[pct-l] How to handle and pack a bear canister........

[Bob Bankhead]

BE ADVISED: 
Bears can not read a map nor do they recognize or respect artificial boundaries. Just because you are not currently in an area where bear canisters are required does not mean your food is safe outside of one, even if you bear-bag it. 



I try to pack my can in daily layers, but then I'm not trying to make a 7 day can into a 12 day can either. I'm willing to detour and resupply more often. YMMV.

As noted, today's food need not be in the can. However, if you do this, keep your pack on or beside you constantly or Yoggy and BooBoo may be drawn to it by the smell of the unsecured food and run off with your whole pack. It does happen (especially in Yosemite NP), and you risk losing ALL your gear, not just your food. The severity of the loss is directly proportional to the distance between you and the next possible supply point. 

Until you enter a canister-required area, none of your food HAS to be in the can, so plan your supply points accordingly. For a really long pull, try to get the first few days outside the zone and then resupply midway through the zone. This will not reduce the amount of food you have to carry - and may even increase it - but it will reduce the amount you need to cram into the can itself.

Don't count too heavily on those widely touted bear lockers for safe food storage. They may be (1) full, (2) gone, (3) otherwise unuseable, or (4) may be left unsecured by someone sharing the locker with you. Any plan that uses the lockers in lieu of a canister by default forces you to camp in spots that every bear in the area associates with food and visits nightly.

Bears are not the only woodland creatures after your food. Coyotes, skunks, racoons, mice, and marmots will happily shop at your store if you leave the door open.


Wandering Bob




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