Backpacking in the Whites and Bears

[mdavis]

I was going to be doing some backpacking up in the Whites of NH the last week in June. Generally following the AT with some side excursions. I was just wondering what the recommended method was for protecting food. I've done all 48 (I'm a 115r) but those were all day hikes. I know they're suggesting using cannisters in the Adirondacks but I never got the impression they were needed in the Whites (but I may be wrong). Would rather just go with my Ursack. What do you think: Cannister or Bear Bag?

Thanks

 

[David Metsky]

Neither is really needed in the Whites. Hanging your food properly, or using the bear boxes provided at some of shelters/campsites should be enough. Hanging in an Ursack will provide more protection against smaller rodents, which is probably worth the extra weight.

-dave-

 

[poison ivy]

As Dave said, you will probably be fine using the Ursack, which is what I use when backpacking, more for protection against the mice and raccoons than bears. I backpacked all of the AT in NH last summer (in a series of section hikes) without any issues with bears taking food. In fact, I've only seen one bear while backpacking the New England AT -- in northern NH near Mt. Hayes.

There are a few spots along the AT -- Eliza Brook Shelter & Imp Shelter come to mind, that have bear lockers to place your food in as well.

- Ivy

 

[David Metsky]

There are a few spots along the AT -- Eliza Brook Shelter & Imp Shelter come to mind, that have bear lockers to place your food in as well.

Thirteen Falls, Ethan Pond, and Goose Eye as well.

-dave-

 

[peakbagger]

The comment about ursacks and rodents is of value if you hang your food. Flying squirrels have been known to acquire a taste for hikers food at well established camping areas (like Desolation and Thoreau Falls area). If you dont have a rodent proof container, they will chew a hole into the best tasting stuff. I believe there is a product called a "rat sack" sold for rodent proofing. My experiences in the whites with Bear raids are that there are enough people out camping that dont attempt to hang foods and practice poor bear tactics in general that if you hang your food properly, the bears ignore it for easier picking elsewhere.