Bear Container Advice

[John Harper]

Planning another trip up to the Lakes in the next week, going to stay there a couple nights (no dayhike this time!). Does anyone have any advice about a good bear container? The BV450 seems pretty large for a couple nights use. The black Garcia model seems pretty heavy for it's capacity too.

I've been looking at the URSACK system, it seems they have/had conditional FS approval, but also seems they aren't sold anywhere I've looked.

Or, should I rent one of the cans from the ranger station when I get a permit?

Any and all advice is appreciated.

What about submerging sealed food in a mesh bag with a rock in the creek somewhere discrete?

John

[rayfound]

The Ursack, which I love in concept, isn't really legal anywhere canisters are required.

The BV450 is about the lightest/smallest you can get, but its a bit of a pain to open. That being said, its still what I went with. keep in mind, you can keep stuff other than food in it, so its not like the extra space you don't need is wasted.

[Gary C.]

For the money I think that the bearvault is the way to go. I have both the large and small one to suite the needs of how long I'll be out. If you are only going to buy one I would go with the larger size. It only weighs a few oz more and you can get enough grub in there to last 7-10 days. Like Ray wrote, just put everything in it until it's full. I try to put my stove, fuel, pot, kitchen and all in there when it will fit. Makes a pretty nice seat around a fire also.

[mike.s]

to buy or rent is a good question.. depends how much you will use it.. last i checked at
mt whitney rangers station they were renting for $5 a week or something like that.
To buy them.. prices range from about $65-$80 before tax.
if you only do about 1-2 back pack trips a year into bear country it might be better to rent..

but for me i like the convenience of owning one.. i also use mine on road side camping trips into the sierras (bear country) make sure you take it out of your car..ha
I even take mine sometimes on day hikes into areas that have a lot of bears.

I like the clear bear vaults or the Garcia. (both are close in price)
I have the black Garcia and really like it..very easy to open and yes its a little heaver then the BV450 (about 11 oz more) but it also holds 174 CU more space too..
but for me the big thing was having at least 10 bears over the years being unable to open or damage it.. im sold on it..
I also use it as a chair...ha
i personally dont care for the ursack system as you still have to hang them and I go to a lot of tree less places in the sierras.

here's the ursack site.. its still not ok for parts of the sierras such as yosemite NP.
http://www.ursack.com/ursack-update.htm

from the REI web site: here's the specs (all are between $65-$80 )

Garcia (black can)
2.12 lbs
12 x 8.8 inch
614 CU or 10 Lt

Bear vaults
BV 450
2.1 Lbs
8.7 x 8.3 inches
440 CU or 7.2 Lt

BV 500
2.9 LBS
12.7 x 8.7 inchs
700 CU or 11.5 Lt

Counter assault (Yellow can)
3.10 lbs
9x14 inch
716 CU

[1mocast]

Depends on how much you use it... If more than a couple times a year, then it is worth it to buy. Take a look at ebay - I was looking at the Bear Vaults - they do hold their value...

Or as another option...These guys are for the ultralight crowd...but pricey...

http://www.wild-ideas.net/index2.html

[Autodave]

I got a Garcia,I can loan it to you if your interested...

[John Harper]

Wow, thanks for all the advice, you guys have a lot of input. I forgot about using it additionally for car camping, like the Big Springs area, etc. where they don't provide boxes. That definitely would give added value to a purchase.

Maybe for this trip, $5 at the ranger station would be good, only planning on two nights outback. We have to stop by and get a permit anyway.

Now I figured out how to post photos, I'm on it.

John

[Gary C.]

Yoemite charges $5 to rent a can but I think the NFS has a higher rate.

[Trootfisher]

REI has their used/returned gear sale every now and then. They always sell off a load of bear canisters for cheap.

[mike.s]

john, sent you a PM