I often get positive comments from other hikers as I go speeding past. I use a large lumbar pack with two water bottles in the side pockets. I can reach either bottle without removing the pack. That saves time.

--B.G.--

Lots of good advice above. You live at sea level like me (unless your east bay locale refers to Lake Tahoe) so your body's reaction to altitude will be your #1 concern for safety, enjoyment and summit success. I don't know how many days you will have at altitude before starting. If you've got 3 weeks and you're in great shape, you can run up the thing. With 5 days total on the trip you've got time to spend a day at 8300' Whitney Portal and if you're feeling good and your pulse is not elevated, take the 22 mile spur road off Whitney Portal Rd to the 10k' Cottonwood Lakes trailhead/campground. If you're the typical weekend warrior, then the "Bounce Climb Technique" will be your salvation.

Get to 8300' as soon as possible and chill out, drink lots of water and avoid diuretics like caffeine and alcohol. There is no such thing as an acclimation hike. It is a myth. Sit in camp and read or cath up on your needlework projects. Get to bed early and get up early enough so that you will be On The Trail at 3:29AM.

I've "bounced" that trail many times from sea level. If you're in shape and move fast, by the time AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) symptoms hit, you will already be on your way down. AMS symptoms respond quickly to elevation decrease. Be aware that the first 1.9 mile of your return hike will lose little elevation.

Trekking poles will save your knees on the 6200' descent. If used properly, like a x-country ski racer, they will also give your quads a major assist on the ascent. Don't use them like most hikers. Plant the tip behind your heel and extend your arm behind you. You will be amazed by the power boost. If you do this all day like I do, you will want light gloves to prevent blisters. I even take poles up the N Fork climber's approach to the base of the east face technical routes above Iceberg Lake.

Shells over your torso and legs will greatly increase the insulative value of your pants and shirt in a breeze. In strong winds they will save your life - even if they're not waterproof. I've seen snowfall every summer and fall month that I've been up there. Be prepared for bad weather or health and prepare your ego for a rapid descent whether you summit or not. Focusing on the journey, not the destination is key.

If you don't have time to acclimate, Diamox (acetazolamide) scrip from your Dr. will help alot. Start a few days before trip. It's a harmless non-steroidal diuretic that will help you to pee out alklai that accumulates from extra ventilations and restore your ph balance.

Have a great trip and post your TR

Already great advice so have fun and stop by Lone Pine Lake. One of my favorite places along the trail. Whitney is great. I'll be backpacking it via cottonwood lakes in September. I prefer taking my time allowing my body to acclimate and avoid headaches. The day hike is a fun experience though.

the only time I did Whitney was by the Mountaineer's Route and it was a total blast. I don't think I ever had to put my hand down so it's not a technical climb... more like a great scramble. The beaten path is pretty well established, but there is one tricky spot about 2 miles in that you'll need to research to find the way. My group was in great shape and well acclimated from working in the Sierras that summer, and we made it to the top in a little less then 4 hours.

if the snow hasn't started sticking by September and the forecast is good, I'd definitely consider it.

By which I mean, a few ounces of gear, more of less, won't effect your performance or your enjoyment nearly as much as your acclimitization (or lack thereof). Some of us do pretty well bouncing 14ers. Other get hit hard by it without multiple days at intermediate elevations. There's no way to know which you are without trying it.

The most helpful 12 hours in my experience is to spend a restful night at the 8,000+ foot trailhead. I bring my favorite tunes for sleeping to and/or a recording of white noise in case others are up late in the campground. And noise-cancelling headphones.

Two nights in advance is even better if you can schedule it.

My most fun going up? After leading a 9-day high Sierra backpacking trip. Down in the early afternoon, drive home to Berkeley that night. Fill up in Big Pine - Lee Vining isn't (at least wasn't) 24 hours gas and there's nothing in Yosemite until Big Oak Flat and Angels' Camp on the other side.

+1 for Robert's post on Gu.

Gu and other energy gels are specifically formulated for endurance athletes for quick assimimulation of simple carbs into the blood stream and to muscles while the body is under high cardio stress.

it's about the delivery and quick "burn" more than the total calories.