Terry, all fair questions. Regarding clothing. At a bare minimum, the wind chill will be very cold so whatever layers of warmth you have, a windproof outhershell is sure nice. The temperatures and preciptation at that height are predictably unpredictable. Prepare for snow, sleet, hail, rain and go from there. If you have warm jackets that aren't wind/water proof, buy an inexpensive outershell like DriDucks for $20 (pants and jacket) and that will really help with the wind and the rain.
http://www.amazon.com/Driducks-Rain-Suit-Khaki-sm-Gear/dp/B001C3YJI8 You sure couldn't glissade in them but they are extremely light weight and effective at keeping out the wind and rain, while not blowing your wallet out. I leave my gortex at home-too heavy--and put an inexpensive, light windshell on over a lightweight, warm down jacket.
