MLD Trailstar Review - on the trail

[@tullochgorum6323]

Long-term TS user here. First - I seriously wouldn't cut off the mid-panel linelocs. Pegging them down reduces flapping significantly in high winds, and you can use light stakes. Second - if you know the local wind patterns for the locality and pitch back to the wind, I've never had issues with a storm driving at the door.Worst that could happen is that you'd have to move the door to another panel - takes a couple of minutes. I've made myself a little batwing to cover the opening, which I mainly use for privacy in campsites - but it does help keep out drifting mist. As for bugs, I have an insert which works fine. It's a bit of a pain to rig at the end of a long day, but provides as much protection as any tent. Or for a more friction-free experience, you can use a bivvy. For pitching, I've tied fluorescent tape of different colours to the key pegging points so they're easy to locate in dark and storm. I always pack it so the rear guyline is poking out of the stuffsack. In big winds I can peg it down for security before I even unpack the tarp.

[@TonyHobbs]

It's a great shelter for sure and in the lakes other day which was wet it didn't sag either . Not three people unless sitting up lol

[@rtea7]

Thank you for a very informative and helpful video. 👍

[@TonyHobbs]

You mentioned about cutting those mid hem slip locks off lol Um no! Need those to move door if needed plus I always peg those down but maybe with smaller lighter pegs MLD make good Shepard pegs .

[@Benjaminofearth]

The tarp is cool but those matching hats! where in the world did they spring from ?

[@warwicklong2726]

Comprehensive! Nicely described and explained. I could almost feel what it was like. (I have msr Hubba Hubba luxury, but heavy! For touring bike)

[@TanukiParis]

What about the splash effect ? Good to see you back on yt.

[@nettleleaves8224]

I used this with a mesh inner for one man.. live like a king

[@jacksonweaver5420]

Just discovered this channel and wow! Are you guys professionals?

[@twofoolswalking2109]

😂

[@fedegoeswoods3142]

Sounds cool! What are the benefits of it being a Pentagon in stead of going with a square tarp that would most likely cost less? I have a very inexpensive 20 euros 3x3 tarp which is huge and very versatile..

[@twofoolswalking2109]

Only one "door", easier pitching but less flexibility in pitch styles. Also the design means the diagonals of the fabric align with each tie out, this means the fabric stretches into psudo-cat-cuts which make for very taunt pitches with very little effort

[@JonathanDowe]

Great review, would you recommend the trailstar over a lunar solo for a lone hiker?

[@twofoolswalking2109]

I would probably recommend a smaller tarp, although soloing in the trailstar would be dreamy the footprint + weight are a concern

[@alexhonken]

hey boys. hiking torla-odesa to Benasque starting tomorrow and torn between which shelter to take. I've got an MLD patrol rip off (aricxi tarp, 20d silnylon,) and an MYOG silpoly pocket tarp, which is smaller / lighter / won't sag when wet, but potentially not quite as storm / wind proof. any insight? i know you guys have lots of experience in the Pyrenees !

[@twofoolswalking2109]

I'd take the more storm proof one, if it comes down hard in the Pyrenees it it intense but short 😁 have a great time, it's epic trail ❤️

[@edwardstroud8245]

The downside to this tarp for through hikers is it needs a huge space to pitch, which you don’t often have the luxury of. For storms don’t you just peg down everywhere and forget the door?

[@northernswedenstories1028]

Only for Americans hiking on majorly trafficked trails. Not really an issue in Europe.

[@rtea7]

You can join two bottom guy line staking points together and fold the excess tent material over and stake it down along side the bottom of the tarp shelter creating a four sided pyramid which will create a smaller footprint. You have to do a little effort getting in and out but it's worth the trouble..

[@northernswedenstories1028]

I'm confused. You said it doesn't have catenary cuts? It has catenary cuts all over it... Hence why there is curvature along every seam

[@twofoolswalking2109]

The curvature is created as the fabric has more stretch along the diagonal, not by cat-cuts

[@northernswedenstories1028]

@@twofoolswalking2109 but that's just not true. You would never get it in that shape if it wasn't for the cat cuts. Everything would look more square and have straight lines. The stretch only does so much. The ridge may not be cat cut but the base definitely is. This is why the DCF trailstar is so hard to get taught, not just because of the material, but because it doesn't have cat cuts along the base seam. Google images the DCF trailstar and you'll see why I mean about it looking for straight and square ish

[@twofoolswalking2109]

I to believe that until I layed mine flat on the ground to make measure up for making a clone, no detectable cat cuts to my eyes.... Ill have another look but I'm fairly confident

[@northernswedenstories1028]

@@twofoolswalking2109 like I said. The base is undeniably cat cut. You simply wouldn't get it in that shape otherwise.

[@twofoolswalking2109]

Do you own one?

[@tomcoleman6440]

Who gets to carry the tarp?

[@twofoolswalking2109]

Fin! I take the stakes + guide book

[@Olan...]

You do know about Convoy caterpillars dont you ? If they crawl over your clothes you will be itching for weeks and they can kill dogs who inhale the tiny hairs...they look like a snake but the reason they are called Caonvoy caterpillars is because they for a chain that can be from a few to dozens. They are in the Pyrenees and for that reason i would never use a Tarp on its own. Great review though and as far as Tarps go and for UL hiking that looks really good.