dbconlin

I generally followed Alpine Dave's advice: http://www.alpinedave.com/leashless_rig.htm I did not use a swivel. Mine has worked great for me.

The BD ABS are $25 and are better and longer lasting than the plastic bottle pias Ditto...should be available direct from BD.

I too have/love the DAS - it is the premier synthetic overcoat for full conditions, but I have to take exception to the statements about light weight and small - there are lots of lighter/smaller jackets out there, especially once you start looking at down. As Dan Smith stated, synthetic is the way to go, though, if the conditions suck (i.e. winter in the Cascades).

Mt. Adams, Rainier...

Standard route (easiest) = 10b, 8+ pitches (?)

Has anyone gotten to South Colony Lakes basin without 4x4? Unless they have improved the road/trail since I lived there (in the basin for the whole summer of 1998), I doubt most 2wd vehicles can get there. While the easiest route up Crestone Needle is 3rd class, you really have to do the Ellingwood Arete - a lot of 4th class (about 2,000 feet) with great exposure and a few 5th class moves - highly recommended, but I've always had a rope and a partner. I would also highly recommend Longs Peak and/or other non-14er peaks in Rocky Mtn. NP.

All I know is a Mazda 3 (5 speed, hatchback) at the dealer was the most fun car I have ever driven!

Do you take your dog mountaineering? Why a vestibule? Mk1 LIte rules! (I would also consider BD firstlight).

What a Newbie, that Colin guy.

How 'bout a classic lightweight "dome" like the North Face Tadpole. Sleeps 2, about 4 lbs. REI and Big Agnes make similar models that were recently heralded by Backpacker mag.

Verr'nice!!!

Yeah, I have to wonder that too... Anyone got any recent photos of the NE slab on the tooth?

I personally have not towed with my Outback (4-cyl), but having towed with other vehicles with similar power/weight ratios, I would say it wouldn't be the fastest, but you would be fine, espescially with a manual tranny. I mean, how fast do you really need to fly up the mountain passes, which only last 20 miles at the most? A little underpower isn't necessarily the worst thing. Just stick it in third and drive 60...

Z rest

I have used a needle/thread to stitch the hole, then cover in seamgrip, with good results; the tape or patch idea then covered in seam grip also sounds like a good bet.

2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Wagon (auto): 26/30 pre ski rack, 24/27 w/ ski rack

I'd say it is likely to be harder this time of year than it will be later.

Is the hooded helios jacket a fixed or removable hood? The website picture isn't working for me. How much is the Nano - that is not on the website either?

The Bridgestone Winter Dueller looks pretty good for a winter studless SUV tire, that you could probably run year round without too much problem. See tirerack.com for a review.

I like to get army surplus pants with the rip-stop weave. Cargo pockets are great to stash a snack/hat/camera/headlamp, although sometimes the rack snags on the cover flap. Very durable and they fit me great. Relatively cheap.

rose colored lenses are pretty versatile for skiing. I always choose amber for sunglasses - great in bright sun and in variable conditions.

monoskis and/or inflatables are definitely the way to go in the b/c.

I used to wear bibs (I admit). They are old Marmot version and I honestly could not imagine winter climbing without similar. I was fully intending to replace them with the pricey ARc'Teryx model when I could afford it. In the meantime, I picked up a pair of Patagonia Super Guide softshell pants. Now I don't want bibs anymore. ...And I know best... If you are intent on bibs, but haven't tried softshell, you may want to reconsider.

With the limited info, I would say: Pack - choose one about 55 - 60 liters, that will get you through most. Check out BD, Cilogear, ... Boots - for an all around boot, I would look at an insulated leather (e.g., La Sportiva Lhotse). Of course if you are serious you will want multiple boots and the insulated leather will work its way to the bottom of the heap. If you could have 2 boots, I would recommend 1 plastic (e.g., Scarpa Omega) and 1 lightweight leather (e.g., La Sportiva Trango Extreme or Trango S). There are lots of other similar options, and it will depend on your foot and availability. Check out La Sportiva, Scarpa, Mad Rock, Garmont, Kayland

Hey, how did you get permits? Same day lottery at the USFS? Advanced? Nice climbing and photos, BTW.