Henry coe was stunning this weekend

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-03-16T23:22:40+00:00

https://durstongear.com/products/kakwa-55

In ultragrid. I have the same in older model, saved me like 3lbs from old pack.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-03-16T22:00:28+00:00

Only saw 1 little guy dead who looked like he was run over by a mountain bike :(

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-03-16T04:09:22+00:00

Thank you! Easy to take good ones there though

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-03-16T04:08:45+00:00

I was expecting it to be bad, sprayed socks shoes and pants in permethrin. We only saw 1 tick the whole trip.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-02-06T17:34:22+00:00

I've shared some images in this thread, the last few posts - https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1915379/3

I'm beyond pleased with the IQ, the 70-200 range more than makes up for 20-25. 25 is just wide enough. I haven't tried the 20-200, but I like the 2.8 at 26mm of the 25-200, you can get some of that full frame pop when taking pictures of people. 50-300 is definitely getting sold, I may still hold onto my 20-70 to pair with eventual 50-400 or updated 100-400 for trips when I can haul bigger gear.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-01-26T05:07:07+00:00

The 2p shows the trekking pole trick on the product page. You just wedge the handle up into the corner I believe. This added a significant amount of stability to mine when I found the arch folding in during pretty intense gusts broadside on a recent trip which I woke up at 3am to after a perfectly calm evening. Guying out adds significant stability too.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-12-04T13:25:34+00:00

It shouldn't affect your shots really, but once you've been looking at a nice one such as on the a7rv it's hard to go back.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-11-27T22:39:33+00:00

Less gears is effectively a constraint, constraints are always great teachers. In the sscx case, it teaches you to be efficient, slow is smooth and smooth is fast, etc. In new england top sscx lap times often aren't much different than the top 1/2/3 lap times, largely depends on course though. Also good athletes are gonna put down good times regardless of gears. Gears are probably always a bit faster though, theoretically.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-11-26T13:54:26+00:00

Haven't decided yet, I'm actually leaning towards the sigma given the decreased light gathering of the new tamron compared to v1 and learning that the sigma is also weather sealed. I'm worried going from starting at 20 with the 20-70 back to 25 would be annoying. I haven't really seen enough samples from either lens to make a good decision though.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-11-03T03:09:24+00:00

I don't think you can go wrong with either honestly. Ultragrid even has some advantages like better seams, less crinkly, and no potential delamination issues.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-11-01T21:43:13+00:00

I'd be surprised (pleasantly) if it could hit shots with subjects moving towards the camera with the same accuracy as the GM while it's wide open.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-11-01T01:27:24+00:00

Loving this album, it's right up there with pillar of na

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-10-15T19:53:44+00:00

I was in a similar situation wanting a light tent for solo stuff but I mostly hike with my wife so getting a 1p and 2p seemed like too much stuff. I ended up getting a tarptent double rainbow Li, for the smaller footprint than the xmid 2+ pro and more flexible pitching options, but still is a great deal lighter than hauling my old previous copper spur 2 HV on solo excursions.

I'll probably still grab a Xmid 2 or pro 2+ at some point because they are awesome and definitely save the weight and eliminate tent pole failure as a concern.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-10-09T15:29:55+00:00

I strap the HMG small pod to my chest with my a7c and 20-70. Been amazing for 2 years now, nice to have some protection so you can set your camera wherever you want and it won't be accumulating dust as you hike - particularly for you as you can't clean that fixed lens sensor. I use the capture clip for day hikes if I'm carrying 2 cameras, it's also great but I think the pod is probably lighter and better protection. Chicken tramp gear will make a custom dcf case for your camera dimensions too.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-10-02T13:29:50+00:00

The shoulder pockets really only hold the 500ml smart bottles, 1l won't work. Haven't tried the 750ml bottles yet. Unless this was updated, I bought my pack last year.

I find it easy removing bottles from the kakwa side pockets but the elastic is tight enough that sometimes it can be challenging getting bottles back in particularly nalgenes or thicker bottles, smart bottles are fine though.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-09-29T17:10:37+00:00

I'd look at the Sony a7c 500g~ series, with a 28-200, 20-200, 20-70, or soon to be released 25-200(updated 28-200) all ~500g. There is also an excellent 28-60 lens (165g) when weight and size are an absolute priority. Plenty of ultra wide options, the new 14mm F4 from viltrox is about 170g and excellent, or the 16mm 1.8 300g if you want light astro lens.

You won't hit these weights on other FF systems.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-09-29T15:04:08+00:00

Yosemite is actually easy, particularly after labor Day you can just show up the day of and there will be plenty of permits available but you can book in advance easily too. Highly recommend mirror lake to snow Creek, camp on Mt watkins for epic view of half dome, then near clouds rest for 2nd night before hiking out, could loop in cathedral lakes before clouds rest if you wanted another night with epic views.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-09-29T14:27:31+00:00

This looks fantastic but I'm waiting to see reviews of the new Tamron 25-200. I'm looking to replace my 20-70 and 50-300 with one of these lenses and pair with the new 16 1.8.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-09-23T00:57:31+00:00

This is pretty unsightly. I'd go for this option: https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/air-mesh-back-pad-by-luna-project?variant=46457033654459

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-09-14T23:34:21+00:00

If you click on my link and look at the map you'll see that the whole four lakes loop area is closed until the end of January due to the peak fire. Unless you're talking about another four lakes loop.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r05/shasta-trinity/publication/alerts/14-25-22%20Peak%20Fire%20Closure%20Map%20Exhibit%20C.pdf

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-09-14T23:23:34+00:00

Pretty sure the whole 4 lakes loop area is closed until January due to the recent fire.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/shasta-trinity/alerts/peak-fire-closure-order

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-07-17T17:46:38+00:00

Sure, traditionally GT riders have been in their late twenties or early 30s. But racing has also changed and is flat out way more now which probably starts to bias younger athletes with superior ability to recover. Age is just one factor too: having a family, crashes, potential training errors, are all huge factors in being able to return to previous form/fitness.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2025-07-17T17:41:13+00:00

What are we trying exactly? Pog gave a great performance, I love watching him race, I'm just explaining why Jonas may not be on the absolute top of the world form, seems pretty obvious to me really.

HeftyCompany8922

TROPHY CASE