Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Am I going to be miserable this weekend?

Hi Guys,

First time whitney hiker, going to start up on saturday and spend the night at trail camp. Me and my buddy have 20 degree synthetic north face cats meow bags. Forecast says the summit is around 4 degrees..... Are we going to be miserable all night? We're taking a 3 season tent and will prob wear our fleece jackets to bed.



Also any thoughts of snow accumulation? Should we take up our crampons?

Sorry for the last minute questions.

Thanks in advance
Kevin

my rule of thumb is to take a bag rated about 15 degrees cooler than actual temperature. i sleep cold though. my guess is your bag will be enough to keep you alive but you will be uncomfortable.

haha well.... I guess as long as I stay alive right?

The summit's a lot colder than Trail Camp, keep in mind.

Just have some warmer clothes that you can wear in your sleeping bag if you're really cold. And hope that your hiking buddy likes to snuggle.

Last year at the end of June or so, my son, his scout troop and I hiked to the peak via Horseshoe (west side), and hit the peak for the sunrise. It was literally the COLDEST I've ever been. Beautiful experience, and one that my 13 yr old will remember for ever, but I was glad I had a son to snuggle with as we were both FREEZING in the hut, trying to warm up before heading back to Trail Crest. My batteries in my camera were zapped of any power--I had to warm them up under my armpit for about 15 minutes for them to have enough juice to snap a few pics.

Enjoy the trip!!!

If the low at the summit is 4* F then Trail Camp should be about 14* F. A well regarded 20* F bag should be ok, if you are supplementing it with some warm clothing.

If you are bring crampons; you should be bringing an axe.

If you bring crampons and an axe, you should bring a helmet.

Hi It is 23 at the Portal and snowing ,high winds in the valley and on the crest all day Friday, as this systems moves out we will again have winds . Trailcamp is closer to the summit than Outpost and a better location to check gear functions .Thanks Doug

Thanks guys, will report when I get back and if things get to crazy will turn around if necessary.

-Kevin

anyone know how cold it was at trail camp last night ? We made it up around 5:30 barely as the storm got stronger and covered the trail.

Possibly the most miserabl and cold I've been:) didnt get much sleep and woke up to maybe 3-4 inches of new snow. Lake was frozen over so had to break it with a rock.


Didn't make it to summit but had fun

get a -20 bag. i use mine in the fall and get constant ridicule, lol. however, when i am nice and tosty and get a full nights sleep it makes it all worth it. plus, -20 down bags are as light or almost as light as 0 or 5 degree synthetics.
maybe i am just a wuss but i like to be warm

Im down with Fuji Dude. I stayed the nite at upper boy scout lake oct,11 the lowest temp recording I got (with wind chill) was 7.6 Degrees. I figured, well if it REALLY gets cold Ill be Glad I brought it (-20 bag)..........actually I was a little warm.Always have more insurance than you think you need, when Mother nature is really bringing the fury.

As they say, the best 0* F bag is a -20* F one.

I'd advise you don't scrimp on the clothes. Bring an extra set for sleeping...which mean you get into the bag with dry clothes on. Power Stretch top, bottoms, balaclava plus dry heavy wool socks and possibly vest. This is how I would supplement a 3 season bag in colder than rated temperatures.

Who sleeps at 12,000', anyhow?