Hello. I am getting excited to join a group of 8 friends and take a two-day hike by Mt. Whitney trail from 11.1 to 11.2. I did a day hike last year and find this forum a great place for trail information. My post of last year is here:   6/1/2014 Dayhike Summit by beginner hikers

Since I haven't done any backpacking at this elevation, I'd like to seek advice for the trip. Our plan is:

11.1.2015
12:00 Lone Pine lunch
1:30 PM Arrive at Whitney Portal and start hiking
6:30 PM Arrive at Trail Camp

*From weather forecast the temperature may drop to 32F at Trail Camp. But from previous post in this forum, I saw report of 17F at night. We prepare sleeping bag of 20 degree F. Would that be good for the night at Trail Camp?

*I guess the lake near Trail Camp may be frozen by 11.1. What would be the best way to get water. I am balancing on supplying water near Mirror Lake or boiling water at Trail Camp.

*We have totally 9 people in the group and plan to take two 4-person tent and one 2-person tent. Would there be enough camp space at the Trail Camp? I checked from Google Earth and could barely identify about 4 good camp sites at the Trail Camp.

11.2.2015
5:30 AM Get up and breakfast
6:00 AM Start hiking if weather is good
11:30 AM Reach summit (We set 12:30 at noon as turnaround time if we are slow)
3:00 PM Back to Trail camp
7:30 PM Back to Whitney Portal

*I know technically 11.2 is the start of winter season. But should we bring bear canister with us? Is the weather cold enough that it's safe to put food just in tent? (I saw suggestions that just leave food in the tent and let the tent open in case marmot visit).

*I also concern that amount of water I should bring for the summit day. Would 2.5 L considered adequate from trail camp to summit and back?

I'd appreciate any suggestions. BYW the group is in good physical condition but some of the members have never hiked higher than 12000 ft. We have a contingency plan that if anyone feel altitude sickness at trail camp, he/she will stay at the Trail Camp without attempting summit on Day 2.

Hope the weather can keep good. Thanks for your insights!