ERock

Thanks for all the advice! Lots of information to process but generally same type of ideas. OlyClimber: Sorry for the confusion with the E-Rock lol. My last names Rockett so its a sn i use sometimes. I live on the Olympic Peninsula, so a ferry from Seattle or lots of fun out this way. Issue really is, as much as I'd love to get experience on lesser peaks, I really dont know anyone who is into climbing. I've been wanting to get more into it for years and am finally pushing myself into it but the most testing I can do on my own is long hikes/snow shoe hikes around Hurricane Ridge area. Would love to have the opportunity to find someone who might be down to mentor me, but not really sure where to look for something like that. If you have any ideas? I looked into classes (mountaineers etc) but I just cant afford something like that at this moment.

Jake: Im looking into sometime in May for Hood, Guide Service for Hood because Im going up with some family members to actually spread a tiny bit my grandmothers ashes on top of her favorite mountain. But for Rainer, planning on just going up with friends who have experience. I'd like to get gear in general that will work for all the Cascade peaks, because I would love to one day climb them all down the road. Stuff that will last hopefully. Do you have any brand of synthetic parkas I should look into? Im not super familiar with synthetics in general. Woodcutter: I have a marmot rain jacket just the precip kind that I've had for years, would this perhaps work as a wind layer? or should I look to invest in another more gortex breathable kind. Thanks for the tips on boot brands, I typically have wider feet/like to have more room in my shoes but I will plan on going somewhere to try everything on and not buy those online. Someone said I need to make sure they are comfortable from the start. Is this true? or is there still some break in no matter what? And Pcg: Good to know about the smartwool, I can tend to be pretty sweaty when I work out so thats probably a good thing for me haha. Again I appreciate all the advice and friendliness.

I found a couple good deals on ebay/craigslist for used jackets/montbell stuff used which is how I'm figuring I can afford it. (And thanks to a little saving I've been doing) But I've found at least Montbell is cheaper than some other down jackets and the reviews seem good from what I've read on various forums. Good to know the UL down wont be warm enough, I'll cross it off my list now and consider going with the Alpine Light. The Patagonia Simple Guide Hoody I am finding for around 50-70 used which is doable for me vs new for around 150. But I'll check out First Ascent too. For the boots, are there certain brands I should stay away from? Anyway I appreciate the help, theres so much information the web, I get a little lost reading around and trying to compare. -Elizabeth

I'm new to alpine climbing, planning on doing Mt Hood in the spring with a guide service and hoping to do Rainer later in the year as well. I'm on a student budget, so trying to find gear that is a little lower price wise and would love some advice. Right now for top layers I am thinking something like: Patagonia Capilene 2 Lightweight Zip-Neck Patagonia R1 Hoody Some type of vest ? Patagonia Simple Guide Hoody And some form of a wind shirt ? MontBell maybe? Then a Montbell Alpine Light down or UL Down Parka. As for lower layering, I still am figuring that one out so I would love opinions in general. Would also love to hear anyones opinions on mountaineering boots that perhaps are of a lower price? My feet typically are always cold/on the cold side so I know I will need warmer boots than some. Thanks for your help!