Do I really need these?

[skinnbones]

The BV 500 bear canister and the Ursack are both around $70. Do I really need these? Can't I use any cheap bag to store my food since it will be safely hung from a tree? I just can't adopt the notion of spending all that cash for a plastic container or canvas bag. Thanks.

[colorado_rob]

On the AT, certainly not, just a food bag to hang. On the JMT, certainly yes on the bear canister. I assume you're talking the AT?

[MuddyWaters]

Depends on what you are doing with them.
If hiking AT, no.
If want to hike other areas, they will come in handy one day.
Ursack are really good in grand canyon, rodents are fierce.
Cannisters required in much of sierra

[skinnbones]

On the AT, certainly not, just a food bag to hang. On the JMT, certainly yes on the bear canister. I assume you're talking the AT?

Yes, the AT. My wallet thanks you.

[colorado_rob]

Yes, the AT. My wallet thanks you.

There is one file-mile section where canisters are required if you plan to camp in this 5-mile section. Practically everyone plans around this, you can too. This section is the last 5 miles before Neels Gap, mile 26-31 going NOBO.

[skinnbones]

There is one file-mile section where canisters are required if you plan to camp in this 5-mile section. Practically everyone plans around this, you can too. This section is the last 5 miles before Neels Gap, mile 26-31 going NOBO.

Yes, I saw that in my guide book. Thanks.

[Lone Wolf]

The BV 500 bear canister and the Ursack are both around $70. Do I really need these? Can't I use any cheap bag to store my food since it will be safely hung from a tree? I just can't adopt the notion of spending all that cash for a plastic container or canvas bag. Thanks.

not needed on the AT

[fastfoxengineering]

On the AT, a silynlon or cuben stuff sack for food is ideal. About 12L's is good size for the AT

[egilbe]

I have an ursack. I use it to avoid having to hang my food bag. Different priorities, I guess.

[swisscross]

Why not just use the thin plastic bag from the grocery store?

[Fireplug]

There is one file-mile section where canisters are required if you plan to camp in this 5-mile section. Practically everyone plans around this, you can too. This section is the last 5 miles before Neels Gap, mile 26-31 going NOBO.

I think ink that's only March to June. After that they tell the Bears not to mess with food bags!!!!!

[-Rush-]

There is one file-mile section where canisters are required if you plan to camp in this 5-mile section. Practically everyone plans around this, you can too. This section is the last 5 miles before Neels Gap, mile 26-31 going NOBO.

The section is Jarard Gap to Neel Gap. Most people push through so they don't have to deal with this, but Blood Mountain is the coolest place to camp until you get past Neel Gap, so keep that in mind.

[JC13]

Don't bring almonds if you don't have a rodent-proof bag. We lost our Outsak around Blood Mountain and the next night we had mice in every bag that had almonds in it.

[ChuckT]

I love almonds! Can feel my teeth growing now😀

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[Mountain Bluebird]

One precaution that Mike Clelland (153 Tips for Lightweight Backpacking) takes is to eat a late breakfast and early dinner. In the morning get on the trail, and walk a while, looking for a nice place for breakfast. In the afternoon, have an early dinner, repack and walk until you set up your tent. That way, he says, there is no odor of cooking/cooked food near the place where you sleep. I plan to do that in August, starting at HFerry and hiking to the south end of Shenandoah NP.

[lilgodwin]

One precaution that Mike Clelland (153 Tips for Lightweight Backpacking) takes is to eat a late breakfast and early dinner. In the morning get on the trail, and walk a while, looking for a nice place for breakfast. In the afternoon, have an early dinner, repack and walk until you set up your tent. That way, he says, there is no odor of cooking/cooked food near the place where you sleep. I plan to do that in August, starting at HFerry and hiking to the south end of Shenandoah NP.

I like that. I'll have to keep that in mind for my home soon. Thanks for sharing!

[Fireplug]

Everybody and I mean EVERYBODY who I met who had a canister HATES THEM and gets rid of them!!!!!!

[WILLIAM HAYES]

you dont need those on the AT just use a food bag