Hi there. Thanks for the report! Do you feel like helmets are necessary on the switchbacks? We heard there may be ice falling down from above as things are melting. We are doing 5 days of backpacking, culminating in the Mt. Whitney summit on day 5 and coming up from the south side, and then down the North side (99 switchbacks) to finish our trip at Whitney portal - so would rather not carry helmets the whole way. Also did you feel like you needed ice axes and micro spikes for the descent? We are fit and agile but not experienced mountaineers.
Also what were you wearing for the hike? shorts or pants? t-shirts or long sleeves/jackets?
Thanks!
