kweb

Damn you Crackers!! I already have 7 packs. Thanks to this discount I will soon have 8! Kyle Webster

Hey Ben Try posting this as a seperate question rather than highjacking this post. You should get more responces that way. I would start by finding a brand that fits you well. Then chose how much insulation you need.

I have worn mine on Rainier and Baker. I use the Smartwool Mountaineer socks. My toes start to get cold only if I stop. Great boots

I like that it can be used with most any canister stove. I have been using the crap out of my MSR hanging stove. I was dreeding the day that it finally falls apart. It looks like the Ortik system could be somewhat combersome when opening and closing frequently to remove the pot lid (like when melting snow). But, thats just from looking at it. Can't wait to read a real field report.

Yep, my 1st Rainier climb. Its never happend again.

I don't own the pack but it looks like (if you can't stuff it inside) the middle straps are the logical choice. Whats wrong with covering your tools?

Hey Bug A few years back I did the SS of Hood with my buddy and his 9 year old son. He carried most his own gear and never complained. I carried a video camera and got a good portion of it on film. Every time I watch the video of my buddy hugging his son on the summit I get excited and hope one day my child will ask to do the same. His son still talks about the climb. They have switched to rock climbing since then. Last I heard, his son was climbing 5.10. Whoever tells you not to do it, obviously doesn't have a child capable of doing it.

The packs from Cilo gear are a solid choice: http://www.cilogear.com/60lws.html I like the La Sportiva Trango S Evo Gtx boots. But only for summer climbs. What type of climbing and what time of year are you planning on doing most of your climbing?

Whats wrong with aspartame aka nutrasweet? http://www.aspartame.net/news/FDA_Reconfirms_Aspartame_Safety.asp And yes Layton, Desinger can be found unflavored: http://www.designerwhey.com/life-changing-products/our-products.php

Lizard Brain You can find plenty at GNC or Super Suplements.

I like Designer Whey. 1 scoop: Calories 90 Total fat 1.5g Total carb 2g Protein 18g Mixes easy in milk or water with a spoon. I use 2.5 scoops after training. Assuming you are talking about a protien powder for after training, stick with whey protien. If you plan to use it before or during your training, get some Soy protien powder.

Im sure Layton can give you a longer awnser, but by law, only doctors can diagnose. A chiropractor is a doctor. A LMP is not. Plain and simple.

I'd say no, its not you just getting older. Something is wrong. I know the felling. I've had back problems for 8 years. Had surgery 2 months ago. Not saying we are in the same boat but I would definatly have someone look at it come Monday. Personaly I'd see my massage therapist before my chiro (I have both on speed dial). Nothing wrong with either choice.....thats just how I would approach it.

I'd also say to check out mountain laurel designs. I have one of their discontinued epic sacks with sil nylon floor. It weighs an even 7 ounces. Also ask around at http://www.backpacking.net/forums/ubbthreads.php lots of bivy sack users there.

Great TR and photos, well except the one of you spread eagle.

If all else fails.... you can trek up to camp muir and try to hook up with a rope team once there.

Nice TR. Thanks Didgie!

Nice. Its always a great feeling to bring 1st timers up there. Good job to all.

Bring bug juice for Glacier Basin

Yes, fresh water is (somewhat) close by. Its not uncommon to see shoes stashed at the base of the interglacier. I have never worn them because my climbing boots are ubber light. One would have to decide if 3 miles (TH to the interglacier) in comfy shoes is worth the extra 6 pounds of boots on your back. Im guessing you are camping at Shurman on Monday before heading to the summit?

I have those REI poles as well. They have survived the wonderland and a number of cascade summits. I've never been worried about their strength. They also come in a compact version... a few ounces lighter and a few cm shorter.

I can't help with any stair locations but I will give you my 2 cents. You are off to a great start but Rainier takes a bit longer then an hour to climb. If you can't get away on the weekends to do some long hikes, try riding a bike for an hour on your way to the stairs. When I train with a heavy pack, I use a bunch of large water jugs to weigh my pack down. Dump the water at the top then cruise down. You could load up your pack, ride to some stairs, do the stairs, empty the jugs, ride home as fast as you can, vomit, then repeat after your day off. Enjoy the climb

I can't imagine going back to work now. I'm curious to know what my recovery time will be compaired to yours just based on the fact that I had the procedure done on three levels not two. Obviously everyone is different but I wonder if there is a general guideline. Time will tell. I have already started changing my ideas on climbing and working out. No more kicking ass first and asking questions later But at least I should still be able to do everything I could before, just slower and smarter.

I'm 7 weeks post op now. Walking daily at least 1 to 2.5 hours total. My PT says Im still a month away from using the Stairmaster but that Im making great progress. I feel so much better then I did before the surgery. Its hard to pull back the reins and keep my activities at a minimum but I gotta remember, my back problem was 7 years in the making. So you also had a laminectomy with diskectomy? On how many levels?

That didn't sound very evil?