Doug at the W.P. store recommends people stop at Outpost Camp, too. If Sherpa is leaning that way, just do it. What would take two hours with a loaded pack (getting to Trail Camp) can be traded for starting an hour earlier in the morning from Outpost.
While the Steripen might increase your confidence, many of us old regulars just dip and drink. Here are several links for you:
Bob R's
Water Sources - Main Trail and Mountaineers Route (Includes a map and pictures).
And this one:
60,000 Liters of Water Consumed -- Untreated(Most people feel more comfortable filtering or treating though.)
It is slightly colder at Trail Camp... not sure if anyone has made any actual measurements. But it is more exposed, too. If it is windy, Outpost is better.
Ramen noodles cook just fine at altitude. You just need to simmer them a while since the water won't get as hot (lower boiling point temperature.) We enjoyed them at 10,000 last trip out. If you take spaghetti, get the vermicelli or whatever the very thin noodles are. Thicker takes lots longer! (been there done that.)
My favorite freeze dried food is always Mountain House brand. I won't even try anything else anymore.
