Rent backpacking Gear for a Mt. Whitney summit (2)

Mt Whitney Camping Gear

Mount Whitney is the highest summit in the contiguous United States with an elevation of 14,505 feet, and is a very popular destination/event for hikers and backpackers to knock off their "to-do-someday" list. It is located at the boundary between California's Inyo and Tulare counties in the beautiful Sierras. The summit is the southern terminus of the John Muir Trail which runs 211.9 miles from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. (see a trip report on the JMT by the owner of LowerGear)

The most popular route to the summit is by way of the east-side Mount Whitney trail which starts at Whitney Portal, 13 miles from Lone Pine. This hike is about 22 miles round trip with an elevation gain of over 6,100 feet. You can also reach the summit from the west side approach accessed from the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails. Permits are required year round, and to prevent overuse a limited number of permits are issued by the Forest Service between May 1st and November 1st.

Some hikers make the up-and-back trek in the same day, but if you want to camp overnight during the trip, we have everything you need. Bear canisters, lightweight tents, sleeping bags and packs, trekking poles and more. We can ship to your home before your trip, or even have the gear waiting for you in Lone Pine if you prefer. If you'd like advice about your upcoming Whitney hike give us a call.... I've been up and down it several times, and will be glad to share some pointers. Below is a selection of some of the gear you might need, or to see a complete list, click here)