Outdoor Blog

How to Use a Bear Canister

Published

5 years ago

November 25, 2019

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

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.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter