If you are not into DIY. Also a great weight (390 grams in silnylon – even lighter in DCF which I eschew) and price (US$220 Dec 2024). What’s not to like? It is very like my Siligloo (but a little simpler). I have MLD‘s ‘big brother’ the Supamid which I can attest is well made and well thought out (but too heavy for me nowadays – though I carried it across Tasmania in 2011). It provided abundant shelter (for three) in wet, windy conditions there though (what it is designed for).
The Little Star sets up with two trekking poles (as shown).
The advantage (over the mids) of the Trailstar (of which this is a smaller version) is that (in the configuration shown) the rain does not come into the open tent (when open to the lee side obviously). You could also (obviously) warm it (carefully) with a small fire outside the open front – as I like to do. If you are going to do this you will have to add another guy to the front (to make room for the fire).
The set-up is simplicity itself. All you will need (in addition) is an Ultralight Groundsheet – a space blanket will suffice – (MLD sell DCF ones). I would likely make my own out of some silnylon – or just cut a chunk of Tyvek for the purpose. Plus a few pegs -less than ten.
For at least 90% of your single or couple hiking (ground camping) trips this is all the shelter you will ever need (unless you are very tall in which case you will need the bigger version)
You can purchase it here: MLD
Of course the Chinese have a cheaper (and heavier) copy of the Trailstar for A$75 inc delivery. I have tried one out and found no fault with it though. See Cheap Tents.
BTW: MLD also make one of the very best ultralight packs available eg the Exodus at 510 grams and US$325.
