[pct-l] bear canister?

[enyapjr at comcast.net]

> ...they (BearVault) suggest buying one at KM.  Should I do that and hope there are any left, 
> or should I buy one now and mail it into myself?

BearVault used to have a special 'purchase' price of $65 for PCT thrus which included shipping to the KM Store - 
as BearVault's "PCT thru Hiker" page states, they have now arranged with the KM Store to sell them to thrus for $65,
including taxes - so $65 is the total cost.
If you bought a BV500 yourself, the price would probably be more than $65, you would have to pay shipping to KM, 
and also pay the $5 "package fee" at the Store when picking it up.
My suggestion, if you're seeking the best price, would be to contact BearVault to see if they are going to try and 
'guarantee' that the KM Store will not run out of canisters during thru season.
The only 'good' point of sending your own canister to KM is that you could pack it full of your Sierra food supply 
beforehand - which you will probably be sending your Sierra food to KM anyway...

Happy trails!!!
Jim (PITA)