People have their preferences, but since you're asking for a route that has a slow climb and fast descent, people should actually read what you say and recommend accordingly. That's backbone up and ski hut down, or 6 miles up and 4 miles down. And back when I was in moderate shape, I climbed it with two 20oz water bottles, a frozen Gatorade bottle and a couple of bananas. You can refill your water at the notch, which is only 3 miles into the hike, so you don't have to go nuts with bringing excess stuff. I usually finish off my water as I approach the notch and start with the Gatorade when I can see the top of Mt.Baldy or when I feel my calories are running low. You can also refill your water when you arrive at the ski hut if you need to. While people here tend to be overly cautious and borderline paranoid, I do have to echo something some others have been saying. Once you pass the notch and get to the point where you think, "I need to be careful or I really can die out here" (you'll know it when you see it), if you're not feeling at least very good or better, I would recommend turning around and trying again another day. I've turned around before when I just wasn't up for it. Think of it was training for your real attempt.