[pct-l] Bear can requirements clarification

[Bob Bankhead]

Copied from the Yosemite National Park website. The pertinent points are
found in the first and last paragraphs.

 

1 - You must have your food stored UNLESS IT'S WITHIN ARM'S REACH (i.e. in
your pack - like today's food)

2 - You are ENCOURAGED (does not say required) to carry bear-resistant
containers even when hiking in areas where bear boxes are available because
they may be unavailable or full in these busy areas.  

 

The latter is significant because bear lockers are often full, damaged so
they can't be secured, or have been removed entirely. There are also areas
where mileage-wise it is virtually impossible to hike from bear box to bear
box.

 

Remember, bears can't read the pretty canister-required zone maps so just
because  a canister is not required does not mean one is not needed.

 

Oh, and don't depend on the rangers to know the laws. They have the badge,
the gun, and the power to really ruin your trip, even if they're ultimately
proven wrong or over-ruled by their superiors. It's not worth the risk to
argue with them.  

 

Source: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bearcans.htm

 

 

 

 

Food Storage While Backpacking

 

You are required by federal regulations to store all your "food" properly
throughout Yosemite National Park. You must have your food stored unless
it's within arm's reach (so, don't go for a swim or take a nap while leaving
food out).

 

"Food" includes all food and drinks, regardless of packaging, along with
trash, toiletries, and other scented items. These items must be stored in
either an allowed bear-resistant food container or food locker. Hanging food
is illegal throughout Yosemite.

 

Bear-Resistant Food Containers

 

Certain bear-resistant portable containers designed for backpackers to store
food are allowed for use in Yosemite (however, only the Garcia Backpackers'
Cache 812 is available for rental in Yosemite).

 

 

How to Use a Bear-Resistant Container

 

The most important part of using a bear-resistant container is what goes
inside it. Make sure all food, all trash, all toiletries, and all other
scented items are inside the bear-resistant container. This includes but is
not limited to all sealed or packaged food, sunscreen, soap, mosquito
repellent, lip balm, deodorant, medications, and feminine products. As a
general rule, if you put it in your mouth or on your skin, it should
probably be stored in a bear container.

 

The container only works if it's closed and locked! Be sure to keep it
closed and locked, even while you're around your campsite. Place the
container ter on the ground in a flat, level area 100 feet or more from your
campsite. Take care not to place it near a cliff or any water source, as a
bear may knock the container around or roll it down a hill. Do not hang or
attach anything to the container (ropes attached to the container enable a
bear to carry it away). You can place pots and pans on top of the container
as a bear alarm if you like. (Read about what to do if you see a bear.)

 

The best way to carry a bear container is inside your pack. Think of it as a
big stuff sack, though it will always occupy the same amount of space. Later
in your trip, when you have eaten some of your food, you can place other
items inside the container to conserve space.

Most people don't pack their canisters very efficiently. Read more about how
to pack a bear canister.

 

 

Food lockers (limited availability)

 

Food lockers ("bear boxes") are only available at designated campsites in
Little Yosemite Valley and adjacent to the five High Sierra Camps. You are
encouraged to carry bear-resistant containers even when hiking in areas
where bear boxes are available because they may be unavailable or full in
these busy areas. Bear-resistant containers increase your freedom in
selecting campsites away from developed or highly used areas. Food lockers
are communal: personal locks are not allowed and will be removed.