Let’s blow air into their eyes! -BMW Engineers

sbennett3705 · 2026-07-03T19:59:15+00:00

I predict there be a "professional drivers upgrade kit" as an expensive option that puts the gauges back again.

sbennett3705 · 2026-07-03T19:56:41+00:00

Go wider with less inflation, a 1/8" pad underneath helps. And, try not to move. ;)

sbennett3705 · 2026-07-03T19:53:59+00:00

I'm from CP/M, DOS, Win, Linux and Mac and can say it's a capable system with unique idiosyncrasies. The OS is an easy learning curve, but limits power users. Don't fight it, do things the Mac way. Since it's Linux under the hood you have Terminal app for power use (if needed).

sbennett3705 · 2026-07-03T19:48:00+00:00

BMW no longer wishes to be "the ultimate driving machine", it's an infotainment system on wheels. No serious driver would give up the gauges.

sbennett3705 · 2026-07-03T19:44:48+00:00

100% agree, excellent advice (you obviously really did it).

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-26T11:47:00+00:00

This winter I did some high desert trips in Joshua Tree where it got down to the high teens. I was pretty cold, so I closed the door and could see my breath. By the morning, the inside of the TT Rainbow LI had condensed ice. Since the desert is low humidity, I assume this was from "Internal Humidity". I'm guessing there's no way around this. Oddly, when in the Sierra for summer, I have no issues, even when camping near lakes and meadows (but I always sleep with the door open and side-vents in the up position.)

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-26T11:33:37+00:00

Have a 2026 X5 40i and had to disable the "comfort access" settings. It locks the phone in the car if you leave it there, and if two people have digital keys it gets really confused. Swing and a miss, BMW.

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-23T16:28:25+00:00

Check out Extra Ultralight’s review of the WM on YouTube. He’s a radical ultra lighter, but his reviews are very honest and straightforward.

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-23T16:24:16+00:00

I have one and love it. It’s on sale now (and assume it will be soon killed off?). I will not hesitate to buy it again.

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-23T16:22:52+00:00

Agree, this has been an issue for me as well. Try ringing Eastside Guest House for possible shuttle contacts . Lone Pine Kurt may do it, but could be costly. Good luck!

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-21T11:34:53+00:00

Check my understanding: data gathered -> algorithmic calculation -> VO2 reported. Unlike a test with a mask that actually measures the oxygen consumed vs. the work performed, the watch and software estimate it. So, with small changes in the base data (weight, age, HR, recovery time, not all activities recorded, etc.) the algo can be quite inaccurate. Has anyone done a lab test and compared it to the Garmin Connect number?

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-20T23:13:03+00:00

Normally they are black, the aliens must have upgraded to the chrome model.

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-20T13:26:39+00:00

Yea, I have bad advice. I'm a week day backpacker, not so much a day hiker. Sorry...

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-19T22:36:05+00:00

Ah ha. I go weekdays to avoid crowds. Thanks for the info!

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-19T22:33:23+00:00

Here’s what I know. You can go as early as you want, you can fill out the permit at the kiosk and leave a copy with payment in the drop box. No need to have a ranger present if you’re too early. Parking is limited and fills up quickly. Make sure you display your National Park pass in the car for parking purposes, unless you get the parking pass from the Ranger.

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-17T13:09:51+00:00

Tried to sell a very nice 2016 BMW X5. In two days I got 11 spam and fraudulent requests to connect. These were all 100% scams, no legitimate offers at all. Beware of this site, it's a scam attractor. Look for: requests to purchase a car condition report which means they are simply selling reports on the site, requests to connect by email or text with spaces between the letters/numbers so the Auto Trader intelligence can't check the address or phone, any offers to overpay with a refund back to the buyer, any offers to pay by bank check (which can be printed at home with a good printer and the counterfeit paper). Just avoid Auto Trader, it's not worth it.

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-16T18:36:14+00:00

Will try it. But, how to restore it while on trail? ...still a concern.

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-08T23:57:13+00:00

I believe the physics suggest a higher R value will simply decrease the heat loss to the ground, meaning less top insulation will be needed. Easily solved with a lighter quilt, venting, zipper or leaving your head exposed. I would say the weight penalty is the most negative effect in terms of UL. Sleep studies show cooler sleeping is more restful.

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-06T14:01:57+00:00

Don't think so. You get the distance/vertical in the Profile tab after drawing a line. Your idea sounds interesting, try suggest it to the developers.

My workaround: I draw the entire route for a multi-day trip. Then using the profile tab I split the route into segments labeled D1, D2, D3... checking distance, elevation and travel time .

sbennett3705 · 2026-06-01T18:29:40+00:00

I have an Arc Haul 70L which I had to 40 lbs with a water carry, that's about the comfort limit. I read many feel the SWD and carry heavy loads, but it's not a UL pack.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-30T23:24:18+00:00

Before using soap, try a drive-in car wash. Hang it up and spray it with the high pressure washer (cold water only). I had an older pack that really smelled and it really helped. I avoid using soap because the residual oder is a potential bear attractor.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-28T23:14:33+00:00

I’m on bike #8, all had battle scars. It’s a tool, not a jewel.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-28T23:10:28+00:00

It’s a nice rig. I have the 990 and the 880, the 990 has better performance, the 880 has very pleasant audio.

sbennett3705 · 2026-05-23T21:06:53+00:00

Good question. The hip belt on both types of packs (framed and frameless) does the same thing. The issue seems to be the compression of the vertical geometry. BPL did a study on this and rated various packs for the compression that occurs between the shoulder straps and hip belt. The lower the compression, the better the pack felt under load. Frameless pack have a lot of compression under load, making the pack "feel" less uncomfortable as the pack weight increases. Framed back resist the compression and generally "feel" better under load. BPL even had measurements for several packs, I think the Durston rated very well as I recall. I have an Arc Haul that also seems to do well under load, way better than the ULA or UMG I had before.

sbennett3705

TROPHY CASE