gcap

been using my iPhone with Gaia GPS Offline Topo Maps for the past few years. I have my phone with me on all trips anyway and it actually has a great GPS receiver, so figure why carry another. map, compass, watch altimeter are backup. Battery life if the only issue (if the radio is left on). But if you keep it in airplane mode until you need to make a waypoint or find position, the battery will last for days. i'd imagine all modern smartphones are pretty much the same.

Best gear investment I've ever made (hands down) was a pair of custom insoles from a local boot fitter. $100 - pricey, but transfer between all boots, and make them all feel like slippers. They also increase the boot warmth (shaped out of closed cell foam ). Paired with mid-weight Darn Tough Vermont socks = winner

+1 on Spantiks or Baruntse's. Also, try on the Scarpa Phantom 6000 if you can. I know you had issue with the Omega/Alpha, but the Phantom does fit differently. I have a 'Sportiva' foot and Scarpa's usually don't fit. However, I couldn't stop heel slip in the Spantik's - shell would not lace tight enough. Phantom 6k's are perfect. Barunste's fit well too, but not an precise as the Phantoms.

Killen Creek TH is accesible - no need for 4WD. Access via RT21 from Packwood or RT23 to RT21 from Randle. South access still blocked by snow.