More relevant than ever. Four out of five hangs I saw on my AT thru weren't going to stop a bear at any given camp I stayed. I took great pride (and way too much time), perfecting my technique. I will never hang again. Many areas around shelters showed how much damage hanging has caused. Now adays, a kit can easily absorb the additional weight. Clearly, people don't remember packs used to weigh over forty pounds plus.
Awesome video! I've always been super interested in the bear canister specifically for the reason of convenience and ease of use. I've never really cared too much about weight if it improves my experience. Love the ideas about using the lids and Cook station or a plate. Brilliant.
Thanks for your take and review of the bear canister. I'm actually in the market now for a canister. I need a canister for at least 6 to 7 days of food.
I love it. I have always preferred a bear canister. It’s slightly amusing to me how UL backpacking has become such a competition with some people on RUclips that they don’t even want to carry an extra pair of socks or a chapstick and their first aid kit consists of a single bandaid and an Imodium pill. You really laid out the case for bear canisters well. There are other ways to help keep your weight reasonably low and still enjoy your hike, get a good nights sleep and not have the aggravation of a food bag to hang or the worry over bears and other critters.
I really appreciated this discussion. I didn't mind throwing a bear line on the AT if i had a good tree, but so many time, there wasn't a good tree. Slept with my food twice (arrived during a hard rain) and was worried the whole time that rodents were going to chew holes in my tent to get to it. So much of my worry was with rodents than with bears to be honest with you.
I'm with you. The bear canister is makes food storage and security simple and efficient. I also came to a personal decision that I never wanted to be responsible for the death of a bear because my food was not secure. Not to mention the increased personal safety and safety of my equipment if the canister is used.
I think a good question is: is the canister good for the resources on the trail (such as bears and rodents)? The answer is yes it is the best way to protect those resources from us. I love that the canister is simply and versatile. The Ursack can be breached by a mouse and of course it is harder than heck to hang a bag properly. Volunteers have to bring in bear boxes at great costs and must maintain them at the shelters. This is a great video!
I purchased "The Weekender" model last week and am eagerly awaiting it's arrival. I, too am NOT a fan of having to hunt for a decent tree late at night. While this particular brand was much pricier, the thought of having to carry the added weight of the other vaults was the tipping point for me. Everything is a trade off, really. I'm sure I'll sleep much better knowing that my coffee and Pop Tarts will be waiting for me in the morning. Looking forward to using this bad boy. Happy trails!
I’m definitely not an ultra light backpacker.....and the added weight of my bear-can sometimes seems like too much. But ever since I needed one for a wilderness area in Colorado , I’ve carried one almost everywhere I’ve gone. Same reasons that you mentioned . I use mine as something to sit on at camp. I love that I can stuff it into my pack and food doesn’t get mushed and squashed like it sometimes can in a food bag. Good video!
I am ordering the blazer! Do you use a liner to add water proofness or to help with the odor control. I’ve seen others use one, but never asked why. I agree with the logic of the bear hang; it’s a pain in the ass.
I've never used a liner but the foods I eat are generally repacked into ziplocks and then everything for each day is then inside a gallon ziplock. I haven't had any issues with water getting in the Bearikde specifically but I have also heard it is best to put it down with the locking mechanisms facing the ground to ensure no water gets inside.
Anybody concerned about the failure of the BearVault style canisters in the Adirondacks? I'm looking at buying a canister, not sure which one....but I think my MSR mess kit might fit inside the mouth of the BearVault.
@Timothy Dannenhoffer I wasn't concerned due to the fact that no other incidents have been reported besides the Adirondacks. Yellow-Yellow and her cubs are the only bears I am aware of that learned how to open the BearVaults. I think it would definitely be more difficult for a bear to unlock the canisters that have locks like the Bearikade or similar ones that require a coin, spoon, etc to open.
@@LeonidasontheTrail I have the old style Bear Vault, terrible customer service, wanted to see if they would trade in for the updated. I recently bought the Garcia Backpackers Cache....it will only be good for 6 days, on longer trips...may have to get an Ursack.
I have a couple of questions if you do not mind. How does the lid open on the Bearikade? Reading the views of the Bear Vault the one issue of how hard it was to open cane up several times. Do you use the Op Sack bags for your food in the Bearikade? Last thing, I think I met your wife on the AT last spring. I was south of Damascus for sure. She left some water at her vehicle as trail magic. She was hiking with another lady.
The lid sits down in a slight groove, so you pry it up with your thumbnail. It has fasteners that turn to lock it unlike the tabs on the Bear Vault. I don’t use opsacks, I generally have everything portioned out in size appropriate ziplocks.
Curious on your opinion. Once you place your bear can 100 or so yards away, do you think spraying the area with bear spray would help to keep bears from it? Many years ago when I was camping at Crater Lake (in Oregon), I heard something sniffing outside my tent (the sniff was very deep sounding, and I wasn't sure what large animal was out there, but it sounded large), and once I learned about bear spray, I always wondered if spraying around the tent area before sleeping might help them to avoid the area entirely. Thank you in advance for your thoughts! By-the-way, the next morning when driving out of the park, there was a massive grizzly bear eating out of a dumpster. 'Someone Divine' was watching out for me the previous night for sure :-)
I'm no expert but I almost think that might attract them as it would potentially be a smell they might investigate. What I have actually done is urinate near where I leave the can and sometimes around the edges of camp(if I am not camping near a water source). I have heard that human urine helps deter them from visiting.
@@LeonidasontheTrail I never thought of that...great idea. Did you find the bear cans in the same places you left you left them? ...or were they knocked around?
I haven't found them moved so far, I usually try to find a slight depression in the ground to place it in. Sometimes in between a couple downed trees to make a corral for it in case a bear swatted them around. If I am at a campsite with others, often times the bear hangs are so poor, the bear can is the last thing a bear is interested in.
@@LeonidasontheTrail That's a good idea too...I often wondered if burying the bear can would work.. though I guess the terrain would likely be too rocky in mountainous areas..nice chattin'..thanks!
@@susan-little people definitely use them in mountainous areas, above treeline specifically. I have heard some people say they keep their canister close so that in case a bear does come, they can scare it off. The main thing is to try to put it somewhere they can't push it off a cliff or roll it so far away you can't find it.
Just thought of a question. When you strap the canisters on the top of the pack, how does the weight distribution feel? Top heavy versus centered on the spine? Also, any issues with the sun heating up the canister and melting peanut butter, chocolate etc?
Soaring Eagle Outdoors it does tend to make it top heavy, the only time I really notice it is when I am trying to balance during water crossings. I am considering trying it inside the pack or possibly switching packs to one that has a low spot designed for attaching a bear canister. As for heating food up, I haven’t noticed it, but I don’t carry chocolate. Payday bars can end up slightly soft but that is generally better than being hard as a rock and breaking my teeth!
No problem, I am getting ready for a trip and noticed I can’t pack the Bearikade anyway but vertical in my pack if I want it inside. I was really hoping it would fit horizontally...
@@LeonidasontheTrail In my research last night, I read a comment that might make sense. This particular backpacker puts his food in his bear hang bag in the pack while hiking and puts the empty bear canister on top, then when he stops at the end of the day he transfers his food to the canister. Thought I would share this with you. Take care
I've ordered this one. As far as storing it 100 feet away I put a personal alarm attached to it so that I know something is messing with it and potentially walking it away.: ruclips.net/video/8yH-nkuxeeY/видео.html
More relevant than ever. Four out of five hangs I saw on my AT thru weren't going to stop a bear at any given camp I stayed. I took great pride (and way too much time), perfecting my technique. I will never hang again. Many areas around shelters showed how much damage hanging has caused. Now adays, a kit can easily absorb the additional weight. Clearly, people don't remember packs used to weigh over forty pounds plus.
I’m sold. So many issues I hadn’t considered. Thanks for the great content.
No problem! Thanks for watching and considering carrying a canister.
Awesome video! I've always been super interested in the bear canister specifically for the reason of convenience and ease of use. I've never really cared too much about weight if it improves my experience. Love the ideas about using the lids and Cook station or a plate. Brilliant.
Thanks for your take and review of the bear canister. I'm actually in the market now for a canister. I need a canister for at least 6 to 7 days of food.
Depending on the bulk of what you eat, the BV500 could work or one of the two larger Bearikades.
I love it. I have always preferred a bear canister. It’s slightly amusing to me how UL backpacking has become such a competition with some people on RUclips that they don’t even want to carry an extra pair of socks or a chapstick and their first aid kit consists of a single bandaid and an Imodium pill.
You really laid out the case for bear canisters well. There are other ways to help keep your weight reasonably low and still enjoy your hike, get a good nights sleep and not have the aggravation of a food bag to hang or the worry over bears and other critters.
I really appreciated this discussion. I didn't mind throwing a bear line on the AT if i had a good tree, but so many time, there wasn't a good tree. Slept with my food twice (arrived during a hard rain) and was worried the whole time that rodents were going to chew holes in my tent to get to it. So much of my worry was with rodents than with bears to be honest with you.
I'm with you. The bear canister is makes food storage and security simple and efficient. I also came to a personal decision that I never wanted to be responsible for the death of a bear because my food was not secure. Not to mention the increased personal safety and safety of my equipment if the canister is used.
Thanks for doing your part to keep wildlife safe!
lol
I think a good question is: is the canister good for the resources on the trail (such as bears and rodents)? The answer is yes it is the best way to protect those resources from us. I love that the canister is simply and versatile. The Ursack can be breached by a mouse and of course it is harder than heck to hang a bag properly. Volunteers have to bring in bear boxes at great costs and must maintain them at the shelters. This is a great video!
Appreciate the comment!
I purchased "The Weekender" model last week and am eagerly awaiting it's arrival. I, too am NOT a fan of having to hunt for a decent tree late at night. While this particular brand was much pricier, the thought of having to carry the added weight of the other vaults was the tipping point for me. Everything is a trade off, really. I'm sure I'll sleep much better knowing that my coffee and Pop Tarts will be waiting for me in the morning. Looking forward to using this bad boy. Happy trails!
I love mine, I've even considered grabbing an Expedition model for those really long carries!
I’m definitely not an ultra light backpacker.....and the added weight of my bear-can sometimes seems like too much. But ever since I needed one for a wilderness area in Colorado , I’ve carried one almost everywhere I’ve gone. Same reasons that you mentioned . I use mine as something to sit on at camp. I love that I can stuff it into my pack and food doesn’t get mushed and squashed like it sometimes can in a food bag. Good video!
I appreciate the watch and the comments!
I am ordering the blazer! Do you use a liner to add water proofness or to help with the odor control. I’ve seen others use one, but never asked why. I agree with the logic of the bear hang; it’s a pain in the ass.
I've never used a liner but the foods I eat are generally repacked into ziplocks and then everything for each day is then inside a gallon ziplock. I haven't had any issues with water getting in the Bearikde specifically but I have also heard it is best to put it down with the locking mechanisms facing the ground to ensure no water gets inside.
Good thoughts on bear canisters.....thanks
Appreciate the view and the comment!
Anybody concerned about the failure of the BearVault style canisters in the Adirondacks? I'm looking at buying a canister, not sure which one....but I think my MSR mess kit might fit inside the mouth of the BearVault.
@Timothy Dannenhoffer I wasn't concerned due to the fact that no other incidents have been reported besides the Adirondacks. Yellow-Yellow and her cubs are the only bears I am aware of that learned how to open the BearVaults. I think it would definitely be more difficult for a bear to unlock the canisters that have locks like the Bearikade or similar ones that require a coin, spoon, etc to open.
@@LeonidasontheTrail I have the old style Bear Vault, terrible customer service, wanted to see if they would trade in for the updated. I recently bought the Garcia Backpackers Cache....it will only be good for 6 days, on longer trips...may have to get an Ursack.
I have a couple of questions if you do not mind. How does the lid open on the Bearikade? Reading the views of the Bear Vault the one issue of how hard it was to open cane up several times. Do you use the Op Sack bags for your food in the Bearikade? Last thing, I think I met your wife on the AT last spring. I was south of Damascus for sure. She left some water at her vehicle as trail magic. She was hiking with another lady.
The lid sits down in a slight groove, so you pry it up with your thumbnail. It has fasteners that turn to lock it unlike the tabs on the Bear Vault. I don’t use opsacks, I generally have everything portioned out in size appropriate ziplocks.
Leonidas thank you for the reply!
@@cottontalesfromthetrail5474 no problem!
Curious on your opinion. Once you place your bear can 100 or so yards away, do you think spraying the area with bear spray would help to keep bears from it? Many years ago when I was camping at Crater Lake (in Oregon), I heard something sniffing outside my tent (the sniff was very deep sounding, and I wasn't sure what large animal was out there, but it sounded large), and once I learned about bear spray, I always wondered if spraying around the tent area before sleeping might help them to avoid the area entirely. Thank you in advance for your thoughts! By-the-way, the next morning when driving out of the park, there was a massive grizzly bear eating out of a dumpster. 'Someone Divine' was watching out for me the previous night for sure :-)
I'm no expert but I almost think that might attract them as it would potentially be a smell they might investigate. What I have actually done is urinate near where I leave the can and sometimes around the edges of camp(if I am not camping near a water source). I have heard that human urine helps deter them from visiting.
@@LeonidasontheTrail I never thought of that...great idea. Did you find the bear cans in the same places you left you left them? ...or were they knocked around?
I haven't found them moved so far, I usually try to find a slight depression in the ground to place it in. Sometimes in between a couple downed trees to make a corral for it in case a bear swatted them around. If I am at a campsite with others, often times the bear hangs are so poor, the bear can is the last thing a bear is interested in.
@@LeonidasontheTrail That's a good idea too...I often wondered if burying the bear can would work.. though I guess the terrain would likely be too rocky in mountainous areas..nice chattin'..thanks!
@@susan-little people definitely use them in mountainous areas, above treeline specifically. I have heard some people say they keep their canister close so that in case a bear does come, they can scare it off. The main thing is to try to put it somewhere they can't push it off a cliff or roll it so far away you can't find it.
Just thought of a question. When you strap the canisters on the top of the pack, how does the weight distribution feel? Top heavy versus centered on the spine? Also, any issues with the sun heating up the canister and melting peanut butter, chocolate etc?
Soaring Eagle Outdoors it does tend to make it top heavy, the only time I really notice it is when I am trying to balance during water crossings. I am considering trying it inside the pack or possibly switching packs to one that has a low spot designed for attaching a bear canister. As for heating food up, I haven’t noticed it, but I don’t carry chocolate. Payday bars can end up slightly soft but that is generally better than being hard as a rock and breaking my teeth!
@@LeonidasontheTrail thanks for the reply. I really appreciate the feedback. I hope we can all get back out hiking this summer
No problem, I am getting ready for a trip and noticed I can’t pack the Bearikade anyway but vertical in my pack if I want it inside. I was really hoping it would fit horizontally...
@@LeonidasontheTrail In my research last night, I read a comment that might make sense. This particular backpacker puts his food in his bear hang bag in the pack while hiking and puts the empty bear canister on top, then when he stops at the end of the day he transfers his food to the canister. Thought I would share this with you. Take care
I've ordered this one. As far as storing it 100 feet away I put a personal alarm attached to it so that I know something is messing with it and potentially walking it away.: ruclips.net/video/8yH-nkuxeeY/видео.html
Nice idea!