After a couple of lessons with the sewing machine I've recently started making my own gear and have really been enjoying it. I've only made a handful of things to date, a few stuff sacks, some lanterns, a tarp, but I'm always on the look out for a new project.
Once I'd ordered my Trailstar I started to think about additional gear I may need to go with it, I've got a Polycryo groundsheet to use but liked the idea of having a bathtub style floor to use as an alternative, plus I figured it could also be used under a tarp or maybe even inside my Laser Comp if I ever wanted to use it without the inner.
After having a look online I decided I'd have a go at making my own, all the necessary bits and bobs were gathered and sat on my desk for a while waiting to be used. Recently I finally got on with things and here is the end result.
Over the last 7-8 months I've been trying to lighten things up a little and have been steadily replacing various items of kit with new items that weigh a little less and which also tend to pack down a little smaller.
One of the last items I wanted to replace was my Goretex Bivy. Whilst this bivy had served me well it was pretty bulky and was getting on for around 850 grams in weight, as such I sold it on a while ago and have been looking for a replacement since then. At one time I decided to go with the Alpkit Hunka XL but these seemed to be out of stock for ages (think they are back in stock now) so I kept on looking. In the end I decided I wanted something lighter than the Hunka as this wasn't going to provide too much of a saving over my old bivy, plus I wanted a side zip to make getting in and out a bit easier. I looked at the Ti Goat and MLD Superlight which looked superb but in the end decided to go with a Borah Gear Bivy.
Whilst trying to find some reviews of the bivy I came across quite a few threads on the BPL forum and all of them were very positive. The owner of Borah Gear is a chap called John West who is quite active on the BPL forum. I wanted a few thing changing to the standard bivy so sent an email to John, he got back to me straight away and after a few emails I placed my order.
My bivy arrived last month, I haven't had chance to use it more than a couple of times as yet so this is more of a first look than an actual review but here goes...
Full Bivy
A few months ago I finally took the plunge and ordered myself a Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar. At the time I ordered the advertised waiting period was 12 weeks with a possible further couple of weeks for shipping, thankfully I didn't have to wait that long and mine arrived in around 8 weeks. Due to the poor weather we've been having recently it took a couple of weeks before I managed to get it sealed and ever since then I've been itching to get out and use it. I finally got the chance a few weeks ago so I thought I'd share a few photo's/words from my trip.
Spot the Trailstar
