Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Which MW hike is the "easiest"?

Is the "day hike" the easiest short term (1-3 day) way to hike MWhitney?

I realize there are a multitude of opinions, and when I use the word "easiest," I don't mean "EASY" by any means.

I completed a two-day summit hike yesterday. Day 1: Portal to Trail Camp. Day 2: Trail Camp to summit, summit to TC, TC to Portal.

Nine years ago I made my first summit via a three day hike.
Day 1: Portal to TC. Day 2: TC to summit, summit to TC. Day 3: TC to Portal.

The two day hike seemed just a tad tougher, most likely due to going sixteen miles the second day, versus six miles on the last day of the three day hike. What both trips had in common was carrying a loaded pack the first and last six miles. On both trips, the hike from the Portal to TC with a loaded pack, really kicked my butt. The hike from TC to the summit was a welcome relief, as the light daypack felt like I was floating.

It seemed like the majority of the day-hikers I passed along the trail seemed to be having an easier go of it, versus the overnighters who carried a heavier load part way.

If I do the MW hike one more time, I would like to do a day hike. All factors (physical condition, weather, etc.) being the same, from those of you who have made multiple summits, what is your opinion of which is the "easiest"?