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To Vault or Not To Vault
One month left until my start date and I’ve got all of my equipment dialed in. The only thing left to do now is review the AWOL guide and think about food drops. So upon reviewing the AWOL guide, I noticed there’s a mandatory area for use of a bear canister right in the first section of the trail. I’ve considered a bear canister before, but any of the through hikers I’ve spoken with told me not to bother with the extra weight.
When I’ve got nothing left to do but wait, I do research. Without research, I might succumb to either boredom or anxiety. So I research bear canisters, and research them, and research them.
For those not already in the know, there are essentially two main methods for keeping your food out of the paws of a bear. You can either hang it from a tree out of reach (12′ high and 5′ from the trunk or any limb), or you can put it in a container the bear can’t get into.
Until now I’ve always hung a bear bag using the PCT method. A good bear hang involves finding a suitable tree to hang from, which isn’t always easy. Then you have to throw a rope attached to a heavier object over a protruding limb, and doing the actual hang. It usually only takes me about 10 minutes, but I’ve had times that it’s taken me 30, either because I can’t find a good tree or just because my throw is off that day. While this has worked out until now, I’m also aware that bears are both smart and able to climb trees, so a determined bear will still get at your food. And given repeat opportunities, like every day for six months, it seems even more likely.
Bear vaults are containers that are generally made of a very hard plastic that is smooth and awkward for the bear to try to get into, and also has nothing the bear can grab into to carry it away. This is a more effective method of keeping the bear out of your food supply.
Another positive to a bear vault is ease of placement. Placing a bear vault involves walking 100 feet from your tent site and plopping it down on the ground. My only concern with this is misplacing the vault. I guess I can set a GPS tracking point from the place I put it down as an extra layer of security.
The two big negative are the weight and size. The size vault I would use is 2.5 lbs., which is increasing my total base weight by over 10%. It also doesn’t fit into my pack very easily, as I’m carrying the Mariposa 60 pack. I find if I put it at the base of the pack, it puts weird pressure on my back, and is hard to access during the day. If I put it at the top sideways outside my pack it makes my carry top-heavy, and if I put it at the top vertical, it’s just kind of awkward.
The conclusion that I come to is that it really is the right thing to carry from a conservation perspective. While I don’t want to lose my food or meds to a bear, they are replaceable. But if a bear does get to my food, that means said bear is one step closer to either needing to be relocated or needing to be dead, which is neither fair for the bear or the rangers that need to deal with this stuff.
I would love anyone’s feedback, experiences, or opinion on this.
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Comments 41
Cans are just so easy, especially when you roll into camp after dark or you are just so exhausted you don’t feel like fiddling with a hang, which will be the time that your line gets tangled and you spend 30 minutes trying to unsnag it.
Its also worth getting used to if you are into backpacking as a long term hobby, problem bears are becoming more and more prevalent as the trails get busier and people make terrible hangs that reward the bears.
With sections and shelters becoming hotspots every year they may not require a can yet, but it’s definitely coming at some point and I just don’t feel like having to worry about it.
I think I’m sold just on the ease of a canister. This has been a hobby for 30 years now, but I’ve never done more than 10 days, so have meticulously planned every trip and every mile. The experience of making the plan as I go is very new, and the idea of not knowing my next site, deciding to camp cause the sun is going down, and not needing to find a tree for a hang is super enticing. Thanks for the feedback.
I had the same rig as you for 120 miles of the JMT in September. What I did was carry a mostly empty vault on top and everything else below. What was in the vault during the day was my lunch and snacks.
This is a fantastic idea. Thanks.
I am just a backpacker, not a thru-hiker so almost hesitate to weigh in. I’m also a terrible engineer and need to keep things as easy as possible, so it’s a canister for me. I invested in a Bearikade, which is very lightweight but strong enough to also use as a stool. It fits in the center of my pack and i’ve been 100% happy to trade off the weight for time not spent executing a great hang. The company that makes Bearikades will rent them to you if you’d like to try one.
Hi Michael!
Here is my experience with packing a bear cannister. The Dude & I tackled the PCT in ‘22, & in the Sierras, you ate required to carry cannisters. I struggled with packing it in a way that wasn’t off balance or painful & a fellow hiker named Grit gave me the answer. Your sleeping bag goes at the bottom of your pack, next clothes bag, then put the canister vertically in the middle & wedge your tent & mattress on either side. Stuff your puffy jacket around it & another things like your stove, etc & viola!! It really does make a difference…hope this helps!
Thank you very much. I’m gonna try that and see how it works. I’ve done a few configurations and this sounds slightly better than the best I’ve found so far.
Hello.
We carry the canisters here in California. Everything goes in it…chapstick, toothpaste, you name it. When a bear gets into your food he will destroy everything else your are carrying. This could happen if you stopped on the trail for a minute pre food hanging time. You don’t need the largest canister since the AT has so much access to buying your food as you travel.
Spare the bear and save yourself some trouble. Take out pack weight in other areas.
Have a great AT experience! I look forward to following your progress.
Hi Michael, since you requested feedback, here’s my take: yes, bears are attracted to human food. Yes, we don’t want them flocking to shelters and tentsites, for their sake as well as ours. But – and I realize this is controversial – I don’t believe the bear/people problem is nearly as bad as it’s made out by trail and wildlife officials. I thru-hiked last year & saw only one bear (daytime in Shenandoah) and kept my food either with me in my tent (bagged), or in my pack which leaned against my tent (bagged), or hung inside a shelter (bagged). My trail “mentor” thru-hiked both the AT and PCT, kept his food in his tent the whole time, and didn’t have a single bear encounter. IF a bear box or pole was available, I used them, but otherwise didn’t sweat it. Mice were the bigger problem as far as being attracted to my food.
I say this as a tree and animal-hugger and conservationist (Greenpeace, Sierra Club, NRDC member). Yes, there are isolated cases of on-trail bear-human encounters related to food, but I feel the bear “problem” is far less horrific than made out. Don’t know why, other than people love irrational fears. Just use common sense, clean any dishes, wrap food as best you can, use the receptacles when provided.
Again, my opinion as a vet hiker. Enjoy your thru!
I don’t doubt your experience, but it’s a matter of numbers. Sure, each individual hiker is unlikely to have a bad encounter (though I’ve personally had my canister knocked around by a bear at 3 separate places in the Sierra), but there are thousands of hikers on these trails. If everyone kept their food at their campsite every night, undoubtedly there would be issues over the course of the season. The reason the canister regulations exist where they do (e.g. Shining Rock Wilderness) is specifically because there already had been issues…
Thank you both for the advise and opinions. I’m interested in any perspectives, and the last thing I want is heated debate (that’s what reddit is for). While I appreciate the lack of negative experiences you’ve had Pete, I’m also pretty cautious and from NJ. I’ve see bear regularly, even on day hikes, so I tend to not take chances. And after all… apologies mean nothing to a dead bear (or hiker for that matter).
I share your experience. I’m going to experiment with PCT hangs on my next section just for fun but if there is no good tree I will not sweat it. Exposure is what people need to prepare for. That’s how people die out there.
While personal experience is valuable, you’re favoring your anecdotal experience against the broader picture. Trail and wildlife officials take it seriously because they have had to kill plenty of bears who became habituated to human food and contact. It’s true that bear attacks are rare, but that’s relative. Thousands of people are getting outdoors, increasing the amount of chances for encounters, increasing the amount of risks to humans and bears.
Think of it like pooping in the woods and burying it; not a problem when a few people do it every year in an area, but when thousands do it becomes a biohazard, so more and more places are requiring hikers to pack it out. It sucks, and you may say well mine won’t make a difference, but that would be missing the cumulative effect.
I hate throwing a line for a bear bag – it’s a pain and often there are no good branches – but also hate carrying the weight of a bear bag. So I split the difference and got an Ursack. No need to throw a line, just tie it off to a tree (of course if there are bear cables, use those).
Ditto on the Ursack and why. Lighter and more packable. Yes you can find pics of ripped up ones, but they did get certified by those grizzly folk. Best of luck whatever you pick.
Thanks
I have a BV500, carried under the brain of my pack with only that day’s food and other items, like rain poncho, that I might need suddenly and don’t want to dig through my pack for.
The rest of my food goes in my pack during the day in a smellproof bag.
DeerEars
At night my food, other smellables, and ziplock of food related trash, all fit without worry.
It is worth the weight for the convenience of not having to precisely place everything in it, and it’s a taller camp seat than the smaller BVs.
I carry is like this during the day for a couple of reasons; the food inside the pack during the day for balance so there is not as much weight in the top part of my pack.
The other is so I don’t have to dig it out of my pack if I want to use it as a quick seat for meals or other types of breaks; those 12.7 inches make a big difference to my knees when sitting because they can be slightly bent vs the full drop to the ground which makes getting back up, for me anyway, a lot more difficult.
I have a Google Pixel phone and purchased three tile devices (similar to an Apple AirTag). I taped on in the bottom of the Bear canister so I could find mine should it go astray.
I’m considering this after stories of lost canisters. Does it work inside the canister? Anyone know if it works inside a bearikade? Thanks!
I have been back and forth over this for two years lol.
In the ADKS, you actually don’t find many perfect trees to hang, but plenty of stumps to wedge a bear can into. I just snap a pic of me pointing to it to refer to in the morning 🙂
But damn that Zpacks bear kit is SO LIGHT.
Had to buy a Garcia can (because ADK bears know all about the “Bear Vault” cans and have actually figured them out!) It is a requirement in most of the High Peaks areas now.
I hate it …and love it. It’s a seat, it’s an end table – and I don’t have to find a branch.
But it’s killing my base weight.
Rather that than a bear, though!
I think you’re doing the right thing by taking it. Right by them – and they live there 🙂 I’ll definitely use my PCT hang where and when I can. Those are the days you simply float up the trail if you’re used to that 2.5 lbs!!! ?
Honestly, It’s more about the bulk than the base weight. I’ve been hiking so long that a base weight of 20 lbs. seems like nothing at this point. Of course, I’ve never done a through hike and the extra few lbs. may totally change my opinion after a month. But I do love the idea of having a bench/end table with me. But I pulled the trigger and bought a canister. If I hate it, I can always return it (yay REI).
We are starting about the same time as you on the AT, and are both carrying canisters. Yes, lots of extra weight when trying to keep the backpack lighter, but I am looking forward to a built-in seat all the way to Maine. I am not so skilled at hanging a bear bag, and on the multi-day treks I have done, it is a relief to just place my canister rather than throw a bag of rocks up a tree.
I’m looking forward to the seat as well. I’ve never had much problem with the hang, but do like the idea of rolling in on a rainy day at dusk and not having to hang a bag. After 30 years of hanging bear bags, it almost feels like cheating.
I stopped hanging my food up a long time ago; although I do sometimes try to place it up on a boulder a reasonable ways away.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the Rockies and as I see it, the Grizzly has a one track mind, it will often dismiss various potlucks as it boldy marches right through camp on its way to the fishing hole.
(Mind you, if the fishing isn’t good, it might reconsider.)
Whereas the Black Bear is an opportunist that having discovered your camp, will really stick around.
So, consider the following scenario: having invested considerable time and energy hanging that hefty bag of food – you turn in for the night.
The next day you discover a family of bears under that tree. Well, it’s breakfast time, so grab the bears-prey, make a little noise and go get the bacon & eggs / tofu and avocado… no problem. Then hoist everything back up again. You never know.
Oops! Forgot the tea, bread & butter – just go get it again. Um hmmm.
(Long on guts, short on brains)
Because I have never been on a thru-hike, I am rarely so far out that I can’t make a run for it and head for the car if need be; particularly if I abandon my gear. (Something I have never done but would in an emergency.)
Thanks for the friendly advice on Canisters, I still might invest in one.
THANK YOU, Michael!!see you out there. I’m beginning April 11.
Excellent. I’m not the worlds fastest hiker, only planning on averaging 12 miles/day and starting March 21, so I’ll see you out there.
On the east coast where I am, only a 40 minute drive from the AT, it’s definitely “black bear” country and I have become a convert to the Ursack. Yes my food might be “crunched” if a bear goes after it, since I rodent hang, but most of my food is already “crunched” as it is. The bear still doesn’t get the food though, and I have an easier time packing it than a vault and there is a much lower chance of me screwing up a hang after a long, exhausting, day. The only thing is you have to check to see if the Ursack is permited over a vault in some areas but I find it an option that should be kept in the quiver.
“Crunched” or “Mushed” is the question. I hear bear teeth & claws easily make small holes and pierce food bags. The result can be a mushy mess of bear saliva. I wouldn’t take a chance eating anything contaminated that way – so they might as well have eaten it. Plus, they now associate those bags tied to trees with a tasty chew toy. I can see how it makes people feel like they are lessening the risk but it doesn’t really create a viable solution in my books.
I thru hiked the AT last year and did not carry a canister. I hung my food every night on the trail or used the provided cables or bear box at shelters or camp sites. I did not have any issues finding a suitable tree to hang my food from. The only reason I could have used a canister was to sit on while cooking. We did stealth camp some nights as well, and still didn’t have a problem finding a suitable branch for the bear bag. Several other hikers started with a canister, but mailed it home way before the half way point. So, if you start with one, don’t be surprised if you wind up sending it home with your winter sleeping bag.
First of all, I love the tone of your article and the comments. We are all experimenting, tweaking, learning, and hiking in different areas. This is a good community.
I have used the PCT hang, a BV500, and an Ursack. At first I enjoyed the process of hanging, but if it was raining and dark (and I was exhausted) I did not like having to find a good limb. On another 2 week hike on the AT I tried a BV500. I carried 10 days of food just to try it and, although it was bulky and heavier, it was sooo much easier. I used it as a seat pretty often. I put it on top of my pack and it felt a little too heavy but with a 40L pack I had little choice. Lately, I’ve enjoyed the Ursack and, so far, have had no issues. Maybe on I get my food crushed my opinion will change, but it has been my favorite so far.
I feel like if you own it, you make it work and don’t look back. Each of us are unique and this feels like a matter if preference to me. I really wanted to like the PCT hang but it just wasn’t my thing.
Happy hiking!
Gary
Every year I see PCT hikers complaining about bear cans, and saying they shouldn’t have to use one….
A few thoughts: I see a lot of AT thruhikers saying they were fine with a hang. The PCT is NOT the AT, there are many, many miles where there is no such thing as a suitable tree for a hang.
Second, and more importantly, the bear cans are to protect the BEARS, not the hiker. “A fed bear is a dead bear” is a commonly used expression here, as once a bear associates hikers with an easy meal, they are often put down. I’m a California local who’s been backpacking for over 4 decades, and the Sierra is my backyard. WE LIKE OUR BEARS HERE. Please respect the wildlife and the trail. Think of it as LNT.
Third: It’s a condition of being allowed to backpack the areas where it’s required. “Required” doesn’t mean “for everyone but thruhikers”, it’s required. Do some people break the rules? Yes. Is that a good look? No, and can lead to problems for thruhikers in the future. If someone thinks they are so special that they don’t have to respect the trail, the wildlife, or the rules, they should go hike a different trail.
Fourth: a bear can is a great multiuse item. It’s a stool, it’s a bucket to carry water, it’s a back roller, its easy to use, and as stated, it keeps our bears safe.
Please, respect the bears, respect the trail, respect those of us who spend our lives in the range of light and dont just pass through the sierra once on the highway that is the PCT, and USE A BEAR CAN.
Have a great hike.
Check out Wild Things bear cans. Pricy, but light weight. I feel you about the bulk. I have a ULA Circuit and a Bearvault just barely squeezes in there on top of the sleeping stuff. However, not having to find the @#$%! tree when it’s getting dark and raining–plus having a seat to sit on is worth the downsides IMO. Recommend some reflective tape on the can to find it easily in the early AM (‘tho I like the Tile/Airtag idea!).
Bearikade (with a k) canisters greatly reduce the weight sting and are durable. They are no brained in my opinion.
Pros: no hanging, becomes a seat, store more than food in it, looks cool, easy to open, tons of sizes, durable..
Cons: takes up space in pack, does weight a little more than bags system, requires a coin or similar to open. May require sizing up your Liter size of your backpack.
I personally would have quit hiking if I hadn’t discovered them.
I have an Expedition size (largest) just to never have to worry about space and it’s great for seat height and it can easily handle two people’s food for a few days.
I use an REI Flash 55L pack (none of the cottage brands ever comfy) and fit the Expedition easily with pack fully loaded.
Simplest solution is just to use the bear vault for the first section of the trail you are required to use it for and then use bear bags. Realistically, when you’re a month in and you’re tired and looking to cut weight, and you see this enormous canister you’re carrying….every day you’ll want to get rid of it until you eventually do.
Thinking you made a good call. Just decided to convert from the Ursa sack to a vault after a gymnast raccoon had his way with the sack. Starting the AT late, on 4:21, as Cactus Jack (FB @colonelcactus). Happy trails!
While admittedly not a true thruhiker — longest time I’ve spent on trail was a couple of weeklong treks — I have cumulatively spent about 8 months backpacking in the last 5 years, including a good chunk of the AT in Virginia. I’ve never used a canister and never had a problem. I put all my food and smellables in an odorproof bag, put that in an Ursack and hang that. Twice I have simply tied it to a tree, also with no issues, but I prefer the extra peace of mind of hanging. Where a canister is now required, I would certainly adhere to the guidance. Other than that I say HYOH. Happy trails!
Add reflective tape to the canister to more easily find it in the dark!
My friends and I section hike parts of the JMT/PCT every year. Our first section required canisters, and I’ve been using my BV500 every year since. Like others providing feedback, my canister doubles as a camp chair/stool. Only one of my buddies switched to an Ursak + odor proof bag, but he also packs a camp chair so his weight is the same as the rest of us with just canisters. REI Flash 55 works well with BV500 inside. Without canister, I use a Durston Kakwa 40 and DCF bag for food and camp chair for sitting. And for what it’s worth, I haven’t and won’t sleep with food in my tent.
Squirrels and other rodents can easily chew into a ursack no matter how well its hung. Bears will also crush your food into dust if they do get to your hang. Vaults are really the safest option IMO.
I carry an Ursack, it’s a bear proof bag. It does not meet the Yosemite standard, so I can’t speak as to whether it would meet other parks standards, but a bear has moved my bag, but never gotten in it. It’s flexible, so fits wherever you want it, and if it’s not full it takes up less space, unlike the tubs. Just a thought. I don’t know if I’d use it in the Yukon or Alaska, but Grizzlies are fairly few and far between in the lower 48 unless you’re in Yellowstone. They are theoretically able to withstand a Grizzly encounter, but wouldn’t want to trust it.
Yes to the canister if you are thru hiking AT, and keep your garbage bag in it too. Bears sure know when hiker season is for their part of the trail! The rangers define canister-required areas and times of year precisely because those places have a history of more frequent human-bear encounters.
The ursack is an excellent option for short section hiking or if you resupply very often, but IMO not quite enough space.