Hello guys.
I want to ask a few questions regarding Shasta to increase my chances of success, and decrease the chance and degree of misery. I have been mentally and physically preparing myself for this trip for a few months now and it's safe to say that for me there is no turning back. Here is my background:
I am a 24 year old male.
I have never climbed above 7000ft.
I am in decent shape, run and hike somewhat frequently, and did a hike up to Yosemite Point with relative ease (~3050ft elev gain in 4 miles).
I have pretty good endurance, and if need be I will keep moving until I am quite literally unable to do so.
I have never used crampons or ice axe, but have watched many videos on the use of these things, and I am not planning to go up without practicing self arrest on the slope first.
I am planning to solo-climb the avalanche gulch route with an overnight camp at Lake Helen.
My tackle:
One person free-standing Eureka tent, sleeping foam, 20F rated bag, some synthetic underlayers, some training non-cotton underwear, Yachting waterproof wind-breaker (stole from my dad , ski-glasses, wool socks, and other obvious essentials such as a stove, propane, map, etc.. I am renting an ice axe, boots, and crampons from fifth season.
My concerns: I am planning to stack layers rather than get a parka. Those things are retardedly expensive and I am a broke college student (how banal I know). Will I be able to go without it with just my windbreaker shell jacket (it has a hood), and 3-5 layers of synthetic clothing? Can I rent a Parka? Do I need it considering the forecast?
I have no car. I will have to find a ride to the trailhead. Is hitchhiking a viable option? Taxi? Shuttle? How can I get to the trailhead (and possibly back)?
What are the most likely reasons I may not succeed, or my blindspots? How likely is mountain sickness? I am planning to spend the night before the hike at the trailhead to acclimatize.
My biggest fears are: freezing (but from what I understand the weather should be great), post-holing (exhausting and most likely to result in my failure to summit IMO), getting an inadequate food supply, either too heavy, or too unbalanced (any advice in this area would be appreciated as well). Such as what would be the ideal food-pack for 3 days 2 nights.
Here's the weather forecast for Shasta if that helps you answer my questions:
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/TextProduct ... fr&pil=rec
Thank you for all the advice you guys may or may not give me
I am originally from the east coast and this is my gap year traveling so I may not get a chance like this in a long long time which is why I am so committed.
Once again thanks.