Hello all!

We are attempting the climb in 2 weeks. For 2 of our party members, it will be the first time, and 2 did the hike in their youth about 35-40 years ago.

Everytime we go camping, we always forget something, or realize that it 'would have been really nice to have' or forget the 'shoot! i left it at home'.

We are trying to avoid that.

Any recommendations on gear to bring?

Suggestions much appreciated!

Welcome Daniel! A good place to start reading is the Orientation Notes in the Feature Topics on the left.

Be sure to read up on acclimatization for the altitude.

You didn't say, but it sounds like you're doing the day hike, right?

Here is a link to another website (that is included in the Orientation Notes) with day hiking gear in mind.

Yes. It is a day hike. Thanks! (to both of you)

3 Things:

Vitamin I (Ibuprofen) before you start the hike can prevent swelling/pain/tissue damage.

Athletic tape wrapped around footish hot spots before blisters form will prevent pain & damage.

Family Band Radios work in Line of Sight - this means that the Geezers can tell you where they will be waiting for you. Or otherwise. Select a channel, turn them on and STFU until you really need to communicate. An incredibly useful resource when used sparingly, an incredibly irritating, nasty intrusion into the wilderness experience when used for idle chatter.

Keep your pack weight down.

Here's a link to Bob R's ultralight pack list -- it is for overnight backpacking, but the list of clothing and day-use items is very good.

Don't forget the headlamps.

Don't carry too much water, and know where to restock. Check out Bob R's pdf document: reliable water on the main Mt. Whitney Trail   Pictures (including a map) here.

A very good trail tested headlamp. This is usually where people skimp. It makes a difference in both safety and speed. I currently use a Black Diamond Spot, which I've used for night hikes a half dozen times or more.

One set of back-up batteries for the headlamp should also be considered.

CaT

I read that the best backup battery for a headlamp is one carried in a backup LED headlamp. (after all, they are very lightweight these days)

My partner could have used that advice on Orizaba once - all that fumbling around with a dead lamp, spare lamp, or bad connection, or whatever. He never could get it to work again and could have come to grief had not dawn crept around. Even on Whitney with a trail, it's nice to have 100% backup and, importantly, an easy turnkey method of making it work. Harvey

Paul Richins, Jr. has an excellent book on hiking Mt. Whitney, and it includes a very well-planned day hike pack checklist.

Good point, Harvey.
Although depending on one's budget, a couple of batteries are much cheaper than a good backup headlamp.

I carry extra batteries AND a Petzl E+Lite, which I keep with my compass. I've had head light go bad once or twice and forgotten them a few times, too. At 2 oz. it is a nice insurance policy.

All that said, the key to hiking at night is a very good light. You can use just about anything around camp.

Steve
You left off the list for Bob R's pack list.I have it saved some where and can't seem to locate it. A quick search on the WPS search function hasn't produce it yet.I know I have it somewhere.

Bob R has been summoned.  


Edit: Oops! I left out the LINK! Fixing it.

Found Bob R's post with the links to his lists in it.

CaT

Thanks CaT
I have now saved both lists where I know where to quickly find.
Thanks again Bob R.
Rod

Thank you all for the advice. Some of those would have been for sure left behind.

We are planning on bringing extra batteries, seeing as though our headlights have hardly been used.

Thanks all!

I carry an extra headlight and an extra set of batteries/ I have heard of the bulbs going bad. I also carry a few of those keychain led lights. Nothing worse than being a vitim of darkness.