I researched Ruffwear's website and could not find a single rating on this harness so I personally would not trust it for this use. I would instead recommend the Ruffwear DoubleBack which is rated to 8.9kn (2,000 lb). Just make sure if you go this route that you i) actually doubleback the straps per the instructions and ii) tie your rope to a load-rated loop on the harness.

http://www.backcountry.com/ruffwear-doubleback-harness?CMP_SKU=RUF0058&MER=0406&CMP_ID=GAN_GPLA&003=8219600&010=RUF0058-GRAGY-M&mr:trackingCode=83C60BDD-F061-DF11-9DA0-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA&origin=pla&;mr:adType=pla

Having owned both, the comfort is identical.

They do not. The standard Neoair (the yellow one) has a very thin material, whereas the Neoair All-Season uses the same material as the Trekker --- a thicker and more durable material. Having owned the Neoair (returned it), the Neoair All-Season, and a Prolite (my first air mattress), I'd say that both the Neoair and Neoair All-Season are less "slippy." I also own a cushy Exped and that might be the least slippy, but it's heavy and bulky and I never use it on climbs. BTW, the reason I got rid of my Neoair and got the Neoair All-Season is because the thin material on my Neoair somehow managed to puncture on who knows what -- it's just not that durable.

Please don't take any offense to this, but your sheer question shows that you are not experienced to climb Mount Rainier unguided. Get out there and have fun, but do so in a safe manner and in your case, with a guiding service until you have the proper skills.

Not really Brennan. It Primaloft with some thin nylon on the outside, and not form fitting at all. Wearing just the liners would be sloppy, likely move around, almost certain to get snow in by the wrist, and the thin nylon shell could get soaked and into the Primaloft. They really didn't design these gloves with that application in mind.

Often on a technical mountain climb (i.e. an alpine ice climb), I'll often bring some thin fleece gloves, my OR ExtraVert leather gloves, and just the shell of the BD Guides (leave the liner at home). On warm, non-technical approaches, I can wear the thin fleece gloves. I climb with the ORs when I need dexterity (i.e. setting/removing screws on steep ice) and put the BD Guide shells on (it's nice that they fit over fairly thick gloves like the ExtraVerts) when on lower grade terrain and my hands are on the ice/snow a lot and susceptible to getting wet - for example, if I am low/high daggering a lot. And I don't leave home without my mitts.

If it's a less technical climb, like a glacial slog, I'll maybe bring my thin fleece gloves, the entire BD Guide glove (liner and shell), and my mitts. When warm, I'll use just the thin fleece. When colder, will use the fleece + the BD Guide shells. When much colder, will remove the fleece liner and use the entire BD Guide gloves, and when super cold, will switch to mitts.

Maybe more info than you needed and certainly lots based on my own preference, but I hope it helps nonetheless. :)

I feel like a ninja wearing it

I had heard rumors that someone had an incident of them breaking when girth hitched, but who knows.

Hey there,

I had the Helium for several months and ultimately exchanged if for the Helium EQ and I am happier. The Helium EQ is about 5 degrees warmer than the Helium believe it or not (check Marmot's website for the specs). I had some issues with condensation getting the Helium wet, although it was a great bag. The regular Helium pack does pack down noticeably smaller than the Helium EQ. I think the ripstop nylon is far more compressible. I havent had breathability issues with the Helium EQ -- so far it rocks.

No they will not.

According to http://www.shop-camp-usa.com/category.sc;jsessionid=B8AE833964A9B3905267C3AABA9AE865.qscstrfrnt03?categoryId=8

You need the XLC Series Anti-Balling Plates for XLC 390, XLC 470, XLC 490 and all Ice Rider crampons. I tried these ones on my 490s and they don't fit.

No they will not.

According to http://www.shop-camp-usa.com/category.sc;jsessionid=B8AE833964A9B3905267C3AABA9AE865.qscstrfrnt03?categoryId=8

You need the XLC Series Anti-Balling Plates for XLC 390, XLC 470, XLC 490 and all Ice Rider crampons. I tried these ones on my 490s and they don't fit.