Kaiser Wilderness, CA

[Ryan Teale]

Took a trip this past weekend to Upper Twin Lake in the Kaiser Wilderness. This area is located a bit past Huntington Lake and Sierra Summit Ski Area on Highway 168 east of Fresno.

It was only a 4 mile walk in over easy terrain at around 8,000 feet. It was a great chance to try out my new Neoair short, ULA Ohm pack, and MLD duomid with SMD Serenity Nettent. Everything performed great and I can't wait use it all on my upcoming JMT hike.

I definitely tested the weight carrying and comfort of the OHM with all my food and camera equipment and was very happy with the comfort and features.

Packing up the night before

Coming up on a great view

Ohm pack and carbon Gitzo tripod

Nikon D700 and 4 lenses on my chest

Looking up at our afternoon objective. We picked our way through the boulder field at the base and found a route to the summit on the left side of the cleft.

View from the top

On our way down

[Randall Dee]

Looks nice!

[Matthew Steingass]

Beautiful area Ryan. I hope I can backpack in the Sierras one day. The amount of photography gear you carry really comes out in the quality of your photos. Nice shelter combo too.

[b s]

Yeah, great stuff Ryan. Would love to see what you can do with that D700 on the JMT.

[Ryan Teale]

Thanks for the kind words guys.

This was a short hike to where we basecamped for the weekend so I brought along everything. Photography was the main motivation for lightening up my my other gear. I love having great photos to look through years later after a good trip. First trip with the Ohm and it carried everything very well.

I'll be taking the D700 with a 24-85 and 70-300 on the JMT. Tempted to pick up a 20mm prime as well. We'll see after I get a canister loaded up and in the pack and get a feel for the weight. Not sure if the tripod will come along, it weighs about 3 lbs. The canister in the pack may make the attachment unfeasible.

[Tom Clark]

Only 4 mi in? It looks like it's far from the tourist crowd. Great photos.

[Kendall Clement]

Great trip! Love the tree shot!

[Jeff Moody]

What made you go with a SMD inner instead of the MLD inner?

[Lori P]

I love the sierras and kaiser is one of my hiking group's favorite destinations. Great trip report! Juniper trees have a lot of character, don't they?

[Ryan Teale]

Jeff,

I picked up the SMD inner in the gear swap before the MLD version was available. The MLD is a little bigger and heavier but also probably better built.

Lori,

The Kaiser area is great! I did one other trip to Graveyard Lakes leaving from Edison Lake a few years back. When I need to get a quick trip in I head to Kaiser or Jennie Lakes. My two easy options from here in San Luis Obispo.

Ryan

[Lori P]

It's practically next door to Kaiser. Lots of lakes, wildflowers and views from the ridge going out to Dogtooth Peak. Great for family outings or scouts.

I also like the Courtright Reservoir area. Lots of trails going out from Courtright and Wishon.

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