Bear Can Survey

[Magnet_]

What kind of bear can do you use?

[chai guy]

I just wanted to put my experience out there to any prospective PCT hikers. I did NOT use a bear can last year on my attempted PCT thru-hike and I strongly advise those considering a hike to take a bear cannister with them.

I had read information in a number of sources that it was possible to do a hike with out one. I think some things have changed as recently as last year making that information wrong.

There are now certain areas on the PCT that require you to hike with a bear proof container, by law. Hanging your food is no longer considered an effective means of protection.

The reason behind this requirement is to protect the bears as much as it is to protect your food, and your life. Once bears taste human food, they become addicted and will often cease to forage for their own natural food.

So if you're considering hiking the PCT with out a bear proof container, please think again. You do not want a ticket or worse be turned around and not allowed to proceed any further. The days of Rangers looking the other way when it comes to PCT hikers appear to be over.

Speaking as someone who did not carry a container last year, I also have to say that it's a huge pain in the ass to hang your food every night, or to plan your hike around bear boxes.


Re: Ursack
I heard a second hand report that hiker was stopped by a Ranger carrying an Ursack without the liner this hiker was threatened with a fine and being turned back because he did not have the liner. If you plan on carrying one you should also plan on carrying the liner.

Thanks.

Containers with approval or conditional approval:
http://www.sierrawildbear.gov/foodstorage/approvedcontainers.htm

[Ender]

I picked up the Garcia before my hike, and was glad I had it. Next time I go, I'll buy one of the lighter brands, just to save the weight, but I was surprised how little I minded the weight of the cannister when I was carrying it.

I did get checked multiple times by rangers, three times when they asked to actually see my cannister, and maybe another dozen times when they just asked me if I had my cannister and gauged my response without actually asking to see the cannister.

I actually kinda really grew to like the cannister too, as it served as a great camp stool.

[footslogger]

[QUOTE=Ender;134]I picked up the Garcia before my hike, and was glad I had it. Next time I go, I'll buy one of the lighter brands, just to save the weight, but I was surprised how little I minded the weight of the cannister when I was carrying it.

============================

Guess they come in various sizes ...but how large was the Garcia you carried and what'd it weigh. I've got the BearVault 400 - about 9" x 13 ". And yeah, it does make a great stool !!

[Ender]

I had the Garcia Model 812 Backpacker, which weighs 2.7 pounds and is 8.8" by 12" according to their website. I think they only have that one model now.

How much does your BearVault weigh?

[footslogger]

I had the Garcia Model 812 Backpacker, which weighs 2.7 pounds and is 8.8" by 12" according to their website. I think they only have that one model now.

How much does your BearVault weigh?

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The BearVault 400 weighs 2lbs 9 oz according to the manufacturer. Haven't put it on the scale yet.

[chai guy]

HINT:

It's a really, really, really good idea to make sure your Bear Can fits in your pack and along with all your other gear.

If you already have your pack, but not your Bear Can selected, take it to a gear shop and test out how the different models fit.

If you don't have your pack, bring all your other gear to the shop and see how your prospective pack will fit with your gear and various cans.

I know a few hikers who accidentally ripped the seams on their packs forcing a bear can in that was too large.

[AlohaTink]

We just rented the ones the National Park had available which is the Garcia at $5 for two weeks at a time.

But they make a great camp stool and serve as a way to wash dishes...and haul water. Might as well make that piece of gear work for you.

I recommend putting a piece of bright tape say orange, lime or yellow somewhere on the canister so you can find it easier...if it gets knocked around by a warm fuzzy visitor.:o

[luna]

I didn't use a bear can. But that doesn't mean that I didn't take steps to protect my food. I usually cooked at least a mile from camp. I also did the great majority of my camping in super stealth mode, where I would walk 400 - 800 yards off the trail, and find some small clearing in the bushes. Then I would sleep on my food... almost literally... I would put in in my pack and put the pack right by my head. A few times I burried my food under rocks and branches.
Anyway, I know, I'm an idiot. The correct advice (especially in light of stricter enforcement), is to carry a bear can. I just can't bring myself to do it.