ADKMan

Wetslide - did you notice the MH hard shell jacket I have listed?

This is where I am at right now: I will bring (and wear) a helmet. If for no other reason the summit photo will look cooler. I might look to get something a bit lighter than my Ecrin Roc at about 16 oz., maybe a BD Half Dome at 10 oz. I will use my existing SS crampons. I'm pretty confident I can keep my pack weight to 35 pounds or less and I am comfortable with that. Both of us are pretty fit. We started training about 3 months ago. 4-5 days a week in the gym, 1-2 days climbing, lots of biking, some running. I am pretty comfortable we'll be physically ready by July. The real X factor for me is the altitude. I've never climbed above about 6500 feet. I drove to about 11,000 feet one time and got a splitting headache but I went from about 5000 to 11,000 in less than 2 hours. I am hoping a more controlled ascent will help.

I do have glacier glasses on my actual list. Just not pictured in my "visual list"

That was our thought as well. He was thinking of cutting the rope down to 40-45M Never thought about that, is it typical not to use a helmet on the Emmons route?

I've actually considered aluminum crampons but they wouldn't be too useful for my regular climbing in the Adirondacks. If I get to a point where I need to shave that final pound and I have an extra $100 laying around I'll probably go in that direction.

You guys are great. I really appreciate all of the constructive feedback. Although we don't really have a flexible schedule we are planning 3-4 days to give us better options once we're on the mountain. We also feel strongly about not having a "summit at all costs" attitude. If the conditions are not right we will turn around and try again in the future.

My partner actually has more experience in CR (he has been to Alaska twice on guided trips) we are spending quite a bit of time focusing on that aspect during our training process. Again, we still hope to pick up a 3rd experienced climber before the trip. I wasn't aware of the BD SS crampon issue. Is it a general failure or a failure of a specific part?

All good feedback. It sounds like the 32 bag should work, I'll switch a glove out for a liner and make a trailhead decision about the shells. I have the 60L pack but if I can fit everything in a 45L I will give that some thought. Another way to save some ounces.

Thanks Water, I have the 8mm Beal, my partner has a 60M 9mm rope that he will probably cut in half and we'll most likely bring both. This gives us some additional options in case of a CR becoming necessary. If we find a qualified 3rd person to travel with us this might change the rope details. I don't think I need the gaiters with my boots (I actually stay drier without them). Yes, I am a fairly warm sleeper. I have a MH Phantom 32 also and I have thought about using that instead of the 15 (along with the Nano Puff(s))

I will be climbing Mt. Rainier via the Emmons route in mid July. Unfortunately one of our party had a change in plans so we will be an unguided 2 person rope team (we're comfortable with our skills and ability). Here is a visual gear list of what I plan to take (obviuosly this represents only the "major" items) what are your thoughts regarding my choices?

The real issue with leather boots on a multiday climb is keeping them dry. With plastics (or most any double boot) the shells won't absorb moisture and you can keep the liners in your sleeping bag at night to dry them out. Although not impossible with leathers, it is much more difficult to keep them dry and functional when you need them for 4-5 days at a time. Especially if you are new to the climbing game it is probably best to stick with the plastics. Now if your climb is a 1-2 day event the leather boots may have a big advantage in comfort / weight / performance and moisture management shouldn't be as big an issue.

I had it done about 5-6 years ago and I think it was about $35.00 at the time.

I have a CCW Valdez outfitted with a CCW Chernobyl waistbelt (wider and more padding than the standard 1.5" webbing belt on the Valdez)and it carries 25-30 pound loads pretty well. I absolutely LOVE this pack, it is my go to winter day pack. However I do agree with ColinB that it might be a bit small for overnights unless you really have your kit dialed in. One option would be to go right to the Chernobyl pack which is the same bomber construction as the Valdez with about 3000 cu. in. capacity.

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Alex, If you contact Randy Rackliff at Cold Cold World phone: 603 383 9021 e-mail: coldcold@ncia.net He will likely be able to modify your tool tubes for minimal cost. I had it done several years ago and I think it cost me around $35

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Thanks Jonathan, if you ultimately decide to sell that size should work for me.

I'm located in upstate New York. I'm in no hurry (I have BD Alpine Bod that I am currently using) so take your time to evaluate your options.

Unfortunately I don't have a medium to trade but I might be interested in buying depending on the price.

All of this discussion about packs, pack weight and gear lists got me thinking, what do you bring to the summit? I realize that it will vary based on season, route and weather but in keeping with my original questions, what would your summit pack contain for a July trip?

Thanks again guys... All excellent information. I now have WAY too much to think about. Fortunately I have six months to digest and plan.

All of this great info has brought up two moe questions in my mind: 1) is there a place (or is it appropriate / accepted) to cache some supplies/ equipment at Muir a few days before our actual climb? 2) is there anyplace you can drive to above 8,000 feet within a couple of hours from Rainer?

I will probably be in the area 4-5 days before the rest of my climbing party. I'm not necessarily a "peak bagger" so my original Hood / Adams idea was just to get some altitude. I like all of the other suggestions being made and this has all given me a lot to consider.

All good stuff. Thanks for the feedback. I never thought of the Muir option - something else to consider. In any case it sounds like I wasn't too far off base with my original thoughts.

I will be attempting a climb up Rainer in Mid July along with a few other East Coast climbing partners. Unfortunately, as a group we only have 3 days to do the climb. We all have extensive experience with winter climbing in the Northeast but I have never climbed above about 7500 feet. Because I have a few extra days I was looking at the possibility of doing some pre-Rainier acclimatizing by taking a trip up Mt. Hood or Adams prior to the Rainier climb. Any thoughts? Any better ideas to do some acclimatizing to higher altitudes?