these are high-end lightweight tents aimed at backpackers who are willing to pay a premium to reduce the weight of their cargo, and those who do not mind being gentler with their equipment than motorhomes.
Three-season home
Photo: Sea to Summit
With its 33 ounces, the one-person Alto TR1 is one of the absolute lightest double-walled tents. It is a three-season tent, so it is suitable for spring, summer and autumn conditions. The interior wall is mostly made of mesh so you can keep the door closed with a zipper in hot weather to keep the insects out and still prevent the interior from getting stuffy.
Above the head of the sleeping cabin there is a large ventilation in the outer wall, which can be kept open or closed. For balmy nights, it did a good job of venting the tent out, though insects loved to crawl and fly in there and roam around between the tent’s inner and outer walls. They could not get into the tent itself as the inner wall was still sealed, so it was not the big problem other than seeing a flock of mosquitoes hanging over me in the morning. I would like a mesh panel over the vent to prevent this.
TR1 is not the only all-tent. There is also Alto TR1 Plus, which is what is referred to as a “three-season plus” tent. It adds 4 ounces and removes much of the net on the inner wall to handle colder temperatures. You can also find larger versions for two people: the TR2 and TR2 Plus.
Standing tall
Photo: Sea to Summit
Since it is a semi-free-standing tent, it is possible to mostly set up the TR1 without pulling out the strings and putting them down. Mostly. It will keep its overall shape, but you will need to put certain corners of the tent out to maximize the interior space.
I brought the Alto TR1 to Hawaii on hikes along the Kalalau Trail on the island of Kauai and the Muliwai Trail on the island of Hawaii, otherwise known as the Big Island. In both places I camped right by the water on the north shores and was at times treated with violent winds and storms all night.