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Mt. Whitney permit

Mt. Whitney Day Gear Checklist

What to carry on Mt. Whitney Day, and why. 1 item is written into the permit rules and 9 more are worth the pack space.

10Total Items
1Required
9To bring

What to bring on Mt. Whitney Day

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

  • Required

    WAG bag (human waste bag) for packing out waste

    Permit rule: “WAG bag required—all human waste must be packed out”

  • Bring

    Headlamp with extra batteries

    pre-dawn start essential

  • Bring

    Minimum 4 liters of water

  • Bring

    Warm layers

    temperatures can be 40°F colder at summit than trailhead

  • Bring

    Rain/wind jacket

  • Bring

    Trekking poles

    invaluable for the rocky trail and 99 Switchbacks

  • Bring

    Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses

    intense UV at altitude

  • Bring

    High-calorie snacks and electrolyte replacement

  • Bring

    Altitude medication (Diamox) if prone to altitude sickness

  • Bring

    Emergency bivy/space blanket

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 Day — 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 Day

💡 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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