I would really like to get out to learn and do some local peaks (baker, adams...) and in the future Rainier. What kind of boots and crampons am I looking for? I know that everyone says to get plastics for Rainier, but do I need them for Baker and some of the lower mtns? I also don't know what kind of crampons to look for. 10 or 12 points? The big three are BD, Petzl and Grivel, but they are all vague on where the line between Glacier Walking and Classic Mountaineering is... What do you all suggest?
I intend on going into some stores in seattle when I make it down and have not turned local (I live in Bellingham - AAI) yet to answers my questions.