[quote=63ChevyII.com][quote=wbtravis]
The DWR treated 800-fill power down is a good choice. Keep it a thin one - not a winter parka. Any insulation layer should never be used in rain or snow without a waterproof shell layer anyway. They all lose effectiveness when wet. And this combo is too warm to climb in, so the insulation layer is for camp or sleeping or perhaps hiking down the mountain. Keep your shell layer light and as breathable as possible - this and a good base layer will keep you comfortable when active in almost any situation. You won't be wading any deep crossings on MMWT, but for general purposes, I'd buy a dedicated waterproof stuff sack (Summit-to-Sea sil-nylon or similar ultralight version) for insulating and base layer clothing, or use a trash compactor pack liner - worse case is probably having to hike through an afternoon thunderstorm. Most likely it will clear up for sunset, which is a common weather pattern, if you get any "weather" at all in July. This system will work fine in a freak snow storm - which is a remote possibility. Don't forget a thin (fleece or similar) hat and gloves - they add a ton of warmth for chilly mornings or evenings. Think light layers and accessories.
Lots of different opinions about the bear canister. I agree with WBT that the Ursack is a great alternative, but you may want to rent a canister for $5 instead - when you pick up your permit. They rent the Garcia model, which is a little heavy, but it may make the most sense. Depends on your longterm needs - do some research on this thread and elsewhere.
Clothing is personal. I regularly hike with less on than most...especially native Californians. However, I do come more prepared than most because I have seen some pretty wild weather in the Mt. Whitney area. Thunder, lightning, rain like what Noah saw, snow in summer and temperatures colder than any winter hike I been on.
I always suggest you bring extra this and that to the trailhead...and I know this is difficult for those who are traveling by air. This way you have choices.
As for down, I mentioned sewn through construction that is used on my jacket and all the "puffies" that are popular today. Those needle holes negate any W/B fabric used. Also, if you wear these jacket for hours and sweat them up, they will fail because the feather are wet with sweat.
As for the Ursack, if this is one and done, rent a canister. However, you intend to backpack extensively in areas where the Ursack is legal, buy one. If you feel uncomfortable with an Ursack and want something light weight spend the big bucks on a carbon fiber composite Bearikade. This canister is weekender is size but solo in weight. This is the canister I use when going into areas where the Ursack is verboten.
Any cold day or midnight run to the summit, requires 2 pairs of gloves because one will wet out on the way to the summit leaving it useless when you stop. I had a pair get frost layer on it while it was a rock and I was eating a Clif Bar at 14,000' one morning on the Mt. Whitney Trail.
