New Shelter

Just as a heads up, the Trailstar will weigh close to 20 ounces with seam sealing, a stuff sack, and guylines. I think the 10.8 oz you have quoted is a misprint.

What about MSR E-Wing from Moontrail?

$75 for 6.0 oz

Travis is right about the Trailstar weight. Mine is 15 oz with stuff sack, pre-seam sealed. Of course, the guyline weights are going to be factored in for any tarp-type shelter (+/- an oz depending on how long the guylines are).

Steven, does that 15oz include guylines?

No, that's w/o the guylines. I don't think I was very clear. I meant that the weight of the guylines + stakes could essentially be disregarded b/c he's going to need to them for most of the shelters listed.

I think your weight of around 20 oz is right for the Trailstar (mine at 15 oz + seam sealer + guylines + stakes).

Slight thread drift: thinking of Trailstars (and your pics of the TS and Bearpaw inner), how's your wedding plans going?

> Travis is right about the Trailstar weight.

I don't think so. The OP listed the solo version, the weight you and Travis are referring to is for the original.

You probably still have to add seam sealing, guylines, and stakes to the listed weight of 10.8 ounces, though.

Thanks for that catch, Rakesh. I was listing weight for the original TS, not the new solo version.

Which, btw, I think would be a really good choice, Josh. I still have a 5×8 Siltarp that I use for nice weather overnights, but I really like shaped tarps like the TS. At of people will disagree and go with a flat b/c of the pitching options, but I think shaped tarps are a little quicker to pitch, especially when you get used to the particular design of your shelter.

You're probably just so used to seeing the Trailstar as a huge shelter that you filtered the solo part out :)

From what I've seen of the Trailstar, it seems like that's about as easy to pitch as it gets. I have seen one in person though, unfortunately. I'd like to, I'm quite intrigued :)

Anyone else have any thoughts on these shelters?

I think the e-wing won't have enough protection without a bivy which I dont have and dont want to get yet.

thanks everyone for the advice so far.

Hate to add one to the list, but For roughly the same weight as the spinntwinn you could also look at the SpinnShelter which has full weather protection.

If I was you, I'd be jumping all over this steal of a deal:

http://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/specialdeals/echo-i-tarpprototype.html

I have been looking into trying similar types of shelters this year, and am leaning towards the trail star.

– Decently priced
– Seams very weatherproof (beak can be lowered)
– Easy to pitch
– Full weather/bug protection for around 20 oz.
– Adjustable pitch

The z-packs hexamid is intriguing because its so light, but it looks to me like it would be harder to pitch and less weatherproof compared to the solo star… Maybe someone could shed some light on this comment?

hexamid
– Lots of guylines
– Non-adjustable pitch… but there is an extended beak.

I think w/ the Twins, especially in the PNW, a bivy would be beneficial, the Solo Trailstar would probably benefit from a bivy as well as it's open in the front

the Solomid you could probably could get by w/o a bivy, but it still might be useful at times (when pitched high for example)

all of those shelters get really high marks (the solo trailstar being the exception as it's brand new)- probably couldn't go wrong w/ any of them

I ordered a Solo Trailstar, but am planning on teaming it w/ a lightweight bivy

I know several guys use a Duomid for solo use and find all the extra room useful- a small hit on additional weight of course w/ it

Steven, I sent you a PM.

The Echo is a great shelter system — the only reason I didn't recommend it earlier was its price, since it's not exactly cheap (down side to Cuben), but I didn't know about this deal :)

Man, if I didn't love my Trailstar, I'd jump on that!

Yeah, if I didn't already have an Echo II, I would jump on it, too :)

Why in the heck didn't you guys tell us about this? Well, I guess you did.

I just placed an order for one.

Here I was, slaving away trying to design my own made out of elk hides and manila rope, and you guys knew all about this.

–B.G.–

Bob, I've found sheepskin to work much better than elk hides.

Sorry Bob,

Yes, it is a screaming deal. Did you place an order for the Echo II camo system or the Echo 1 Tarp? I think you will be extremely impressed by the quality these guys do… (I ended up getting the camo Echo II system…)

Cheers and let us know what you think!

P.S. — I think you will also find that they are F A S T. You should have your shelter in no time…

+1 on including the Spinnshelter in the list.

It is a full protection shelter that stands up to rough weather and strong winds.

"Did you place an order for the Echo II camo system or the Echo 1 Tarp?"

The deal was on the Prototype Echo I Cuben Tarp.

–B.G.–

"The deal was on the Prototype Echo I Cuben Tarp."

Yes, I know :) — I posted the link. BUT, there is a deal on the Echo II camo system as well…

http://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/specialdeals/camoecho-ii-ultralight-system.html

Is there a discernable reason the prototype is so much cheaper? Does it come with a beak? Not too familiar with HMD and wanted to know. Never bought a tarp before. I've been struggling with deciding on which sheltersystem to take on my PCT thru next month and this seems very tempting. Just wanted to knowif there were any caveats.