IMO, if you're spending the night @ Trail camp, it's not that big of deal to overpack. Unlike many other multi-night backpacking trips, Whitney isn't that far from your car. So, if you bring too much gear, it's not like you have to hoof it around for days cursing the weight. In addition, you'll be leaving a lot behind at base camp, so the final ascent can be much lighter.
For cold conditions, I take:
- thermal top/bottom
- long pants, shirt, fleece & gloves
- down jacket, beanie
- rain/snow pants/jacket
- Goretex mountaineering boots, crampons & OR gaiters
- ice axe, whippet & helmet
If it's initially cold, but looks like it will warm up (eg super clear with the sun blasting off the snow pack), you might consider taking your backpack as your summit/day pack. That way, you'll have enough room to strip and stash a lot of your clothing, rather than suffer sweating to death.
Rain/snow pants/jacket aren't just for rain & snow. If it's really windy with cold gusts, you're gonna want a shell to help block the wind.
Take the rope. Again, it's only around 6 miles r/t (via the Chute - the switchbacks add more distance) to the summit from Trail camp, so it's not really a big deal carrying a little extra weight. The rope, however, isn't going to be that useful without harness, carabiners, cams, etc. But, if someone did happen to slip & fall (most likely along the snow/ice encrusted western ridge), then you would have something to at least throw. Odds are probably one-in-a-million, but again, no weight penalty for such a short distance just in case.
The newest forecast shows a storm moving in Fri April 22, so it might be a little too close for my initial thoughts about Wed 4/20. In that case, if any of you have an extra spot, May 7/8 is looking better.
Last edited by Hobbes; 04/15/16 07:46 AM.
