Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Seeking Tips for Backpacking Mt Whitney

After 7 Whitney day hikes, I decided it was time to try something new and managed to score some overnight permits for this summer. We are going to do a 2 day/1 night trip on the MWT, setting up camp at Trail Camp.

A few questions:
1. What time do people usually start their first day on a 2-day trip? Maybe 9am or so? I wanted to allow for some time at Lone Pine Lake and to arrive at Trail Camp with plenty of time before sunset to set up our tents and get situated for dinner.

2. Any advice about camping at Trail Camp? E.g., best locations for a tent, good practices to avoid marmot problems, what's ok to leave behind while you proceed onward to the summit?)

Thanks!