jmo

I have glacier experience, but no rock, and also up for non technical. I have some gear and lots of time.

I'm trying to save money and buy a climbing helment that can also double as a snowbaord helmet. Can anyone tell me if this will work, and which ones are best? thanks.

9mm is a good caliber and cheap. .380 is even more concealable and almost as cheap.

I have even tried to ankle carry a weapon, but I would assume it requires a small gun. I own a springfield and have been very impressed with it. Lots of people do, but I don't like glocks. I do not own, but have seriously considered a kel-tec .380 or Cz 83, with might also fit your needs. Beretta makes a .380 which is quite small and might also work well. The xd's run around 4-500 and the .380's are all under $350. While I will not discourage you from taking a class, If you live in washington they are not required. The only thing that is required here is 60$ and a background check. Takes about two weeks to get it back. Check out www.packing.org

I have no experience with rock and only marginal interest, but I would be very interested in attemping rainier. I took a mountaineering course this summer and summited baker via the coleman route and adams via the mazama route. I have most of the nessecary glacier equipment, but only one pulley and no snow anchors. I'm been to rainier many times and camp muir once, but I've never been higher.

I'm Considering climbing st helens in two weeks. Can anyone tell me anything about the route info or avalanche danger?