Latest Posts
Gear Review: Ultimate Direction Fastpack 35 and 45
A few years ago, Ultimate Direction changed that by combining running vest comfort with backpacking capacity for their Fastpack 20 and 30. Ultimate Direction is best know for their running vests and hydration products that are used by some of the world’s elite ultra runners. This year, Ultimate Direction has released a revamped lineup of packs they’re calling the Trail Collection. This includes the Fastpack 15, 25, 35, and 45. For this review, I’ll be taking a look at the 35 and 45.
Gear Review: Sigma 19mm f/2.8 DN E-Mount
The Sigma 19mm f/2.8 is an affordable wide angle prime lens that’s available for Sony E-mount cameras and micro 4/3 cameras. I will be reviewing the E-mount version of this lens. In this review, I will cover the build quality, construction, and handling of the Sigma 19mm, as well as provide sample shots from a wide range of exposure settings.
Gear Review: Salomon Sense Pro Max
The Salomon Sense Pro Max is a max-cushion trail shoe from Salomon that comes in at 12.8oz (12.5) and has a 6mm drop. With 33mm of midsole stack height in the heel and 27mm in the forefoot, the Sense Pro Max provides a lot of underfoot protection. Unlike the softer max-cushion offerings from Hoka and Altra, the Sense Pro Max feels pretty firm and responsive on the trail.
Gear Review: Neewer (Meike) 35mm f/1.7 Manual Focus Prime Lens
At around $130, the Neewer 35mm is a tempting alternative to Sony’s $450 35mm offering. The two key features that account for the $300+ price difference is a lack of auto-focus and image stabilization on the Neewer 35mm. The Neewer 35mm is a lens that punches well above it’s weight though, providing impressive build quality, optics, and performance at the $130 price point.
Hiking Mt. Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail (Baldy Bowl Trail)
Mt. Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Southern California. The Ski Hut Trail is also known as the Baldy Bowl Trail, which should not be confused with the Baldy Bowl mountaineering route. This hike begins at the 6160ft trailhead of Manker Flats and gains 4100ft of elevation in 4 miles to the 10,064 summit of Mt. Baldy.
Hiking Black Mountain In Tehachapi
Black Mountain in Tehachapi is officially referred to as Black Mountain #3 to differentiate it from the other Black Mountains here in California. Standing tall at 5686ft, the summit of Black Mountain provides a bird’s eye view of Tehachapi and the surrounding area.
Hiking Mt. Baden Powell via Vincent Gap
Mt. Baden Powell is a 9,407ft peak that can be accessed via an 8 mile roundtrip hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. The mountain is named after Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the World Scouting Movement (Boy Scouts). Mt Baden Powell is one of the largest peaks in the San Gabriel Range, and is the highest peak outside of the Mt. San Antonio massif.
Hiking The Mobius Arch Loop And Camping At Alabama Hills
Alabama Hills is a recreation area made up of scenic rocks and hills located in the Owen’s Valley. Sitting on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, Alabama Hills has some of the most impressive low-elevation views a visitor can hope to see of Mt. Whitney and it’s surrounding peaks. In this post I’ll include instructions for this hike and information on camping at Alabama Hills, along with maps and photos.
Gear Review: The iPhone 7 for Hiking and Travel
When the first iterations of the iPhone were released, the camera performance left a lot to be desired. With the latest version of the iPhone 7, there aren’t too many situations that leave me wishing I had packed my Sony a6000. I’ve had my iPhone 7 since it was released in 2016. Over the past few months, I’ve been able to test it in full and will share my experience in this review.
Gear Review: Sony 16mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens
The Sony 16mm f/2.8 is a lens that’s all about compromise. There’s a lot to love about this 3.5oz pancake lens that can turn a Sony mirrorless camera into a pocketable hiking and travel dynamo. At only .8″ in length, only the Sony 20mm comes close as a pancake lens option for a Sony a6000/6300/6500. The best part about the Sony 16mm, is that it only costs $250.
