This super warm October means more backpacking. I'm glad I get to try my new Altra hiking shoes and REI Flash 55 pack out. Cassie out of town so solo it is.
Old Snowy is a 7900 ft peak in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Only a NW Forest Pass is needed at the trailhead and a (free) backcountry permit needs to be filled out.
Gear stats: 13.0 lbs base weight. 19.4 lbs full weight (actually a bit higher than this because I bought some Combos, M&Ms and a Clif Protein Bar). I even brought luxury items, like my work iPhone for its GPS SOS capabilities, a pillow, and a battery.
The new pack is awesome; I like that I can grab water bottles while moving and stash my phone in the hip belt. The Flash 55 is like the cheapest legit pack you can buy. I'm not sure why you would want anything other than this. I like the new Altra Timp GTX shoes as well. They have more support and ankle stability than trail runners, but are still comfortable and light weight. Most importantly-- no blisters or foot issues whatsoever... finally!
Weather was all time. High 60's at elevation. My original plan was to drive up Saturday morning and camp somewhere along the PCT, (my start time was around 12:30), but I was feeling pretty strong and decided to go up to Old Snowy right off the bat. I started at the Snowgrass Flats trailhead and followed the Mazamas track up to Old Snowy. It was very straightforward. The last section up to the summit was a pretty punchy but pleasant scramble.
I attempted Ives. However after a choss-fest class 5 section to the pinnacle northwest of snowy, I decided the route I chose was stupid and turned back as it was getting pretty late.
I camped along the PCT at around 7000 ft. It got pretty cold, low 30s and frosty in the morning.