Ryan Jordan

2012 Ultralight Backpacking Boot Camp in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness

Warren Peak, Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness

I just returned from two trips in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness with Stephanie. Chase was attending a leadership camp at Camp Arcola in the Seymour Creek drainage, so we took the opportunity to do some location scouting and exploring of the A-P.

Here’s a Flickr slideshow showing a few of the pretty spots we visited:

View a Slideshow of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness

Photos: Ryan Jordan

Also be sure to watch the video that we put together, which can now be seen on the Ultralight Backpacking Boot Camp Page.

For kicks, here’s what I’m using currently for photo/video —

Camera: Sony NEX-7
Lenses: Sony 16/2.8, Sigma 30/2.8, Sony 50/1.8, Leica 90/2.8 (with adapter)
Tripod: Gitzo GT0541 + Really Right Stuff BH-25 Ballhead. I tote along a Gitzo G2180 if I need fluid panning, but it usually stays in the truck. I’m also playing with a Red Rock Micro Running Man (Nano) rig, which I really like, and am shaving grams from, by using carbon rods and such. I’m in the process of building a follow focus for it suitable for the tiny lenses of the NEX-7, which are hard to rack by hand.

Compared to the Nikon D7000, the NEX-7 setup offers video and photos that are as good, for less weight and a lot less bulk. I’m carrying the entire setup (sans tripod) in a Simms Waist Dry Pack (usually worn at my front, slung over the shoulder straps of my pack for support), with a foam insert for protection. I throw in a polarizing filter and ND8 for each lens size as well, along with some cleaning supplies.

The NEX-7 is a bit of a compromise for an “outdoor camera”. Sure, it’s smaller and lighter (and the lenses are much smaller and lighter) than my old D7000 rig, but lack of weather protection continues to rear its ugly head, and I’m on my second body. In addition, serious overheating problems in direct summer sun prevent more than a few minutes of video at a time. Outdoor videography in hostile environs requires a more robust camera. The NEX-7 is not it. I’m crossing my fingers for Panasonic to deliver the rumored weatherproof GH3, but I’m not a huge fan of MFT for stills, so we’ll see. I haven’t sold my D7000 yet…and I may just go back to it.