Today I was in the process of looking for the equipment I’ll need for my upcoming backpacking trip and I came across a product I’ve not heard much about? You see, I do a lot of exploring in the more arid regions (Dessert). For me, my biggest worries are typically Cougars, and Squirrels, maybe sometimes Birds, but not usually Bears.
Anyway, I was just looking around on the web for equipment I may need and came across Bear Canisters. And became curious as to what a bear canister is and how it is used? I had an idea as to what it was, and how it is used, but hadn’t looked into it. So, I did some Research and thought I’d share!
What Is A Bear Canister?
It is a Portable, Durable, Container to put your odorous items in. Such as food, toiletries, hygiene products…etc. To keep bears and other wildlife from taking your food and supplies. Looks almost like a large peanut butter jar, But much stronger.
Now if a bear or other animal does come along. The likelihood that animal gets into your canister, and stealing your food and supplies are much lower than if you did the conventional “Hang your bag of food in a tree” trick. Now, this may work in a remote, very lightly traveled area (by humans). However, those camps, and trails that have high Human traffic, typically the campers try all sorts of techniques to keep the wildlife out of their food, and the animals in those areas have likely figured out the tricks, and tactics humans have been using to try to keep food away for them.
I know sounds kinda strange. You’re probably thinking next, I’m going to tell you “Pigs can fly” because they see birds fly…
But on a serious note. Doesn’t it make sense that a bear could figure out some good tactics to get hold of your food if that bear has spent years perfecting its tricks of stealing the food of other campers passing through over the years?
Do I Need A Bear Canister?
Depends, when headed out for a weekend of backpacking, or even just camping in a tent. If you are taking anything that gives off a scent that would likely attract unwanted wildlife Such as food, bug spray, sunscreen, toothpaste, breath spray… You are recommended to put it in a Bear Canister.
This will reduce the likelihood of an encounter with any unwanted animals. And keep your needed food and supplies out of reach from nearby wildlife. But be sure to keep your canister away from your camp, just like you would with most other camping food storage ways. You’ve probably heard the horror stories of campers that slept with their consumables next to them (in their tent, BIG NO, NO). And Was woken by a hungry bear outside the tent trying to get into the food that was laid out around the tent.
Just don’t keep anything near you that will attract animals as you sleep, even if it’s inside the bear canister. The canister only protects your food, and supplies inside of it, it won’t protect you if you’ve got it next to you, and a hungry bear comes by. If anything, it will put you in danger… So, keep it away from your camp (Keep it downwind at least 100 FT away)
In some cases, the forest service actually requires Backpackers, and Campers to have a bear canister. Which meets the proper specifications. Now I guess this is not very surprising, given how eager some wildlife is to get hold of your food. For example in some parts along the PCT Trail, the PCTA Requires “All scented items be in a bear canister”.
Now If you’re not 100% sure whether or not you will need a bear canister in the location you are headed, I suggest you contact the local Forest Service for that area and simply ask them. Or you could probably find it somewhere online. If they do require you to have one? Before you purchase, be sure to check if they’ll rent you one? Often times areas that require Bear canisters / Food concealment from animals provide that concealment or will rent it to you. Whether it be a bear-resistant container or a stationary box that is bear proof. However even if they don’t require it in your chosen location, it could be a good idea to take one anyway. Best not let passing through wildlife get hold of your food…
How To Use A Bear Canister
You will simply put any / all of your odorous items inside the canister. Those being any food, toiletries, prescribed medications, insect repellent, feminine products… A Good rule to go by is “if it goes in your mouth or on your skin it should probably go in the canister”.
be sure to get in the habit of keeping your canister closed. When not using anything inside. It can be quite easy to forget to close up your canister, and if this happens, there is little the container is able to do in order to keep your food and supplies safe and away from the nearby wildlife.
Save space inside your container by getting any unnecessary air out of bags you’ve got your food, toiletries, toothpaste… Etc. in. You haven’t got a whole lot of space to work with, so do what you can to save space, for other things.
Keep the Canister away from camp when not using anything inside. This will usually be at night when you are sleeping. Most canisters aren’t 100% scent proof, so treat it as if it is food not concealed inside the container. It is designed so animals can’t take it, or get into it.
Check out this article by Vaughn Clark at Trails.com for some great Tips, and ideas for using a bear canister
How Big is a Bear Canister? How Much Does It Weight?
Well, this depends upon the brand of canister you get along with what its designed for. Below I have made a list of well-known Bear canisters, along with the dimensions, weights, and a side note from the Ad. For a Comparison to give you an idea as to the sizing of bear canisters…
The BEARVAULT Bear resistant canister: Dimensions = 8.3 x 8.7 Weight = 2.1 pounds “Is able to hold enough food for a solo 3-4 day trip.” The BACKPACKERS CACHE Bear resistant container Dimensions = 8.8 x 12 Weight = 2.7 pounds The FRONTIERSMAN INSIDER Dimensions = 6 x 9.2 x 18.9 Weight = 3 Pounds “Sized for Family Use or Extended hikes”
When comparing these 3 Canisters the diameter tends to match up fairly close to average out to be around that 8″ mark. However, height Varey’s much more from 8″ up to 18″.
Also, the weight looks to vary away’s too! from 2 lbs. to 3 lbs. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some pushing the 4 Pound mark. this may not seem like much to some, but when it comes to backpacking. the less weight you have to carry up the mountain the better.
Now, these are just a few that I pulled from amazon.com. I’m sure there are many more options available out there, ranging in dimensions both greater and smaller than listed above. Just wanted to give an idea as to what is out there. If you’d like to check them out for yourself here is a link to Amazon’s list of Bear Canisters.
How Much Does A Bear Canister Cost?
Typically, a Canister will cost you anywhere from $50 to $100. Most I’ve seen are right around $70. This price does seem kinda steep in my opinion. However, I do think it’s worth it. If I put myself in the scenario of: “I’m out 10-20 miles away from civilization on a backpacking trip, and an animal (likely a bear) gets into my food, and supplies. Taking all of it, but a path of wrappers strung-out behind it as it left.” I am now caught in a bad situation…
I likely haven’t got much food now, if any. I’m at least 10 miles out, this likely happened through the night, I’ve likely just woken up (haven’t had food for a solid 6-8 hours at least). And now have to head back, on an empty stomach. My trip has now been cut short “I originally had plans to head up higher today, but can’t cuz I’m now out of food” Bummer…
I’ve kinda gone on a rant now… so back to it! There is another option that may be Available if you are going to a state or national park. The local forest service in that area may have canisters you could rent?
For example: Yosemite national park will rent out canisters for “$5 a week with a $95 Deposit”. If interested, check beforehand to see if the location you’re headed too does rent out canisters? This option (If available) could be a better choice for those looking to try Backpacking / Camping for the first time. To see if they like it. This way you’re not out as much if you end up not liking the experience which is understandable, it’s not for everyone.
Is It Harmful To Wildlife If I DON’T Have A Bear Canister?
It Very well can be. If any wildlife gets hold of your food, they will likely develop a desire for human food, which can result in that animal becoming very aggressive toward humans in order to get food. which can lead to that animal having to be put down, because it has become to dangerous.
Taking from the scenario listed above after the bear has gotten hold of the food, and had a taste for it, that bear has now likely lost its natural preference for food. Which will lead to the bear become less fearful of humans, and more aggressive. Human food is basically like a drug to a bear. After they try it once they will want more. We all know how people act when addicted to Drugs. Typically, the longer that person uses, the more they crave it after the high. Becoming at times desperate, and willing to do nearly anything to get that feeling back. Same kind of deal when wildlife gets hold of Human food.
If this occurs the bear will likely have to be put down because it has become such a danger to campers in the area… which is never a good thing, so do everything you can to keep your food away from the local wildlife.