Hello all,

First post here. I'm planning a climb of Rainier for next April, and was wondering if I could get some feedback on the clothing system I think I'll use for Rainier that time of year. This will be my first time on Rainier. I have used this system in the Cascades (Adams, Shasta, Hood, etc.) and in the Alps for late spring climbs.

MHW Short Sleeve Base layer
Pata L/S Cap 3 Crew
Pata R1 Hoody
Pata Nano Puff P/U
OR Helium Shell
Pata Cap 2 Pants
OR Exos Softshell Pants
OR Liner Gloves
OR Arete Gloves
Hat
Balaclava

My main question is whether most bring a puffy for this time of year on Rainier. Thanks for any feedback. Cheers.

Yes, you'll want a puffy.

Bird is correct, you will want a puffy any time on Rainier. With the other layers you have on you probably can get away with a relatively lightweight one like the Patagonia Micropuff or Wild Things EP jacket.

Also, you did not mention what boots you are planning on wearing. I did Rainier in April 2009. My partner had La Sportiva Nepal Evos, I had on Scarpa Invernos. My partner had to constantly stop to kick the circulation back into his rapidly numbing feet, mine were toasty.

I'd ditch the nanopuff for a nice warm puffy for sure.

What route?

For the route, I'm planning the Ingraham Glacier Direct. Thanks for the advice on the puffy jacket. As for boots, can I get away with my leathers (LS Glacier EVOs) this time of year or will I be wanting my Invernos?

msutton wrote:For the route, I'm planning the Ingraham Glacier Direct. Thanks for the advice on the puffy jacket. As for boots, can I get away with my leathers (LS Glacier EVOs) this time of year or will I be wanting my Invernos?

As I said, I climbed Rainier in April and my partner had LS Nepal Evos (warmer boots than the Glaciers) and had to constantly kick his feet to rewarm his numb toes. I was happy I had my invernos on. In April there will be snow on the entire route, starting from the parking lot.

Just did DC Labor Day weekend. I was climbing in my hooded FF Volant it was so F'ing cold w/windchill. I wore cap 3 longsleeve baselayer, R1 hoody, Ascentionist and was freezing. I was warm enough moving when I added the Volant. If I could do it over again I would have been wearing a Nanopuff or down sweater vest between the R1 and Ascentionist. Sportiva Nepals were fine. Rainier can get ugly cold. Don't step foot on it without a puffy. PS. Bring a balaclava

Buy a VBL sock setup and your Nepals will be fine, assuming they are sized big enough to take a liner/VBL/thick sock setup.

If you tend to get cold feet, renting Invernos is cheap, and you can sleep in the liners so they are warm and toasty in the morning.