How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

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Designed for weight-conscious solo backpackers who still want a high degree of livability, the Sea to Summit Alto TR 1 tent has nearly vertical walls and a minimum trail weight of only 2 lbs. 1 oz.
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View all Sea to Summit Backpacking TentsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Seasons | 3-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 2 lbs. 1 oz. |
Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 1 lb. 11.3 oz. |
Packaged Weight | 2 lbs. 7.2 oz. |
Packed Size | 4.3 x 17.7 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 84.5 x 42/24 (L x W head/foot) inches |
Floor Area | 19.5 square feet |
Vestibule Area | 7.5 square feet |
Peak Height | 42.5 inches |
Number of Doors | 1 door |
Number of Poles | 1 |
Pole Material | Aluminium DAC TH72M |
Pole Diameter | 8.7/9.5 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | 15-denier polyester mesh |
Floor Fabric | 15-denier ripstop nylon |
Rainfly Fabric | 15-denier ripstop nylon |
Footprint Included | No |
Ultralight | Yes |
Design Type | Semifreestanding |
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1) should have made it freestanding for 2 more ounces, having to stake out the two edges for a 1P tent considering the target audience is 100% no buy. 2) for the cost the nemo the NEMO Dragonfly 1p is currently top dog. even the bikepack version is better then this one. 3) how difficult would it have been to add interior mesh pockets of various types. 4) to setup this thing is pain in the butt...1P target audience is typically hiking long days and looking for quick efficient no mess no fuss setup. Anyways lot more things that make this 1P tent at its price point a pretty bad buy. Sorry sea to summit I do like your other products but I would suggest get a lot of feedback work on multiple iterations ...you can do way better.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love the tent. So well thought out. Genius really!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] As an adventure guide I work with LOTS of equipment - from rock, tree and ice climbing, to caving, mountain biking, wilderness survival - I am constantly looking for the best gear to make my outdoor adventures enjoyable, both for my clients and for myself. When it comes to overnight and multi-day programming, I have gone through nearly a dozen tents over the past 20 years. Generally my go to brand for personal use has been Big Agnes. Until I tried the Sea to Summit Alto TR2. The Alto TR2 is easy to set up, works great for star gazing on clear nights, and provides plenty of weather proofing for rain and wind. As a semi-free standing tent, it is easy to move around when trying to find the optimal footprint, and set-up and take down is a breeze. The double-door vestibules mean I can store things outside of the tent and still keep them dry, or even cook over a stove if it is really pouring out. The light tube is a bonus for diffusing my headlamp light when getting ready for bed, and the unique 3 bag storage system allows me to stow gear in multiple packs or multiple places in my own backpack. This is a great help when I have to make room in my pack for carrying equipment for a tired client on a long hike. Although I currently have 6 other tents to choose from, I find myself reaching for the Alto TR2 every time.
This is a great tent for anyone looking to cut pack weight and free up space. The compartmentalized stuff sack allows you to divide the tent up to utilize smaller spaces in your pack, freeing up more space in your main compartment. The tent poles and grommets are all color-coded, making the setup really easy. The unique shape of the footprint provides extra room inside for personal items that you want to keep with you over night. This is an all-around awesome tent, especially for those that are trying to achieve minimum possible pack weight.
Excellent design, packing in short bags nice for backpacking. Got lots of complements when backpacking in Yosemite this past month. Tent would be even better if poles could be shorter to match the length of the tent bag (similar to bikepacking pole length). Also a rectangle footprint for a bit more inside room would be worth the couple extra ounces. The light bar is a great idea but poor snaps to hold in place, fall off ceiling easily, Velcro would have been better. Finally, wish it was freestanding rather than semi-freestanding.
I finally took this tent out on its first trip last weekend. Pros: it is very lightweight and packs down tiny, can be set up quickly (once you practice it, it is not the most intuitive tent I've set up), and reflectors on the rainfly make it easy to see at night. Cons: it is so small - my significant other and I both have regular-width sleeping pads (20") and they take up the entire tent floor. You would not be able to fit anything wider than that. I would only plan on using this as a 1 person tent unless you are very friendly with your tent partner. We could not fit any gear inside the tent which was a big drawback for us. Because the tent is so light, it also feels kind of flimsy. I'm hoping that durability won't be an issue going forward. I'm neutral on the light bar. It's an interesting idea and it does work but I wouldn't say that is a necessity by any means.
I purchased the Alto TR1 after having a disastrous experience with the MSR Freelite 1. The Alto provides superior shoulder and headroom, with a well placed door. Its super easy to pitch, and the little triangular space that pops out on the otherwise rectangular floor space makes the tent feel roomier, and provides space for my dog or gear. The vestibule is large and the ventilation, overall, with the fly closed, is pretty good. I bikepacked in below freezing overnight temperatures, and there was a bit of condensation at the foot of the tent, and overhead - even with the peak vents open and the cover unzipped. However, somecondensation is always expected when there is ice on the outside of the fly. 🥶 I highly recommend this tent for anyone looking to lighten their load backpacking or bikepacking. The tubular storage pack strapped down nicely on top of my handlebar dry bag. Well done, S2S!
In my quest to lighten my pack I’ve experimented with several shelter options: lightweight freestanding one-person tent, hammock and tarp, UL tent set up w trekking poles. But I had yet to find a solution that was lightweight AND provided protection in a wide range of weather. I think I’ve finally found the answer. The Alto TR1Plus is semi freestanding, so one collapsible pole plus stakes give it structure and ample headroom. I love that I can set up the fly first to keep me dry as I set up the tent itself — and take down my tent under the fly (and keep it dry!) on wet mornings. Lots of configuration options provide ample ventilation, even with the thicker inner fabric of the Plus. (Which I expect will let me actually be — dare I say? — comfortable in winter weather!) I will be putting this tent through its paces in my upcoming thru-hike of the Vermont Long Trail, during this epically rainy summer. I expect it will keep me dry all night, even if I’m soaked all day.
A delightful one person tent. Perfect for backpacking. Definitely the most roomy one person tent I’ve been in. I really like the height as I am not fond of low profile tents. Set up is a little bit more detailed than some, but it will keep you and your gear dry. I love it!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Easy set up and absolutely bug proof. Camping in North Florida for three nights was a breeze. Totally dry in a couple of downpours. Very pleased with the experience.