Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board gear checklist

Ok guys, I am less than 5 days from my first trip up Whitney. We are going for a 1 day summit. Can anyone tell me a good all roung checklist of stuff to bring or not to bother bringing. I know there is no set checklist but things you would have liked to bring and didnt. Or things you humped up the 11 mile jont and should have left behind. Just making a final run to REI and want to make sure i got it all.
Oh ya, if anyone is going on the 4th lets meet up

leroux

Here's a starting point check list for a one day climb, add or subtract as you like (remember - no cotton):

Backpack
Hiking poles
Ice axe
Crampons
Jacket - shell or insulated
Base layer
Insulating layer
Boots
Wool/synthetic socks
Fleece/wool gloves
Wind/waterproof gloves
Warm hat
Sun glasses
Sunscreen and lip balm
Headlamp
trail food/snacks
Water pump or purification tablets
2 or 3 one-quart water bottles or bladder
Toilet paper/waste bags
First aid (moleskin)
Optional Equipment
Hiking shorts, t-shirt, Gaiters, knife, hiking/climbing pants, balaclava/neck gaiter, camera, and ball cap.

We plan to go up the MR on a day hike during the first week of August. Since REI has a 20% sale going on this weekend, I was wondering whether I need to buy a 50m rope along with its associated gear. It weighs 6 lbs and costs $150. Is it good insurance to have on the climb?

Unless you plan to climb one of the East Butress routes at the top of the MR, which are class 5, there is no need for a 50 M rope. Depending on the climbing skill of the people in your party, you may want to bring a shorter length (like 30 feet) of a light rope to a) lower packs going down the E ledges or b) provide some extra protection for people downclimbing the final chute near the summit. I've taken inexperienced climbers and teens on this route and brought rope and a harness along 'just in case', but never actually used it for climbing. I have used it to lower packs many times.

Don't bother with a comb.

Here's off the top of my head

Approx. 2,400 CI Pack w/ frame sheet and stay...because of winter gear
Shell & Shell Pants
Insulation Layer
Base Layer
Pants or Shorts
Waterproof/Breathable Gloves
Wicking Briefs
Merino Wool Socks and liners
Study Boots...which will accomadate the crampons you take
Polarize Sunglasses/Glacier Glasses
LED Headlight
Crampons
Ice Axe
High Gaiters
Trekking Poles
Lip Balm & Sunscreen
DEET...Maybe
Water Filter
3 to 4 L of Water Storage
First Aid Kit Lite
Repair Kit Lite
Food & Electrolyte Replacement...3,000 Calories +/-
TP & Shovel
Maps...7.5' Quads
Compass

If I'm missing anything please fill in the blanks.

Bill

thanks guys. I got all my stuff layed out and ready to pack. I plan on driving up thursday and hiking the first 3 miles or so to lonepine lake. Just to see what ill be getting into at 230 am. Hope take some good photos. Thanks for all the advise

Leroux

Good lists above, but I'd subtract the TP and shovel from the second in favor of TP and waste bags listed on the first.