Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board hiking sticks on MR below Iceberg Lake?

Would I be wasting my efforts taking hiking sticks up the Mountaineer's Route below Iceberg Lake? I tend to use my hands a lot for rock scrambling, and perhaps the sticks would be a pain.

Thanks,
L

90% of the trip up to Iceberg lake is plain walking: walking up steep hills, around boulders etc. There are not that many places up to Iceberg lake (maybe 10%) where you will need your hands. So, if you like hiking poles take them. You will have plenty of chance to use them.

I would strongly recommend taking a hiking stick or trekking pole. The return trip is extremely hard on your knees and most of the terrain is very un-even trail. You'll want the added advantage of a pole for balance.

I agree with Tom C and Spiderman (and I'm sure I'd agree with Superman if he chimed in).

Bring the poles - particularly if they are telescopic. You'll need them quite a bit, and when you don't, just slide 'em in and pack 'em away.

I always recommend hiking poles on the mountaineers route. They are especially useful during the stream crossings below the E Ledges if you are carrying a heavy pack. I agree with the comment that telescoping poles are best so that you can put them in/on your pack when starting the E Ledges and on the scramble just below Iceberg Lake. You will really appreciate them on the way down.

Thank you for the feedback. I'll definitely bring my telescoping Lekis when I try the MR. Now, if I could only do something about the freezing weather that's supposed to hit this weekend...

L