Recent content by ADKMan

Snowbird, You might want to look at a section of the Northville-Placid trail between Northville, NY and Lake Placid. Depending on your hiking speed and desired daily distance there may be several different section options for you. Ideally you would want to spot a second vehicle but there are...

For me the perfect solution is this: Light My Fire Spork It's light, has a separate spoon and fork and is cheap.

If you have a summer weight bag (or can borrow one), you might consider bringing both and putting one bag inside the other (assuming they fit without compressing the insulation). This would probably take a 20 degree bag down to zero, maybe a bit more with the bivy sack.

I would strongly suggest bringing crampons and using them if conditions warrant, although obviously conditions change from day to day. I climbed Big Slide last January going over the Brothers. There were a couple of sections on the Brothers that probably would have been easier with crampons...

Wow - 20 +/- winter summits in 5 days, best of luck to you!!

All of the North Face tents mentioned are first rate winter shelters, absolutely bomber construction but they are relatively heavy. The Mountain 25 is about 9 pounds, the VE-25 is about 11 pounds, the Mountian 35 (or 36) is about 12 pounds and the Himalyan 47 is close to 15 pounds.

Although a bear canister can fit inside many larger packs it is just easier to strap it on the outside. Depending on which canister you have there may be an accessory nylon case available to make the process easier. Otherwise just go ahead and strap or tie it on the outside of your pack.

Not much more to add, I just thought I would give you a quick view of the summit (see my avatar)

Good advice from everyone, I have just one bit of additional information. The Couchie herdpath starts exactly to the right of the big rock. The map makes it look like it may be beyond or behind the rock, but if you pass the rock you are on the Santanoni path. The map is great, just a bit out...

I have both the original Garcia and the new BearVault solo. I don't think you could go wrong with either brand. I really like the relative small size of the "solo" BearVault unit. You can easily stuff a weekends worth of food for two in it and it will fit inside most overnight packs.

Peakbagr, You may want to look at the Cold Cold World Valdez pack. It's a 2400 cu in pack made of heavy duty cordura material but still weighs about 2 pounds. It has a slim profile (primarily intended for ice climbing), a removable top pocket, nice compression straps and lots of lashing...

Missing Link You may want to take a look at MSR's Missing Link. It's a hybrid between a tarp and a tent. It's fully enclosed, has lots of ventilation, spacious for 2 inside and best of all weighs about 3 pounds.

Although I use googles from time to time I prefer Yahoos, although I haven't used either on Mt. Washington.

The Bearikade website is www.wild-ideas.net . They have two versions, the Weekender at 1.9 pounds and the Expedition at "just over 2 pounds". They are pretty pricey though. $195 for the Weekender and $245 for the Expedition. Wild-Ideas.net

Make new friends ADKSteve: Our group did Allen last Saturday as a dayhike. GPS readings showed just shy of 19 miles and a little over 2300 feet elevation gain. We kept a moderately slow pace and made it in 13 hours. I think you'll find 10-13 hours to be average. If you are used to 15 to 20...