INSPIRATION
Mountain Laurel Designs was started by Ron Bell in 2002. Ron’s outdoor Lightweight background spans over 40 years. Even as an Explorer Scout in the 1970’s he only used an 8 oz mesh net hammock and a military poncho as shelter. A lot of his focus on lightweight gear comes from his experience as a Search and Rescue Climber for Yosemite National Park (YOSAR). “After you sleep inside a haul bag on a big wall, you realize how little you need to reach your goals.”
Ron currently enjoys section hiking and competes in trail running, trail and road Ultra Marathons, Ironman’s, and various off-road multi-sport swim, bike, paddle, endurance events. Moving fast, light, and efficient to meet new goals is his uniting philosophy for the modern outdoor experience.
INSPIRATION
Mountain Laurel Designs was started by Ron Bell in 2002. Ron’s outdoor Lightweight background spans over 40 years. Even as an Explorer Scout in the 1970’s he only used an 8 oz mesh net hammock and a military poncho as shelter. A lot of his focus on lightweight gear comes from his experience as a Search and Rescue Climber for Yosemite National Park (YOSAR). “After you sleep inside a haul bag on a big wall, you realize how little you need to reach your goals.”
Ron currently enjoys section hiking and competes in trail running, trail and road Ultra Marathons, Ironman’s, and various off-road multi-sport swim, bike, paddle, endurance events. Moving fast, light, and efficient to meet new goals is his uniting philosophy for the modern outdoor experience.
STARTING OUT
MLD started making light Silnylon Tarps and sold them first on eBay and then from our own website. In 2003 we added more sophisticated designs built from lighter spinnaker fabrics. We broadened our line with ponchos and packs. Right from the start our goal was to offer the lightest fully functional backpacking and wilderness travel equipment possible.
2004 and 2005 was a time of continuous prototyping and we updated and improved our products almost weekly.
FINDING OUR GROOVE
A lot of custom orders were built, and we learned what the ultra light backpacker wanted, so we developed designs and processes to improve construction techniques using a variety of Ultralight fabrics. We tested over 100 different UL weight .2 to 2.0 oz/sq/yd fabrics in those years. We learned what worked best as the lightest materials for each piece of equipment and trip goal. 2007 was the move to a permanent full-time business for Ron and a leap for MLD with a new website and even lighter equipment.
Our products are proudly made by hand using MLDs rigorous quality standards in Roanoke, Virginia USA and shipped worldwide to outdoor lovers everywhere!
FINDING OUR GROOVE
A lot of custom orders were built, and we learned what the ultra light backpacker wanted, so we developed designs and processes to improve construction techniques using a variety of Ultralight fabrics. We tested over 100 different UL weight .2 to 2.0 oz/sq/yd fabrics in those years. We learned what worked best as the lightest materials for each piece of equipment and trip goal. 2007 was the move to a permanent full-time business for Ron and a leap for MLD with a new website and even lighter equipment.
Our products are proudly made by hand using MLDs rigorous quality standards in Roanoke, Virginia USA and shipped worldwide to outdoor lovers everywhere!
THANKS TO YOU
Thanks to all of our customers and partners who continue to inspire and drive us to design, create and refine our gear and equipment. Mountain Laurel Designs is honored to be a crucial part of the Super Ultra Light Revolution. Get out there, and tread lightly!
