The MLD Trailstar seems like the shelter to have in the US, there's a 3 month waiting list and I've yet to hear or read a bad word about them. If a secondhand one comes up for sale it's usually snapped up within a couple of minutes. Does anyone actually have one? Do you like it? Have you any pictures?

Yes! I have one, I've only used it twice so far, once with the bike, once without and was very impressed. Only problem for bike use is poles/improvisation are required for pitching. You can see some shots of mine :

http://mcalisterium.wordpress.com/2012/ ... s-circuit/
http://mcalisterium.wordpress.com/2012/ ... e-reprise/

Superb pics, thanks a lot.

Vorlich, can you tell me what height you've got your centre pole set to in your pictures? There seems to be lots of conflicting opinion ... everything from 100cm to 120cm gets mentioned as a 'base' height. I want to fab up an adjustable pole, so just trying to work out the best height range - Ta

* Managed to locate a very slightly secondhand one in the US, so quite excited ... which is surprising, as I don't usually do excited.

I can't give you an accurate number I'm afraid, I think it was about 120mm. But the consensus seems to be between those figures you mention. Higher for more headroom, lower for stormy weather. But TBH, the trailstar is so stable in wind I can't see it making a huge difference. Obviously higher pole gives steeper walls = more usable space, but with a smaller footprint.

You could split the difference with 110cm. Or see it you can find a cheapo walking pole [£5] for some testing first. I'd be inclined to go for 120cm myself, then you could have the option to cut down the pole if you see fit.