Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Derby City Clydesdale Backpackers

Thanks to everyone on the message board for all the great information. The resource has been perfect for assisting with planning our Whitney climb / hike. I can’t begin to think about how much time I have spent reading all the advice and trip reports.

My friend and I have permits for the main trail starting next Monday 8/4. We plan to stay one night at outpost camp, one night at trail camp, summit on 8/6 and back to Outpost camp, and then exit on Thursday 8/7. I hope to get to meet some of you while on the trail or at the portal next week.

We are both over 220lbs and 6’4” so we are considered Clydesdales in the mountain biking world (200+ lbs). Are there any other Clydesdales out there who have made it to the top? If so, any suggestions for those of us who are living large?

Happy trails!

6'2" and 220(am I too short for a Clysdale?) and can still push a Whitney summit - even this year with a wounded foot. Follow the advice you read here and you will do fine.

I'm 6'3" and 270ish.My only advice is slow and steady my big brother.I've done the main trail twice,tried the MR once and didn't make it and made it up Thor Peak last month.Drink plenty of fluids,rest when you want or need to and enjoy the scenery.Good Luck.
Thor

I love that classification system. Did you know the women's equivalent for that is the "Athena" class? When I was running tri's it was for the women over 140 pounds.

I mean, that's like my leg...

I was hoping to start an "Amazon" class, and at 5'11" and 200 pounds, I think I could pull it off (best finish was 5th at the Catalina Tri-sprint distance).

I agree w/ Tom, watch and follow advice here, and do what feels right for you. You'll do well, and have a great time doin' it!

Here's to livin' large!!

-L

Hiking poles will save your knees. I am 6'4", 235 with over 30 summits via MT and MR. When I started using poles 8 years ago it made a significant difference in the post-hike knee pain and swelling. I have also hiked with people weighing in at 195 with 65-pound packs, so my 235 + 35 pound pack makes us equals as far as our feet and knees are concerned. Cut your pack weight down, do some training hikes and you should be successful with our hiking plan.