ARBrandon

phenomenal!

Thanks, man! Doesn't sound worth it to me. I was mostly going up for conditioning, not the experience haha.

nice work! I can't wait to get out that way.

Anyone been up this week?

from what i've heard, there isnt much of it. as of last week you could go up without touching snow.

so much envy.

Supposed to make a run up Rainier in a few weeks with a friend. Hopefully, the DC will still be in. Definitely Baker and other N. Cascades peaks, the Olympics, and the peaks down around Bend. I'd like to tackle some bigger objectives in the coming years, but it all comes down to time and $.

yeah, should be a good time. it'll be my first time up so i'm looking forward to it.

likely going up aug 3/4

let us know how the climb goes. i may try to take one last run up hood next weekend.

I'd go for the 40 or 32 degree bags. Perfect for summer and fall use. Check out these bags from Western Mountaineering: http://www.prolitegear.com/western-mountaineeing-summerlite-sleeping-bag.html http://www.prolitegear.com/western-mountaineeing-highlite-sleeping-bag.html

awesome report and photos!

Guess it depends on how warm you sleep...and budget of course. Mtn Hardwear makes the super light ultralamina 32 and 45. Synthetic, but compressible and under 1.5lbs for the 45. I'm currently checking those out to replace an old mil surplus summer weight bag. You could always go with a warmer bag if you're bringing a warm puffy jacket along.

are the ascenders available still? if so, what models?

I went up the 7th via the 3 o'clock couloir off the Old Chute. Nice and firm going up the Old Chute. It is pretty much a stair case to the top. I'd say as long as you're up there early then you'll be good. Here is conditions report from the 12th: http://www.mountainshop.net/blog/?page_id=514#conditions

I was up there 2 weeks ago. They were horrible towards Stuart lake, not so bad around Colchuck.

1. Hood is a different type of climb/hike compared to Old Rag. Timberline to Crater Rock is about 4K elevation gain. 2. I'd still recommend a guide. TMG is good. I'm still new to mountaineering, but taking guided courses has been very worthwhile. 3. July is late season, but it is still climbable. Conditions change all the time. Likely snowing above Timberline now. I'll likely get up there sometime next week.

No, not without a guide. Going it alone is not worth the risk with your current skill set. The mountain will be there another time. Gain the skills needed to do things properly, and try another time. There are plenty of other awesome options in the Gorge. http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/tools/hikefinder/hike_finder.php

bad ass photos!

Nice work, guys! I was up there this weekend, too. Didn't do any climbing, unfortunately. Just a short overnight to Stuart.

I've taken guided courses, and they're totally worth it. I will take more in the future, as well. High quality instruction is extremely worthwhile. I'd say stick to something you are comfortable with skill and fitness wise.

http://nextadventure.net/community/gear-rental http://www.mountainshop.net/blog/?page_id=998

I second the Lowa Mountain Experts. Love mine.

Nice, looks like fun. Hoping to get up there in a couple of weekends.

What is the difference between South Climb TH and Cold Springs TH? I thought they were the same thing. Curious about this, too. I'm hoping to go up in a couple of weeks.