Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports Mt. Whitney Day Hike Food

Seeing a lot of posts regarding nutrition: leading up to the hike and during. Any suggestions so I don't hit the wall? Also, how warm should I pack?

Thanks in advance. Great community here.

I would try to carb load leading up to the hike. The day of the hike, only bring stuff that you really like to eat, but a variety of things - you never know what will be appetizing, if anything at all. I try to eat most of my food before leaving Trail Camp. I have a hard time eating above 12k.

As far as clothing goes, there is some info regarding what I plan to carry on my blog. YMMV - http://www.hikinggeek.com/2014/06/11/mt-whitney-trip-planning-september-6-8-2014/

I just got back form my trip. I didn't each much because of the elevation. I tried out the GU energy gel, it was pretty good and seemed to work, I suggest it.

It got below freezing every night I was on the mountain. When hiking, I was fine with the basic layers, wicking, insulation, shell. When sleeping I just had that on but in my sleeping bag. Defiantly bring gloves though. I also had a buff.

I ate more complex carbs the days leading up to the hike, then a homemade trailmix during the hike along with both water and honey sweetened green tea to drink. Nothing special about the trail mix, just cheaper to blend the low sodium nuts, raisins, and peanut m&m's. Lol I felt good, though I did get a little hungry on the way back down. I guess I don't have appetite problems at elevation anymore than at sea level.

I didn't bring gloves, but I wish I had. I'm probably different,but a t-shirt, jeans, and light rain proof jacket was all I needed for outer clothing.

here's what I brought for food:

• home made energy bars
• home made chocolate chip cookies
• bite sized snickers
• trail mix
• dried fruit
• Clif Shot Blocks

may have had mini baggels in there too

probably a few other items but that's the gist of it.

for clothing:
depends on the month, for my sept trip:

• light wt. long sleeve base layer
• light wt. fleese (polor teck 100)
• wind jacket
• fleece gloves
• beanie(wind proof)
• hiking pants
• tshirt(moisture wicking)
• hat

this was almost a tad light as there was a breeze and clouds which made it cool, would've been uncomfortable at the top had the clouds not gone away. this coming trip will likely bring a rain jacket and mid wt base layer.