The Mountain Laurel Designs LittleStar ditches rectangles for a pentagon shape, as apparently geometry makes better shelters. This ultralight shelter weighs less than their TrailStar by eliminating doors, zippers, and anything resembling comfort. Built from .5 or .75 Dyneema or SilPoly with ten tie-out points, it fits one hiker plus dog comfortably, or two people max if you enjoy human sardine experiences. Setup requires trekking poles and works best for hikers under 6’1″. There’s more to this minimalist approach.
Pentagon meets trekking pole in Mountain Laurel Designs‘ LittleStar shelter, a five-sided oddball that ditches the typical rectangular floor plan for something more geometric. Each panel stretches 6.5 feet, creating a surprisingly roomy pentagon that laughs in the face of traditional tent design. Why five sides? Since apparently four wasn’t enough, and six would be showing off.
The shelter’s party trick lies in its pitching versatility. Wedge configurations let users block wind while keeping scenic views intact. Smart move, taking into account most individuals don’t hike into the mountains to stare at fabric walls all evening. Ten perimeter tie-outs with LineLocks handle the anchor duties—five corners, five mid-panel points. Math checks out.
Setup requires one or two trekking poles, typically positioned at the center and entrance. Center height hovers around 45-50 inches, which means tall hikers will be doing the alpine crouch. The moderate roof angle sheds wind and light snow loads effectively, though “light” being the operative word here.
Mountain Laurel Designs built this thing from Dyneema due to its impressive performance in all elements. The company claims alpine-grade wind protection, and the low-stretch characteristics back up that boast. No zippers, doors, or moving parts means fewer things to break when Murphy’s Law kicks in at 11,000 feet. The shelter accommodates up to 2 people in emergency situations, though that would make for a very cozy pentagon.
The trade-offs hit where they always do, interior space. Roughly 55 square feet sounds generous until you’re actually living in it with gear scattered around. Perfect for one hiker and a dog, cramped for anything more ambitious.
MATERIAL: .75 DCF (Dyneema® Composite Fabric A.K.A. Cuben Fiber)
WEIGHT: 9.8oz | 279gm
COLOR: Light Green
MATERIAL: .5 DCF (Dyneema® Composite Fabric A.K.A. Cuben Fiber)
WEIGHT: 7.2oz| 204gm
COLOR: Light Green
Headroom becomes an issue when pitched tight to the ground for maximum protection. Choose your poison: exposure or claustrophobia.
Condensation lurks as another concern. Low interior volume plus body heat equals moisture buildup, especially while maintaining full ground contact pitching. Physics doesn’t care about your gear staying dry.
The LittleStar weighs less than its TrailStar sibling by skipping the frills. Removable LineLocks shave additional ounces for weight-obsessed hikers who count grams like pennies. The shelter was originally designed for users under 6’1″ to ensure optimal fit and comfort. Fast setup compensates for the learning curve—no complicated pole arrangements or color-coded attachment points.
This shelter succeeds as a minimalist’s dream and a traditionalist’s nightmare. The pentagon design works, even if it looks like geometry class escaped into the backcountry. For solo hikers seeking weather protection without the bulk, the LittleStar delivers. Just don’t expect luxury accommodations or room for yoga sessions. It’s shelter, not a hotel suite.