First 14ers - Plan Assessment

[cedica]

The BEST science available. First hand experience!

"My science is named Evan" - Jenny McCarthy famously said once.

[ZNixon]

We did Massive overnight via headlamp from the Southwest slopes last year. No issues with route finding.

Did you use GPS at all? I'm thinking of picking up a Garmin Instinct this weekend to aid with the directions, that way I'm not constantly doubting myself.

[RockiesAdrian]

I've never found them to be more than a nice-to-have. The first time I ever actually used GPX nav was on my finisher last weekend (Kit Carson). That said, I have really enjoyed the Suunto Ambit watches.

[ZNixon]

I've never found them to be more than a nice-to-have. The first time I ever actually used GPX nav was on my finisher last weekend (Kit Carson). That said, I have really enjoyed the Suunto Ambit watches.

So definitely not necessary, but can be nice? That makes sense! Was it very useful? I've never owed a Suunto, but have heard great things about them!

[RockiesAdrian]

For me, the data which are most useful are altitude and heart rate. For actual route finding and navigation, I believe that thoroughly studying the route description is your best aide. You can also bring it with you in the form of the mobile app. Just make sure to download the pictures while you still have wifi!

[tjmartn1]

Again, the SW slopes route could hardly be simpler as far as routefinding. The trail is obvious and well defined basically the entire way. I switched to that route last minute after planning on a different mountain and hadn't really studied the route at all beforehand and did not have any navigational aids on me at all and there was never a sliver of doubt about which way to go at any given time. It's not tricky.

[Trotter]

Also, you will get virtually zero acclimation over the first 24 hours whether you stay in Denver or camp at 10,000 feet so don't fret. The most significant "acclimation" you can do prior to the hike is maybe some short wind sprints or high intensity hikes to get your heart and lungs used to what's coming.

Uhh what science are you basing this on?

The BEST science available. First hand experience!
I'm sure there's plenty of so called "science" out there, but I can assure you from a purely physiological standpoint 24 hours of hanging around at altitude isn't going to make any noticeable difference in your acclimation. That's like saying you're going on a diet to lose 10 lbs and tomorrow you'll notice a BIG change.

Getting your body used to physical exertion is far more useful. Kinda like jogging before a big run. Its like warmups for your lungs and circulatory system. But, you can believe what you want. Placebos can be tasty.

Ok ignore the "science" and give advice to newbies based on your personal theories.
Those sneaky scientists who do studies on altitude sickness are probably all liars paid off by denver hotel owners anyways

[mtree]

Ok ignore the "science" and give advice to newbies based on your personal theories.
Those sneaky scientists who do studies on altitude sickness are probably all liars paid off by denver hotel owners anyways

Fact. One day hanging out at high altitude will not acclimate you to high altitude. Period. Real biochemists and physiologists know this. I'm not into scaring newbies or treating them like toddlers. You won't see me recommending an ice axe in slush on Mt.Sherman...because its an ice axe. No overhyped jibber jabber from me. I just speak the truth. Plain and simple.

[AnnaG22]

Some friends of mine did Massive SW slopes on Wednesday and there was some significant avy debris they had to get through. For non-locals that may be going through that section in the dark, that might not be clear to navigate. Having a map and GPS doesn't hurt.

EDIT: this is from someone else's CR from Wednesday:
Started from about 1/4 mile below N Halfmoon Creek TH. Considerable avalanche debris about a mile in made route finding in the dark somewhat difficult, GPS kept us on track. Trail turns right at debris, so keep right through avi debris. Was much easier to find our way back through it on the way down in the sunlight. A couple of little "creeks" easily crossed below treeline. There is a one snowfield you stay to the right of and pick up the trail at the top of the snow.

[cedica]

Fact. One day hanging out at high altitude will not acclimate you to high altitude.

Fact. Nobody disputes it.

Also, you will get virtually zero acclimation over the first 24 hours whether you stay in Denver or camp at 10,000 feet so don't fret.

Anecdotal evidence, or jibber jabber as mentioned above. Does not ring true either, if you get virtually zero acclimation over the first day then staying 100 days in Leadville would result in virtually zero acclimation, because 100 times zero is still zero.

[mtree]

Also, you will get virtually zero acclimation over the first 24 hours whether you stay in Denver or camp at 10,000 feet so don't fret.

Anecdotal evidence, or jibber jabber as mentioned above. Does not ring true either, if you get virtually zero acclimation over the first day then staying 100 days in Leadville would result in virtually zero acclimation, because 100 times zero is still zero.

I'm speechless.

[ZNixon]

Thank you all very much for the advice and knowledge that you've provided me, it's very much appreciated and quite helpful! As well as the laughs, and stories! I'm feeling confident about the trip, more and more as I learn what's worked best for you all. If anyone plans to be in the area between 8/30-9/1, I hope I'll run into you!