Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: Ramblingman on October 23, 2013, 07:05:04 PM

Title: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: Ramblingman on October 23, 2013, 07:05:04 PM
Anyone using one of these? I ordered one last week. Does anyone have and experience using one in the mournes or wider NI?
Title: Re: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: Redknight on October 24, 2013, 12:48:30 PM
Never used one, but would be interested to know how you get on with it. Looks interesting  ;D
Title: Re: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: Ramblingman on October 24, 2013, 02:08:24 PM
It arrived this morning. Ill post some picture later if I get a chance to pitch. The guy lines have come unattached so it might take a while to set up.
Title: Re: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: RedLeader on October 24, 2013, 02:16:19 PM
Never heard of it. Is it some sort if specifically shaped tarp?
Title: Re: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: Ramblingman on October 24, 2013, 05:46:17 PM
Yep. It's a pentagon. 5 equal sized triangles of silnylon. You use your poles 1 in the centre and one to lift up one side to make the entrance.
Title: Re: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: Ramblingman on October 24, 2013, 06:29:23 PM
Pitched it earlier. Here's it pitched low to the ground with lots of headroom but it can be pitched low for windy weather or with a gap around the base for ventilation. Took about 5 mins to get it taught I'd say less next time. It's huge inside. Think you could sleep 3 in there. Big footprint though.
Title: Re: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: Redknight on October 25, 2013, 09:27:13 AM
How much did you pay for it?
Title: Re: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: Ramblingman on October 25, 2013, 09:53:58 AM
It was £150 delivered and there was a customs charge. The guy in the post office said if you get them to write gift on the package it will get through without a charge.
Title: Re: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: RedLeader on October 25, 2013, 09:57:41 AM
That is seriously pricey for a tarp. How do you feel it compares to a more traditional tarp? Also, what sort of weight?


Quote from: Ramblingman on October 25, 2013, 09:53:58 AM
It was £150 delivered and there was a customs charge. The guy in the post office said if you get them to write gift on the package it will get through without a charge.
Title: Re: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: Ramblingman on October 25, 2013, 02:22:42 PM
Weight is 566kg. It can be set up with 2 trekking poles and still offer complete wind and rain protection. It can sleep 3. It can be set up in about 2-3 mins with a pit of practice. Kind of a half way house between a tarp and tent. Many people are using this without a bivy because the protection is so good.
Title: Re: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: Redknight on October 25, 2013, 03:48:47 PM
I hope that was meant to be 5 . 66kg, I wouldn't like to be carrying half a tonne of tent with me  :P
Title: Re: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: Typo-On on October 25, 2013, 04:38:42 PM
A guy I met and camped with in Scotland last year had one of these and it seemed the business! He looked like he had loads of room compared to my laser comp  >:(
I'd say its 566g
Title: Re: Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar
Post by: Ramblingman on October 25, 2013, 06:42:34 PM
Ive had a laser comp up till now but wanted more space. Think I'll hang on to it for the midge season. Yeah 566g.