Bear Canister Usage

[drucifer]

How does everyone else out there use their Bear Barrells?? I have never used one only bagged my food etc... Are you still supposed to hang them, or just move them away from your camp??

Thanks!!

[redhawk]

Just put them on the ground away from your tent, but not on a hill or grade. Don't secure it, just lay it there. if you find a slight depression that will prevent it from rolling, fine.

[drucifer]

Thanks Hawk!! Got loking around and found a whole page on the DEC Website.
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/reg5/brcfacts.html

Thanks again!

[Kevin]

http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=2874

http://www.adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1369

[trailrunner3]

They say to place it 100yds downwind from your campsite.

They are waterproof, so they don't need any cover.

Also don't put it too close to water, as a curious bear will paw at it, roll it around, try to open it before getting bored and moving on. If its too close to water, well, you are going to go swimming in the morning.

[hikeswithcatahoulas]

types of foods

does all food have to go into it....pre-baged sealed trail mix for example? what about cans? like small cans of tomato sauce?

Also, are bear bags not allowed at all? like for trash?

This will be our first time using the Cache.

[Wldrns]

does all food have to go into it....pre-baged sealed trail mix for example? what about cans? like small cans of tomato sauce?

Also, are bear bags not allowed at all? like for trash?

This will be our first time using the Cache.

Yes, all of it. Toothpaste too, and (if you must bring it) soap and deodorant. Anything with any smell to it, including unopened or sealed metal food cans and plastic containers of any kind. Those cans do have a smell, whether you can smell it or not a bear can. Though you are not required to similarly protect your cooking gear, don't leave it inside your tent either, even if you think it is "well washed out".

Trash must also go into the canister. Bears don't know the difference between food and trash, it's all food to them. Hanging trash defeats the purpose of disassociation of things hanging from trees with food and people.

So the bottom line is, anywhere a bear canister is required (eastern HP region), hanging of the old bear bag has no logical or legal purpose anymore.

[Judgeh]

As an aside, bear cans have been very successful in their purpose of eliminating humans as a food source.

[hikeswithcatahoulas]

oh ok. I guess we should have bought two! just so darn expensive...I payed $90 for one and the carry bag it goes in. I guess we won't be eating very much.... especially since we still have to bring dog food also.

[redhawk]

does all food have to go into it....pre-baged sealed trail mix for example? what about cans? like small cans of tomato sauce?

Also, are bear bags not allowed at all? like for trash?

This will be our first time using the Cache.

Why are you taking Cans?

best to empty the cans into ziplocs, or better yet, get a vacuum sealer. You cut down on weight and you don't have to cart cans out. you can burn the ziplocs in your fire.

In fact, search the forum for the thread on dehydrating food. iI you do a lot of backpacking, it's the way to go. You can cut down on your food weight substantially.

[hikeswithcatahoulas]

thanks I didn't know you could burn the ziplock bags, we'd always pack food in paper bags so we could burn the paper. For some reason we though burning the plastic bags were not aloud. Thanks that'll help alot !!

[Dick]

oh ok. I guess we should have bought two! just so darn expensive...I payed $90 for one and the carry bag it goes in. I guess we won't be eating very much.... especially since we still have to bring dog food also.

I think you might be able to get a better deal on a canister on the internet. By the way, I never purchased a carrying bag, and I don't miss it. As has been said, many of us dehydrate and vacuum seal food for canister use. Try this site for some canister packing tips. Remember too that there are other critters out there that are more likely to go after your food than bears. Also, canisters make great seats!

[hikeswithcatahoulas]

can't get that link to work... I bought ours off the ADK website, because I read that it was required now. I actually thought it would be much bigger than it was. I do think it'll be ok though because I just tried it out and was able to fit enough noodles, rice, trail mix, and dog food for technically 4 days. If we eat the bare minimum. I also know we do not need to protect the food we will eat the first day....so that helps. We'll be fine....it fit more than I thought it would.

[Dick]

Sorry about the link. This one should take you to a google page and you can click on either a pdf or html version of the info. If you're careful, you can fit a heck of a lot of food into these things! Also, keep an eye on your first day's food as well. Depending upon where you go, squirrels will try to have a field day with it. Keep your canister closed except for putting things in and taking them out. Have fun!

Dick

[hikeswithcatahoulas]

Thanks ! we will

<---- can't wait !!!!!