I use a Wild Ideas Bearikade Scout for my bear can. Seems to be the lightest that is legal. Steve, is Ursack back on the approved list?

Scout Specifications:

1 pound 12 ounces
9 inch diameter base by 8 inch length
500 cubic inch volume
A bit pricey though

I have used the night drop a couple times a year for the past 5 years when just doing Whitney, but they make me come in if I go ahead north (like to Onion Valley or farther). I've been fortunate to be able to snag permits that others have returned to the pool on many occasions. Thanks to Steve's writeup for making the various options clear.

The first time I went with my girlfriend in 2009. I way over packed (54 lbs) for every conceivable contingency despite being warned by plenty of examples on the other board and this board not to do so. It would make you belly laugh if you saw the list of stuff I put in and on my backpack (11 lbs of food for which I consumed about 8 oz).

All my subsequent trips I have soloed. I still always overpack (just not as bad), e.g. 34lb pack for 9 days and 8 nights, South lake to Whitney Portal including 2L of water. I never seem to be able to leave out the comfortable stuff, cameras, lenses, batteries, and way too much food.

When I just do Whitney, I carry a REI Flash pack to stuff what I need on Summit day. Basically just some stuff in case it rains, water, snacks, and extra camera batteries, most of which seem to always go unused.

I'm never in a hurry going from the Portal to Trail Camp. I stop and talk to people and take lots of pictures. I always find new things to look at. So, I typically take 5 to 6 Hrs including all stops. This includes usually an hour at Outpost and an hour at Trailside Meadow. I like hearing from people that are just finishing the JMT (half are eager to get pancakes the other half want burgers and fries).

I like to leave at 5AM for the summit so I can take sunrise pictures part way up the switchbacks. It usually takes less than 4 hours and I am a relatively slow hiker. I always plan to stay only an hour on the Summit and then usually end up spending a lot more. I then head down, pack up camp, and head down to the Whitney Portal store for a snack.

Then dinner at Seasons if I'm lucky.

Good luck Trident777 with your trip. It should be a blast.


Last edited by JimC; 04/16/15 01:14 PM.