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How to Use a Bear Canister

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A brown bear cub in the forest.

Across large swathes of the United States, the backcountry is also bear country. Backpackers and hikers who frequent such well-renowned campsite-rich national parks as Sequoia National Park, King’s Canyon National Park, Denali National Park, Yosemite National Park, or the Adirondack Mountains know well enough that in bear country, the lengths required to bear-proof a rucksack or a campsite are extensive and occasionally tiresome. Many national parks have bear-resistant food lockers or equipment to hang bear bags from a tree branch. 

Disillusioned hikers and backpackers who have seen this tree branch-bear bag method fail have begun to doubt the efficacy of that erstwhile standard-bearer of bear-proof food storage. That’s where bear canisters (or “bear cans”) come in; for hikers and backpackers in-the-know, campsite bear-proof food storage has more and more often been accomplished by stowing toiletries like sunscreen, toothpaste, and deodorant, any human food, and other scented items that attract the great grizzly critters inside bear canisters. 

 

Grizzly bear walking on a mountain.

Black Bear’s home ranges widen in the early spring when their natural food sources are more scarce.

 

If you’re questioning the need for such equipment at your campsite, or if you’re an ultralight backpacker concerned about the added weight and volume of a bear canister, rest assured that a bear canister is not only a wise addition to your rucksack but is in fact required at campsites from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) to the Adirondack Mountain Range in upper New York State. The National Park Service has made every effort to find out all they can about the black bear population in Yosemite National Park and to prevent their black bears from eating human food. For good reason: black bears and grizzlies who taste human food risk damaging their own health and their natural hunting and foraging instincts are altered from the first bite. 

It’s also extremely dangerous for hikers and backpackers to feed bears because black bears and grizzlies tend to come back to the same places year after year if they’ve found food there in the past. Black bears and grizzlies like anything calorie-rich so that they can prepare themselves for long stretches of hibernation. Aggression is a common trait in black bears that have tasted human food and black bears especially will stop at nothing to get at any scented item they can suss out. 

Luckily, outdoor equipment manufacturers like REI, BearVault, and Ursack have been developing a better bear canister and trying to make the lightest bear bag for campsite food storage for a long time. Read on to find out why your next campsite needs to be bear-proof and why it’s crucial for all hikers and backpackers to know how to use a bear canister. 

 

Why do black bears and grizzlies like human food so much?

Bears are incredibly intelligent (especially Adirondack grizzlies) and have what is perhaps the strongest sense of smell of any animal on earth. While it’s very difficult to measure the strength of a sense of smell, scientists estimate that black bears and grizzlies can catch a scent anywhere from 1 mile to 40 miles away. We humans get away with having just 400 odorant receptors, much fewer than a mouse, while the black bear has one of the largest and most effective snouts in the animal kingdom and is able to smell approximately 2,100 times better than humans can. Since black bears go into hibernation for up to 7.5 months and females often give birth during that time, they are hardwired to wolf down as much food as possible so they can store enough energy as fat for the long sleep. 

Bearing in mind that grizzlies and black bears don’t just like fresh food but also find garbage and remnants of human food to be fantastically high-calorie compared to the ease of finding and ingesting it, hikers and backpackers should be extra careful with their food storage at campsites in bear country. Though they may be smart, black bears aren’t automatically able to discern between hikers’ Clif Bars and their deodorant, sunscreen, and toothpaste, so toiletries like toothpaste, sunscreen, and deodorant should also be stowed in a backpacker’s cache of some kind. Any scented item must be stored in a bear canister, bear bag, or a bear-resistant food locker a safe distance away from the campsite. Black bears love the easy calories in our human food, but in general, they learn to get discouraged at the sight of bear canisters and will pass by a campsite if they see one used for food storage.

 

A grizzly bear sleeping.

To prepare for hibernation, bears must store a lot of energy as fat during the active season.

 

Different varieties of bear canisters

To accommodate all the different sorts of backpackers and hikers and the wide spectrum of campsites and hiking trails we strike out for and traverse, bear canister manufacturers like REI have developed many different styles of bear canisters with their own utilities to match the specific tastes and requirements of hikers and backpackers headed for backcountry bear country campsites. All bear canisters are designed to be bear-proof, which means there is nothing for a bear paw to grab and the bear canister itself is too large on all sides to be picked up in a bear’s mouth or paw.

The outside is either a clear, plastic material that enables hikers and backpackers to view the contents without opening the bear canister or an opaque but brightly colored material that makes it easier to find a bear canister hidden in a backpacker’s cache a good distance away from a campsite. 

Bear canisters usually have one of three types of locks to prevent bears from opening the lid. One of them is a broad turnable lock that is turned with a key, coin, washer, or fingernail. Another is very similar but locks with proper screws which can also be opened with a key, coin, washer, or fingernail. The third has tabs on the outer rim of the lid and the body of the bear canister that collide, preventing opening by bears but still fairly easy for humans to open. Hikers and backpackers would do well to carry a washer or some other kind of key attached to their rucksack to avoid losing the key somewhere in the backcountry and be locked out of their human food as effectively as the bears. 

 

Portability and packability of bear canisters

Ultralight backpackers have likely been wary of bear canisters due to their often-times large volume and the fact that they are not the lightest piece of backpacking equipment around. In addition to their vital utility in keeping humans safe from bears and bears safe from human food and human food safe from bears, bear canisters can also be fairly easily packed away in a rucksack. Fit them in the center of the rucksack as you would a sleeping bag, or roll the bear canister up in the center of the sleeping bag if possible. While most bear canisters are built to hold 4 to 5 days of food for one hiker or backpacker, there are smaller versions for ultralight backpackers that hole one day or two days of food for the lightest bear-proof food storage possible on shorter day-hikes in bear country. 

It bears remembering that while bear canisters are designed to be bear-proof and without any handles a bear could use to carry the whole bear canister away, a bear canister that’s inside a rucksack is readily carried away by a black bear who might decide to take the whole rucksack away even if it can’t reach the scented items or human food that attracted its attention to the rucksack in the first place. For this reason, it’s not wise to keep a bear canister inside your rucksack unless you are moving on the trail. If you cross a bear’s path on the trail, make sure not to leave your pack on your back, but rather toss it off and move slowly away from both the rucksack and the bear. 

 

The ultralight option: how to use a bear bag

If the bear canister is simply too heavy or you plan to strike out with a day pack only, a bear bag is the lightest way to carry bear-proof food protection with you to the campsite. You will lose some durability in terms of food protection, so any food you carry in your rucksack could possibly be broken up into crumbs by the time you reach your chosen bear country campsite. But once you have reached the campsite you can use a bear-proof food bag the same way you would use a normal food bag. Use a rope to hang it off a tree branch or else carry a bear pole along with you that’s been designed for just that purpose.

If you do choose a bear bag and tree branch method, remember that black bears and grizzlies have wisened up to that system in some places and they will cut the line with their teeth or paw to get the food bag. Some hikers and backpackers have taken to hanging their bear bags from a tree branch and tying some fishing line to it, which is fine for humans but not easily visible or manipulated by bears. The exterior of the food bag is bear-resistant so they can’t scratch or bite through it, but they will still steal it if they pick up on the scented items within. 

 

A black bear in the snow and forest.

Black bear’s hunting and foraging instincts are permanently altered once they’ve tried human food.

 

Should I use a bear canister or a bear bag?

It all depends on your personal preference and the kind of backpacking you’re undertaking. For the lightest method, the bear bag and tree branch method is the best option. If you can possibly bear the additional weight and have the storage space, a bear canister is more durable, more bear-proof, and holds more days of food than a bear bag. It’s less hassle and much faster once you reach your chosen bear country campsite since you won’t have to fuss around with a rope or fishing line and likely bungle up your first seven attempts to hang your food bags from a tree branch. Once you reach the campsite, a bear canister is ready to go. Just select the right placement for your backpacker’s cache a safe distance away from the campsite and you’re finished with food storage.

 

The backpacker’s cache: where do I put my bear canister?

Since black bears are probably already picking up on your scent and all the yummy scented items and human food in places like Yosemite National Park, you can bet they might come rummaging looking for the source of the human food scent. That’s why it’s really important to pick a good spot for a backpacker’s cache – somewhere to stow your bear canister when it’s not in use that’s far enough away from your tent and campsite so a bear rambling by will head for the bear canister and not you or your fellow hikers or backpackers. 

It is imperative that all human food and scented items – that means toiletries like deodorant and even sunscreen and toothpaste – be stashed inside the bear canister and kept only at the backpacker’s cache. All refuse and uneaten food should be put into a bear-proof trash receptacle or hung off a tree branch. Black bears can get really sick and even die from eating human food waste and the plastic wrappers that came with the food items. 

When you set up your backpacker’s cache for food storage, consider hiding it in the hollow of a tree or some similar natural location which will fit the bear canister but not allow a black bear’s paw to get in to remove the jar. Black bears can’t get into a bear canister but that won’t stop them from trying. Make sure your backpacker’s cache is well away from you campsite and also well away from cliffs, ledges, rivers, and lakes, because a black bear may well swat it or accidentally toss it into an inconvenient location that’s inaccessible to you as it’s trying to get at all your human food and scented items.

If you’re using a smaller food container, make sure it isn’t going to be subject to the gluttonous desires of other backcountry critters like raccoons, who can easily squirrel their way into a tree hollow or other narrow place and may also try to open the bear canister or inadvertently knock it into a river or off a cliff in the process.  

 

Alternative uses for a bear canister

Should you need a little bit more convincing to add a bear canister to your backpacking gear (and state law isn’t quite persuasive enough), there are a few other ways you can use your bear canister if you eat all the human food and use the toiletries and other scented items that were once contained within it. Hikers and backpackers using their bear canister as a makeshift stool is a common sight all along the PCT and in the Adirondack Mountains, those most-famous of bear country campsite locations.

The bear canister can also be used to transport water from a river, lake, or other water source back to the campsite to be treated all at once instead of making repeat back-and-forth trips that can waste all the energy you could have used exploring the backcountry. Overall a bear canister is a super versatile addition to any campsite and it’s perhaps the only real viable option for bear-proof food storage in the backcountry of bear country where the food lockers are few and far between.

 

An American brown bear in the forest.

Bear’s keen sense of smell allows them to pick up a scent from miles away.

 

Final Verdict:

Bear containers are easy to use and come in enough varieties to suit just about any backcountry backpacking trip you might want to take. Enough human food and toiletries for multi-day excursions will fit inside and there are other uses to put a bear canister to around the campsite. In addition to being required by most of the most famous national park campsites in bear country, a bear canister can save hikers and backpackers tons of time and frustration trying to hang their food bag from a tree branch. 

Bear container manufacturers have several different types of bear-proof food storage solutions on the market, including bear bags, which are definitely the lightest method to keep food safe from small critters and black bears alike. Ultralight campers will appreciate the ease of storage and transportation of a bear bag, although a bear bag is not quite as handy or versatile as a bear canister. As long as you know how to safely and effectively hide your human food, toiletries, and other scented items from black bears and grizzlies, you should be able to put a bear canister to good use and ensure your campsite remains undisturbed, all hikers and backpackers remain safe, and your provisions stay out of the hands of hungry black bears.

Check out more information on grizzlies and black bears from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) before you head out into the backcountry. You won’t go hungry or risk injury from a black bear on your next trip through bear country now that you know how to use a bear canister. 

Bonus tip: Watch this short video for some bear canister basics!

 

 

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Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

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Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

 

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

 

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

 

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

 

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

 

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

 

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

 

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

 

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

 

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

 

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

 

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

 

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

 

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

 

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.

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Are You Ready for Autumn Adventures? How to Prep for an Unforgettable Outdoor Fall Guys Trip

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As autumn rolls in, the great outdoors beckons with its crisp air and colorful foliage. For those gearing up for an adventurous Fall Guys trip—think hiking, camping, and maybe some deer hunting—the preparation is half the fun and all the necessity. With a myriad of activities to choose from, how do you ensure your fall excursion is not only exhilarating but also safe and comfortable? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the most of your outdoor escapades this fall.

 

Choosing Your Adventure

 

First things first: deciding what type of fall outdoor activity tickles your fancy. Are you looking to conquer trails with breathtaking autumn views, or are you gearing up for a weekend of tranquil camping beside a glistening lake? Perhaps, the thrill of tracking and observing wildlife is what you’re after.

 

Each activity demands a different approach and preparation method. Start by defining what your fall guys trip looks like. Is it a quiet escape into the wilderness, a challenging hike, or a dedicated hunting expedition? Once you’ve nailed down the type of trip, you can start tailoring your prep list to match the demands of the activities you’ve chosen.

 

Plan a Camping Trip

 

If camping is on your agenda, meticulous planning is essential to enjoy both the spontaneity and serenity of nature without a hitch. When you plan a camping trip, think beyond just a tent and a sleeping bag. Consider the overall length of your trip, the climate of your chosen destination, and the size of your group. Are you venturing into bear country? If so, bear-proof containers for your food and trash are a must.

 

What’s the weather forecast? Ensure your gear is appropriate for colder nights and unpredictable weather patterns. A well-planned camping experience means securing the right campsite, bringing sufficient food and water supplies, and ensuring you have the necessary permits. Also, be aware of the leave-no-trace principles to keep your environmental impact to a minimum. Planning with precision ensures you’re free to relax and revel in the beauty of the season without unnecessary interruptions.

Gear Up for Deer Hunting

 

For many outdoor enthusiasts, fall is synonymous with deer hunting season. If this is the core of your guys trip, gearing up appropriately cannot be overstressed. Your deer hunting gear is your ticket to not only success but also safety. Start with the basics: a reliable hunting rifle or bow, suitable ammunition, and a quality scope or binoculars for spotting your target.

 

Clothing is next on the list; opt for layers that can easily adjust to changing temperatures and are also camouflaged to blend in with the fall environment. Don’t skimp on a good pair of boots—comfort, warmth, and durability are key when you’re on the move. Also, essential gear like a hunting license, deer tags, a first-aid kit, and even a GPS or compass should be non-negotiable items in your pack. Remember, the right gear not only enhances your chances of a fruitful hunt but ensures you can do so safely and responsibly within the ecological balance.

 

Map Your Route

 

Mapping your route is crucial whether you’re hiking, camping, or hunting. This involves more than just selecting a trail or a campsite; it means understanding the terrain, noting water sources, identifying potential shelter spots, and being aware of exit points in case of emergencies. Topographic maps, GPS devices, and even mobile apps can be incredibly useful tools for this.

 

Spend time familiarizing yourself with the area through these resources, and always carry a physical map and compass—you never know when technology might let you down. It’s also a good idea to inform someone about where you plan to go and expected return time is a safety must. Properly mapping your route not only helps in avoiding getting lost but also maximizes your interaction with nature, letting you find those hidden spots that make a trip memorable.

Prepare Physically and Mentally

 

The physical demands of outdoor activities, especially in the unpredictable weather of fall, should not be underestimated. Start conditioning your body weeks in advance, particularly if your trip involves strenuous activities like long hikes or hunting. Cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hikes with a loaded backpack can prepare your body for the exertion to come.

 

Equally important is mental preparation. Familiarize yourself with survival skills, such as how to start a fire, basic first aid, and how to stay calm in unexpected situations. A physically and mentally prepared adventurer is more likely to enjoy the trip and handle potential challenges effectively.

 

Pack Smart

 

The final step in preparing for your outdoor trip this fall is packing. Since fall weather can be highly variable, layering is key. Include a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Besides clothing, pack essential gear tailored to your activities—this could include a sleeping bag rated for colder temperatures, waterproof bags to keep gear dry, cooking equipment, food supplies, and safety items like a whistle, flashlight, and multi-tool. Be mindful of the weight and volume of your pack; every item should justify its place in your backpack by being essential or serving multiple purposes.

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BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

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BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

 

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