[pct-l] Bear Canisters on the PCT - FYI

[Scott Williams]

I hate carrying them, but love what they've done for the high country.
According to one of the back country rangers in Yosemite I met last year,
there are many fewer bears in the high country now than prior to proper
bear/food storage.  Other than hikers as easy pickins, the high country
doesn't have much food for a several hundred lb black bear.  They have now
begun to return to the lower elevations for food, and that's good news for
us lovers of the high country.  They're still a presence, but in fewer
numbers.

As for your "big trucker external frame" Ned, I was surprised to be able to
just exactly fit a standard old bear can horizontally inside the top of my
ULA circuit, and still get the thing closed over it.  Seems ULA made their
opening diameter just big enough to fit this.

It's definitely love/hate for me, but I don't hike without one in required
areas, and any place else where bears are an issue.

Mark, as to where to put them at night, never in your tent.  They still
smell like food, and you defeat the purpose of keeping you and your food
safe by keeping them that close.  I always place them out of the immediate
camp, at a spot where a bear can't knock them over a cliff or into a body of
water, and upside down so as not to collect rain if any comes in at night.
My old one is not waterproof.  Some of the new screw on top types are built
to be left right side up.

Shroomer




On Wed, Oct 27, 2010 at 1:26 PM, <ned at mountaineducation.org> wrote:

> And that's why you're out there, to have the freedom to go anywhere, do
> anything you want along the trail, even stop on the pass for the night, if
> you wish and there is a big-enough flat spot!
>
>
>
> "Just remember, Be Careful out there!"
>
> Ned Tibbits, Director
> Mountain Education
> 1106A Ski Run Blvd
> South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
>    P: 888-996-8333
>    F: 530-541-1456
>    C: 530-721-1551
>    http://www.mountaineducation.org
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <enyapjr at comcast.net>
> To: <ned at mountaineducation.org>
> Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 1:18 PM
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Bear Canisters on the PCT - FYI
>
>
> >A canister also gives one the freedom to stop & camp wherever/whenever one
> >chooses
> > to do so - thus one's itinerary not being dictated by the bear box
> > locations in Seki.
> >
> > Happy trails!!!
> > Jim (PITA)
> >
> > ----- ned at mountaineducation.org wrote:
> >> I don't know if it has been mentioned in light of using a bear canister,
> >> but
> >> for us having them gave us tremendous peace of mind knowing that Mr.
> Bear
> >> wasn't going to rip into our packs at night! Also, it serves as an
> >> excellent
> >> stool, short tabletop, laundry tub, and water bucket, to name a few.
> >
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> > The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
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> >
>
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