bear-proof containers

[Lone Wolf]

It all makes good sense to me. The bears in the area have beat the cables.

No need to overnight on that 5 mile stretch of trail anyway. Overnight at Woody, Lance, or Jarrard. Much ado about nothing.

the cables weren't put up properly

no need for woods hole shelter or blood mtn. shelter. much ado about nothing

[xokie]

They could put the bear box inside the shelter. No regs against that, Is there?

Most shelters in MA have bear boxes a hundred yards or so away from the shelter which was annoying to me until I was out relieving an ancient bladder one night and heard and then saw a young black bear checking the security of the bear box.

[Myakka Mules]

Just found out about this. Anybody know about this? If so, what container to use? http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/conf/n...TELPRDB5351877

[moldy]

Read this as "no camping" Jarrard Gap to Neels Gap.

[QiWiz]

Just found out about this. Anybody know about this? If so, what container to use? http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/conf/n...TELPRDB5351877

this link not working: "Content could not be located"

[QiWiz]

Hearing about the bear incidents last year, Ursacks kept the bears out. However, everything inside was crushed into powder. You still lose your food, unless you want eat ramen flavored paste.

For a bit more $$ and weight, you can get an aluminum cylinder liner for your Ursack that prevents the crushing. I have used this system (including on the AT last year just to be on the safe side - I know, overkill) and it works well. Still lighter than any of the canisters of similar size, even the carbon fiber ones.

[RETCW4]

this link not working: "Content could not be located"

The link worked for me. I just read the regulation and it states "All persons camping overnight must possess and use a bear resistant canister for the storage of all food, food containers, garbage and toiletries. "

It also states that "persons with a permit speciallyauthorizzing the otherwise prohibited act or omission."

Tumbleweed

[RETCW4]

I'm betting it's an oversight by the Forest Service; they probably only inteded the instruction to mean the plastic containers, but I'm guessing.

The USFS Regulation defines a Bear Resistant Canister "must be commercially made; constructed os solid, non-pliable material manufactured for the specific use of resisting entry by bears"

Tumbleweed

[Spokes]

From previous post.....

vilincia morris of fs returned my call this morning 2/10/2012, a very pleasant person to talk with. She said they investigated the ursack and loksak option and decided againest it. The fs is trying to get local outfitters and hostals to rent the canisters. The fs is encouraging hikers not to camp in this area. She said additional information will be on their websit by the end of the day.

[slims]

For Sale;Bear vault 30,000 multi purposed backpack,food storage,kiddy pool,anti bear cage or add a trash can liner and mix up your favorite shelter juice 14 lbs 1oz. Dimensions;30"x40"holds approx.142 days of food if you you pack it right.

I've decided to ditch my flimsy 1 person tent for the BV300,000 model. Why have a bear proof canister when you can have a bear proof shelter? Rolling it along the trail could be a challenge though.

Seriously though I was planning to camp at Woods Hole Shelter but now I'll just change my first week plan to suit.

[Lone Wolf]

Seriously though I was planning to camp at Woods Hole Shelter but now I'll just change my first week plan to suit.

dude. stick to your plans. don't succumb to sheepleness

[Rayo]

They could do the same thing the TSA does when going through airport screening- have a whole bunch of containers at one end, grab one, then drop it off at the other end when your done with the section. Hire somebody to shuttle the empty containers to the start point.

Haha, that's good.

Question: As long as you don't camp anywhere on that 5 mile stretch, you don't need to carry a Bear Canister, correct?

[Lone Wolf]

Haha, that's good.

Question: As long as you don't camp anywhere on that 5 mile stretch, you don't need to carry a Bear Canister, correct?

correct......

[randyg45]

So whats the problem and how would you fix it?

I suggest fixing it with bear spray. Carry it. Use it on every bear that comes within range.

[Panzer1]

You should have a choice: carry a bear container or carry a gun.

Panzer

[cevans]

In 1990, they estimate they had a total of 200 bears in the GSMNP. Now they say they have as many as 2000. And they capture a ton of bears every year and transport them elsewhere to release instead of killing them. You have more bears now along the AT and heavier amounts in the more remote areas than before. Might as well get used to bear cannisters as most of the Nat Parks out west are changing their rules and slowly going to the Bear Cannister Rules and its only a matter of time before all your Nat. Forrest People and Nat. Park Managers require bear cannisters. Its the answer to the dummies leaving their trash and food lay around so that the bears can wreak havoc in these areas. Its not the serious hiker/backpackers fault that there are more bear encounters every year than before. You all agree on that,,the lesser of all requirements and enforcements is to make us carry bear cannisters. Its just a matter of time so you might as well get used to lugging a extra couple of pounds.

[TOMP]

Nah, its only a matter of time till open season. Thats how they control the wildlife in NJ.

[el gran boludo]

Hey, I was in Gatlinburg this last weekend, and was talking to a shop owner and former thru-hiker there, and he was saying that a bear canister is now required on the AT in GA. I was wondering if anyone else had heard anything about this and could shed any light on the issue? I had heard there were some bear issues in the Neels Gap area (I think), but I didn't know it had gotten that bad. Thanks for the help, can't wait to head out on my NOBO in 3 weeks!!

Chris

[swjohnsey]

Read the thread.

[Prada]

dude. stick to your plans. don't succumb to sheepleness

I agree with LW. I'm not changing my plans. I'm camping at Woods hole and I'll carry my canister. No biggie. Keeps me from bringing extra junk.