New MLD ‘X’ Shelter

I saw that last night, I like it, but the technique described to close it up looks like it would be difficult, especially in anything but ideal ground conditions.

– If you are using it all staked low to the ground, easily loosen one corner using the Line Lock and then duck inside and retighten the linelock reaching from inside.

I agree with Steve. This seems like an inconvenient method although I don't think it would be unstable. A zipper would be nice but of course add weight.

I was looking at this again, and saw that you can get it in cuben which would weigh 8oz. I'm thinking of this as a winter shelter, but I can't help but wonder if I really want to crawl into my shelter in some nasty conditions. Anyone ask about the size of this thing? I am curious as to the height if the sides were pitched tight to the ground – I'd like to be able to sit up and cook in there.
Really, I want to compare this to the duo mid Ron has in the works…:)

Steven,
With the MLD suggested pole height I believe sitting up in the shelter would not be an issue. The X has a lower peak height then the Mid (but similar to the duo mid) and the walls are flatter which may limit the seating area to strictly around the center support pole. I think entering the shelter when used in winter (snow) conditions would be a none issue. A user could pitch the entry panel raised as shown on the site and dig an entry trench to aid accessibility. I would like to see the duo mid back in the MLD line also, giving me the hard decision on which shelter to select.

Good call Thom, don't know why I didn't think of that. You could pitch all sides to the ground (or one side higher) and then dig a trench for entry.

"I would like to see the duo mid back in the MLD line"

If I am understanding this correctly, MLD used to have Duo Mids available? I admit that I haven't seriously thought about buying one until this year, but I thought Oware(Alphamid) was the only one to offer them.

Off topic, Thom, I sent you a couple of PM's.

Steven, I have not received a PM from you.

On topic: I have visited with Ron, at MLD, about maybe offering an option for a peak vent (similar to the mid shelter) and ALSO maybe an option for a snow skirt. I would like to see these options offered, for an added cost, for users looking at this shelter for strictly winter/snow use.

I totally agree with this. Wonder how stable it would be with carbon fiber poles though (i.e. GG lightreks or Titanium Goat)? In 75 MPH winds?? Hm.

Looks like Ron went with Trailstar as the name…I would have gone with Pentapus. :)

Does anyone have one of these yet? If so, how stable do you reckon it is? From what I can tell, it doesn't look like it has any guy line tie outs apart from the one on the pole apex, and the perimeter tie outs (ten of them though, which is good).

I'm seriously considering getting this in silnylon.

Adam and David,
I've used my spinntex MLD Trailstar as a transition shelter between my tarp and winter shelter. I have been very pleased. Rons site description is very accurate. The Trailstar (mine is in spinntex) is light, strong and storm worthy. Set up and take down is easy and fast. Feel free to PM with specific questions.

I would be glad to hear any mid-term trail feedback on the Trailstar, particularly with reference to how it handles high winds and snow loading.

Thanks.

Hi, I bought a Trailstar near the beginning of the year and have used it a few times, on the first try at setting it up on some local hills , I had no problems setting it up in strong winds in an exposed location, the UK Met office reported 30-40mph gusting to 50mph winds in that area on that day. To see a walkround video checkout youtube and search for "Trailstar" I think I've got 3 vids up sofar. As for getting in/out, loosen one corner and duck under and tighten the cordlock once inside (which is huge).

I've used the trailstar for about ten nights in total now, most of them pretty rough, with high winds and rain. It sheds both no worries. Can be a pain in the neck to pitch by yourself when its blowing a gale, with someone else though its quite easy. I don't use trekking poles, so I bought the long pole CF that MLD sells. This has been excellent, though I should have also bought the short pole too, for staking one corner high. I usually find something else like a stick or tree to do the job. Pitching one corner up makes getting the geometry right alot easier. Otherwise I pitch the other four corners to the ground…this still gives excellent weather protection.

Having an adjustable main pole (ie trekking pole) would be handy, as we've found that its hard to sit up inside without brushing the walls with your shoulder or head, and when there is lots of condensation around its annoying (my mate and I are both around 178cm). Sometimes you might want to raise the height a few extra cm. Haven't had any room issues otherwise with two of us in there, three would be a serious squeeze though unless you have bivy bags for splash/condensation protection or pitch it off the ground, or can hang it from overhead and thus avoid using a centre pole.

I'm thinking of cutting off the plastic adjustment tabs on the guy outs that I usually peg to the ground…I find them a pain in the neck personally. I'll use some small stretchy loops. This will probably add a couple of ounces, but will make pitching more trouble free and fool proof at the end of a long hard day in a storm.

Its pretty small and light for what it does. I like the silnylon, its quite strong and robust, and doesn't feel like it will wear out any time soon. Colour is excellent in my experience thus far if you stealth camp.

Hope this helps,

Adam

Adam, that is exactly what I was looking for. I reckon my wife and I will be getting one soon.