California – Mt. Whitney Gear List

Mt. Whitney Gear List – 7 things you must have

1. Comfortable Hiking Boots

Being able to walk 22-miles starts with your feet. Make sure you have hiking boots/shoes that you know will serve you well. They could be with ankle support or perhaps you like the flexibility of a trail running shoe. Either way, start breaking in your hiking boots as soon as you can! Ideally they are already broken in, but if not try to take them for all your training hikes. For the Mt. Whitney Hike, I had Keen shoes, which I liked for the large toe box and ankle support. Since then, I’ve experimented with trail runners and really like the flexibility. Check out the following options:

• What I wore: Keens Logan Mid which are sadly no longer available. I now wear the Keen Targhee IV. However, when updating these links, the Keen Hightrail Mid is also looking super cute. For me, Keen boots tend to be comfortable right out of the box and last for years.
• Alternatively: My friend who did most of the PCT only wears trail runners and I have a pair of Solomons that are also great because they are so light and flexible. In 2026, I switch back and forth between the two depending on the hike. Check out trail runners at REI, and I’ve heard good things about the brand Altra.
• An inexpensive option: Columbia Newton Ridge, which is also at Backcountry. I’ve tried these and they are fine hiking boots, however, I did find them to be particularly hot. It will be espeically important for you to try them out and break these in during your training hikes.

2. Quality Socks

Again, comfort is key here. I opted for thick socks with a bit of cushion with a thin sock liner to protect from blisters. The thinking with two socks is that your socks will then rub together instead of you foot rubbing against your shoe. It might sound crazy to wear a wool sock, but they actually pull moisture away from your feet, dry quickly, and are antimicrobial. I’ve had the same REI Co-op socks for years and they have totally stood the test of time, so here are some options:

• REI Thick Socks: EcoMade midweight or Marino Wool midweight
• REI Sock Liners: EcoMade (this is what I have), Silk (I’d be curious to try these), or Marino Wool
• Other brands to look at: Darn Tough, Smartwool

Which-ever brands you decide to get, be sure to test your socks on your training hikes.

3. Headlamp

For your 3:00 am start time. As I mentioned in the breakdown of the hike, it was surreal to see little lines of headlamps during the first section of switchbacks. I think it’s ALWAY good to pop a headlamp in my backpack, even when I’m just doing a casual day – JUST in case. And while you’re at it, bring extra batteries.

• Black Diamond is the classic brand that I’m familiar with and the Spot 400 is a solid choice. Make sure you choose one that had the red light!
• The Petzl Actik Core has a rechargeable battery – very cool! It also gets very good reviews.

4. Day-Pack

For your day pack, you’ll want something that’s big enough to all of your snacks, water, and layers for the day. But I wouldn’t suggest going too big because it’s so easy to overpack, and also don’t want to be going overboard with gear. I also highly recommend something with a hip-belt, so it’s not all on your shoulders. I used a hand-me-down and very old 22-liter Patagonia model with chest and hip straps. For a day-hike, I think 22 – 35 L is a good range to aim for. Here are a few newer models:

• Patagonia: Take a look at Patagonia’s technical hiking backpacks to ensure there is a hip and chest belt.
• Osprey: Osprey is a reputable brand with an overwhelming selection.
• Gregory: I did a review of the Gregory Maya 10, which I would say is far too small for Mt. Whitney. But I’m really liking the features and brand. Check other Gregory Packs at REI or directly at Gregory.

5. Hydration Bladder

Some people prefer carrying water bottles while others use a hydration bladder. Either way, you need to be drinking a ton of water to combat the effects of altitude. For me, the ease of accessing the tube meant that I would drink water more often.

• I’ve been using the 3-Liter Osprey Hydraulics Hydration Reservoir for years and like the stiff backing. Get the bite cover, so you’re not worried every time you put you pack down.
• Another well-rated option might be the Gregory 3D Hydro Reservoir, which has a handle for easy refilling.

6. Water-Filter

A water filter is another thing you should always have around, so you can top up on water whenever you find a good water source. Now that I’ve been backpacking, I’m way more familiar with water filtering, but we needed it on Mt. Whitney. I know it sounds crazy, but I had 5 liters of liquid and still ran out. It was critical that we filtered water on the way down. Don’t put yourself in a bad position.

• The classic water filter that I’ve had for years is the Sawyer system. I will make a note to TEST it out before you hit the trails — I had it back up and not work when I didn’t clean it properly. I’d also recomment going for the new, more expensive squeeze bag system. Those flat crinkly bags that come in the original system are difficult to fill and squeeze. I’m so glad they finally addressed this issue.

7. Toilet Paper and extra baggie

They will give you a pack for solids, but it’s always good to have extra toilet paper for your nature pees. Just be sure to PACK IT OUT!!! I will personally come hunt you down if I hear that you left “biodegradable” toilet a paper out in nature.

• Toilet Paper at REI or take a look on Amazon
• For a eco-friendly alternative, consider the Kula Cloth. It’s an antimicrobial cloth that you can re-use. This might sound crazy to day-hikers, but as I’ve gotten more into backpacking, I realized the waste of toilet paper. Keep an open mind, even if you’re not ready for this step yet.