What gear rules come with a Mt. Whitney overnight permit, like WAG bags and bear canisters?

Two items are non-negotiable. First, a WAG bag: every bit of human waste in the Whitney Zone must be packed out, day hikers included, and rangers treat this seriously. Second, bear-resistant food storage is required for overnight trips, which in practice means a hard-sided canister sized for your trip length.

Beyond those, the zone rules worth knowing: no campfires anywhere in the Whitney Zone, dogs are prohibited on the Whitney Trail, group size caps at 15, and the permit is required year-round for travel beyond Lone Pine Lake at mile 2.8.

For the packing list itself, plan around three realities of the route. Water: Trail Camp at 12,039 feet is the last source, so you filter there and carry everything for the summit push, at least 4 liters per person. Cold: the summit can run 40 degrees Fahrenheit colder than Whitney Portal, so real insulating layers and a wind shell earn their weight even in August. Dark: nearly everyone starts the summit day by headlamp, so bring spare batteries.

Season matters too. June trips can find snow on the 99 Switchbacks, which turns trekking poles into ice axe and traction territory. If your lottery date landed in early season, check conditions before deciding what hardware to bring.