MY THRU HIKE

I was looking around the web last weekend. I was just looking at the newest and the greatest camping equipment. Small businesses, cottage industries I think they are called, often update their sites rather frequently with new items for sale or upgrades on an old design. Its not like the major stores where you always see the same stuff over and over. I love that.

One of those wonderful places that I check on a regular basis is Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD). MLD designs, constructs, and sells Super Ultralight hiking and camping equipment. Their gear is tested by long distance hikers, extreme ultralight enthusiast, and many weight conscious adventurers.

I watch these guys close. They regularly have new designs and materials as well as new gear. They are on the fringe as far as weights and complexity of design (or the lack there of). I have purchased from them a couple of times and even when they have fallen behind on a production schedule, as they did with their Grace Solo tarps– I think he took a vacation. I have yet to see, receive or hear of a drop in their already reputable excellent quality. So what you get for your hard earned dollars is an AMERICAN made product that meets or exceeds the standards of other manufacturers. A design that is both cutting edge and tested true by a human user. All this in addition to a handcrafted product that is constructed with care and attention to detail and weight savings.

I emailed Ron last weekend requesting to purchase the new line locs he was using on their new Supertarp for my Grace Solo. He graciously offered to provide me with a free upgrade to the new locs and didn’t hit me for the shipping….yes, really and truly FREE! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He sent me cord, 13 line locs and 9 ribbon loops for the corners of my tarp. Great!

It is rare that you get great, truly great customer service. I am not the only one who has gotten this level of service. Everyone I have read, or spoken to about MLD has gotten the SAME great level of service. So if you are in the market for new lightweight hiking equipment please support an American owned and operated company. Take the chance to enjoy the truly American customer service of Mountain Laurel Designs!