kweb

I've used the aerogel insoles. They do seem warmer than anything else I've tried. But they also crush flat in the heel and balls of your feet in a matter of days. Based on the info about them, that shouldn't affect the warmth, but it does affect the comfort. They've since been moved to my work boots.

1st.... learn the definition of "alpine climb". 2nd.... wanting "A LOT" of snow but not wanting to deal with the weather that dumped said snow, well.... um, no comment. Why do you want A LOT of snow? Have you post holed up a mountain before? Its not as fluffy and cute as you'd think once your up to your knees in it. If you want lots of snow, its best to pick a time when the snow is well packed. Get some basic avalanche training and gain some experience climbing on a glacier. Then check for a good weather window (I like March) and go for it. Good luck and be safe.

When climbing and melting snow, I use the MSR Superfly hanging stove. When backpacking and just heating up water for freeeze dried meals, I use a primus alpine micro on a folding plastic stand. If the weather is bad, I just slightly unzip the tent door for ventalation. Otherwise its mostly open. Have used both of these set-ups a number of times. Never had any problems.

Doesn't sound like much of an option to me. Bivies are great on Rainier..... in decent weather. If the weather is crappy enough to make your night in the bivy miserable, its crappy enough to make your climb miserable.

The Vireo and Volant combo work like a charm on Rainier...... and anywhere else I go.

I will be presenting a persuasive speech at GRCC in the next week or two (my time has not been scheduled yet) about the attempts to require the use of MLU's / and electronic signaling devices while climbing. I'd like to borrow someones PLB to use as a visual aid. It will not be used or powered on. If your in or near Tacoma / Auburn and have one you don't mind me hanging onto for a couple day's, please send me a PM. Kyle-

Done. My solution, carry one of these: http://www.buckmans.com/store/view-item-detail.aspx?ItemID=1324 Now I'm no longer a mountianeer, just a well prepared sledder.

Kevin You yourself have said that you are an expert in the area of PLB’s. But if you chose to leave the discussion, and stop your efforts of providing the equipment, how do you expect anybody to learn? I appreciate the time and effort you have put forth thus far. I, as well as many others here, am not against the use of electronic equipment in the wilderness. I am against mandating said equipment. Without a teacher, how can anyone learn?

+1 for Cilogear. I tried the Andinista on at FF one time. Nothing they did to adjust it made it feel right. Sent Graham my measurements when I ordered my 60L worksack. He sent me a Medium. Fit was perfect. Tried it out on Granite then on Rainier. Carries better than any other pack I've owned, even my big packs that I used to use for lugging water jugs for training (Dana Designs Terraplane LTW and Gregory Denali Pro). Of course it all comes down to what fits you better.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Boots, gloves and a t-shirt. Thats how I roll <<<<<<<<<<<<<

You are never completley safe below tree line. An avalanche from above can still find you in the tress. The potential for an avalanche to trigger below the tree line is reduced. http://www.avalanche.org/~uac/encyclopedia/anchors.htm

I've wondered about this. I assume more climbers own avy beacons compaired to other locator devices already. They obviously don't send out a distress signal, but neither do the MLU's.

I'd need to do a bit of research about this particular unit, but at first glance I'd say I'm in. Maybe a group buy for a replacement battery as well? EDIT: "battery must be replaced by the manufacturer". Wonder what that cost is?

I had an old mini cassette camera... It crapped out an Rainier as well. I'm guessing your saying the Flip and Kodak won't work well either.......

My Sony DCR-SR40 does well in outdoor settings but does not work at altitude (I think the manual say's 7,000ft, it crapped out on Rainier at about 12,000ft..... works fine once back at a lower elevation). Anybody have any experience with Flip or Kodak Zi8 at higher altitudes? Based on reviews I like the Kodak. Your thoughts?