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So, Ive been a backpacker the majority of my life with some climbing many years ago. In the process of upgrading my kit and am on the hunt for a new pack. I have been an Osprey die hard for years. Their pack geometry fits me. I also own many packs but I see the sense in a streamlined pack for above treeline endeavors. I actually tested a few pre production models for them before they hit the shelves over the years I like that you can really strip the Aether pro(top lid/flap, removable side pockets....) But the HMG is stripped from the gate and everything I have seen on the HMG is solid. Plus its waterproof so... My thought is the Aether Pro may be a bit more usable being I can also use it for backpacking being it has "some" features and not just an alpine pack. I have held the Pro, tried it on, blah blah blah. Nowhere near me to see the HMG pack. I also know that the back panel on the HMG isnt very breathable from all accounts which makes sense looking at the design Any thoughts here from real world use between the 2?

So figured I would throw out another question for you all. I have settled on a 6 day seminar on Rainier with RMI due to my actually getting something from it from a learning perspective outside of just tromping up the ridge. Most likely am gonna try to get as late a June date as possible when dates are released in September 2019. Options are May, June, and September. Ive been reading various feeds about footwear and so many have said use doubles but I have used singles in some cold weather here in the NE with vbl liners and a sock system. I know the pro to doubles is bring the liners in with ya at night for obvious reasons. I do this with my Baffin Borealis boots which I snowshoe in. I just replaced my old worn out La Sportivas with the 2019 Cube which is pretty much just a cosmetic update from the previous variation for the most part. ....oh and a bump in msrp lol. So my question. Are vbl liners ever used out that way to alleviate sweat build up in singles in the seasons outside of July/Aug(peak.) Do you feel that my approach makes sense? Im carrying over a little of my deep winter backpacking/snowshoeing experience to this endeavor. Im not a fan of doubles but feel they have their purpose when warranted. Just not sure this really is one. I have a pair of Lenz socks in a pinch that I use when windchills hit -20°f out this way or colder. Not sure they would make much sense out there. Thanks for any feedback in advance. (Attached the setup as far as boots and crampons go for Rainier) ....at least what I am intending on using. So, does the vbl make sense with a single boot for June? Or am I looking at doubles?

So, after picking the bean I have decided I want to get the most I can out of my trip to Rainier from a learning perspective for the time I have to do it. I've decided to deep6 the basic 5 day route thru RMI and instead am going with either their Kautz or Emmons seminar. So, here is my question. Of these 2 routes what would be your choice and why? (Doesnt have to be one is easier than the other) This fatboy can motor. I believe I will get more from the whole thing by opting for one of these 2 choices. They have a Muir option as well but I know this is the most travelled and most likely to run into a jam(especially late July/early August) so leaning towards the other 2 routes. Also a goal down the road is Denali so... Im also a tent kinda dude. Thanks in advance.

Have you experienced issues with Sno-Parks not being plowed? I've run into this issue at Cougar Sno-Park on St. Helens multiple times. Turns out, the work is done by contractors, not the state, and the state has no way to verify the work is being done unless reports are made to them. Previously, you had to find their number and call. However, there is now an online reporting form: http://www.parks.state.wa.us/FormCenter/Winter-Recreation-9/SnoPark-Onsite-Evaluation-Form-68 I've copied the form below so one can see what type of information they are gathering. Cheers! Sno-Park Name Geographical Area -- Select One --123456 Date and Time of Visit Date and Time of Visit Day of Week -- Select One --SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday Project Type -- Select One --Snow RemovalSanitary FacilityTrail Grooming Verify Sno-Park Information Please note changes needed in the current sno-park brochure including driving directions. If none, please leave blank. Weather Conditions during visit Temperature during visit Snow Depth Around Lot Vehicle Count Number w/ permits Number w/o permits Estimated percentage of use by: Snowmobilers: Cross-Country Skiers: Dog Sledders: Snowshoers: Snow Players: Other (name): Signing- Condition of Trail Signing Clear signing from main road to lot? -- Select One --YesNo Bulletin Board (Emergency #, Nearest Phone, etc.) Trail Map Available at Trailhead? -- Select One --YesNo Parking Lot- Conditions of Parking Lot (Snow Removed, Users Parking Efficiently, Garbage, etc.) Sanitary Facility - Conditions of Sanitary Facility (Empty, Clean Surroundings, Etc.) Trail - Conditions of Trail Public Contact/Comment - Additional Comments- Equipment - Equipment Inspection (Damage, Condition of Paint, Parks Logo, grooming, etc.)