TwoFortyJeff

The rangers will make an exception for Depot Creek and issue you a permit for this one over the phone. Super easy and they were quite helpful as it encourages compliance.

I sent a message for some screws and the alpine and ice & mixed books.

I try not to go out in really bad weather, but I if I know the clouds will be coming and going, I will sometimes bring wands so I can find my way back down. For going up I use a map, compass, and altimeter. I'll mark waypoints on the map and write down what the bearing is. I use my altimeter to let me know when I reach a new waypoint on a line. It's not perfect, but it always works out.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with using this tent in the Cascades? I am looking to pick one up for winter ski trips (think snow dumps) and spring/summer volcano climbs in case the weather turns bad. I realize that it is small. I can live with that.

What size is the Speed 40? There should be a little tag somewhere. Probably where the should strap meets to lower pack.

Old #4 C4s are purple

Spend as much money as you can on a down bag that meets your needs. 12 years ago I was a college student but I scraped together a few hundred bucks to get a top of the line bag (on sale). It's the only piece of gear that was lasted over 10 years and I expect to get 10+ more out of it. Today the same bag would cost twice as much.

I can buy that. Backcountry created something of an online community and they are enjoying a lot of business. I would think the two are related. REI has said they want a strong web presence. Maybe they will find a way to incorporate the MP community into it. Very refreshing to hear that MP is being allowed to continue to do what they do.

That is quite an unexpected market for REI considering how their climbing aisle at many stores has been shrinking.

How were the bugs?

Do you recall if the north face of concord looked dry?

Whoops, I was thinking of Baker for some reason. Anyways, if you do the approach from the south, running shoes work great. Buying based on fit is the most important thing.

I just use running shoes for most approaches. I take boots if there will be any steep snow or glacier travel. For the North Ridge specifically I would do the entire thing in lightly insulated mountaineering boots. It's such a short approach that swapping out boots for shoes wouldn't gain much. Doing it in ski boots is common.

So there are some new bouldering routes on the ground now?

I was up there in September so I can't comment on current conditions. I forgot the exact mileage, but the road is closed at a major bridge about half way up. Bring a mountain bike for the long ride in. The road was in great condition.