Telos Bikepacking TR2

The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is a very nice tent, my wife and I use it on our tours. Packs into two separate dry bags and has loads of nice features. https://seatosummit.com/en-ca/products/telos-bikepacking-tr2-two-person-freestanding-tent

Do you plan to go on any trips soon or just in the planning stages? I ask because sea to summit seems to always have the Telos 2 bikepacking tent on sale. I picked one up a while back for $300. You could wait for it to go on sale again or check it out on the link I provided below. https://theadvsource.com/products/telos-tr2-bike-tent Just a quick search brought me there. Good luck on your search.

I agree that they are cool, but for me they generally pack down to a excessively large size. I prefer hiking gear. Small when packed, lightweight and large enough for 2. A two person tent is perfect for 1 plus gear. I have the Sea to Summit Telos TR2. Nice piece of kit.

This will sound insane, but one of my favorite tents is the 70$ Ozark trail backpacking tent. It’s very durable if a bit heavy and for the price you can’t beat it. I’d say there is nothing comparable (From a reputable brand) under 300ish. It’s a one person but still comfortable with a nice vestibule. That said I’m writing this from my sea to summit telus 2. It’s the second trip out, but I love it. A bit lighter than the Ozark and considerably roomier. Given that full price it’s more than 5 times the cost it’s not surprising. I however picked it up at my local sierra trading for an insane discount - I think I may have accidentally robbed them??? If you’re just starting out the Ozark will serve you well till you know what features you really care about. Tents are a lot of personal preference and figuring out what you need. sierra and sometimes dirt cheap can have really great deals both online and for sierra at least in store for high end tents and gear.

I’ve got a Telos 2P and an X-mid 2. I’d pick the x-mid every time. The telos unfortunately sags a lot when wet, is substantially heavier and less floor space. It’s mesh first pitch and takes longer to pitch. It does have better headroom for the second person though. (Also a relative beginner)

Haven't seen anyone recommend it, so I'll put in my two cents for the Sea to Summit Telos. I've had this tent for a few years and it has been absolutely bomb-proof. I did have it in similar conditions to your Death Valley nights in the Great Sand Dunes a couple years ago and did bend a pole, but not enough from preventing me from enjoying it a couple nights afterwards, and Sea to Summit sent me a new pole set for free. pic from the morning, bent pole barely noticeable. You can also get a mesh net to keep gear up and free up ground space, overall just a very well built tent. Also comes in split bags, and you can get a solid inner if you want it to be warmer. https://preview.redd.it/un1kekg1r7fg1.jpeg?width=8064&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6f6f135ece7c88f12e67c68333dfa293704fc0a3

I have used the Telos (similar model) for several longer trips. No complaints and Sea to Summit has been very responsive when I needed to replace a storage bag. For $100, it would be hard to find a better option.