Wind River Trip planning
p.1 #1Wind River Trip planning
Doing Wind Rivers Titcomb Basin in an about two weeks. Going in 9/9-9/12. Going in Pole Creek and looking at possibly coming out the Crooks lake route but that wouldn't have me sleeping a night in titcomb basin, just day hiking into it. Whole trip is roughly 40 miles self support. I'm in so so shape. I just went test hiked 9 miles with 35lbs and 2000' gain and descent and lived. Not skipping down the road after ward but was functional. New moon and Milky Way is early in the night so definitely want to try some night skies.
Trying to figure out my final kit. I've never been an Ultra light hiker but it's growing on me!
I think I've arrived at Sony A7rvi, Sony 16 1.8, Samyang 35 1.8 (always mounted on PD cliip) and Tamron 25-200.
I've gotten feedback that I probably don't need the tele end since in your in so close so I saw someone selling a 28-60 that was tempting. I don't own an a7cr but thinking maybe I buy one for this trip and then sell after, I just hate the thought of this new A7rVI and not use it. Also tripods, PD Carbon Traveler or balance a carbon table top on rocks (-1.5lbs)?
Anyone ever gone and any thoughts? I'm half tempted to say screw it and just take 100vi and not stress over the weight!
This is me and 3 buddies. So my photography is not everyone's priority is my other thing to balance. Probably should cross post to landscape forum bu t don't know who they'd feel about gear discussion.
Trying to figure out my final kit. I've never been an Ultra light hiker but it's growing on me!
I think I've arrived at Sony A7rvi, Sony 16 1.8, Samyang 35 1.8 (always mounted on PD cliip) and Tamron 25-200.
I've gotten feedback that I probably don't need the tele end since in your in so close so I saw someone selling a 28-60 that was tempting. I don't own an a7cr but thinking maybe I buy one for this trip and then sell after, I just hate the thought of this new A7rVI and not use it. Also tripods, PD Carbon Traveler or balance a carbon table top on rocks (-1.5lbs)?
Anyone ever gone and any thoughts? I'm half tempted to say screw it and just take 100vi and not stress over the weight!
This is me and 3 buddies. So my photography is not everyone's priority is my other thing to balance. Probably should cross post to landscape forum bu t don't know who they'd feel about gear discussion.
Aug 26, 2026 at 02:05 PM
p.1 #2Wind River Trip planning
No longer backpacking or even close to it. But for me, the 2x-200s are kind of close to being large enough that maybe the trade-offs to go A7CR may not be worth it? I have a 28-200 and am up past 60mm or 70mm a lot, too. So, A7CR and 28-60, not sure that would be my first place to save weight.
Aug 26, 2026 at 03:26 PM
p.1 #3Wind River Trip planning
I have the Samyang 35 1.8 and the 7Artisans 40 2.5. The latter resolves much more at distance, and it saves 100 grams.
If you happen to drive east on the highway from the Tetons, at the pass, it is easy to walk up a bit on the south side and get a total view of the Wind River Range.
If you happen to drive east on the highway from the Tetons, at the pass, it is easy to walk up a bit on the south side and get a total view of the Wind River Range.
Aug 26, 2026 at 03:35 PM
p.1 #4Wind River Trip planning
I think your kit is spot on. I would not skip the tele. There will be plenty of opportunities to isolate things in the grand landscape or possibly wildlife that you’ll want the reach. I would however not take the A7RVI and instead buy an A7CR. There’s enough of a difference in weight and size that will make it worth it imo. It’s precisely why I own one and exactly what I use it for. You can sell it after or I suspect you’ll want to keep it for going super lightweight.
Aug 26, 2026 at 04:19 PM
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p.1 #5Wind River Trip planning
A nice and slow holiday is a good time to get aquainted with a new camera. On a hiking trip with others and limited time for photography I would much prefer a camera that I'm used to.
Aug 27, 2026 at 01:00 AM
p.1 #6Wind River Trip planning
If you don't need larger apertures, the Sony 28-60 might be a good option. It's probably the most compact and lightweight choice for travel. It's sharp and has weather sealing.
I would also choose either the Sony 40mm f/2.5 G or the 35mm f/2.8 ZA instead of the Samyang 35mm f/1.8. They're both smaller and lighter than the Samyang.
Your choice of the Sony 16mm f/1.8 G for astrophotography will be fine.
I would also choose either the Sony 40mm f/2.5 G or the 35mm f/2.8 ZA instead of the Samyang 35mm f/1.8. They're both smaller and lighter than the Samyang.
Your choice of the Sony 16mm f/1.8 G for astrophotography will be fine.
Aug 27, 2026 at 04:06 AM
p.1 #7Wind River Trip planning
I don't know your Sony gear but do know the Winds. Epic place, every backpacker should go at least once, there is something very special about it. This time of year, wildlife is pretty scarce that high so I wouldn't worry about that and if you see something, a bonus. Definitely, bring the wide 16, especially since that will do double duty for astro. In August some years ago, me and friends counted something like 18 meteors in one night. Not much light pollution up there. I would pick the normal that gives you the best pano shots/stitches the best. I might skip the tele if you are striving to save weight. You might use it but, the you have to lug it. Your route isn't too bad for elevation gain but in the Winds you spend so much time over 10k, it really saps your energy. Also, you may know this already but to emphasize, make sure your clothing will keep you warm if the temps drop. I spent a very cold night up there in August wearing every piece of clothing and mummy bag zipped up to my face. My point is that if you are choosing between a telephoto and a good down jacket, I know what my choice would be.
Aug 29, 2026 at 01:05 PM