That's very worrying....I knew a lot had to be carried on Denali but an 80 to 90 ltr pack....and a sled! I was hoping to climb Denali in May/June...I'm 5ft 3 and weigh about 100 pounds. Am I being unrealistic?? that pack sounds bigger than I am!
Hey Daisy,
though this belongs in a separate Everything we need to know about Denali-topic, I'll try to give some advice.
Denali is very tough as you have to carry everything yourself. It is the only mountain I actually went to the gym for beforehand to train my lower back muscles, shoulders and legs.
You need very strong muscles to be able to drag a full sled uphill.
Some remarks:
- when I climbed it (twice) I did not cache and carry until 3300m, but brought up everything at once which of course makes your pack heavier. Many people only carry half of the gear/food first and move the rest the following (possible) day
- A team should divide the loads according to bodyweight. If you are travelling with a 200pound companion, (s)he should carry roughly up to twice as much as you do. This is only fair as you will probably only eat half as much, your clothes and sleeping bag are smaller/lighter etc.
- Marian who climbed with Ron and me to the summit last year was maybe only 20pounds heavier than you and 2 inches taller and she went right for the summit (we all got there in 11 days), so if you train hard you should be able to make it as well.
- Denali, like most mountains is mostly mental, but this one is physically very demanding and you need endurance, strenght and mental training for it. Once you feel confident, you will enjoy one of the most beautiful places on earth

5ft3 & 100pounds? And you fit Tyra's bra? Are you married yet?
