Mt Whitney Zone Forums Active Threads This Week

[b][/b] Mine is low six digits, but dad's is five.. 12046, and I have a photo, if I can figure out how to post it.

I use an Ursack (without the aluminum sleeve that Steve uses) wherever it is legal. I’ve never had a problem. I use a BV500 in Yosemite and some parts of SEKI. BearVault claims 700 cubic inches and 7 days for the BV500. I measured 650 cubic inches. I eat a lot, so I have to pack carefully to get 5 days (4 nights) into a BV500.

Just a FYI...Bearvault has just added two new cannisters, a BV475 which is 2 inhes shorter in length than the BV500 and a new BV425 which is a few inches smaller than the BV450. The BV425 is 6 inches in length and good for 1 to 2 days. I suspect you can probably add more if you place your food in the right bags and eliminate air and such. I would suspect that for me, it would be good for 4 days since the firt day you plan on eating and therefore does not go into the cannister.

Take a look:

https://bearvault.com/

Paul

Thanks Theresa. I always use my Ursack when I visit the Whitney Zone, since it is mostly mice and marmots that try to get your food. My Ursack has the aluminum sleeve, and I stood it up with a big rock on top to hold it down. When I returned, I found a marmot had dug a burrow to the underside, in hopes of getting into it. But my food was safe!

Hoping this helps anyone else:

Bear containers are required on the Mt. Whitney Trail from Memorial Weekend to November 1. I called the Wilderness Permit Office today (760) 873-2483 and they say it's okay to use my AllMitey Ursack!

I called since the website requirement was vague: “Containers designed to prevent access by bears are required” per Inyo NF Bear Cannister requirements

Depending on what year you go, you might want to get an update on this requirement from the Wilderness Permit Office.

The Whitney Portal Store at the Whitney Portal Campground rents bear canisters.
Store Hours: May 9am-6pm, June 8am-8pm, July 7am-9pm, August 7am-9pm, September 8am-8pm, October 9am-6pm. Closed November - April.
Just remember to leave enough room in your pack for the canister.

Make sure to remove all food and scented items from your vehicle before you leave. Bears have no problem breaking and entering your car or truck. Keep ice chests and other colorful containers that look like an ice chest out of view. These bears are smart and know what one looks like. There are bear proof storage lockers located at the Whitney Trailhead Parking Lot. Put your name, phone number, and the date on your items before leaving anything in there.

Nobody "closes" the switchbacks. With your early date, the switchbacks will just be a deep snow slog, adding extra distance and labor to your climb. Also, the cables section will have so much snow at such a steep angle, that it would be safer to take the chute. And also, others will be taking the chute, so there should be something of a track to follow.