My MLD TrailStar Setup: Groundsheet & Valley and Peak Ultra Bivy Inner

[@WalkWithWallace]

⚡ This video is intended as an overview of the MLD Trailstar and the Oookworks bathtub groundsheet. I also take a first look at the V&P Ultra bivy. 🏕

[@stevesdaysoff2759]

Hello Robin. Missed this video and enjoyed watching . Very interesting. I have been looking at the Oookworks bathtub for my Stratospire 1. Thanks Steve

[@WalkWithWallace]

This was the original guy that made mine, but I reckon the new owner of OookWorks will be good. 😁

[@rtea7]

Wow great set up, very versatile. Thank you for the very informative video. 👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

Thank you ☺️

[@andymci3246]

sweet... looks kinda okay? usually just use lanshan inner as groundsheet in midge season, hang it very sloppily when needed. changing tarp config if wind changes is so rare with TS but found it super easy, barely an inconvenience that one time actually done it but tbh didn't really have to, thing is solid as a rock.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Lanshan inner could be a shout actually, it won't be perfect but I take it that you'll hang it from the centre mitten hook? 🤔

[@andymci3246]

@@WalkWithWallace oh i just let it flap from centre hook but am sure you could do a better job of guying it in properly and keeping mesh off face etc, just needs longer shock cord mostly, its close but not quite right geometry, but have one anyway🤠

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@andymci3246 sounds okay to be honest, for how often you'd need it.

[@matteotamberini2152]

Fantastic set up Love it

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers. 👍🏼 😁

[@tullochgorum6323]

Love my TrailStar when there are no bugs around and I can use it with a just a groundsheet. But the shallow walls really do make it difficult to fit any human-shaped bug shelter. I do have a bespoke inner, but it's a pain to install at the end of a long day, and the total weight takes the combination well outside the outralight range...

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@tullochgorum6323 I sometimes regret selling it, to date its still my most used shelter. A bug inner kind of defeats the purpose of having a tarp too.

[@TennesseeSlim]

Look into the sea to summit floorless net pyramid tent. You could combine with your tarp and bathtub ground sheet.

[@WalkWithWallace]

I've since sold my Trailstar on to buy the Scarp 1. Hope I don't regret it in the long run.

[@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233]

The Trailstar is an excellent shelter and highly wind resistant but it’s expensive for what you get - five triangles of silnylon. Wind passing the catenary cut openings at the back and sides draw draughts in through the front. Coming from a Golite Cave and a GG SpinnSolo, I found the Trailstar a bit claustrophobic! But, I’ve got used to it. Its footprint is huge. In heathery areas with tiny patches of grass, I’ve ended up with pegs on the far side of a little stream. Despite these downsides, I love the Trailstar or did till recently when I bought a Duomid, which is even nicer. BTW, I pitch my Trailstar down to the ground and with the front pegs closer than you do, for a higher, narrower door way. I have an MLD Bug Bivy and cannot see how to use it with the Trailstar (or Duomid) without rigging lines inside. Rigging lines inside is not a great idea in windy conditions as it stiffens up the seams and stops them from deforming to let gusts past. The result was pegs pulling out till I took down the washing line. The carabiner is a good idea as the Trailstar can turn into a wide-open, fine weather shelter by moving the long guy line to a corner. The resulting shape is a little bit like a Baker tent. Apologies for the pedantry. I enjoyed the video.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers for the feedback, I've seen other people make the entrance narrower but taller too. This makes it more winter proof as the way I pitch it in this video, it collects snow and sags, so you have to get out and scrap the snow off. Woke up once with silnylon in my face due to the weight of the snow built up over night. I've had to pitch over rocks, but never a stream. There's no perfect shelter I guess. Probably why most of us have 2-3 different tents.

[@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233]

Walk With Wallace 👣 Gotta say, though, that pitch on Suilven is impressive.

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233 it was a bit blowy that night, but aye what a place. 👌🏼

[@NoviceWildCamper]

Ive just got my first tarp and been looking at vids. I struggle to get my head around why people put an inner inside that basicslly makes it a tent and therefore why you dont just buy a tent as it all adds to the weight and suddenly youre up at the weight of a decent tent thats ten times easier to put up 🤷🏼‍♂️ just my thoughts but what do i know 😂

[@WalkWithWallace]

I agree 100% mate, I suppose in Scotland we have midge to contend with which renders the tarp useless without an inner but I loved the freedom of just using the bathtub groundsheet. I regret selling this. :(

[@ootnboots]

Nice one Robin, a few tips there for me mate ..I dont fancy the bivvy either. I bought the Bear pawed inner for mine ...Just need the TS to arrive now and try it out ..cheers Stevie

[@WalkWithWallace]

The bivvy is a bit low profile for me. Looking forward to seeing your TS when we're back out. 👍🏻

[@Dazck9s]

Love my trailstar and I've used it winter to, have a look at my cautny spout video... 6 inches of snow fell in a hour and the ts stood up to that.. Great shelters

[@WalkWithWallace]

Do you pitch the entrance a bit narrower, to make the sides steeper for the snow?

[@Dazck9s]

@@WalkWithWallace I didn't... I measured the poles to the centre of my chest every time and depending on weather I make sure the sides are touching the ground, if its warmer same height again and the sides a bit higher of the ground

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@Dazck9s I tend to go with 125cm for most conditions, drop 10cm in windier/rainy conditions. Couldn't find your video. Have you got a link?

[@Dazck9s]

@@WalkWithWallace kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3nOop-OgZplftE

[@Dazck9s]

@@WalkWithWallace thats it sorry I never put the name of the camp on

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

Your far braver than me Robin , you would never get me sleeping in something so open as that ! The insects would drive me crazy . I can see why you did not like that inner Toblerone tube thing :) it looked like a body bag !!!I I hope you can soon get back out safely in to the wild places to make use of your gear, thanks for sharing and take care :D Teddy

[@WalkWithWallace]

Ah never knock it, until you've tried it. Nicola has had a night in the Trailstar and she liked it better than a tent as it isn't claustrophobic. 😁 Sightly different guidelines up here, but hopefully soon 🤞🏼 How are you and the humans are good. 🐻

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

@@WalkWithWallace mmm Maybe ; ) I think the guidelines here should be the same as what they are for you . I think its too soon to be telling people they can drive off somewhere and take excersise. If they can do that then why cannot more people just go back to work ? it just does not make sense. We are sad we are missing our Scottish adventure just now but we would far rather stay safe and also protect others. Take care :D Teddy

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear I think locals in touristy areas will be bracing themselves for an influx of visitors, really not good advice from Boris Johnson. Hear, hear. Take care. Catch up you soon on Insta. 😁

[@NameisLeon]

Hi mate Not sure if you’ll pick this up in an old vid, but am possibly about to buy one of these second hand, with the dcf inner. Im trying to decide if it’s something I will use loads, or if I’m just buying it to try cos I fancy it, know what I mean?! I use a lanshan 2 at the moment, but would like to use the Trailstar for summits and bivvies. Am on the fence. I know you dont use one anymore..was there a reason you don’t? And do you miss it? Cheers mate, any input is appreciated.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Hi Leon, do you know what I loved the Trailstar and it's still my most camped in shelter despite selling it a while ago. It just fell out of favour and found myself unintentionally hardly using it. Think because I didn't see the point in getting an inner as it defeated of purpose having a tarp, so I only used it in spring/autumn as its too midge in summer and too chilly in winter. I do miss it at times and found myself looking for a replacement. They are cracking shelters and should have a strong resale value.

[@NameisLeon]

@@WalkWithWallace Yeah there’s something about it that I think I will really get on well with. And it’s roomy enough for a couple people. But I also like the idea of getting an ultralight tent with poles etc. Guess I’ll have to just mull it over for a day or two. Thanks for the input. Appreciated. I’m no wiser now though! 😂

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@NameisLeon that's the one thing I really miss is the space. Quite often Kev would have came over and sat in side for a bit of banter on cold nights we couldn't sit out. They're mint shelters without a doubt. I like the n+1 formula. n being the number of tents you've got and 1 being the number of tents you need. 🤭

[@NameisLeon]

@@WalkWithWallace aye, I’ve always liked the n+1 formula. Trouble is, my wallet doesn’t! Think if I had plenty money, I’d deffo have it, but need to weigh things up. Although it’s been offered at a decent price. Cheers for the info mate.

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@NameisLeon my missus doesn't either. I get the I'll n+1 you the now. 🙄😅

[@NateMaris]

Excellent video bro 💪🏽

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Raw. 😎 👍🏻

[@gordonmeiklejohn467]

The vp bivi looks interesting. Thanks robin.

[@WalkWithWallace]

It's well made and weighs nothing. Just a bit tight for my liking. 🤔

[@trytheoutdoors]

Hi Buddy I'm still looking to lose base weight. I love my scarp 1 but at 1.4kg is there a lighter option for my old bones?? The tarp could never work at higher levels, above the tree line in high winds switching direction (conditions the scarp 1 does very well in). But for low level, thru-hiking - paired with a head net 😂, perhaps it's a winner????

[@WalkWithWallace]

You could pair the Trailstar with a mesh inner but I feel you lose the point of having a tarp if you do that. What about the Notch or X-Mid? 🤔

[@WanderingJay]

Upgrading from my hexpeak, it was this or the Duomid, i went for the duomid, literally cos it has a door.ive seen on Dartmoor , when the wind changes direction, it can make it uncomfortable in a TS. yer, that bivi bag..no impressed by it, I got a inner from MLD to help in bug season, other time i use a Oookwork bathtub similair to yrs, great vid..ATB WJ

[@WalkWithWallace]

Hi Jay, I love the open views in a TS, wake up and watch sunrises without having to move, ptarmigan and deer have wandered close too. I've been tempted by a Duomid, but I've got the SMD Lunar Solo now, so that'll do for now. Wonder if Shaun will ever sell Oookworks? Had it up for sale for a while now. Hope you're well mate, take care.

[@WanderingJay]

and ive just swapped my duomid for a TS...

[@grahamevans-prosser6045]

Great video and views inside the TS. What colour is your TS?

[@WalkWithWallace]

Hi Graham, sorry for the delay in replying, sadly I didn't get notified of your comment and only seen it now on the computer. It's the grey version. Cheers Robin

[@KingPlastik7]

Great video. Mind give your lawn a wee water.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers KingP. Lawn was freshly cut just before making that video. We've had some substantial rain last night. 😁

[@DaveOutdoors]

Great video Robin, enjoyed that, shame about the bivvy. I think if I was to get one I'd look like a hippo in a go kart 🙄 but as you said, better than being eaten by midges. Have you seen the 3f ul copy of the trail star? Plenty of room for sure in there. Thanks for sharing. Gave a 👍 ATB Dave.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Haha, cheers mucker. 😁 Aye shame about the bivy as it's nicely made bit of kit. Someone posted the 3F version on one of the FB groups recently, can't remember which one, but they look alright, fraction of the cost too. Hope you're well mate, take care 👍🏻

[@Surfbird11]

Look at Mountain Laurel Design. They have a couple of bug bivys you might like better.

[@northeastwildcamper]

Mint vid Robin maybe in the future il maybe buy then 😉

[@WalkWithWallace]

You know you want one mate. 😉

[@kyleranney]

hat is that silicone stuff called? I NEED IT.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Hi Kyle, the stuff to seal and leave a grip on the groundsheet? If so it's McNett Silnet.

[@simonlakin5067]

Hi Robin, great insight, first time I’ve seen the Trailstar. Looks good but it’s another American based piece of kit like the SMD Lunar Solo. Did you buy both direct or through a UK based dealer? Camped for years but relatively new to lightweight camping, tarps and bivis. Thanks 👍🏻

[@WalkWithWallace]

I imported the Trailstar direct from MLD back in 2016. The Lunar Solo I picked up 2nd hand on ebay last year. Then I found out you can get them from this UK supplier: www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/equipment-c3/tents-shelters-c25/one-person-tents-c74/lunar-solo-tent-p10298

[@simonlakin5067]

Thank you for that. I’ll take a look. 👍🏻

[@simonlakin5067]

Another quick comment Robin. would you say you could get two of the bath tubs in for two people camping? it looks like it on the other side of the trekking pole

[@WalkWithWallace]

I've never tried it, but I don't see why not, as you say you've got the other side of the trekking pole available.

[@billyaitken1713]

Farrkn' good lookin' set up🤠⛺️👏👏👏. Crackin' good idea about the silicone in the 'bathtub' to stop 'downhill creep' in the night😎👍. Aussies would just get a mozzie net & sew some loops on it to hang it off those inner clips 🤠👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

The old silicone trick isn't completely effective, but does work to an extent. I wish they'd design something with a bit of traction. I've used the rug grip stuff from IKEA too. 😂

[@billyaitken1713]

Just looked up the tarp price for Australia- $500 😮😞, that's a tad too steep for my pockets. Beautiful tarp though. I reckon if you had the time & space you could get a silicone gun & just squirt some crossed lines Ito the floor of the tub & let it dry fully?

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@billyaitken1713 ouch, that's a lot. I reckon a silicone gun would work. Maybe work it in with a finger? 🤔

[@billyaitken1713]

Y'might have it right there, lines would probably make it too rigid & prone to wearing along 'common wear/ crease lines' . Silicone spots, worked with the finger or thumb until they were the size of 'a chocolate button' would work better. (Use saliva on your finger to stop the silicone sticking to your finger.....alternatively some liquid soap- but that's messy & you'd have to wash the tub sheet afterwards again) 🤔⛺️👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@billyaitken1713 you could put silicone dots on the bottom of your sleeping mat instead. 😁

[@anthonypayne1]

Love the Trailstar Robin, hate midges so a good inner would be essential for me. Like the idea of the bivy though👍👍👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

The ultra bivy is good, just a bit compact for my liking. How you keeping mate, any videos in the pipeline?

[@anthonypayne1]

Hi Robin, nothing much happening here in the Lakes, but with the recent announcements hope to get out and film soon. Cheers Anthony

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@anthonypayne1 hope it isn't too busy, but I'll look forward to seeing the notification pop up. 👍🏻

[@LayilaFaon]

looks really amazing great job!

[@WalkWithWallace]

Thank you Layila, hope you're well. :)

[@CamHikes]

Like a Toblerone and the midges would be after eating it!! Haha. What's the silicone you use to keep the mat from sliding? :)

[@WalkWithWallace]

Do midges like chocolate? 😂 It's Silnet, same stuff you use for sealing your tents. I deluted it with some water though. 👍🏻

[@ClaireIona]

How did I miss this?! Nice review bro 😁💖💜

[@ClaireIona]

It looks huge 💙

[@ClaireIona]

You are so funny 😂 It’s like sleeping in a toblaron tube 😂😂

[@WalkWithWallace]

😂

[@markhenderson9325]

Do you think something like this would be good in warmer climates? Wondering if it would keep out the mosquitoes and massive spiders. I've been interested in going camping but my mates arent interested and would rather not go alone. Wouldnt like the stray dogs getting aggressive at night or pissing on it either mind you.

[@WalkWithWallace]

😂 at the last bit. Do you mean the ultra bivy or the tarp its self?

[@markhenderson9325]

@@WalkWithWallace in general I think it looks good for the climate here. Not much protection but its 30 odd degrees in the middle of the night here. Is the inside waterproof? and would it keep out all kinds of bugs. I guess the snakes could still get in or not?

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@markhenderson9325 the ultra bivy is only water resistant, but bugs won't get in once you're zipped up inside. The tarp is waterproof once the the seams have been sealed.

[@BorderRambler]

Loving the trailstar Robin but I think I wouldnt have the patience for setting up etc , the bivvy on paper is great for avoiding midges but thinking its a little small for any manoeuvring 😂... I will stick to the SMD when we can get out as Boris has just confused me lol atb Dave

[@WalkWithWallace]

It's easy enough to pitch to be fair. I won't be using the V&P ultra bivy though. 😔 SMD for me too in midge season. We're allowed out as much as we want for exercise, but mountains still off limits. Local wild camp seems fair game either side of the border? 🤔

[@BorderRambler]

Walk With Wallace 👣 let’s hope it becomes clearer today as he said from Wednesday we can travel aslong it’s in England ? to exercise . Never heard nowt about a mountain ban . You have the wee krankie giving her own orders aswell 😂

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@BorderRambler well its as clear as mud at the moment if you're in England. Wee Krankie handling it well and much clearer. 😁

[@BorderRambler]

@@WalkWithWallace thats bumbling Boris for ya 😂

[@WalkWithWallace]

Pretty much. 🤦🏻‍♂️😆

[@HighlandFifer]

Slight tangent but if you were to get a sleeping bag and mat today, what would you get?

[@WalkWithWallace]

Having just got the Exped SynMat HL M for Christmas 2019, I'd stick by that decision for my sleeping mat as its comfortable and a decent R value for 3 season use. Sleeping bag wise, good question. I assume for 3 season use? I'd probably go for a UGQ quilt imported from the US. I know that's not a sleeping bag, so I'll throw in the Alpkit Pipedream 400.

[@HighlandFifer]

Cheers! Aye, three season. Saw you had the Alpkit Cloudbase but just for summer. Need to get better gear for camping but after Covid reckon I'll try to get into summit camps

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@HighlandFifer for summer use the Alpkit Cloudbase is decent. I'll still use that to prolong the lift of the Exped mat. Alpkit Pipedream 400 is a decent 3 season bag. Can't wait to Summit camp again when this is all over. Have got any hills in mind?

[@HighlandFifer]

Probably heading into Fisherfield from Poolewe and some Corbetts and maybe Munros. Would like to get back out to Tarf area and also down Loch Lomond way as haven't been there in a few years. Doubt the hostel situation is going to be the best going forward so best step up the camping game, eh.

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@HighlandFifer I love Fisherfield and the Poolewe approach is brilliant. Aye, you can't help but feel for the hospitality sector and the likes of hostels. 😔

[@smujiodome]

I can see the appeal of these. Great resource for anyone thinking of a purchase. I have the 3x3 m DD Tarp hut I’ve yet to use it overnight. Need to build up some trust with this new dog first. I would be scared she might chase wildlife in the night.

[@WalkWithWallace]

I remember seeing Terry's 3x3 DD tarp. Loads of configurations. Could you use one or those tethers that screw into the ground?

[@smujiodome]

Walk With Wallace 👣 that’s an idea yes. I have one somewhere. The DD is well made. I take it on day trips for shelter.

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@smujiodome is it quick enough to set up in windy weather?

[@beatbasher]

I've got one of the cheaper copies of this tarp and I also have been asked about it a number of times. That bivi doesn't look bad, I'm not too tall so could work for me.

[@WalkWithWallace]

I'm actually looking forward to the autumn, so I can get the tarp out again. The bivi is a well made peice of kit, I just found it a bit small.

[@AlanMETALMAN]

I defiantly would not like it, like sleeping in a coffin to me but I can see where you are coming from of a bad midge day mind, anything to get away from them lol. Looks like this was filmed mid summer in Spain by the look of that sun, take care buddy, cheers Alan

[@WalkWithWallace]

Can't see me using it, which is a pity. As you say, it's way too coffin like. ⚰. It was roasting, had just cut the grass too. 😆

[@Kev_Russ]

Nice one bud. Sold the bivy then? Look foward tae a tin or whiskey in your tarp hopefully at some point this year 😏

[@WalkWithWallace]

No yet mate, probably will though. Will take the Alpkit bivi bag in winter for extra protection and the Lunar Solo in summer. Fingers crossed Kev. Itching to get pitching. 🏕

[@Callahan1]

Do you have any sagging issues on any of the pannels? I purchased one and have set it up twice, not using the middle pannel stake points, just the 5 corners and have noticable sag toward the entrance and lower corners. This is even after tensioning the guys and even re-staking.

[@WalkWithWallace]

I've always managed a tight as a drum pitch. When you first pitch it, I find you have to walk around the tarp and readjust each peg until each panel is taut. Make sure your guylines are loosened off before pitching, so you can tighten the linelocs afterwards to make it taut as possible. Hope that makes sense?

[@Callahan1]

I have tried this about 5 times now and it seems like I always end up with extra sag on one or 2 areas. Every video I have seen the sag is almost nonexistant. Do you walk the 2 corners toward the door end, and then also move the 2 door corners inward roughly 2 inch each? Or do you simply make sure each of the 5 corners follows its own stitching and goes straight out? This sag is driving me insane.

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@Callahan1 that would do my nut in too. I always do the rudimentary pitch first and just walk around adjusting each point. Where are you typically getting the sag, on one of the front panels by the door?

[@Callahan1]

@@WalkWithWallace Yeah it's usually the front after the other half opposite door side is taut. The sag will sometimes exist at the bottom, in between the back pannels too(opposite of door side). Will try some more this weekend.. You can see what I mean by taking a look at this guy's trailstar in this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX7CaH2Dhq5_la8&lc=Ugwjk5W4_qHvpeDoV0F4AaABAg.9By0wODapvU9C-jiXqNDM0

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@Callahan1 I take it removing the front peg of the sagging side and moving it to achieve that taut pitch doesn't work? What height do you set you poles?

[@TonyHobbs]

Did you look at MLD inner for ts?

[@WalkWithWallace]

I decided I didn't want an inner for it because it defeats the purpose of having all that space in a tarp. I just avoid using it in summer 😁

[@TonyHobbs]

@@WalkWithWallace exactly id aree I have the MLD inner but sadly it sucks lol its OK just wrong side for me plus fitted for silnylon not cuben which is smaller imo

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@TonyHobbs do you sleep along the back or feet towards the door? I'm the latter.

[@TonyHobbs]

@@WalkWithWallace head at door for maximum headroom No way enough room at back in cuben and with head at door I know if rain gets in as don't usually use a bivy in it lol

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@TonyHobbs I'll take my bivvy bag in the winter months for extra protection.

[@TonyHobbs]

Definitely more room in silnylon vs Cuben

[@WalkWithWallace]

I've never fancied the Cuben versions. 🤔

[@TonyHobbs]

@@WalkWithWallace never looked back but an acquired taste lol

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@TonyHobbs I was hoping to see Ray's Cuben Duomid. But he's selling it already.

[@drytool]

Feet towards the door is bad feng shui

[@WalkWithWallace]

Really? We're fooked then as that's our set up in the house too. 😆

[@drytool]

@@WalkWithWallace The idea behind that being bad feng shui is because that's how a dead person is carried out of a room in Chinese culture. You are definitely fooked, Haha!

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@drytool 😂😂😂

[@brianmcbain6997]

Nope, don’t get it. What a Phaff to put up and not watertight or insect proof

[@WalkWithWallace]

Haha, fair play. It's quite easy to pitch though and get a tight as a drum pitch. Never been wet in it either. I'll give you the insects though. 🐜

[@grizzlycountry5539]

Very annoying music.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Noted. 👍🏼