[pct-l] Cannisters and Bears

[Hiker97 at aol.com (Hiker97@aol.com)]

Very interesting comments about clear canisters and bear interest.  I have 
also wondered about that.  You are told to keep foods and bright packages out of 
sight in your vehicle trunk when parking in bear areas.  Then we come along 
with clear bear containers to perk the bear's interest.  Very strange.  Sounds 
like a marketing gimmick for humans.  Looks like the bears soon might be 
laughing all the way to the chow hall with these canisters.

I am still on my campaign for "let's have a small bear canister under 1.5 
pounds" for 3 to 4 days worth of food.  Enough to get me to the next resupply or 
off the trail if I get hit by Mr. Bruin.  This 2 - 2.5 pound canister stuff is 
ridiculous.  That is like carrying two solo tents or two REALLY warm sleeping 
bags.  Crazy.  I cannot believe 5 years from now, we will be carrying these 
heavy canisters.  There has to be reasonable cost alternative materials 
somewhere in the world.  May be we could get some inexpensive titanium canisters from 
China.  Everything seems to be made there now.  Panda bear proof, etc., etc.

Getting ready to Section hike/attack the PCT in March, your buddy, Switchback