[pct-l] PCT Bear Canister Loan Program - Attn.: 2010 nobo thrus

[enyapjr at comcast.net]

Are you on a tight budget or have limited finances, or are you coming from overseas or an area of the US and won't have ANY use whatsoever for a bear canister after your PCT thru-hike?

You may be able to borrow a bear canister for your nobo PCT thru-hike for 'free' (except return shipping)...

In 2007, 13 bear canisters were available for loan to nobo PCT thrus; in 2008, 20 canisters were available and loaned out from the 'program' (and an additional 5 through a "one-on-one" loan); in 2009, 28 bear canisters were loaned out (plus an additional 3 "one-on-one")... 

The loan program is currently NOT done on a 'first come - first served basis', but rather on a show of 'some' need, however small...
If you think you might qualify for a 'free' bear canister loan for your 2010 PCT thru-hike, contact me off-list via email at <enyapjr at comcast.net>, subject: “PCT Bear Can Loan”.  Please briefly explain your reason or need to borrow a bear canister for your PCT thru-hike.  I'll be glad to answer most of your questions regarding the loan program. 

If you can afford to purchase a bear canister, BearVault has an excellent buy program (formerly a rental program): 
a BV500 for $65 including shipping to Kennedy Meadows (or Tuolumne Meadows or Echo Lake) - that's the lowest price on the internet when shipping is included, plus they ship it to you right on the PCT...
See <http://www.bearvault.com/bearvault_pct.php> for full info...


Happy trails!!!
Jim (PITA)


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