Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Trail Camp Etiquette Question

What is proper etiquette (for lack of a better term) for camping at Trail Camp? That is, I would like to stay overnight, then summit during the day, and stay another night at Trail Camp (to recuperate). Is this considered inappropriate because it is blocking space for others to set up camp?

Another question: Is it typical for one to safely leave a heavy backpack behind, and summit with a "summit pack"? Or is it required or expected that one lug everything to the summit and back? Any advice on keeping the summit load light is welcome.

Rob

taking your gear with you to top out? that's insanity bro. before i would have thought you could leave all extraneous gear at camp while you summit with it guaranteed to be there when u return, but i was recently the victim of theft at the portal so my opinions are a little different now. that being said i would still assume that you're gear will almost certaintly be safe at camp, all bad apples aside. and i don't think anyone would think of it as selfish to stay the night after you summit to chill out...

Nothing is 100% safe but I feel more secure about my stuff being left unattended at Trail Camp than at Whitney Portal.

Trail Camp isn't Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp in Yosemite where you need a reservation. It's first come; first serve for as long as you want to stay.

As Vinze says it's insanity to consider taking your things with you to the summit.

Bill

Thanks. You have answered my questions. I appreciate it much.

Rob

Rob,
The type of animals you encounter at Portal are far different than the ones who hike the miles with a pack on to trail camp. Most thefts are crimes of opportunity. If one hikes to trail camp to "create" an opportunity, he is a serious klepto.
Joe

rw94132 - Note that you can stay at Trail Camp only as long as your permit allows. With the quota, you can't be taking anyone else's spot as long as you don't overstay your permit.

We never take all of our gear to the summit. We leave as much behind as we can. That last 2000 feet is rigorous even with a light daypack. Many people do exactly what you are suggesting...1 day to trail camp...1 day to the top...and then 1 day back to the car.

Don't leave your stuff out in the open though. Keep the valuable stuff packed away. I suppose people could rip off your stuff, but it has never happened to me.

In July, 2001, my son and I did just that itinerary...Portal to Trail Camp, summit with day packs, Trail Camp back to Portal in 3 days. (Had a 4-day permit in case of weather problems, but summitted on the second day, so headed back down the third day.)

We left the tent set up with our sleeping bags, etc., in the tent. Backpacks were stacked together with a large trash bag over them for rain protection (needed it). Food and "smellables" (i.e. toothpaste, etc.) were in a bear can away from our campsite.

Nothing was bothered...when you're already 6 miles and 4,000' up the trail, not many people are going to lug stolen goods that far back down! Trip report under the "highpointing" section of my <a href="http://www.mtritter.org">WWW site</a>.

Thanks again. I have a permit for 3d. 2n., so I am in good shape to take it easy.

A friend and I hiked too the top and back almost nonstop. We began at 11:30 at night and retuned to the car the following morning at 12:30

why the late start? or is that a really early start?

You're far more likely to have a marmot go through your pack at Trail Camp than any person.

My experience is to always leave your tent open so the m'mots don't eat through the fabric (though, I've never actually seen them do it yet)
... that's what I've always been advised.

But I've heard storied how they'll sometimes go in and then leave ... well, let's just say, they'll leave their "calling card". ...

(marmot k'bab, anyone?)

... but just go ahead and leave your humble abode right where you left it.