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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6
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We are hiking Whitney this weekend. What are the weather conditions at the summit? The weather report for White Mountain shows daytime high of 50. I saw a recent post that described the winds last weekend as miserable. Do the winds create a wind chill factor? Not sure if we need down jackets or just a fleece jacket or vest.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 59
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Summitted last weekend. We got to trail crest at dawn, and it was very cold and windy. I was a little chilly, but fine wearing a windbreaker with a fleece liner, gloves, and a wool hat to cover the head and ears. It warms up quickly as the sun rays spill over the ridge. By the time we got back to trail crest after summitting, I was down to short sleaves and the jacket and winter hat was in my pack.
I would think a down coat would be overkill at this time of year, but would recommend more than just a vest.
At the coldest it ever got, I would estimate the air temperature was around 20 degrees, and the wind chill made it feel close to 0 degrees. Just my guess though. There was a little ice on the switchbacks, so I'm sure it was below freezing.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,309
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It always is a good idea to bring a variety of light weight clothing since you never know if it is going to be cloudy or sunny at the top. Polypropylene underwear has a good dynamic range since it wicks away moisture. Be prepared to cover your head and hands. If you acclimate at the Portal, you can also get last minute reports from hikers hanging out by the WP store in the late afternoon.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Thanks for the feedback. Have a happy holiday.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 49
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Just wondering...what brands of clothing use polypropylene? I have been to Sport Mart, Sport Chalet, and Patagonia looking and can't seem to find any clothing made with this? There are however, many types made with polyester...Will this work the same?? I have been reading all the posts on this site religously to prepare for my first Whitney hike in Oct. I hike often in SoCal, but not usually in the cold and just want to make sure I have the best protection. I don't want to be one of those unprepared hikers that you find along the trail!
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 185
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KimS
Best source I've found is REI.If you don't have a store nearby,go there online.Everything you could possibly need,they'll have it.Very informative.
"Atleast I have a Peak named after me"
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Kim,
I'd guess you live near LA (listing those three particular shops). If that's the case, REI in Manhattan Beach is having a BIG Labor day weekend sale. I'm not sure what's on their list, but it could be worth checking out. Also, let me re-emphasize the importance of a hat. Even if you only think you'll need shorts and a vest, bring a hat fleece or wool hat that covers the ears. It won't take up much space, and can almost provides as much warmth as a sweater.
As for polypro - it's just one type of synthetic, and usually is used as a blanket term for any synthetic underwear, be it Capilene (Patagonia), polyester, or some poly/wool blend. They all work fine, just avoid cotton in the mountains. Have a fun trip!
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Joined: Jul 2003
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Kim,
I bought my Capilene (Patagonia) underwear at Sport Chalet (I had to find it in their winter sports section upstairs) and at REI. REI had the best selection.
Fred
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Thanks everyone! I made the trek to REI (1 hour drive) and it was WELL worth it...they are very knowlegedgable! I have spent all of my life hiking/skiing, etc. in cotton...I'm hiking tomorrow to try out all my new stuff! Thanks again!
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Joined: Aug 2004
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This posting may be a little late for you MC but we (my wife, daughter and I) summited 9/1/04 @ 12:30 PM.It was a windy and chilly hike.Windbreaker jacket with wool cap, gloves and fleece liner.Perfect for the conditions. We pealed off layers as we warmed and put them back on as we cooled,as usual.Later in the day the wind increased significantly and at @ 4:30 pm as we got back to Trailcamp we spent a VERY windy night in our tents.It also hailed that night. The Lone Pine Rangers told us it blew 45mph with occasional gusts to 60mph. We didn't get a lot of sleep that night ! I was concerned this could be a frontal wind to a storm system. As it turned out it snowed 4" later on Friday 9/3/04.I'm amazed at the number of hikers in tennis shoes and tanktops with only a bottle of Gateraid in hand. I would not put my wife and daughters wellbeing at risk by being so unprepared for the possible changes in weather.I was considering the purchase of a lighter tent on the way up but was grateful I had that heavy duty Mtn. Hardware Hammerhead 2 during that windy night.Our entire trip was an awesome expierience and because we spent a good deal of time preparing for the trip, we had a blast! We smoked the trail(compared to last year). We properly acclimated,ate well(mostly real food), physically conditioned ourselves by training with heavy packs and had the right equipment for the Mtn. We saw a couple of bears down low and even passed a naked hiker(very inconsiderate!) One more thing...I would like to express my gratitude to Doug for this message board and the friendly helpful staff at the WPS. Thanks ..WS
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