8) Human waste sacks provided at the Ranger Station
(All human waste (solid) must be packed out. This is now a requirement
on Mount Whitney).
9) Sun Screen, Bug repellent, and other toiletries, along with sun glasses,
First Aid Kit, and Pocket Knife.
10) Sleeping bag (Down or synthetic). Along with the bag, you should carry a lightweight insulating
pad and place it between
the ground and your sleeping bag to eliminate the cold from coming up from the ground and into you!
11) Tent or bivy bag to protect you and your gear in case of rain night or day. (Again storms can come
out of no where, and I have
come across even experienced hikers and climbers who got caught out in storms. A couple of guys
nearly lost their lives due
to this oversight. Wet gear is deadly. Also, the tent or bivy bag protects you from the wind.
12) Map and compass (even though it is unlikely that you will get lost. Lots
of people on the trail throughout the quota period).
13) Large trash sack to cover your pack if it should rain in the night.
14) Camera (you won't want to miss the opportunities to document your trip).
Well, that's about it. The above may seem like an overkill, but I assure you it is not. Whitney is a
serious mountain and even though it has a trail to the top people have and will, unfortunately, lose
their lives by taking the mountain too lightly. So be prepared. The above is just a guideline. Be sure to
double check other sources and make sure that you have all the items you need for your trip.
Also check out the following page Whitney High Camp. It contains other points of information and
safety tips. Please take careful note of them. Also take some time out to check the general climbing
safety notes located Here.
Each of us is responsible for our own safety in the wilderness, and even though I have been hiking and
climbing for over 30 years (and been up Mt Whitney multiple times), I am still not above forgetting an
item here and there. So check out other sources before setting out on your adventure. Double check
and make sure you have everything you need for the trip. Forgetting important items can make the
difference between a great trip, and an exercise in misery (or even worse).
So in conclusion, be safe, and have a wonderful trip. It will be a lifetime memory for you!
(All human waste (solid) must be packed out. This is now a requirement
on Mount Whitney).
9) Sun Screen, Bug repellent, and other toiletries, along with sun glasses,
First Aid Kit, and Pocket Knife.
10) Sleeping bag (Down or synthetic). Along with the bag, you should carry a lightweight insulating
pad and place it between
the ground and your sleeping bag to eliminate the cold from coming up from the ground and into you!
11) Tent or bivy bag to protect you and your gear in case of rain night or day. (Again storms can come
out of no where, and I have
come across even experienced hikers and climbers who got caught out in storms. A couple of guys
nearly lost their lives due
to this oversight. Wet gear is deadly. Also, the tent or bivy bag protects you from the wind.
12) Map and compass (even though it is unlikely that you will get lost. Lots
of people on the trail throughout the quota period).
13) Large trash sack to cover your pack if it should rain in the night.
14) Camera (you won't want to miss the opportunities to document your trip).
Well, that's about it. The above may seem like an overkill, but I assure you it is not. Whitney is a
serious mountain and even though it has a trail to the top people have and will, unfortunately, lose
their lives by taking the mountain too lightly. So be prepared. The above is just a guideline. Be sure to
double check other sources and make sure that you have all the items you need for your trip.
Also check out the following page Whitney High Camp. It contains other points of information and
safety tips. Please take careful note of them. Also take some time out to check the general climbing
safety notes located Here.
Each of us is responsible for our own safety in the wilderness, and even though I have been hiking and
climbing for over 30 years (and been up Mt Whitney multiple times), I am still not above forgetting an
item here and there. So check out other sources before setting out on your adventure. Double check
and make sure you have everything you need for the trip. Forgetting important items can make the
difference between a great trip, and an exercise in misery (or even worse).
So in conclusion, be safe, and have a wonderful trip. It will be a lifetime memory for you!
| Mount Whitney - Base Camp timberlinetrails.net |
| Whitney Links Base Camp Getting Started Trailhead Trail Guide High Camp Trail Crest East Face Route Summit Aerial View Whitney Video For Additional peaks and information on the Sierra Nevada. Click Here. Or for a Photo Gallery featuring the Sierra range. Click Here. |
Day hiker
wearing a
Camelback with
a three liter
water bladder
inside.
wearing a
Camelback with
a three liter
water bladder
inside.
Left shows a lightweight
headlamp with hard hat.
<(Hard hat is not normally
used on the Whitney Trail, but
is a must for technical routes.
headlamp with hard hat.
<(Hard hat is not normally
used on the Whitney Trail, but
is a must for technical routes.
Any time you care to
leave your food
unattended, your friendly
little Whitney Marmot
will be more than happy to
lighten up your pack by
eating some (or all) of
your food.
leave your food
unattended, your friendly
little Whitney Marmot
will be more than happy to
lighten up your pack by
eating some (or all) of
your food.
For More Photos &Further Information On Mt Whitney Please Check Out The Below Links
Getting Started Trailhead Trail Guide High Camp
Trail Crest East Face Route Summit Aerial View
For Additional peaks and information on the Sierra Nevada. Click HERE.
For a Photo Gallery featuring the Sierra range. Click HERE.
Or if you are looking for answers to the deeper things in life, try the Ultimate Journey
Getting Started Trailhead Trail Guide High Camp
Trail Crest East Face Route Summit Aerial View
For Additional peaks and information on the Sierra Nevada. Click HERE.
For a Photo Gallery featuring the Sierra range. Click HERE.
Or if you are looking for answers to the deeper things in life, try the Ultimate Journey
| Click Here to Watch Mt Whitney Video |
East Face Fresh
Air Traverse
Air Traverse
Trail Camp
Deeper Insight -
Mt Whitney is one of the most sought after summits in North America. Multitudes of people each year attempt
to hike or climb to it's lofty summit. But why is this? Well, certainly the fact that it is the highest peak in the
lower 48 states plays a role, but it is certainly not the highest peak in North America. Mt McKinley at 20,320
feet claims that honer. So there must be more. Most likely this more has to do with accessibility to large numbers
of people, and the fact that it has a trail to the top. This makes it's summit do-able for multitudes of folks that
would otherwise lack the technical skills that would be required to conquer a peak such as Mt McKinley.
What is it that draws a man to seek to endure the hardships of scaling any peak? Because it is there? Is it the
adventure of it? The chance to stand higher than all his surroundings? Is it to test himself? Any of these reasons
can play into the answer to the above questions, but the reasons as to why man ventures into the vertical
wilderness of this earth is as numerous as the sands of the seashore.
My reasons for climbing have changed throughout the years, and will most likely continue to change as I age.
But on a recent outing into the mountains I re-visited this age old question, and came up with the following:
"The mountains bring me close to the proximity of
my smallness and insignificance in comparison to
God's awesome creation, and His Eternal Being.
And this is a good thing, because it puts things into
proper perspective."
Psalm 8:3-9
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower
than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your
hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in
all the earth! (NIV)
Mt Whitney is one of the most sought after summits in North America. Multitudes of people each year attempt
to hike or climb to it's lofty summit. But why is this? Well, certainly the fact that it is the highest peak in the
lower 48 states plays a role, but it is certainly not the highest peak in North America. Mt McKinley at 20,320
feet claims that honer. So there must be more. Most likely this more has to do with accessibility to large numbers
of people, and the fact that it has a trail to the top. This makes it's summit do-able for multitudes of folks that
would otherwise lack the technical skills that would be required to conquer a peak such as Mt McKinley.
What is it that draws a man to seek to endure the hardships of scaling any peak? Because it is there? Is it the
adventure of it? The chance to stand higher than all his surroundings? Is it to test himself? Any of these reasons
can play into the answer to the above questions, but the reasons as to why man ventures into the vertical
wilderness of this earth is as numerous as the sands of the seashore.
My reasons for climbing have changed throughout the years, and will most likely continue to change as I age.
But on a recent outing into the mountains I re-visited this age old question, and came up with the following:
"The mountains bring me close to the proximity of
my smallness and insignificance in comparison to
God's awesome creation, and His Eternal Being.
And this is a good thing, because it puts things into
proper perspective."
Psalm 8:3-9
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower
than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your
hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in
all the earth! (NIV)
Mt Whitney is the highest peak in the continental United States. Reaching an elevation of 14,497 ft, it towers more
than 10,000 vertical feet above the Owens Valley, and because of it's lofty position, Mt Whitney is considered the
most sought after peak in all of North America. This fact sends over 30,000 people each year to it's slopes, however,
only 10,000 are able to complete the journey on the trail. With over 6,000 vertical feet to gain, I figure that lack of
conditioning and/or altitude must be the underlying reason for this somewhat high failure rate.
Mt Whitney was first climbed by Charles Begole, Albert Johnson, and John Lucus. The so called "Fisherman." They
completed the summit on August 17, 1873. The first woman to climb Mt Whitney was Mrs. Anna Mills. She
completed her summit of Mt Whitney on August 3, 1878.
Today, the Main Mt Whitney Trail is the easiest way to get to the summit. Below is a summary of mileages and
altitudes taken from key points along the trail. Also below, is a map that is located at the trailhead. It shows the
location of each of these key points.
than 10,000 vertical feet above the Owens Valley, and because of it's lofty position, Mt Whitney is considered the
most sought after peak in all of North America. This fact sends over 30,000 people each year to it's slopes, however,
only 10,000 are able to complete the journey on the trail. With over 6,000 vertical feet to gain, I figure that lack of
conditioning and/or altitude must be the underlying reason for this somewhat high failure rate.
Mt Whitney was first climbed by Charles Begole, Albert Johnson, and John Lucus. The so called "Fisherman." They
completed the summit on August 17, 1873. The first woman to climb Mt Whitney was Mrs. Anna Mills. She
completed her summit of Mt Whitney on August 3, 1878.
Today, the Main Mt Whitney Trail is the easiest way to get to the summit. Below is a summary of mileages and
altitudes taken from key points along the trail. Also below, is a map that is located at the trailhead. It shows the
location of each of these key points.
Location Elevation Distance
1) Whitney Portal 8,360' 0.0 mi
2) Lone Pine Lake 9.900' 2.8 mi
3) Outpost Camp 10,400' 3.8 mi
4) Mirror Lake 10,640' 4.0 mi
5) Trailside Meadow 11,400' 5.0 mi
6) Trail Camp 12,000' 6.0 mi
7) Trail Crest 13,700' 8.2 mi
8) Muir Trail JCT 13,480' 8.7 mi
9) Summit 14,497' 11.0 mi
1) Whitney Portal 8,360' 0.0 mi
2) Lone Pine Lake 9.900' 2.8 mi
3) Outpost Camp 10,400' 3.8 mi
4) Mirror Lake 10,640' 4.0 mi
5) Trailside Meadow 11,400' 5.0 mi
6) Trail Camp 12,000' 6.0 mi
7) Trail Crest 13,700' 8.2 mi
8) Muir Trail JCT 13,480' 8.7 mi
9) Summit 14,497' 11.0 mi
Permits are required for both day hikes beyond Lone Pine Lake (2) and for
all overnight camping on Mt Whitney. Demand is high during the summer
months and the best way to secure a position on the mountain is to participate
in the lottery that takes place in the month in February each year. Forest
Rangers patrol the Whitney Trail on a regular basis and you can be sure that
there will be a very good chance that you will be asked to produce your
permit at some point on your journey. Inyo Forest Ranger Dave Kirk (at
right), checks our permit at Trail Camp on our recent June 9th, 2007 trip up
Mt Whitney.
I remember sleeping in the back of my pickup truck at Whitney Portal
waiting for our permit entry date to become valid, and being awoke at about
3 AM by a group of individuals being escorted off the mountain by a Ranger
for not having a permit.
For more about the Whitney Lottery, costs, and how to obtain a permit,
please visit our Getting Started web page.
all overnight camping on Mt Whitney. Demand is high during the summer
months and the best way to secure a position on the mountain is to participate
in the lottery that takes place in the month in February each year. Forest
Rangers patrol the Whitney Trail on a regular basis and you can be sure that
there will be a very good chance that you will be asked to produce your
permit at some point on your journey. Inyo Forest Ranger Dave Kirk (at
right), checks our permit at Trail Camp on our recent June 9th, 2007 trip up
Mt Whitney.
I remember sleeping in the back of my pickup truck at Whitney Portal
waiting for our permit entry date to become valid, and being awoke at about
3 AM by a group of individuals being escorted off the mountain by a Ranger
for not having a permit.
For more about the Whitney Lottery, costs, and how to obtain a permit,
please visit our Getting Started web page.
Ranger Dave Kirk checking our permit
Which Fork to take on the Trail - depends on your route up Mt Whitney. If
you are taking the Mountaineer's route, or one of the technical East Face
routes, you will need to get a permit for the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek.
Also, make sure that you do not miss the turn off point about a mile up the
main trail. Watch close for the trail marker as seen to the left. It is easy to
miss. I have been on both forks, and there is no easy way to access the
North Fork from the trail if you should discover your error miles later on the
Mt Whitney Trail. We met a couple of young guys who did just that on our
last trip on Whitney, and they were not too happy that they had wasted time
and energy on the Main Trail when they were informed that they needed to
turn around and hike back down in order to correct their error and get back
on track. The North Fork is also used for climbing Mt Russel. If your choice
is the Main Mt Whitney Trail, just keep going straight up the trail (do not turn
off). It is the natural way to go. The lower sign that says "< TRAIL"
points the way.
you are taking the Mountaineer's route, or one of the technical East Face
routes, you will need to get a permit for the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek.
Also, make sure that you do not miss the turn off point about a mile up the
main trail. Watch close for the trail marker as seen to the left. It is easy to
miss. I have been on both forks, and there is no easy way to access the
North Fork from the trail if you should discover your error miles later on the
Mt Whitney Trail. We met a couple of young guys who did just that on our
last trip on Whitney, and they were not too happy that they had wasted time
and energy on the Main Trail when they were informed that they needed to
turn around and hike back down in order to correct their error and get back
on track. The North Fork is also used for climbing Mt Russel. If your choice
is the Main Mt Whitney Trail, just keep going straight up the trail (do not turn
off). It is the natural way to go. The lower sign that says "< TRAIL"
points the way.
Camping on the Main Mt Whitney Trail - usually takes place at either Outpost Camp (3), or Trail Camp (6).
Outpost Camp is located
3.8 miles from the
Whitney Portal trailhead
and is a good stopping
point if you want to sleep
down a little lower at
10,400 feet rather than
proceeding up to Trail
Camp at 12,000 feet.
Some groups decide to
tackle the summit the next
day from this camp, and
others use this
3.8 miles from the
Whitney Portal trailhead
and is a good stopping
point if you want to sleep
down a little lower at
10,400 feet rather than
proceeding up to Trail
Camp at 12,000 feet.
Some groups decide to
tackle the summit the next
day from this camp, and
others use this
intermediate camp in order to more slowly acclimate before ascending to Trail Camp.
There are excellent camp sites at Outpost Camp and plenty of water available during years of normal snowfall.
Being below timberline, Outpost Camp offers a stark contrast with it's green meadows and meandering streams
Being below timberline, Outpost Camp offers a stark contrast with it's green meadows and meandering streams
in comparison with the rocky terrain at
Trail Camp which is located above
timberline. However, most groups who
turn Mt Whitney into a backpack use
Trail Camp. The reasoning behind this is
due to it's more central location on the
trail. At 6 miles from the trailhead and
12,000 feet in altitude you are in perfect
position to gain the summit the next day.
There are multitudes of established
sites at Trail Camp, and there is no need
to create new ones. Make sure you set
up at least 100 feet from any water
source and well off the main trail. Not
only is this a legal requirement, it also
makes for a more peaceful nights sleep.
Trail Camp which is located above
timberline. However, most groups who
turn Mt Whitney into a backpack use
Trail Camp. The reasoning behind this is
due to it's more central location on the
trail. At 6 miles from the trailhead and
12,000 feet in altitude you are in perfect
position to gain the summit the next day.
There are multitudes of established
sites at Trail Camp, and there is no need
to create new ones. Make sure you set
up at least 100 feet from any water
source and well off the main trail. Not
only is this a legal requirement, it also
makes for a more peaceful nights sleep.
Mt Whitney's Trail System - is nothing short of excellent. The original
trail builders and current maintenance crews have (and continue) to keep
the trail in great shape. Probably the most note worthy section is the 99
switchbacks that lead from Trail Camp to Trail Crest. This 2.2 mile
section is what most people remember about the trail. The trail here gains
1,700 feet very quickly. It also contains the infamous cables section as
shown on the left hand part of this page. The photo was taken June 10,
2007 and as you can see, the snow has melted sufficiently to allow our
group to safely pass by walking on the raised stones that have been put in
place by the trail builders. The winter of 2006-2007 was a dry winter, and
this is why passage at this stage of the year did not present a problem. On
a more normal year this area of the trail can be tricky. This is because
hard snow and ice can cover the trail making it so you will need crampons
and ice ax during the spring months. Make sure to check conditions
should you decide to go in the earlier part of the year. The Eastern Sierra
InterAgency Visitor Center located in Lone Pine will usually have up to
date information on trail conditions. (Phone# 760-876-6200)
trail builders and current maintenance crews have (and continue) to keep
the trail in great shape. Probably the most note worthy section is the 99
switchbacks that lead from Trail Camp to Trail Crest. This 2.2 mile
section is what most people remember about the trail. The trail here gains
1,700 feet very quickly. It also contains the infamous cables section as
shown on the left hand part of this page. The photo was taken June 10,
2007 and as you can see, the snow has melted sufficiently to allow our
group to safely pass by walking on the raised stones that have been put in
place by the trail builders. The winter of 2006-2007 was a dry winter, and
this is why passage at this stage of the year did not present a problem. On
a more normal year this area of the trail can be tricky. This is because
hard snow and ice can cover the trail making it so you will need crampons
and ice ax during the spring months. Make sure to check conditions
should you decide to go in the earlier part of the year. The Eastern Sierra
InterAgency Visitor Center located in Lone Pine will usually have up to
date information on trail conditions. (Phone# 760-876-6200)
Mt Whitney is not only the highest peak
in Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, it also
claims the honor of being the highest
point in the Continental United States.
But this is only part of the story. Mt
Whitney also has some of the most
beautiful scenery in all the Sierra's. You
will find yourself stopping frequently to
take in the many wonderful views as you
progress up the mountain. Each bend in
the trail seems to offer new and changing
vistas. But if I had to choose just one
scene as supreme, I would pick the view
at Trail Crest as shown in the image to
right. At 13,700 feet above sea level, the
in Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, it also
claims the honor of being the highest
point in the Continental United States.
But this is only part of the story. Mt
Whitney also has some of the most
beautiful scenery in all the Sierra's. You
will find yourself stopping frequently to
take in the many wonderful views as you
progress up the mountain. Each bend in
the trail seems to offer new and changing
vistas. But if I had to choose just one
scene as supreme, I would pick the view
at Trail Crest as shown in the image to
right. At 13,700 feet above sea level, the
view into Sequoia National Park is unparalleled. The scale is absolutely awe inspiring.
Technical Routes
The trail is certainly not the only way to the
top and if you are looking for something
more adventurous (and you have the skills)
you can skip the well worn path to the
summit and take the more difficult routes.
(Permits are still required) John Muir
himself made his first summit up this peak
via the currently named Mountaineer's
Route. (The prominent class 3 section up the
steep snow chute located just to the right of
the main Whitney East Face.) And that's
not all, there are also many direct east face
climbing routes that will challenge even the
most advanced climbers.
The trail is certainly not the only way to the
top and if you are looking for something
more adventurous (and you have the skills)
you can skip the well worn path to the
summit and take the more difficult routes.
(Permits are still required) John Muir
himself made his first summit up this peak
via the currently named Mountaineer's
Route. (The prominent class 3 section up the
steep snow chute located just to the right of
the main Whitney East Face.) And that's
not all, there are also many direct east face
climbing routes that will challenge even the
most advanced climbers.
So whether you are a well conditioned day hiker, backpacker, or highly trained climber, Mt Whitney has
a route especially designed for you!
Things to Take Along on the Trip
I have included the following information on equipment due to the fact that I get so many questions
from people about what they should take along for a summit bid on Mt Whitney. There are certainly
those well conditioned individuals who can (and do) make the round trip up Mt Whitney and back in a
day. And some of these hardy individuals take no more than gym shorts, tennis shoes, and a water bottle
(this is certainly not recommend, even for a day trip). And others decide to spend several days on the trail
and take along everything but the kitchen sink (not recommend either). Therefore, I have put together
the below list.
For a 2 day (or longer) trip during the May - October quota period, I would recommend the following:
a route especially designed for you!
Things to Take Along on the Trip
I have included the following information on equipment due to the fact that I get so many questions
from people about what they should take along for a summit bid on Mt Whitney. There are certainly
those well conditioned individuals who can (and do) make the round trip up Mt Whitney and back in a
day. And some of these hardy individuals take no more than gym shorts, tennis shoes, and a water bottle
(this is certainly not recommend, even for a day trip). And others decide to spend several days on the trail
and take along everything but the kitchen sink (not recommend either). Therefore, I have put together
the below list.
For a 2 day (or longer) trip during the May - October quota period, I would recommend the following:
1) Good pair of sturdy hiking boots and a well fitted full size pack. In early
season add ice ax and crampons to your necessary gear list.
2) Clothing:
a) Synthetic or wool socks
b) Fleece pants or some other equal for protecting your legs in the cold.
c) At least one fleece (or equal) jacket (2 layers if you are subject to getting cold)
d) Hat that can add warmth to the head area (and also provide sun protection).
e) @Gortex or other breathable water resistent/proof Jacket and pants
this combination can also act as a wind barrier. (Very important)
f) Lightweight synthetic or wool long underwear.
g) Gloves
h) Pillow case. (Great for stuffing your jacket and clothing into. Makes for an
outstanding pillow with hardly any extra weight)
season add ice ax and crampons to your necessary gear list.
2) Clothing:
a) Synthetic or wool socks
b) Fleece pants or some other equal for protecting your legs in the cold.
c) At least one fleece (or equal) jacket (2 layers if you are subject to getting cold)
d) Hat that can add warmth to the head area (and also provide sun protection).
e) @Gortex or other breathable water resistent/proof Jacket and pants
this combination can also act as a wind barrier. (Very important)
f) Lightweight synthetic or wool long underwear.
g) Gloves
h) Pillow case. (Great for stuffing your jacket and clothing into. Makes for an
outstanding pillow with hardly any extra weight)
Note:
I would consider the above a minimum. Storms can come up at any time and if you are not prepared,
they could become life threatening. For winter conditions more gear would have to be added.
Absolutely no cotton clothing. Cotton will have no insulating value if it gets wet, and it will quickly wick
warmth away from your body. You can substitute "Down" for fleece, but make sure that your water
proof layer is in tact if you choose this option. Like cotton, down is useless when wet.
3) Water filter. (Filtering your water supply is a must on a heavily
populated mountain such as Whitney
4) Headlamp with spare batteries. If you are caught out in the dark
by underestimating your assent and decent time. The headlamp can
be a life saver if this should happen.
I would consider the above a minimum. Storms can come up at any time and if you are not prepared,
they could become life threatening. For winter conditions more gear would have to be added.
Absolutely no cotton clothing. Cotton will have no insulating value if it gets wet, and it will quickly wick
warmth away from your body. You can substitute "Down" for fleece, but make sure that your water
proof layer is in tact if you choose this option. Like cotton, down is useless when wet.
3) Water filter. (Filtering your water supply is a must on a heavily
populated mountain such as Whitney
4) Headlamp with spare batteries. If you are caught out in the dark
by underestimating your assent and decent time. The headlamp can
be a life saver if this should happen.
5) Three Liter (approx 3 quarts) water bladder with drinking tube. I
would highly recommend the @Camelback. It makes for a fantastic
lightweight day pack on summit day and fits nicely into your main
pack. On most of my wilderness backpacking and climbing trips, I
place the @Camelback into my main pack and use it for my water
supply. On summit day, rather than taking my heavy main pack to the
summit, I simply remove the little lightweight day pack out
of my main pack and head for the summit. It has all the water I need,
plus enough storage room for lunch and other essential items.
would highly recommend the @Camelback. It makes for a fantastic
lightweight day pack on summit day and fits nicely into your main
pack. On most of my wilderness backpacking and climbing trips, I
place the @Camelback into my main pack and use it for my water
supply. On summit day, rather than taking my heavy main pack to the
summit, I simply remove the little lightweight day pack out
of my main pack and head for the summit. It has all the water I need,
plus enough storage room for lunch and other essential items.
6) Bear Canister for safely storing your food.
(A requirement on Mt Whitney) Not only does
it keep the bears out, but equally important,
it keeps the pesky marmots from ripping up your
gear and eating you out of house and home.
These critters are everywhere on Mt Whitney.
Especially at Trail Camp where the pickings are good.
(A requirement on Mt Whitney) Not only does
it keep the bears out, but equally important,
it keeps the pesky marmots from ripping up your
gear and eating you out of house and home.
These critters are everywhere on Mt Whitney.
Especially at Trail Camp where the pickings are good.
7) Food (See this Link Here for suggestions) Try and go as light as possible but have a sufficient
amount for your trip. (Obviously) Also add a lightweight stove and fuel to the list if you plan on
cooking. Don't forget matches or some other way to ignite the fuel.
amount for your trip. (Obviously) Also add a lightweight stove and fuel to the list if you plan on
cooking. Don't forget matches or some other way to ignite the fuel.
< Lightweight
First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit
