jared_j

Cilogear indeed. Their 40L and 45L packs compress well, come with a lightweight crampon pouch (that also can conveniently hold a thermos or nalgene securely), strip down (removeable lid/hip belt), and have an extendable draft collar up top. Plus they are very durable and lightweight. The only caveat is that you should spend some time getting to know your pack when you first get it to figure out what strap configuration works best for you (all straps are removeable). Graham's customer service is also top notch. Finally, buying a pack from a guy who is a dedicated climber and runs his own business carries with it some 'warm glow' factor associated with supporting other enthusiasts.

I have a Feathered Friends Volant jacket for sittin' still high up. I have a softshell jacket and lighter layers for moving around in. The course I'm taking is a multi - trip one with Bushwhackers (a la Mountaineers, but smaller class size), and I don't think they have an 'official' recommended list. I've scoped out lists from Mountaineers, and Alpine Ascents International's recommended lists for their trips. AAI's list could read "bring the most bling blingin' equipment that money can buy to our course". I am interested in purchasing reasonably versatile equipment, and the Patagonia Grade VI jacket isn't being made anymore, but a comparably priced jacket is the Patagonia Jetstream; it is marketed as a jacket geared towards alpine climbing and backcountry skiing, and looks like it would complement the softshell system I have working nicely. The course does an easy snow camping overnighter, then a four day trip on Baker in early/mid June. The club will be doing a trip up Emmons Glacier on Rainier in late July that I am planning on attending, as well.

Yeah, I've been accumulating bits of the gear I'll need along and along (i.e. paycheck by paycheck), and I got a sick Feathered Friends down jacket. I'm lean and get cold easily so I chose to not skimp on the insulating layer. I just don't wanna have to fork over for a fancy hardshell since I already have a reasonable one, and a good softshell. It's hard to sift through the marketing hype about what is and isn't necessary. I have no doubt that in the event of being caught in whiteout conditions, it would be somewhat less bad to have a Goretex shell. It's just an issue of weighing cost versus risk (i.e. expected outcome).

Hi, I am taking a glacier climbing course which culminates in a 4 day trip to Baker, and will try a Rainier climb mid-summer if things go well on previous smaller climbs. I own an Arcteryx Gamma MX hoody softshell jacket and a simple Marmot Precip hardshell jacket currently. These have served me fine climbing technical rock in the more moderate climates where I am from. Most 'recommended gear' lists I see suggest a more burly/beefy hardshell, usually something made out of Gore Tex. Given that I have a decent quality softshell, can I get away with the lightweight rainshell I currently have, or is having a more substantial shell essential for climbing some volcanoes this summer? Thanks!

I have similar intentions as the OP, and I'm taking a glacier climbing class from a smaller Seattle - based club (Bushwhackers). We will be doing a Baker trip as part of the course, and the ambitious side of me wants to do a Rainier trip this summer. I am looking at the La Sportiva Makalu - it is a little more budget priced than other boot options. It is marketed as a good 'all around' boot, and one other poster referred to it as a good 'first choice' boot. Any other opinions on this boot, or more entry level boot recommendations (for Cascade volcanoes) in general?

I'm new to the region, and plan on doing some technical rock routes in the summer such as Mt. Stuart's north ridge, Dragontail Peak, and maybe Mt. Slesse if I get ambitious. I have a down jacket (Feathered Friends Helios hooded) that I will be using for a mountaineering course I'm taking, but think I would prefer a synthetic insulating layer to take on short (1 night or 2) alpine trips. Recommendations? Because I intend to use this for climbing, compressibility and weight are concerns (so I'm ruling out fleece). I was looking at the Montbell Thermawrap UL or Thermawrap parka (lightweight, synthetic), or perhaps a Patagonia Micro Puff pullover. Any insight/recommendations is appreciated, particularly in regards to how warm of a layer is necessary for alpine climbing in the Cascades in the summer. Thanks!

I have an Arcteryx Alpha Comp hoody. It is similar to the Gamma MX only not lined with whatever insulation the gamma has; it is only shell material. In addition, the hood and tops of the arms are waterproof fabric, while the remainder of the jacket is breathable. This makes it a little more protective in rain, still as breathable as a softshell (in my opinion), and lighter - weight than the Gamma MX.