Pilchuck71

You may speak it but writing it.....uh I don't know about that. And WTF is that polluter video comeback to the Timbuk3 post....Explanation?

My current set up is a old school REI cyclops and a 5x7 nylon tarp. I have upgraded my bivy sack to a lighter REI minimalist and am using a tent footprint in place of the 5x7 nylon tarp, for additional shelter from precip. In the winter I tend to use a Megamid and this works well for me. I am comfortable staying in the 3# +/- range for a freestanding tent and am leaning this way for enhanced comfort and wind blown precip protection. The tent set up is going to be for use in mountaineering where the available space for set up may be limited by the site. this is my main reason for leaning toward a one person and freestanding although for a little extra weight, having the space for gear and cooking, available by going to a two person set up, is worth consideration.

I am looking for a light weight 3 season, one person tent. I was considering a hooped bivy but am now leaning towards a one person tent. I am seeking opinions from others on this site as I know opinions abound here. Thanks in advance.

Well said dinomyte.

I believe this is the most entertaining post I have seen on this site. It's only close competition is the Rainer post regarding the upcoming attempt this weekend. If the links to NW hiker and the trip reports posted there are followed it is even better, full of laughs and unending astonishment at the whole situation. Thank you everyone for making this one of the most entertaining weeks on CC to date.

A few of the things missing from your list Josh are experience and patience. I admire your ambition Josh, I really do. I recall when I was starting out and I knew no one who climbed let alone a person willing to be a mentor. I spent a lot of time reading books on technique and technical systems and spent alot of time practicing these on small cliffs and boulders and trying things out. I did alot of things that probably could have killed me but I was lucky and I eventually met people who were experienced and I learned from them. Years later I even braved taking a ration of shit from my partners for taking a mountaineering class as a way of having an objective party teach me more and checking the systems I was already using. I guess what I am saying Josh is that you need to gain experience and work your way up to harder and more commiting routes so that you are making decisions based on experience and sound judgement instead of youthful enthusiasm. When you head out with a bag of ambition and lack the skills to back it up you put not only your life in danger but also your partners lives and ultimately the lives of the people that either come out to retrive your body or attempt to rescue you. I have been climbing for over 20 years and involved in Mountain Rescue and I am still learning new skills Josh. The best advice I can offer you is to keep in mind that the mountains are not going anywhere buddy. Take your time, learn your skills, have patience and spend many years climbing responsibly. "There are old climbers and there are bold climbers, but there are no old bold climbers"

I'll second that. I also just noticed a request for partners for Rainer this weekend and to that I will add another...."oh Jeez".

If you are doing alpine in the Cascades and your legs aren't bleeding from the schwacking by the end of the trip, then you are doing it wrong!

Thanks for the info folks! Glad to hear there will be less road walking than I was anticipating. Hope y'all have a great weekend. Cheers.

Looking for recent Beta on Ruth and Icy. As I understand it the Hannegan Rd is blocked @ 1 mile due to downed tree. I am wondering if the road is skiable as well as any other helpful Beta. Thanks in advance!