Skip to content
Back to Mt. Whitney Day

Mt. Whitney Day Gear Checklist

Everything you need for your Mt. Whitney Day adventure. 1 required items and 1 recommended items.

2Total Items
1Required
1Recommended
🎒
Required
BearVault

BV500 Bear Canister

Required for wilderness areas with bear activity

2 lbs 9 ozrequiredfood-storage
$79.95
🎒
Recommended
Nemo

Nemo Hornet Elite 2P

Ultralight 2-person tent perfect for backpacking

2 lbsultralightbackpacking
$449.95

Gear Tips for Mt. Whitney Day

⚠️ Required Gear

  • •WAG bag (human waste bag) for packing out waste
  • •Headlamp with extra batteries (pre-dawn start essential)
  • •Minimum 4 liters of water
  • •Warm layers (temperatures can be 40°F colder at summit than trailhead)
  • •Rain/wind jacket

✓ Recommended Gear

  • •Trekking poles (invaluable for the rocky trail and 99 Switchbacks)
  • •Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses (intense UV at altitude)
  • •High-calorie snacks and electrolyte replacement
  • •Altitude medication (Diamox) if prone to altitude sickness
  • •Emergency bivy/space blanket

💡 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.

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase gear through these links, PermitSnag earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in. This helps us keep the lights on and continue building tools to help you get into the backcountry.