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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?

What time on Sunday?

Lets say that MLU's were mandated, who would be held liable if a climber was not found because of an inacurate signal (or lack of one)?

I would be very interested to hear what Glenn has to say. I would guess it would echo what Rocky Henderson of PMR said here: (assuming this is the same Rocky that assisted Glenn in teaching the avalanche course I took on Hood a few years ago) http://www.traditionalmountaineering.org/News_HB2509.htm

The cost to enforce the above would be more then the costs for the rescues.

Are you kidding me? Fire department: Did your mommy and daddy tell you not to play with matches Little kid: Yes sir Fire department: Sorry kid, we're going to have to leave you in the buring house. We're not authorized to resucue you. You should have listened to your mommy and daddy. Its called search and rescue. Not locate a signal and rescue. PhilA- Thank you for providing some facts to the media.

Its a "no" for me. On a side note, If you read the news reports about the hunter that just lost his life in Spokane, the comments from the public mention nothing about sending a bill to the family, or him going out "in this kind of weather", or that he did not have a locator device...... I just read a bit of the Oregon SAR annual report for 2008: http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/tech_resp/sar_docs/annual_sar_report_2008.pdf Pages 32-35 break down total hours paid (and other info) for each activity (climbing, hunting, fishing, mushroom picking, etc.). Interesting to see that hours paid in: Motor Vehicles Other Water Non Power Boat Wandering Swimming Hunting Fishing Suicide All out number hours paid in climbing. Where do we draw the line? Should every person that wanders out their front door be required to carry a locator device?

I thought the other day that a memorial thread would be a great way to remember any fallen climbers (cc.comers and otherwise). I like the idea.

I have been up via both routes. I'm not to worried about finding the exit out of the crater. Our thought is to start climbing out of White River as early as possible. Take our time up to Camp Schurman or the flats. Sleep in a bit and get a "late" start up to the summit. Top out by noon. Set up camp, nap and explore. Watch the sunrise, eat breakfast, head down. What can we expect for overnight temps? I'm guessing my regular sleeping set up won't be enough.... FF Vireo / Volant combo with closed cell and short Prolight 4. Should I bring my 5degree bag instead? Where is a good place to pitch the tent? Do we have any options for transportation or should we plan on having cars at both WR and Paradise. Any special permits needed for an overnight on the summit?

My climbing partner and I are thinking of doing this. Thought is day 1 up to Schurman. Day 2 overnight on summit. Day three descend via DC to Paradise. I will be meeting him at White River. Thats his start/finish point for the Wonderland. So reversing the climb is not really an option. Plan is for either June, July or August. I know some here have done similar. Any tips?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/lbg/1068828899.html