Them damCan Regs.

[yosehiker]

Re: the topic, I deal with the weight & carry a canister for all backpacking in the Sierra, whether required or not. For me it's worth the peace of mind, not regarding bears, but other critters that might enjoy my food. Plus I won't need to live with my conscience knowing that I helped habituate a bear by letting it get my food for the sake of cutting a couple pounds from my pack.

That sums up my thoughts as well.

I would only add that the convenience of the canister is a benefit too. The time I used to spend looking for a suitable tree and then hanging the food I now spend soaking in the view and sipping scotch.

I second that. Well said, both of you.

[bheiser1]

Re: the topic, I deal with the weight & carry a canister for all backpacking in the Sierra, whether required or not. For me it's worth the peace of mind, not regarding bears, but other critters that might enjoy my food. Plus I won't need to live with my conscience knowing that I helped habituate a bear by letting it get my food for the sake of cutting a couple pounds from my pack.

That sums up my thoughts as well.

I would only add that the convenience of the canister is a benefit too. The time I used to spend looking for a suitable tree and then hanging the food I now spend soaking in the view and sipping scotch.

Yeah - actually I meant to say "not just regarding bears", but the same point applies.

I've never even tried hanging my food. But I'm glad to not have to .

I second that. Well said, both of you.

[Wandering Daisy]

Bear cans are becoming the standard. Now I would like to see pack manufacturers realize this and size pack bags so a bear can will fit. Men's large- no problem, but women's x-small and there is not a pack out there that allows a bear can to fit horizontally. When put in vertically, the hard side interfers with the natural flexibility that makes a pack comfortable on your back. Although I should wear an x-small, I have had to go with a woman's medium just to get a cannister in vertically, let alone horizontally. I am tired of manufacturers assumption that women will have a man along to carry the bulky stuff or will only do short trips. Because of this pack fit problem, I use an Ursack if cans are not required. Also a bear can in a UL frameless pack is very uncomfortable.

[rlown]

Bear cans are becoming the standard. Now I would like to see pack manufacturers realize this and size pack bags so a bear can will fit. Men's large- no problem, but women's x-small and there is not a pack out there that allows a bear can to fit horizontally. When put in vertically, the hard side interfers with the natural flexibility that makes a pack comfortable on your back. Although I should wear an x-small, I have had to go with a woman's medium just to get a cannister in vertically, let alone horizontally. I am tired of manufacturers assumption that women will have a man along to carry the bulky stuff or will only do short trips. Because of this pack fit problem, I use an Ursack if cans are not required. Also a bear can in a UL frameless pack is very uncomfortable.

Not sure what you want? My 12" bearikade fits fine in my Tioga 5500, even horizontally in the lower compartment. There is the weekender, but that doesn't fit your needs anyway, as you've a small frame, and you do long trips. What are you asking for? Magic?

[frediver]

I'm trying to fit everything in my Garcia now, I look to be about a day short, 7 in need 8.
A Garcia can just almost maybe works in my G-4 pack, It sure would be nice to have an extra .5-1in in the pack body width.

[rlown]

correct me if i'm wrong but first day snacks/meals don't have to fit..

[frediver]

Yep thats the plan and cuz only the last 2 days will be in a can area I'm not going to worry to much. That said I bet Yogi can read and knows where I will have his picinic bag! O well I have pepper and a sling.

[bheiser1]

I think this is the solution ... no more bear cans, just do this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVS1UfCf ... r_embedded" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Wandering Daisy]

rlown- from your photo, I somehow cannot picture you using a woman's x-small pack. lol. And yes, I DO want magic! Actually, maybe one of you big guys out there could magically appear and become my sherpa.

Tioga 5500-- does that mean 5500 cubic inches capacity? My largest pack is a 3,500. What in the world to you carry in that?? You could even bring your pillow!

I have not used my Garcia since I got the Bearikade. The old Garcia fits inside (vertical) my ArcTeryx climbing pack (2,400 cubic inch capacity). I could do 4 day trip with that if I used a bivy sack. The Bearikade does not fit in that pack at all. With the Ursack I could do 7 days with that little pack. To me the issue with bear cans is the bulk as much as the weight. I am reluctant to put any other gear inside the can as it empties (except cook gear and garbage) because everything else goes inside my tent and I do not want anything to pick up food smells. So, the pack bulk never goes down as the trip progresses. I still have faith that some day someone will invent a flexible and bearproof container that is approved by the authorities. So rather than fight the requirement to use bear cans I rather put my energy into building a better mouse trap.

For now, I am ready to go tomorrow AM- have 9 days (8 nights) food all inside my Berikade (including first day's food- so that means I can put my other "smellies" inside the first night. I have the standard size- I was under the impression it was the Weekender. rlown is correct, you do not have to fit in any food that you eat the first day. So far, the Sierra bears are not attacking people walking down the trail. ( Although I have heard rumors that this HAS happened in Little Yosemite Valley CG).

[rlown]

I assume the 5500 is the cu in measurement, and she's an external frame pack. Right now it is filled with stove, tent, pots, fuel, food, clothes and whatever else I could fit it.. I've gone out of my way in several areas to get the weight down, but I refuse to get in a tent if it sprinkles.. I'm there to fish. That being said, I like to dress warm and waterproof until the rod guides freeze over. The tent is for sleep, which happens at such a time I deem so (or dfg mandates).

I like my can.. The Garcia was the perfect height for sitting; 12".. so, I did the same with the bearikade. She's a great asset for bear storage and seating..

I like the pillow concept. Could probably still stuff my down pillow in the top and be only at 53 lbs. I figure I'm good to go in a double rainbow and a WM 15 degree badger regardless of where I end up.. Good luck with your search for a can that fits your style.

I'm out of here at 7am tomorrow.