This Is What It Feels Like To Climb Mt. Whitney

Off-topic from my usual videos, I climbed the summit of Mount Whitney for the first time with a couple of my best friends. Mount Whitney is 14,505 feet tall, and is the tallest peak in the continental United States. We climbed it in one day.
We started at the "Whitney Portal" trail head out of Lone Pine, CA and hiked to the summit and back in the same day. We started at 3:00 am and got back about 16 hours later. Our summit time was about 11:30. The day hike was about 22 miles round trip and 8000 feet of elevation gain.
A little personal background, although this channel is mostly about my hobby woodworking, I am a full-time firefighter and wedding photographer with a wife and two kids. I've been best friends with David since 2nd grade. David is in the Army, and has two kids with his wife Kathleen, who also hiked with us and is a total bad ass.
David mentions my brother in law "Kirby" toward the end of the video, and I'm realizing that he kinda makes it sound like someone died LOL! We wish Kirby could have come with us but he is totally fine and couldn't make it due to his work load.
We all had our challenging moments during the hike between our foot problems, knees, and altitude sickness. I started thinking about my two young boys toward the top and turned into a bit of a emotional wreck. The altitude sickness was definitely getting to me at that point, but I decided to keep that raw and vulnerable moment in the video despite the brutal comments that are sure to follow, because it was honest.
This video was made completely with the footage from our two iPhones and one small gorilla pod.
Gear:
My pack is an Osprey Manta AG 36:
www.rei.com/pr...
Find me on Instagram @weberwoodshop

[@gauravleonheart]

Blessed to ascent this 17 times. Felt along the same lines every time and will be 18th time next month on 31st birthday.

[@ShootersOutdoors]

When are you heading?? I Live in CA about 5 hours from there and planning a trip!

[@jaydenlundie9572]

If u dont mind me asking what kind of training do u recommend for this

[@matrimonials_ai]

Jayden Lundie. There are two aspects of training, mental and physical. Physical can be handled at - stair-masters in gym, hiking ~10-16 miles hikes every other week., push-ups and lifting 20-30 pounds for shoulder and back strength. For mental, get comfortable with gear, process etc, every time your mind pushes you to give up, you build endurance to go atleast a bit more.

[@XJarhead360]

@@jaydenlundie9572 AJ G gave you some sound advice. The long conditioning hikes are important. Despite all your training you don't know how your body will react at altitude. Hydration is IMPORTANT or you will bonk at some point on the trail. Go at your own pace not your friend's. Take short rest stops of 5 minutes or less. AND enjoy the views. You will get stoked at Trail Crest.

[@josuetrey2338]

i realize I am quite randomly asking but does anybody know of a good website to stream newly released tv shows online?

[@pinaleta]

Wow. I just hiked Mount Whitney two weeks ago. I’m 67 years old and took my time with another buddy. We also are from Santa Cruz! We stayed at outpost camp, then trail camp, summited, and then headed back down. It was great, and we had no problems at all. Weather was perfect and I guess we conditioned really well because there was no problem with the altitude which totally surprised me. I certainly had an afterglow for two weeks. I enjoyed your video and it makes me feel really proud of the accomplishment.

[@daviddraghici1758]

The part where you write the text above your semi-slurred speech was BRILLIANT

[@weberwoodshop]

HAHA thanks!

[@Beesaida9278]

@@weberwoodshop threeth lol

[@emiliabaltazzar8150]

One of the Best Whitney videos I have seen. Congrats to you all!

[@weberwoodshop]

emilia baltazzar thank you!!!

[@CeeLiberty]

I hear of many hiking Mt. Whitney in one day. That's incredible! I feel so fortunate to have done Whitney twice camping at Trail Camp for two nights. We took our time. Both trips were awesome...I wanted so badly to hike down to Guitar Lake but my group was too exhausted. Congrats on your hike!!!!

[@Zdunchyk]

I know that feeling. Reaching the top of high mountain is extremely emotional and one of the most satisfying things you can do. I felt this when i first time visited Giewont. Cheers from Poland.

[@ScottyBrunton]

I summited Mount Whitney in 1968 when I was 17 years old. There were nine in my party and only two of us made it to the top. We left our pack at the sign post saying Crabtree Meadow one way and mount Whitney the other. We had already covered approximately 90 miles as we came in from Sequoia National Park. I'm 71 years old now and as stated in this video I have not forgotten it nor will I ever! I'm proud to say I made it. I have to hand it to these guys for being able to walk at that altitude and talk into the camera. I do not believe that I talked to my friend until we got to the summit! Congratulations to anyone in Summits Mount Whitney! You guys put out a terrific video thank you for sharing.

[@txrngrsftw]

Dude...by far my favorite Mt. Whitney video that I’ve seen. Driving to Lone Pine tomorrow with my brother and hopping on the trail Tuesday morning💪

[@jimkanzelmeyer7722]

"This is about fighting back"... and then there was covid! An excellent exercise in fighting back in our modern life! Well done all.

[@weberwoodshop]

This trip was way before Covid. Thanks though!

[@amateurhouradventures]

One of the best videos Ive seen of Whitney! Looking forward to getting out there now to do this!

[@braxtonthompson]

This is definitely the best Mt. Whitney video on KZbin! My brother and I hiked Whitney in may of this year and it is an amazingly unforgettable experience. Im glad you can hold onto this memory forever. I love your woodworking videos, but I love these types of videos, too! Keep up the great work.

[@weberwoodshop]

Thank you that means a lot!

[@Paddlesurfer32566]

This was awesome to watch and highly motivational! Thank you for sharing!

[@1948painter]

Really enjoyed the video--excellent videography and editing. The video brought back memories of my one-day Mt. Whitney hike back in early August 1977 when I was 30--good trail all the way, just a matter of endurance and then a great feeling reaching the summit. I used to hike up Colorado fourteeners, but I haven't done any hiking in 25 years. My legs certainly are not as strong as they used to be, but I'm trying various exercises to regain strength with the hope of maybe going back to Colorado next summer.

[@weberwoodshop]

David Simpson awesome! Thanks for the kind words! Good luck with your next hike.

[@tararyan5]

I began crying when I first saw the the cabin at the top. I’m not a cryer! 🥲😎

[@weberwoodshop]

Sorry lol

[@djAnakin]

Congrats!! This is a once in a lifetime achievement! Two things: 1. I'm always amazed that the top of whitney is just a pile of big rocks.. it's not a solid mountain. 2. I've always wanted to climb whitney. I'm only about 2 hours away (you passed my town on the way). When I was a teenager my scout troop hiked it, but I hurt my ankle and had to sit at Trail Camp all morning until the rest of them made it up and back down. This makes me want to try again.. of course, i'm 25 years older now and would probably die. Great video!

[@edhaynes4107]

I made my first attempt in 2015 - the day of the hike a blizzard hit. I tried again in 2016 but altitude sickness got me just before Trail Crest. I tried again in 2017 going the long route behind the mountain. I was overweight and my pack too heavy. I didn't allow enough time. This year I lost weight, dropped my pack weight and for two days I hiked twice as far in the back country and set up camp half as exhausted as with the previous year. I was ready for the ascent the next day. I had some tuna with tartar sauce before bed. I had food poisoning the next day. I couldn't eat and could hardly move but after a couple of days I figured I had better head on out. It took three days - no food and sick the entire hike out with the full weight of all the food I had brought. I'm 71 years old and it gets harder each year but I'm not giving up yet. I'll be back in 2019! Listen to this old man - You won't die. Give the climb another try.

[@CeeLiberty]

My dad hiked it a second time at 57. You can do it!

[@Skyclub12]

What an inspiring video! We hike Mt Whitney vicariously through you.Thanks for sharing your experience, your journey and your triumph. Congratulations for making it to the top and getting back safely!

[@usmclongrangebrainsurgeon]

I failed climbing Whitney this past weekend, made it 7 miles up and had to turn around, the altitude sickness was too much to bear. I had a banging headache and started to feel dizzy. I regretfully drank a cider the night before and didn't take any altitude sickness medication. Just makes me more determined to return in the coming months with some lessons learned.

[@josephrogers9796]

I climbed Mt Whitney in 1981 with a friend. It took us 15.5 hours done in one day. It was quite exhausting. We hiked from White Portal to the top with a day pack a a lot of water

[@JB-cx6nw]

Great video! Our bunch summited 9-5-2004. Thanks for sharing!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Thank you for sharing this fine video. My neighbor and I summited Mt. WHITNEY in Oct. 1971. It was quite a hike. You guys take care out there and have fun. 🤗

[@weberwoodshop]

Ronald Rose thank you!

[@Thom4123]

Congratulations to the three of you and for sharing taking us along was very cool. Nothing better than being away from it all and enjoy what Mother Nature has provided for us. Take care nicely done.

[@weberwoodshop]

Thank you! Take care!

[@gregroberts875]

WOW!!! What a great trip. My twin brother and I used to backpack in The Great Smoky Mountains the last weekend of January or first weekend of February each year. We had a certain route...Start at Newfound Gap..hike the Appalachian Trail to the Icewater Springs Shelter..Stay the night..next morning hike over the Mt. LeConte (2nd highest mountain in the smokies) and the next morning hike out.This January 12th will be the 10th Anniversary of his passing away. I’m planning to take the rest of his ashes to the top of Mt LeConte one last time. This video brought back so many wonderful memories of me and my brother together...doing the thing we loved to do...Thanks so much for sharing this trip we me and the rest of the viewers....

[@okstatemike]

Fantastic job! Congratulations to you all! The message comes through loud and clear and someday your boys will look back at your journey, and the memories will motivate them to follow through and conquer whatever it is that stands in their way.

[@weberwoodshop]

Thank you :)

[@luckenbachmachineworks7000]

Beautiful video! Brought back memories of climbing Colorado fourteeners in the 70’s. The rush I got in the last few yards to the top is something I’ll never forget.

[@weberwoodshop]

Thank you!

[@GongaDuck]

Thank you for sharing this, Blake. It's so important to be the role model for your kids, to show them to never give up on what they want to accomplish. Thank you for taking us on the journey, and leaving a part of you with us.

[@weberwoodshop]

Thank you!

[@davevann2925]

Awesome video, when we lived in West Covina CA my dad climbed Wilson, baldy and whitney and others in the 60s. I still have his pic ax and old crampons. Thanks for sharing! At 4 and 5yrs old I hiked Little Dalton canyon with him.

[@XJarhead360]

I went up six times. My first was up the Mountaineer's Route. Slept at the hut (it was open then) and gasped for air all night long. The last two times I did it in one day. I never understood why the hikes never got easier. Congratulations to those who reached the top and to those who made the attempt.

[@XJarhead360]

The first time I did it in one day I was on the switchbacks. I heard a noise and asked myself who brought a boom box up here. Silly boy, it was my heart pounding.

[@LonesomeTraveler]

How much harder is the Mountaineer's route than this one in your opinion?

[@JaredHikes]

That was great! I heard Mt Whitney calling to me last week as we were camping in the Alabama Hills. She is a sexy beast. I hope to see the summit in the next couple of years, preferably this year. Keep on trekkin'. 🤠

[@blueblur6447]

I came for the Wood Working... But I am a Peak bagger at heart. I have 23 of the 50 State Highpoints done. Cool video, great channel, awesome mountain. I love the way this is edited and put together. You did this badass mountain justice.

[@silasmarner7586]

Even the slog route in a freaking day is NO MEAN FEAT. Incredible great result and thanks for taking us along.

[@weberwoodshop]

Thanks!

[@bdviets]

Outstanding video work and amazing photography. Great to relive the experience and see the trail in it's present day. I've tried to climb it 8 times and made it 4 times from 1962 (17y old-boy scouts) to 1980 (john muir trail). We always did it in 3 days; slower and more beautiful. It is amazing to see how the gear has changed, smaller, lighter and more technical. Few people on the trail and no restrictions and no permit required; and the beginning of the trail had a different path up. In 1962, we nearly froze our ass off; very light sleeping bag, no tent, very little food, and all in tennis shoes. It got down to 0 at night at trail camp but the stars at night looked like what you would see at a planetarium only better. I will never forget those experiences.

[@weberwoodshop]

bdviets yeah I know what you mean, when I started hiking in boy scouts in the early 90’s not much had changed from the 60’s. Packs with metal frames and a lot of army surplus gear. Thanks!

[@felixfromnebraska8648]

Awesome video, Blake..... The views look amazing. What a great life lesson for all of you including your boys. Thanks for sharing.

[@scottjones462]

Felix From Nebraska gggg

[@chingona322]

Awesome video. You guys are soooo cool. I’m feeling motivated.

[@thesergeant3524]

Awesome video. My buddies and I hiked it August last year. This video brought all those memories back, so thank you!

[@weberwoodshop]

thesergeant Thanks!

[@beardedpenguin3795]

Blake, thanks for sharing your achievement. You are an inspiration and now I have another addition to my bucket list.

[@weberwoodshop]

You should do it if you ever get the chance.

[@beardedpenguin3795]

I get horrible altitude sickness, but you never know.

[@kirbystjohn1]

Epic video, Blake! Looks and sounds like an incredible journey, and I'm proud of you guys for kicking its ass. I'm sad I couldn't make the trip, but so glad you all did. Happy for you!

[@weberwoodshop]

Kirby St. John yeah, missed ya bro!

[@erickandino3414]

I'm going next month, just watching all kinds Mt Whitney videos, yours is by far my favorite.

[@weberwoodshop]

Erick Andino awesome thank you! Looks like this comment was 3 months ago so how was the hike?

[@SableSunsets]

Amazing ! I felt the emotion with you guys ! I have claimed a mountain but it wasn’t anything near as high ! Congrats I’m sure you will think about this for the rest of your life !

[@weberwoodshop]

Thank you!

[@ericbartha6313]

Great video, Blake. I just discovered you today, but it is nice to see you are already making videos other than just woodworking. Well done!

[@ericbartha6313]

Don't get me wrong, your woodworking videos are awesome! It's just nice for KZbin's to show other interests in my opinion

[@losbush]

Beautiful man, just beautiful.

[@weberwoodshop]

Glad you like it!

[@jondixon9057]

Great video, took me back to when we did it, perhaps by a different route. We took longer to camp overnight at 10-11000 ft to adapt to altitude. I remember a 'Guitar Lake- which seemed to appear in your video to the left as you reached 13000 ft. So many thanks.

[@weberwoodshop]

Good stuff!

[@nedanother9382]

Great video title - you captured the pain very well. It sneaks up on you. ooooh what a quitter that dude was! I'm wondering what he expected? If he didn't know about the 99 switchbacks he shouldn't even be on the mountain. I climbed those B's after being altitude sick all morning. I had already been overnight at trail camp when it hit in the morning - just like a hangover - and just like a hangover I slept it off in perfect sunshine until we left for the summit (way late). I simply said if I'm going to fail I'm going to fail trying rather than just look at a hill and say no...We summited and left at sunset if you can imagine that with no problems and no additional symptoms. It's a fairly intimidating hike - there are towering mountains on both sides of the slot the trail is in. You couldn't ever imagine climbing to the top of them, then when its all said and done those peaks are far below where you walked. A day hike....I've gone 3 times and each time I see the zombies walking by ....they left at 0 dark thirty the night before and its 10:00 pm the next day and they're still coming down the switchbacks. Thats a hard no for me. Get an overnight permit and enjoy yourself....that dude could have a nights sleep and finished in the AM. To each his own I guess

[@christianramirez9294]

Dude you made me cry with your emotional dialogue.

[@weberwoodshop]

Haha sorry the altitude was for sure getting to me!

[@christianramirez9294]

@@weberwoodshop I’m excited because Gonna hike Mt. Whitney July 9th. Been doing my research and your video looks super helpful.

[@weberwoodshop]

@@christianramirez9294 cool! I’m doing the Big SEKI loop in Aug/Sept. I’ll probably make another video.

[@carterp2858]

Looks so beautiful

[@cindyland6273]

Great footage! I feel like Im there. Congrats!!

[@weberwoodshop]

Thank you!

[@chantheemanyvanh4337]

Awesome video and inspiring! 💪🏼❤️ I got permits for November 1! 😬

[@weberwoodshop]

How did it go?

[@gavinwilkinson8540]

Saw your comment on Dan's channel. Within first minute I can tell you're a great storyteller and cinematographer

[@weberwoodshop]

Gavin Wilkinson thank you!!!

[@gigiguzman2747]

I am doing it in September 2020. After watching few videos of different hikers I have to say that I am excited but also scared.

[@cindyland6273]

Great video!!

[@piknick111]

hahaha. . . love the switchbacks altitude confusion talk.

[@weberwoodshop]

Thank you!

[@SDPBALLCOACH]

Ok, now that you've done the "boring, death March" route. Try to find the time and go Backcountry from Horseshoe Meadows in the south or Onion Valley to the north and "exit" at the Portal. It's truly life changing. Also, try to use your poles more, they take a load off your legs (especially DOWN the switches) and be sure to cover your head even if it isn't cold. Just a couple of things I noticed. Congrats and hike on...!! Ciao-

[@weberwoodshop]

Kevin Bacon I’ve never liked poles, it changes the way you hike and seems like it takes even more energy to me. To each their own though I know a lot of people like them.

[@SDPBALLCOACH]

I agree they seem to get in the way more than I'd like, but they are a BLESSING on downhill, especially like the 99 switches... See ya on the trails.

[@chrisignacio1791]

Respect ✊ Thanks 🙏🏽

[@brucegardner7960]

Thank you for that !!

[@weberwoodshop]

Bruce Gardner thanks for the comment!

[@nholly86]

Nice climb Blake, taking on some CO 14er’s this weekend. Although, I was a little disappointed that you did not whip out a Japanese saw and chisel for a small onsite project.

[@weberwoodshop]

Oh nice, have a good climb! Yes I should have brought some tools with me. Next time :/

[@diety75]

Hi. Do you mind sharing the type of gear and brand name clothes and shoes you used for this hike?

[@JCL-nu4ge]

Amazing job to all of you! I cannot wait to get accepted to hike Whitney. Btw, what iPhone did you film this on? Image quality and stabilization is on point!

[@weberwoodshop]

jl88s thanks! Just an iPhone 8

[@evazkee7246]

I'd have to stay at the portal then camp again halfways. Nice video

[@weberwoodshop]

E vazkee thanks!

[@dtreuro7165]

Well done, Thanks

[@weberwoodshop]

Thank you!

[@fayekao5334]

got to the top in 1987 after spending two nights at base camp and assaulting the summit early that next morning........spectacular. 2013 friends and I failed to reach summit aftier a one day assault due to multiple altitude sickness issues. Were on Trail crest with the summit in clear view. Turning around sucked.

[@airportchronicles199]

Great job!

[@weberwoodshop]

Airport Chronicle's thank you!

[@OSCARMARTINEZ-no4sl]

THANKS GUYS U INSPIRE ME LIKE YOU SAID NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU FALL IS HOW MANY TIMES YOU RISE I ALMOST DIE JANUARY 2019 OF COVI19 IT WAS VERY HARD I STARTED HIKING JUNE OF LAST YEAR I MEET A FRIEND THANKS OF HER I GOT BETTER WE DONE WILSON BALDY CUCAMONGA ONTARIO N LAST SATURDAY SAN GORGONIO NEXT IS SAN JACINTO WE ARE TRAINING VERY HARD CAUSE WHITNEY IS ON MY LIST THANKS WE ALL MY ❤️ THE MORE I HIKE THE MORE I LOVE IT THANK YOU 🙏🤝👏👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@mikeyfazed]

Loved the vid, what time of year did you go? I'm trying to get a permit for July or August but want to make sure I have gear for the right temperatures.

[@weberwoodshop]

mikeyfazed thanks! I think we were there late August. The weather is totally unpredictable no matter when you go though.

[@TheBeerbelly007]

Good stuff---

[@aliensoup2420]

Climb or hike? The Main Trail is a hike - the East Buttress is a climb. I’ve been on 2 14’ers and numerous 10,000+ , but I have never “climbed” a mountain, and will never call myself a mountaineer, even though I have ascended the mountaineer’s route. I’m just a lowly day-hiker.

[@xhetoomni8134]

I went up Whitney in "69 after 4th of July. this was 50 years ago. Go during late summer when is cooler. Take a canister of oxygen so that you won.t get oxy depletion. If you haven't gone beyond 6000 feet elevation: practice lower elavtions. Have clothes to take on weather, Be prepared for storms. While sleeping I woke up in hurricane 80 mph winds. Remember, this was the sixties and we did not have the stuff we have today. It is not Everest but you can get altitude sickness and you can die. Whistling Marmots can build a nest in your car.

[@donsmith7647]

Which Osprey pack were you using. I'm looking for a new day pack. Love hiking and wood working too.

[@weberwoodshop]

Don Smith Manta AG 36

[@WestShoreMan]

Wonder why people keep stealing the door to the hut? I was on when I summited 2.5 years ago. I’m going up again in Sept.

[@weberwoodshop]

winky phillips pretty sure the rangers remove it so no one tries to stay there overnight.

[@chance9521]

me and my friend ran this going the mountaineers route i guess thats the hard way (this was my first peak ever) i believe it took us like 6-9 hrs. i dont remember the exact time i know it was crazy when we were running back down through the part where everyone camps and they were all clapping lol. i didnt understand it at the time because i never did a peak before but yo that acclimation towards the top was intense i would go like every 10 steps and had to stop because i'd get dizzy and nauseous but it was worth it, once at the top i was fine. only did it that once and im ok with it haha.

[@bkvideozz]

What day and month did you climb?

[@orijit]

How did you train for it... I did Mt Shasta and would love to climb Mt Whitney. I have a 7 year old boy, and I share you're motivations.

[@weberwoodshop]

orijit dhar I just tried to run and do stairs as much as possible for about 6 months but I’m a pretty busy guy so I would say my level of training was “adequate” but not excellent.

[@orijit]

@@weberwoodshop thanks!

[@user-bx7nw1ve6y]

Have climbed Whitney 4 times and Shasta 7. If you can make it up Shasta, you should have no issues on Whitney.

[@stripervince1]

Nice! Now if you had parachutes or wingsuits, you'd be down in 60 seconds!

[@weberwoodshop]

I know I should have brought one.

[@nathandodge665]

It's a 6,000 ft Ascent not 8000

[@weberwoodshop]

Depends on where you start.

[@espjason]

Sorry is this a wood working channel???

[@weberwoodshop]

jason sanders Sorry have I offended you by posting something off-topic???

[@jonathanvelasco6657]

Not cool of you talking crap on the guy who turned back , you’re not any special or better than anyone else just for hiking that mountain

[@weberwoodshop]

Lol wow sensitive. We’re you that guy? We were joking around relax. Sorry you didn’t make it up!

[@mci828045]

The music.... Really?

[@weberwoodshop]

jfdid sjdfo This comment... Really?

[@LonesomeTraveler]

Speaking of the music, what was the last track?

[@GrammelVideo]

Thanks for the post and the visuals! …good work all! Ugh the music bed 🙉