I need some guidance on gear required to climb Mt. Adams South Route during mid-october. Looks like it's going to be pretty cold. The ranger was saying they had temps varying between 40s to 70s at the station now. So I am assuming it will be pretty cold up above come mid-october. I would like to know what among these will be needed:

- Plastic double boots vs. Sturdy backpacking boots (which accept strop-on crampons)

- Down jacket/parka vs. Primaloft 1 synthetic jacket.

Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Here is the thing about October in the PNW. You can have gorgeous, warm days or be hiking in a foot of fresh snow. At the least I would want insulated leather boots (LS Nepal or similar). I sold my down jacket over 10 years ago, down is simply a poor choice for outerwear in the PNW due to moisture issues. I would definitely go with a synthetic, hooded parka.

Thanks Exciteable Boy - that helps... But will a synthetic jacket be warm enough? May be I should have clarified what I mean by down parka - I mean mid weight to expedition weight.

ashish wrote:Thanks Exciteable Boy - that helps... But will a synthetic jacket be warm enough? May be I should have clarified what I mean by down parka - I mean mid weight to expedition weight.

I don't think you need an expedition weight parka, I use a Patagonia Micropuff year round in the PNW. I would suggest a light fleece layer (R1, R2, Monkey Man, PowerStretch, etc) to add under the parka in case it gets really cold. My expedition weight parka (Wild Things Belay Parka) gets used only on expeditions and remote, mid winter ascents of Mt Rainier. Its overkill for everything else in the PNW.

Thanks again EB. I think I have a better idea now...