SurferJon

I've heard it said that down is best for very cold, dry environments while synthetic is better for warmer, wetter climates. We all know that the Pacific Northwest is certainly not dry. I've got to wonder though... just how cold can it really get here? Seriously, this isn't Alaska or Tibet. If you, by some gross error of judgement, get caught on top of Ranier and the Mother of all storms comes rolling though what's the worst you can expect temperature wise? 0F? Just how warm do our clothing and sleeping bags really need to be before it becomes overkill?

I'm also in the market for a new bag. It would be used for winter mountaineering trips of one day duration. It would see use in one of two situations. First, as an overnight bag when I don't want to drive all night to a location and then climb all day. Second, if I get caught in a storm and need to bivvy. I generally prefer to camp tentless so the bag or bag/bivvy combo would need stand alone capability. Cheers!

Has anyone done Cooper Spur lately? How does the schrund on the Hogsback look for a south side descent?