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Flame's Creed 5-sided tarp (MLD Trailstar tarp clone)

$56 USD 5-sided tarp
$230 USD Trailstar tarp
 The Flame's Creed 5-sided tarp is available for $56 USD delivered on Aliexpress.

  • 760g (tarp + guylines) + 80g (stakes)

Discounts (USD):

This Flame's Creed 5-sided tarp shelter is similar to the well-regarded MLD Trailstar tarp.

A star tarp can be pitched with trekking poles in a number of configurations and generally provides better weather protection than a rectangular tarp.

e.g:

Specifications:
  • 20D Silnylon (green or gray)
  • ~3.7m across
  • 7 tieouts + guylines with linelocs (each corner & midway on sides)
  • 6 groundhog clone stakes
  • Storage bag

Pros
  • Reinforcement patches at corners and the apex
  • Silicone taped seams
  • 6 groundhog stakes would cost ~$10 alone
  • Smaller than the MLD trailstar

Cons
  • Setup time and adjustment required for a taut pitch
  • 2mm guylines might slip in the linelocs
  • Inner net + groundsheet not included - extra cost

Vs MLD Trailstar
  • 30D "pro silnylon", 4 colour options
  • ~4.8m across - larger (sleeps 3)
  • 510g - excluding guylines and stakes (none provided) - lighter
  • 10 tie outs - 3 more
  • Not seam sealed - sealant included, or pay extra for them to do it
  • ~7x the price
Guyline attachment points
Corner reinforcement
Seam tape
Lineloc tensioners
Stakes
Folded
Packed
Same dimensions as the "Knotstar" tarp


Further Resources

14 months with the MLD Trailstar
BPL forum: How to pitch the Trailstar perfectly every time
Trek-lite forum: Trailstar users, what weather protection do you use under the tarp?

Reddit
MLD Trailstar vs. Aliexpress Trailstar Clone - a video comparison.
Why Shouldn't I get a Trailstar?

Youtube
Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar vs Aliexpress 'Trailstar' - ultralight backpacking tarp comparison
MLD Silnylon Trailstar pitching guide and groundsheet options
Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar Configurations