[pct-l] BearVault

[Aaron Wallace]

(Sorry, the previous message was accidentally sent before I finished
typing...)
 
The only restriction on the BearVault is that the older verisons are not
allowed in the Rae Lakes region, where the bears have learned that they
can pop off the lids by compressing the sides of the canister:

http://www.sierrawildbear.gov/foodstorage/approvedcontainers.htm

While I'd guess that a modified canister wouldn't be considered an
approved food storage device, it's also true that the BearVaults can be
a real pain to open, even with a big brain, opposable thumbs and tools.
This is especially true if it is cold or sand and dirt gets into the
threads of the lid.  It also depends on the specific lid--apparently the
manufacturing process results in some variation in lid sizes, and some
are easier to open than others.  As long as some squeezing of the lid is
needed to unscrew the lid, I wouldn't worry--unless it's 28 degrees and
sand is blowing around at Trail Camp and you're trying to get breakfast
out of the BearVault.  In that case, you might want to bring along your
chisel...  or invite one of the industrious Rae Lakes bears along :-)

> -----Original Message-----

> I have an older  model BearVault Solo I am taking on my Mt. 
> Whitney expedition next  week.  I think it is okay and 
> approved for the trail.
>  
> I notice I must be getting weaker  because I had trouble 
> opening the lid as I was preparing my pack this  week.  So, I 
> just went out to the garage and took a chisel and hammer and  
> applied some friendly persuasion to the lid notch.
>  
> Now it opens easily.  But you  still have to apply some 
> pressure to the lid notch to unscrew it.  So, I  think a bear 
> still would have trouble getting into it.  I did not know if  
> others might have had that problem too.
>
> Your hiking buddy,  Switchback
> Typical Male Trouble  Shooter