kmehrtens

I have MH Dragon soft shell now, but I am looking for something less bulky when packed, weights a little less and lighter weight. But then again, if I'm wearing it most of the time I won't be carrying it around. I was looking at the difference between a Patagonia Houdini and a Black Diamond Alpine Start. I'm thinking if I need something more substantial I will use my hard shell (Arcteryx Beta AR).

Ok, I too have MH Dragon and love it. I was looking for something less bulky when packed, weights a little less and lighter weight. But then again, if I'm wearing it most of the time I won't be carrying it around. I was looking at the difference between a Patagonia Houdini and a Black Diamond Alpine Start. I'm thinking if I need something more substantial I will use my hard shell (Arcteryx Beta AR).

What is everyone's favorite softshell jacket that worked our well for the West Buttress? I also posted this in the gear topic section too. Thanks.

What is everyone's favorite softshell jacket that worked our well for the West Buttress? I also posted this in the Alaska section too. Thanks.

Thanks for everyone's opinions. The flexibility of the boots and the ability to split them apart in camp is appealing. Here is the next DUMB / Noob question, those who have used the Olympus Mons, what did you do with your climbing pants that would normally go over the outside of your boots? Did you roll them up/under to lay on the boot top and still under the built-in gaiter?

Just another post asking a question and looking for an opinion about Denali. What is everyone's go-to snack food / carb while on the mountain. I know that everyone says eat what you like to eat in hopes that you will since your appetite seems to go away while you are at altitude. Typically mine have always been Snickers, Paydays, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids and beef jerky. These seem to work for shorter trips but I'm trying to come up with additional ideas that might have more staying power. More complex carbs and less sugar to avoid hitting the wall and bonking. Thoughts? Thanks as always.

I am going to Denali West Buttress in May/June of this summer. What is the opinion of Olympus Mons on the West Buttress Route? Are they overkill? My feet tend to run warm usually and I will wear a pair of poly liner socks along with a single layer of Smartwool Mountaineering wool socks. I also have a pair of Baruntse boots that did just fine on Mt Rainier this past March (2016) on a Denali Prep and also on The Presi Traverse & Mt Washington in February 2015. I am going with a guided group and they have told me whatever my feet are comfortable in but the Olympus Mons maybe not be needed, but I know that Denali is a whole different animal than the lower 48. What I do like about them however is they have a built-in overboot and gaiter which would be two less things to carry and pack. If I do use my Baruntse boots I am looking into a pair of Forty Below Purple Haze overboots for the really cold days and summit day. I currently own both pair (that fit correctly) thanks to a couple of GREAT ebay finds. My Olympus Mons weight 6#7oz (size 44) and the Baruntse boots weight 6# even (size 43). What is everyone's opinion? Thanks again.

Thanks for everyone's comments. I am also planning to take my wide-angle Canon S100 point and shoot camera too but I wasn't sure about additional video.

I know that a lot of people have taken their GoPros to Denali, plenty of videos. I have never owned one but I am looking to buy one (Hero Black 5) for next summer May/June on the West Buttress. What is everyone's experience with them? How is the battery life? I know storage depends on quality. I am looking to charge the batteries via a Goal Zero. Any advice? Thanks.

When you say the solar panel was finicky is that because of the cloud cover or was there something else? Why did you like the Anker version better?

Not sure if this post is better in this Forum Section or the Gear section, but I'm going to start here. So I am going to Denali in May/June of next year to attempt the West Buttress with a guided expedition. Like everyone else I'm sure, I will be taking a camera, ipod & something to read/watch movies on. What is everyone doing for recharging currently? I am looking into Goal Zero type products to take up the hill, but wanted to see what other people's opinions are, got any? What are the opinions on electronics on the mountain? Any advice would be gladly accepted. Thanks.

I am looking to climb the West Buttress Route in 2017 with a guide service. What advice can anyone give when I am looking to narrow my selection of which guide service to use next year. I understand that IMG has won a spot as an official concessioner and unfortunately American Alpine Institute is out. This puts the list of options of concessioners to Alaska Mountaineering School, Alpine Ascents, International Mountain Guides, Mountain Trip and Rainier Mountaineering. What questions should I be asking of the prospective guide services? I know the typical; guide:client ratio, safety record, food/equipment provided, transportation to and from Anchorage/Talkeenta, room stay before or after the expedition, and of course cost. What else should I be asking or looking for? Thanks for the advice.

I know that this is a loaded question but I'm going to ask, is there a "better" time to climb Denali via the West Buttress with the most success rate? I know that the weather plays a lot in to this and it can not be controlled but I am looking for others opinion of when they climbed it and if they were successful or if weather pushed them back down the hill. When or if there is a good weather window?

I have a newer style BMG 105 (with Outdry) and am looking for a different hipbelt option. The one that comes with the pack does NOT offer enough padding. I know that it is suppose to be light and slim but it is at the point that it is leaving bruises on my hip bones. Granted I am a smaller frame person and don't have a lot of "meat" on my hips for padding, but come on. I have been on training hikes with 40# thus far and it is getting ridiculous. I noticed that someone left a review on backcountry.com's website and mentioned that the swapped out the belt with an other MH compatible belt, but I can't find any other reference. I have talked with both MH customer service and warranty repairs for other ideas and they were no help. I have had the older version of the BMG and don't remember having this problem, maybe I did and just don't remember. I bought the newer model since is had a larger capacity for winter backpacking/climbing and possibility Denali. The older size small model was only 95L and the newer S/M is actually 105L. I like the pack except the hip belt so I am looking for other ideas, got any? Thanks in Advance.

Thanks for the info and heads up. Alan Arnette has a lot of good info and insight. Unfortunately, the "deal" I made with my wife is that I would use a guide service for Denali. Plus, living in the Midwest not a whole lot of people are interested in big mountain mountaineering; They would rather go rock climbing. What made your trip more successful or comfortable? What lessons learned did you take away from the trip? What to take, what not to take, etc...?