Perry

Is this a serious response? I know of the and tricks Does the water go in or over the trash bag? Does this produce any reasonable amount of water?

It does seem pretty dumb looking back. It was my group who packed in hot water. We were young and didn't have all that hi tech gear back then - just our Gortex, poly, rented boots and crampons and a ton of borrowed climbing gear from the "experienced" ones in the group - who also packed in water. We left our extra water with the guys in the shack, who were very happy to have what we had extra to spare. They looked pretty ill prepared to melt snow. Our backs were very young then and packing in water seemed like a good idea. Pack in your water and you'll have what you need when you get to Muir. No special stove needed. No wasted time making water. No fuel needed. Several of the group ended up with a late late start and rushed up to Muir in high winds. They were exhausted by they time they arrived and joined us, which was just before it was time to head out to the summit. Yes, we were young dumb and strong trying to summit on a 3 day weekend. I'm older now and able to put together the right gear and do it "right" this time. That's why I'm researching now.

Ok, I know this is going to sound stupid. Is it better to bring water or fuel to melt snow at Muir? I ask, because I went to Muir a while back and people were spending a good amount of time melting snow for water. The was a group heading down with several extra gallons of water to spare that they packed up. Yes - I know that water will freeze, but they didn't seem to have an issue. What if you packed in hot water, insulated it and slept with it for extra measure? Thoughts?

The BD Betamid is pretty nice for a "tarp". For Rainier? Do you build a wall around it or pile snow at the base? And in regards to the public shelter - been there done that. Seemed fine. My team at the time may have been the "experience in and of itself" that others are mentioning. : )

I was thinking Disappointment Cleaver early summer next year. Tent for 1-2 people. Seems like more tent would be too much...thoughts?

I thinking about prepping for Rainier. What type of tent should I be looking at?