Hi all, I’m considering this hike in December this year. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but I’m extremely amateur and with only 2 months out is it realistic? Does anyone have any experience

I know the term is mostly used in rock climbing but come to think about it, has anyone really done most or all of the peaks without ascenders, fixed lines from other groups, or ladders ?

Hey all, Hoping to get some recommendations for a good 700 - 800 fill downjacket to go under a hardshell? Tried a few with similar fills locally and they are all quite puffy, Looking for a thinner one that does the job!

Hello guys, like the title entails I am planning a winter expedition on mount katahdin in maine and I’m looking for advice.

I have been on katahdin solo this sumner already so I could get an idea of the place.

I understand that the road to roaring brook campground is not cleared out of snow in winter so that can be a whole day in and of itself in regards to movement.

I remember the trail from the campground to chimney pond not being very long, could this be done the same day as the movement from the road to the campground or those of you who have done it think its too much ?

The point would be to be set at chimney pond on day 2 so we have 2 possible summit days if we plan a 4 day exped.

Also, during my summer hike up knife edge and down the saddle, there where those big rocks in the saddle trail down the mountain that make it kind of a pain in the a** to follow the trail (if you’ve been you can’t miss em) are they snow covered in winter or do they stick out of the snow ? Because they would make a sled virtually impossible to use.

There is supposed to be 4 of us on this trip.

If you have any other advice they will be welcome.

Edit : added the rock questions

Hey, I was just wondering how would be the condition on Mt Temple be tomorrow? The only thing that I would worry is avalanche tbh. We are pretty experienced, just don’t have avalanche gears.

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to attempt summit, knowing that we’re still in mid october and that weather looks pretty good.

If not, is there any other similar exciting alpine hike that is pretty similar to that, but more safe?

Thank you!

gift link:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/10/14/magazine/yosemite-climbing-dad-east-buttress.html?unlocked_article_code=1.I1E.vKoM.v6IU3vl_yOuI&smid=url-share

The string of Shasta shenanigans continues.

The pair had left for Avalanche Gulch at 4 a.m. Monday and reached Red Banks around 5 p.m., five hours past the recommended turnaround time for climbing Mount Shasta, the sheriff’s office said.
By 5 a.m. Tuesday, they had reached Horse Camp but could not see the trail, authorities said.

They traveled northwest into Cascade Gulch, a steep, dry river canyon, and continued about 3 miles before becoming trapped between cliffs.

The sheriff’s office said the rescue was the third on the Avalanche Gulch route in a month.

My guide Tomas promised me something slightly more difficult for our final day today. We climbed Arête des Cosmiques aka the Cosmic Ridge (3,842m). Gorgeous views, and a fun challenge. Some slabby scrambling towards the end.