Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports Day hike supplies

I might be crazy but next summer I plan to attempt to hike Whitney in 10 - 12 hours ( round trip ). Minus the time I spend at the summit. This will not be my first time up the mountain however its been more than 10 years since I last made the trip.

I'm in pretty good shape already. I currently run 15 - 20 miles a week on steep mountainous terrain and I plan to train like hell until the trek.

I'm trying to get my supplies together. I'm just wondering what the minimum amount of supplies I need to take. I want to keep the weight to a minimum but I definitely don't want to get into trouble.

WATER
I will have a micro filter and Iodine so I don't have to carry all my water for the entire trip but I know that on the final push to the top and there probably wont be anyplace to get water until I get back down. Whats the minimum amount of water I need to be able to carry? Will 4 liters be enough?

FOOD
I understand I will be burning a lot of calories climbing the mountain that fast. By my estimate I could be burning over 10k kCals. I know it would be hard to carry and eat that many calories while on the trail. How many calories do you think I should pack? What kind of foods have the best calorie to weight ratio? It needs to be easily digested and non-dairy

FIRST AID
I am an Eagle Scout. I know that accidents happen, and attempting this climb at such a quick pace increases the chances of my having an accident. I realize I wont be the only person on the mountain but I don't want to have to rely on strangers who may or may not have come prepared. I plan to bring a handful bandages a roll of gauze, medical tape, an ace bandage, some mole skin for blisters, Ibuprofen, Imodium an astronaut blanket and crazy glue. Is there anything else I should put in my First Aid Kit? Is there anything on this list I should leave behind?

Any other things I'm missing?

Thanks in advance.

Thomas, good luck on the fast speed. You are trying to copy what eje67 did -- here's his trip report: [url=Main Mount Whitney Trail, 7/8/14 solo day hike]Main Mount Whitney Trail, 7/8/14 solo day hike[/url]

I did the hike in similar times about 30 years ago, and I attribute it to being in really great aerobic shape. I ran 3 distance workouts (about 4 miles) a week: once a week ran laps around the outer rim of a football stadium, including climbing above the stands on each side, descending to street level at each end; once a week included some weight training, then running six flights of stairs 12 times -- maxed out aerobic conditioning. I could run a 6-minute mile back then.

You can read my comments about the water in that thread. Take at least 3 liters from Trail Camp. Bob R hides one at Trail Crest for the trip down. Use bottles so you know how much you have left. Suck on candy (I like Everlasting Gobstoppers and shot blocks) to help the dry mouth.

As for food: Take granola bars, trail mix, shot blocks, candy, maybe sardines in oil (with a flour tortilla is my favorite). Peanut butter and jelly are hi-calorie (again with a flour tortilla). Every hour, eat a snack and drink about a pint. The altitude may kill your appetite above the switchbacks, so be sure you eat lots early on. Electrolyte tabs really help too.