Securing food while hiking is crucial, especially when you’re in bear territory. I remember my first experience backpacking alone. I encountered a black bear that bolted as soon as I yelled. Its sheer size was enough to rattle me. I spent weeks debating whether to take a bear canister or a bear bag. I eventually decided on the bear can just before my trip.
Why I Chose the Bear Vault 450 Last Year
- Hurricane Damage: I was concerned about the effects of Hurricane Helene. A lot of trees had fallen, making it difficult to find good branches for hanging a bear bag.
- Cold Weather: Starting my hike in mid-March meant cold nights. I often struggle to stay warm after a long day, so I wanted to avoid the hassle of hanging a bear bag in freezing temperatures.
- Food Protection: With a hard shell, a bear can keeps food intact and makes it easy to grab what I need without digging around.
- Peace of Mind: Bear canisters are rodent-proof and resistant to bears, allowing me to relax and enjoy my hike without worrying about critters getting into my food.
Why I’m Ditching the Bear Can This Year
- Resupply Needs: I prefer resupplying every 5-6 days, which means I carry more food. The bear can was too small to fit my meals, and I found myself envious of hikers who could pack backpacker meals.
- Calories and Capacity: By week three, I was eating more than ever, and I couldn’t fit all my snacks in the canister. I’d end up stashing extra food in a grocery bag.
- Weight Concerns: My bear can weighed about 2.16 pounds—heavy for long-distance hiking. With all my gear, my pack was already close to 35 pounds. To lighten my load, I’ve decided to leave the bear can behind.
What I’m Using This Year
I’ll be taking a 14L Adotec UL bear bag. It weighs only 6.5 ounces and is also reinforced for bear resistance. Unlike the bear can, it can be tied to a tree and won’t absorb water if it rains. The Adotec bag is easier to pack and allows me to carry more food.
What About the Bears?
It’s essential to remember that nothing is entirely bear-proof. Experts agree that if a bear is determined enough, it can get into almost anything. However, bear encounters are rare. I plan to use bear boxes and cables wherever available and will only tie my bag to a tree when absolutely necessary. If my food gets damaged, it’s a setback, but I can restock quickly at nearby towns along the trail.
In conclusion, each hiker has to find what works best for them when it comes to food storage. With better gear options now available, it’s all about balancing weight against safety. Happy hiking!
