[pct-l] bear questions

[t.n. turner]

Huh, maybe that would have solved my uncomfortable bear can/pack issue! Ah well, maybe if I ever use one again!!
Tammy T.

From: wandering_bob at comcast.net
To: chelin at teleport.com; pct-l at backcountry.net
Date: Sun, 25 Nov 2007 12:39:36 -0800
Subject: Re: [pct-l] bear questions










IMO, bulk is a bigger problem with bear canisters than their weight.
 
Some packs can not physically fit a bear canister inside, while other can 
only do so standing vertically, which eats up a huge amount of available pack 
space.  I suppose a carrier would work fine for attaching the can to 
the outside of your pack. Backpackers Cache http://www.backpackerscache.com/products.asp makes 
one for the Garcia Can. You do have to remember to remove the carrier before you 
go to bed or leave it unattended anywhere - even for a potty stop. 
 
Bear canisters are all 9 inches in diameter for a good reason - no known 
species of bear can open its jaws that wide and therefore can not pick it up and 
carry it off. For that same reason, even though some manufacturers will 
custom-make a canister to whatever capacity you choose, they won't 
reduce any dimension below 9 inches. 
 
However, bears can and do swat the cans around (in play or frustration?), 
and often for amazing distances if you didn't store them properly to begin with. 
Hence the recommendations by others to make them more visible somehow. 
 
Wilderness Solutions has a new, electrically-protected food carrier 
called the Palisade EST on the market that weighs less than a 
pound.  Very crudely, think "electrified Ursack".  According to 
the website, it has yet to be certified by SIBBG and IBGC, although results were 
submitted in April of 2007. See http://www.wilderness-solutions.com/palisade_est.htm
 
 
Wandering Bob

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