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Mount Whitney Overnight permit

Mt. Whitney Overnight Gear Checklist

What to carry on Mt. Whitney Overnight, and why. 4 items are written into the permit rules and 6 more are worth the pack space.

10Total Items
4Required
6To bring

What to bring on Mt. Whitney Overnight

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. 4 of these are written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    A bear-resistant container for the overnight

    Permit rule: “Bear-resistant containers are required for overnight trips”

  • Required

    A pack-out kit for solid human waste

    Permit rule: “All Mt. Whitney hikers are expected to pack out solid human waste”

  • Required

    A stove; campfires are banned in the Whitney Zone

    Permit rule: “Campfires are prohibited in the Mt Whitney Zone, and above 10,000 feet in the Kern River drainage of Sequoia National Park”

  • Required

    A California Campfire Permit, required to operate a stove

    Permit rule: “Campfires are prohibited in the Mt Whitney Zone, and above 10,000 feet in the Kern River drainage of Sequoia National Park”

  • Bring

    Sleeping gear rated for a camp at 12,000 feet

  • Bring

    Capacity to carry summit-day water from Trail Camp or Guitar Lake

  • Bring

    Trekking poles for the switchbacks under a pack

  • Bring

    Printed SEKI terms and conditions, required by Inyo for travel into Sequoia and Kings Canyon

  • Bring

    Downloaded maps

    cell coverage is limited and SEKI warns not to rely on phones

  • Bring

    Wind protection for Trail Camp, which has nothing to hide behind

15 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them so nobody carries two stoves.

Build a shared list

General backcountry gear

Kit we recommend for backcountry trips in general. This is not a checklist specific to Mt. Whitney Overnight — the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks rules for this permit are above.

🎒
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
🎒
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
🎒
Recommended
BearVault

BV500 Bear Vault

The most popular bear canister for Sierra backpacking. Fits 7 days of food.

2 lbs 9 oz7-day capacityapproved
$89.95
🎒
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
🎒
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Mt. Whitney Overnight

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Weigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • •Rent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • •Test all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • •Check current regulations as some items may be required seasonally.

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