[pct-l] Bear Canisters

[enyapjr at comcast.net]

FWIW, FYI regarding bear canisters...  

First, what 'full-size' canisters ("approved"/"allowed" in the Sierra) are available out there?

Backpacker's Cache Model 812 (Garcia):
2.7 pounds, 615 cubic inches volume, $59-$70 online, some prices w/o shipping... 
<http://www.backpackerscache.com/>

Bear Boxer 202 "Champ":
2.8 pounds, 608 cubic inches, $60 direct including shipping...
<http://www.bareboxer.com/>

BearVault BV500:
2.6 pounds, 700 cubic inches, $65 direct including shipping to Kennedy Meadows (or Tuolumne Mdws. or Echo Lake);
$64-$80 online, some prices w/o shipping...
<http://www.bearvault.com/>

Bearikade Expedition:
2.4 pounds, 900 cubic inches, $275 direct w/o shipping...
Bearikade Weekender:
2.0 pounds, 650 cubic inches, $225 direct w/o shipping...
<http://www.wild-ideas.net/>

Bear Keg (Counter Assault):
3.1-3.3 pounds, 716 cubic inches, $70-$80 w/o shipping...
<http://www.counterassault.com/>

** My personal opinion:  the BearVault BV500 has the best cost/volume/weight ratio; it also has a large,
'snag-free', very little overhanging top lip opening making it much easier to pack; it has the only 
'see-through' canister body, enabling one to see contents without opening it...
Makes a great camp stool (as do other canisters), too, BUT...  make sure the lid is FULLY screwed on 
- if not, the lid may become cross-threaded and "impossible" to open...  but L-Rod can get it open!!  ;-)


Second, how to pack a canister & what food types best for packing into a canister
(in addition to Ken's previous link, <http://www.gottawalk.com/packing_bear_canister.htm>):
<http://www.sierrawildbear.gov/foodstorage/packingabearcanister.htm>,
<http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/upload/canisters.rtf>,
<http://www.pcta.org/planning/before_trip/health/canistercare.doc>...
Concentrate on higher calories per ounce foods along with volume density - i.e., skip the macaroni, don't 
waste volume 'packing' AIR into a bear canister!


Happy trails!!!
Jim (PITA)


Support the Pacific Crest Trail Association and its mission:
Protect, preserve, and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail...
Join, renew, or donate today: <http://www.pcta.org/>

"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way." - Napoleon Hill