Bear-proof container or NOT???

[Alpine high]

Okay, I'm heading down to the southern sierras (not in a national park, but in a national forest) for a 9 day trip and I have always hung my food and I've never had a problem with bears getting into my food, but it's been awhile and I'm wondering what all the fuss is about bearproof containers. Are they really necessary? Have people become so lazy that they leave food out and attract bears? Are bears really getting to be that much of a problem? Does everybody take bear containers now? Even in the national forests? I'd like to hear from you about what you've done to deal with this issue. I'll be above tree line on about 1/2 of the trip. This ought to be an interesting subject.

I will be taking my own dehydrated food and hope to keep food weight between 1.5 -1.75 lbs/per person/day.(13.5-15.75 lbs). If I take one( or more), what size(s) container should handle 4 people for 9 days,

Like I said, I am NOT GOING into an area where bear cans are required and the rangers say they have not had problems with bears where I am going. Hanging is okay according to the rangers. thanks

[Carne_DelMuerto]

Check out this thread: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=6938" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Scouter9]

Personally, I'd use a canister. They're easier and more durable than the "bear bags" and they're harder to drag away or crush the food within. Dollars to Weight, the best one is the BearVault 500 for your needs. The Bearikade brand are lighter, but at triple the cost.

In my experience, bears have learned that they cannot get into the canisters and usually leave them alone. I've had pots, pan and stove knocked over but the adjacent canisters right where we left them the night before. Now, I've also returned to find my canister several yards away, covered in dirt and drool. In that case, the food was intact and the canister pretty much paid for itself in one move (that was a BV500).

4 People, nine days, you're looking at two BV500's, kinda depending what you bring for food, whether you repack it and so forth.

[longri]

This ought to be an interesting subject.

I'm not proud that I took the hook.

[AlmostThere]

I would rent a couple of the largest bearikades.

Usually i take a canister no matter where in the sierra i go. It makes no sense to me to pretend the rules and the bears don't matter. Never had an issue with rodents, bears, raccoons or losing a rope to tree snag that way.

Frankly, there are too many weathered paracord loops in trees Already... I've watched people break rope the first night out more than once.

I would rather have a trip without hunger pangs than that kind of adventure.

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[schmalz]

I want the bears to stay wild so I take a cannister on any overnighter in the Sierra, even if it is not legally required.

[The Other Tom]

I would rent a couple of the largest bearikades.

2

That's the best option IMHO

[maverick]

My view on this is that I will do what is best for the bears, even if it may inconvenience
my in a very small way.

[AlmostThere]

Bearikade rental page: http://www.wild-ideas.net/rent-a-bearikade/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Much cheaper than buying, you get it in advance of the hike so you can practice packing and get it all in there, and the nice flush lid with the easy locks is so much more cooperative at 6 in the morning when it's freezing... I hated the Bear Vault lid at 32F.

Look at the volume of the can, practice packing in a comparable container and if you need you can throw in a Weekender rental to handle excess - they might make you a deal if you call them. Very nice folks.

[frisfraser]

I have seen so many people lose all their food in one night hanging a bear bag. In the high country, the bear will just climb the small tree and run off with all your food. I have heard of bears untrying bear bag ropes. You dont want to risk not having a bear can.