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[pct-l] Re: sleeping with food

"Tom Reynolds"<Tom.Reynolds@ilan.com> wrote:

>>Sleeping with your food is stupid, dangerous and, in California, illegial.<<

I believe it is only illegal if the bear actually gets your food........

Food just has to be stored "properly." Just exactly what consitutes "proper
food storage" seems to be a little vague. I'm sure every ranger has his
opinion, but I have asked for a specific legal definition and have yet to
receive one on paper. When pressed the officials seemed to indicate that
the ultimate test is: "if the bear got your food, you are guilty."

As far as being stupid and dangerous, it probably is. I did it when I did
my PCT through hike and on one of my JMT hikes. If you stay away from the
popular campsites, then it probably won't be a problem. 

They call the bears that go after packer food "habituated." Part of their
habit is WHERE they look for the food. The vast majority of the hikers camp
in the same few places. There are only a few good bearbag limbs: the bears
probably know them better than any of the hikers.

As far as 2 and a half pounds being neglegeble weight, I think you should
ask Ray Jardine about that.... <gdr>

FWIW, I once met a guy who claimed to have been bitten on the butt by a
bear through his tent while sleeping with his food. He offered to show me
the scars, but I declined.

I'm off for a 120 mile hike on the PCT from Hwy 74 in Anza to Big Bear
tomorow. Talk to you guys when I get back.

-Brick

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