[pct-l] Request for Feedback ...

[Aaron Wallace]

Proper food storage (bear-bagging/hanging, SIBBG-approved containers,
permanent bear boxes) is required in all major Sierra wilderness areas
(Golden Trout, John Muir, Ansel Adams, Emigrant) and national parks
(Yosemite, SEKI), at least from Kennedy Meadows (south) to Sonora Pass,
and probably in the Desolation Wilderness as well.  

In addition, a subset of these places require the use of SIBBG-approved
containers (a/k/a canisters) where permanent boxes are not
available--these include much of Yosemite and high-use areas in Inyo NF
and SEKI.

Note that even in the areas where canisters are not required, sleeping
with food, leaving it lying around, stuffing it in deep cracks, etc. are
not legal, since these are not considered proper food storage techniques
for any of the major Sierra wilderness areas or national parks.

Also, note that it may not be possible to store food properly without a
canister even in places where they are not required--bear boxes can be
full and suitable trees for hanging can be scarce.  Also, if you're
going to use hanging, you must actively defend your food against bears
(throw rocks/bang pots), since hanging is considered at best a delay
tactic nowadays.  Hanging should not be considered if you don't know how
to do it correctly/effectively, or if you're a deep sleeper who won't
notice when Yogi's around.

The best bet is to consult 

The Ursack Hybrid (the one with the aluminum liner)--and only the
Hybrid--is conditionally approved as a SIBBG-approved storage container.
Since it had a (mostly) successful 2006 season, the conditional approval
hasn't been revoked.  The Bearikade, Garcia/Backpacker's Cache, and
latest BearVault are also all approved.

Some useful links:



> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net 
> [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Mark Jernigan

> I have a question for those familiar with the current food 
> container requirements on the PCT.
>    
>   Specifically, are bear cannisters REQUIRED, or is something 
> like the Ursack recommended/approved for use, especially in 
> the Sierras.