ARBrandon

I'd recommend TMG's 2 day Hood Summit program. Very helpful instruction, and a summit attempt. Study up on crevasses rescue to get some basic knowledge, then take a course on Rainier. IMG and RMI both have good crevasse courses. That will get you a good foundation to start climbing the volcanoes around here. Look to join up with some groups to climb with. (Here, meetup, etc).

I've got a friend that may be interested in going in may. He has 12+ Rainier summits, as well as peaks in S America and the Himalayas.

What's the technical difficulty of the summit block?

If we can get some firm dates (fri-sun are best for me) I'll request off.

Do you have any particular block of dates your looking at?

I could possibly be in...my schedule tends to vary, but could easily request set dates off. I've summited Hood, Adams, Rainier.

Everything mentioned above is great advice, especially the third team member. I would definitely add at least 1 full day at camp muir and/or the flats to acclimatize.

Thanks, guys. I've definitely considered the first light. Also, found a Direkt 2 on closeout for ~ $375. Any experience with those? I know they're a small/right footprint. More interested in how the materials compare in terms of waterproofing/condensation. Anyone used the EV 2 or is that overkill for the PNW?

Finally ready to pull the trigger on a single tent for climbing. Only problem is, I have no idea which one. This will be my first mountaineering tent, as I am relatively new to the sport. I would like something that is 2 person, relatively light (split between partners), and within my budget ($650 or so tops). Good floor space would be a perk. I'm not a big guy (5'10" 170lbs) but would like to be able to make sharing the space as "comfortable" (I know, oxymoron by climbing standards) as possible. So...any suggestions out there? Thanks, Brandon

Absolutely stunning. Envious.

http://www.atmos.washington.edu/data/rainier_report.html Here's another good resource for you. Personally, I like a stable high pressure system. Low chance of precip, light to moderate winds. I've been on Rainier in some nasty weather (high winds, cold, low vis) and it's not fun at all. It can be scary. I can handle cold, but that's subjective to everyone's body. But, I'm not going out with -20F temps, at least not for Rainier. If you haven't climbed Rainier yet, I wouldn't advise going up in winter.

Very sad to hear. Condolences to all. 6 deaths since this past weekend. Stay safe out there.

Awesome photos. Awesome mountain. I can't wait to make another trip up.

Thanks for the info! Was hoping to make a mid week climb up this week

Pretty awesome! Congrats on the summit. Thinking about getting a GoPro, too. What software did you use to edit the footage and how do you get the still shots?

Very nice! I'm hoping to get up Hood this winter. Definitely looks like careful footwork was in order on the summit ridge.

Stellar!

Nice work! Wish I could get up there more often.

Thanks for the review. I am considering the ski version of their 45L work sack. It has side zipper access and internal organizing for avy tools.

I climbed Adams last weekend. Route is pretty much staircased up to the top of piker's peak. large sun cups up to the summit, but easily navigable. you'll have no issue finding the route up to lunch counter, its well trodden, and marked with large carins and wood beams until you get on the snow...then just follow the hoards of other climbers. glissade chutes are deep and fast right now, tons of fun.

if you go as an overnight you need a permit. if you can knock it out in a day, then its just self register at the trailhead.

http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/1109756/gonew/1/Mt_Adams_South_Route#UNREAD

if i get another free weekend, i'll let you know.

Thanks, I figured it was pretty sun cupped, but just had to be sure.

thanks for the post! im heading up this weekend...was the snow worth skiing by chance?