Hey there, I'm former military and always want to post "After Action Reviews" (or AAR to all you vets out there) when I wrap up a big event like this. I didn't make the summit, so I wanted to share what worked for me and what clearly didn't, and maybe help a new guy/gal who has the opportunity to climb this beautiful mountain in the process. This is NOT hard and fast advice (not by any means) and just deals with the ground truth of the trek itself. Please keep in mind this wasn't a technical climb and was in late June 2016, so we had a lot going for us.
That being said, here are the top ten things I learned on Whitney (sorry that sounds so dirty):
1) Take care of your feet
A $10 pair of REI silk hiking sock liners and some broken in hiking shoes (Merrell Moab Ventilators) and my feet feel like nothing happened.
2) Pack as light as you can
My pack was about 45 lbs and I felt every pound the higher I went, but....
3) Give yourself a no BS assessment of what you need
I'd happily carry an extra 5 pounds of gear than be freezing or uncomfortable, which can ruin a trip quickly. Up to you.
4) Have wet weather gear at the ready
The weather is unpredictable, especially from 1-6 PM. It was gorgeous for most of our hike, but it was hailing on us for a few minutes towards Trail Camp at about 11000'. This link gives you different forecasts for each elevation (
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Whitney/forecasts/4418). Keep in mind Murphy's Law always says it's going to be colder and wetter than you think.
5) Be comfortable
I climbed in a pair of Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply cotton shorts and a Nike DryFit shirt. Not in the least technical but man I was comfy. No chafing or rubbing or anything. I dressed for the forecast (my legs never get cold, it's weird), and yes I know "cotton kills" but again, I went with what I knew and was prepared for a wet bottom/cut knees. That's just me, though. Keep in mind this was a comfortable, somewhat forgiving summer trek. Things get wet here quick, but dry quickly too.
6) XMREs are just as tasty now as they were in the Army
Plenty of calories and electrolytes, and you'll need them. A bit big but they have it all. No more Tabasco sauce anymore though!
7) Bring a water purifier
The last water spigot is at Whitney Portal and then you're on your own. You'll probably cross a few streams and there's a nice runoff lake at Trail Camp, but you'll need it. We had a Sawyer filtration pack and it was super easy to use. And keep drinking, I feel like a million bucks today, probably because I drank so much water.
8) Bring a spare for anything you absolutely need
Both my headlamp AND CamelBak shit the bed on day 2. Thankfully I had a flashlight and a 20 oz steel water bottle, but those two things breaking were huge and added to me failing to reach the summit. I brought a pair of Motorola walkie talkies with me which came in handy too, especially for larger groups.
9) Don't underestimated the altitude, but don't let it get into your head
I camped at Whitney Portal (about 8000') but should've started earlier and gone to Trail Camp (the last stop before summiting) at about 12000' the first day. Completely depends on you, but so unpredictable. This is totally a personal call. You're going to feel light headed, you're going to feel nauseous. Some water, ibuprofen and food (even when you're a little sick to your stomach) really did the trick. But if you're really getting the spins, having chest pains or heart palpitations and vomiting, I wouldn't press it (duh). I kind of wish I'd pressed a little harder given my condition (20/20 hindsight I know), but who knows. And meds are no guarantee of anything: a gal in our group had an awful reaction to the Diamox she took and was hurting barely an hour into the trip on day 1. She stopped taking it and summited with no problem on day 3.
10) Pay attention
You're probably not going to be sexually assaulted by a mountain lion or even see a bear. What's more likely is twisting an ankle or falling. Nothing hurts your body and pride more than walking miles on a hurt foot because you were stupid and didn't watch your step. Some trekking poles are a must for keeping your balance, but I saw a few people gabbing away, looking at the scenery whilst walking, and nearly snapped an ankle in the process, even with poles. If you want to take in the scenery, stop first.
I had a great time, and you will too. Get into your groove, go with the flow and give it a shot. You'll figure out the bear canister, "wag bag" and all that as you go, it's not difficult. Don't worry about it. That's it, just my ten cents on what happened this weekend. Good luck out there and stay safe!
Giff
