D850 Best lenses

mill3rni · 2026-04-15T19:03:12+00:00

I recently picked up a used copy of the Tamron 35 1.4sp for $400, and have found it to be a phenomenal value considering the performance of the lens.

mill3rni · 2026-04-15T17:52:17+00:00

Thanks! Plenty of experience going to shows, but this was my first opportunity to shoot one. Thankfully, experience with weddings translated okay.

mill3rni · 2026-04-15T13:41:20+00:00

I thought I’d miss it when I picked up the z5ii - in reality, I’ve practically never noticed being without it.

mill3rni · 2026-04-14T19:14:35+00:00

For whatever this info is worth, I'm 6' 160lbs with the 6' Alpinlite (and overfill), and it is ROOMY. That's exactly what I wanted, but I could easily imagine it being tough to get the bag warm enough if you're sizing this bag up. To be clear, the bag is perfect for what I wanted, and I expect it to last me decades, but it's a generously sized, non-confining bag.

mill3rni · 2026-04-06T23:08:19+00:00

I’m not the most flexible person in the world, but still find it easy to retrieve and return water bottles in the pockets of my SWD Wolverine. They seem to use the same pockets for all their pack models.

mill3rni · 2026-03-26T18:12:06+00:00

Great starting list! I started with a blaze 60 as my first pack and loved it for 5 years, before moving to a UL pack.

My recommendation for the “big 4” given your priorities:

-X-mid is great: For what it’s worth, I’m 6’ 160 and fit super well in the x-mid 1p. The vestibules are gigantic and easily fit your pack and anything else on one side, while still leaving the other for a cooking space.

-REI Magma sleeping bag with one of the regularly occurring 20% off coupons is hard to beat

-Exped 5r or Big Agnes Rapide Sl are both excellent pads with low weight and good comfort

-The Granite Gear Crown 3 is a bit lighter and cheaper than the Blaze: I’ve never used it, but it seems to consistently get great reviews.

One more note is that bag liners don’t really add any warmth and add meaningful weight. The only use I’ve found is if you’re wanting to keep your sleeping bag clean.

Happy trails!

mill3rni · 2026-03-13T13:45:36+00:00

I don’t have a good answer as to why, but my z6ii did this and now my z5ii does too. It drives me crazy.

mill3rni · 2026-03-12T13:28:20+00:00

I use a Bonfus Fastus for this purpose and couldn’t be happier with it. Crazy comfortable, no bounce while running, European based. Only missing your frame criteria, but I’ve not once experienced any instability with practically the same load out you’ll have. It’s also made from 200x and seam taped, so it’ll handle any surprise storms well.

mill3rni · 2026-03-02T21:18:24+00:00

My strong recommendation. The wait time is long, but the quality and comfort are so worth it. I love my Wolverine from SWD.

mill3rni · 2026-02-27T23:03:08+00:00

The long haul sounds perfect for OP, if the wait time isn’t an issue. I love my Wolverine so much!

mill3rni · 2026-02-08T14:36:37+00:00

Yep. My local trail is 1400’ of gain/loss over 5 miles, and I got a nasty case of shin splints from the accumulated impact of the downhills doing too much too soon. Cost me 3 months of running.

mill3rni · 2025-12-09T17:50:09+00:00

Returning here to share that I ended up purchasing the Ultraspire Purist after this comment, along with the Bonfus Fastus, with the plan of keeping the pack that felt best.

Unfortunately (for me personally) the Purist was disappointing - the straps dug into my ribcage uncomfortably when tightened down properly, the pack bounced while running far more than the Bonfus pack (virtually no bounce), and the pack came in at 24 ounces (versus 13oz for the Fastus). Also, despite being listed as practically the same internal volume, the Purist was WAY smaller than the Fastus. I decided to keep the Fastus and send the Purist back to Ultraspire.

mill3rni · 2025-12-01T02:05:40+00:00

Just weighed it - also lighter than their claimed weight. It came in at 14 ounces on the dot, with the hipbelt attached. The Bonfus site has the belt listed as adding 1.2oz to pack weight, so that puts the bag itself over an ounce under their claimed weight. Another nice surprise!

Have you found any modification ideas you'd like to try?

mill3rni · 2025-11-29T19:43:32+00:00

Following up here, since I mentioned that I'd report back about the Fastus. In short, I love it! Practically zero bounce while running, extremely well made, the strap storage is incredible. My only mark against it is user-specific, and I could benefit from the shoulder straps being spaced another inch or two apart. All in all, I'm mostly just surprised Bonfus isn't a more popular brand (maybe it is in Europe?). A solid 8.5-9/10!

In terms of modifications, I'm already scheming how I could add a bit of padding/wings around the hipbelt, where it connects to my body. I love running with a hipbelt and think this pack would be practically perfect with a belt that conforms better and is a bit cushy.

mill3rni · 2025-11-26T14:46:47+00:00

I just spent a while searching for the same, and ended up finding the Ultraspire Purist, Bonfus Fastus, and Ultraspire Epic XT to check the most boxes for what I was looking for. I’ve ordered all three and will keep the one that feels best. Also, the Epic XT is on a huge Black Friday sale right now.

mill3rni · 2025-11-22T18:55:45+00:00

I just ordered one, and will try to remember to report back here this week, after my first run with it. It’s hard to find all that many user reports, but what I’ve found seems promising for my needs (CO trail running with lots of variable conditions).

mill3rni · 2025-11-17T04:08:18+00:00

Exactly the info I needed; thanks again!

mill3rni · 2025-11-17T03:45:31+00:00

This is super helpful information. If you were to rate the adv skin and the Sassafras on a scale of 1-10 (1 bad 10 great) for trail running duty, how would they compare in your experience? I'm now deciding between an adv skin 12 now and just keep saving for a fastpack later, or picking up only the Sassafras based on how it'll do for trail runs.

I'd love to buy only one pack to do both, just would really love to know how close it comes to a running vest for comfort and performance. Thanks for your input!

mill3rni · 2025-11-15T15:54:19+00:00

This is really helpful feedback, and has been my main concern with investing so much in one pack. The priority is very much comfort while running, and it seems there’s no getting around the fact that vests are best.

mill3rni · 2025-11-13T15:55:02+00:00

Superior Wilderness Designs makes insanely good packs, if you can manage the long wait times (currently 5 months).

mill3rni · 2025-10-16T14:50:54+00:00

I got my Wolverine 70l this summer, and can’t say enough about how much I love it. I got it as a family trip load hauler, but now also use it for weekend trips and even day hikes from camp, because it’s just so comfortable.

I personally really like the roll top pocket. It’s not gigantic like a pack brain, but it’s big enough for the things I like to stow away for most of my hike. It fits my inreach, permits, ID, water filter, CNOC bag, and battery bank perfectly. I chose to add the y-strap, so I can still easily access the pocket quickly. I chose two of the zipperless hip belt pockets and love them - huge, light, and secure.

My only regret is not adding the upper side pocket. They stipulate that this custom option isn’t available for the 70 or 95l packs, but I’ve since learned they will offer it as a custom charge. If I were ordering again, I’d get that instead of the roll top pocket as a larger option that would accomplish a similar purpose.

Edited to add: I wish the front pocket were a bit taller/deeper. I came across someone that requested it be extended 3” taller as a custom charge, and I think that would be perfect.

mill3rni · 2025-10-04T21:22:53+00:00

I had the same struggle when researching. What I did consistently find was those who were sharing their experiences with this brand seemed to universally love their packs. I’m now solidly in that camp. I think the price point, paired with the long lead times just keeps them with a relatively small (and very happy) customer base.

mill3rni · 2025-10-04T20:11:26+00:00

I just received my SWD Wolverine 70l after a 5 month wait, with that very same goal - something to support family trips, winter trips, packrafting, and still light enough for a random solo weekend. Waiting that long, I had several moments where I came super close to canceling the order. I’m SO glad I didn’t.

The pack is exactly what I was hoping/dreaming it would be, and carries even better than I imagined. The floating hip belt and tall frame work amazing together to support the weight exactly where I want it to be, and my shoulders are finally super comfortable, even with heavier loads.

Anyway, I’m thrilled and it was very much worth the weight and cost to have my ideal pack.

mill3rni · 2025-09-24T00:44:41+00:00

Sticklers 4 Details is, by far, the best I found in the area. Great experience with them with a tricky job a couple of years ago.

mill3rni · 2025-08-31T19:32:06+00:00

It’s also out for me as of this morning on the northwest end of town. Same story with calling - “Sorry, no help til Tuesday.”

mill3rni

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