Dirtyleaf

Pretty much. A synthetic bag is better for very wet climates but a down bag with a bivy sack(and being very careful with how you use it) is just as good. The other thing is that a synthetic bag will lose its loft every time you pack it and wash it. Say it would last you 2-3 years. A down bag on the other hand will last you 10+ years with washing and will not lose loft. More expensive but certainly worth it in the long run. Just my 2 cents.

Wow. Those are amazing pictures. I am jealous.

I work in monroe which is about 30 minutes from Index. I have all the essentials and could meet you there after work or on the weekend.

You are crazy

My first two bags I got were synthetic. They were rated at 20 and 0 degrees. Sure they keep you warm when they are damp but they lose about 10percent of their loft the first couple of times that you use a compression sack. Which you basically have to because they are so huge. The 2 bags I currently use are Feathered Friends Vireo, and Hummingbird. The Vireo weighs in at 20 oz. and packs smaller than a loaf of bread and worn with either a down jacket or warm fleece will keep you comfortably warm down to the thirties. I also used this bag on a 500+ mile section hike on the Appalachian Trail. It has an Epic shell which is almost weatherproof and highly breatheable. The only downside to this bag is that it doesn't have a zipper or a hood. The hummingbird has a 3/4 sip and epic shell. It has kept me warm down to the twenties and kept me dry. I sleep under a tarp versus a tent which is lighter and veltilates much better than a tent so there is no condensation problems. Anyway these bags are awesome and I would recommend them to anyone for anything. Westernmountaineering also makes some of the best down bags out there. I was a skeptic until I switched to down, now I'll never go back.

My family was hiking in the enchantments last Thurs-Sunday and said that a helicopter had picked up a person after falling in a crevice or drowning? they talked to a ranger who told them but since we have not found any info in the local media about a climbers death... Does anyone know anything about this?

SWEET. Awesome pics. thanks for the info

Sweet! Thanks for the beta. Now just to persuade my partner to take a leap of faith.

What are some recommended trad climbs for a beginning/intermediate trad leader. I've led up to .10a but would like to get really comfortable and solid at anything 5.5-5.9.Any route suggestions?

No, I got it. It's not in Minnesota dood! It's in Arkansas.

One of my favorite hikes on the peninsula is Enchanted Valley. It is a thirteen mile hike from the trailhead to the valley where there is a three story chalet that houses rangers during the summer and spring. While they stay there for up to a few months out of the year they have a chain of 8-10 llamas that pack in the food and supplies to the rangers. The llamas were accompanied by the handler and an ONP ranger. Their expressions while trying to get the llamas through a creek said it all.

I'll be at Index today if anyone wants to meet me there. I'll be by the lower wall.

I'd be down for index.

I have a cabin on Wallowa Lake in NE Oregon. It's a 30 min. drive to TG from there

I;m with you, when and where?

Fox,MattP, and Chuck,thanks for the links and the info. That's exactly what I was looking for!

Well I thought it was going to come down to the color of my socks and my selection of eye shadow and skin toner. I thought the whole windshirt/color phase thing was over. Whatever. Thanks for the pertinant info.

What time should I start this route? I heard of the routefinding problems above pitch 14. Could someone give specific details on where to go after the bolts stop and what gear should I bring for this section. Are there any topo's? Any route info would be appreciated. I've checked out alpinedave's TR and one other, are there any other TR's or sites to check out?

I have the OR Basic Bivy. (20oz.) It has no poles and bug mesh double zipper. It is wide enough and long enough for most sleeping bag sizes and people. I've used it year round in all conditions. The upper part is 3-layer Gore-tex while the lower is waterproof coated nylon. I have stayed warm and dry in it. Keep your head outside of the bag otherwise condensation will soak the foot end of your sleeping bag/bivy sack. The price is $180-$200.

Has anyone used the Alien Hybrid or WC Offset Friends? Should I double up on the same size or are these offsets worth the dough? If you do have them how often do you use them, where do you use them?

What size's of gear did you use? Any pieces you wish you would've brought?

These are for Lowa Civetta's I got last December. I've only used them twice for ice. They are very clean and in excellent condition. They only have minor scratches. I am asking $175. I bought them new for $250. pm me for any questions or a picture which I will have up soon.

What are some good routes for a beginning trad climber and parnter in the WA Pass area, Stevens, Glacier Peak, and Snoqualmie Pass? I am looking for multi-pitch trad routes rated 5.7 or less but 5th class climbs not just scrambles. I know of the Beckey Route on LB and The Tooth near Alpental. Could anybody give me a list of any similar routes or climbs of the same rating? T

From Darrington reaching Glacier Peak requires hauling your bike around the huge washouts, a 10 mile bike ride, then 5 plus miles of no more Kennedy Hot Springs Trail. Lots of Scrambling and A LOT OF WASHOUTS. But in 3 days I was able to get within 1500 ft. of the summit and back to my car.

Climbed the Methow inspiration Route (pitches 4 out of 5) today for our third attempt. The fifth pitch is rated at 5.9 sustained 50m. There was a local guide with three clients on the route who arrived 10 minutes after us at the parking lot and beat us to the route.