Proper Use Of Bear Canister

[Adk_dib]

DON'T WANT TO SOUND STUPID, BUT WHAT IS THE CORRECT WAY TO USE A CANISTER. DO YOU SET IT ON GROUND NEAR OR AWAY FROM YOUR TENT? DONT WANT IT TO NEAR AS TO ATTRACT A BEAR. OR DO YOU STILL HANG IT? IF IT COMPLETLY SEARS FOOD ODORS CAN YOU BRING IT INTO TENT?

 

[1ADAM12]

This is what I do.....

I pack all food in a zip lock bag (to cut down on odor) then put it in the cannister. I then find a tree and put it in the crotch of the tree or find like a ditch(away from the tent). This way if the bear was to knock it around it will not go very far. Also I put reflective tape on the outside of the cannister so if the bear just happens to knock it around it can be easily found.

My 2 cents!

ADAM

 

[jbrown]

Using some sort of liner bag is a great idea. Less smell means less interest...my theory.

I was told when renting one for the first time to put it at least 100' upwind of your camp, possibly piling a few rocks on it or laying a large log across it. I normally just put the thing on the ground near the bear cables wherever I'm staying. Haven't failed to find it yet.

 

[sp1936]

I just set mine on the ground a good ways away from the tent. It has blaze orange duct tape on it (same stuff hunters use) to make it easier to find in case it gets moved. Bears can smell everything, and the llttle guys (squirrels, etc.), who are much more of a nuisance, can, too, so there's no way I would ever put it in the tent.

Steve

 

[percious]

I think its best to place a GPS locator inside the container. Then, when the bear drags or eats the container, you can track him down, and bam! feast for a few years on bear meat.

-percious

 

[Silverback]

Theoretically, you form a triangle with 100 yard sides between your tent, cooking area and storage of the canister. Obviously, in the Adirondacks, that is not practical, but I would cook as far as possible from my sleeping area and position the canister as far as practical from my tent.

Use a plastic liner bag inside and close it up to minimize the odor.

There was a topic on here that suggested that bears would be ripping up tents because they would get frustrated with not getting food due to canisters. Unless a bear had obtained food by tearing up a tent in the past, or there were food odors on the tent, a bear would not likely tear up a tent in search of food. They don't think like humans in the sense that "let's see what is behind this door". They must equate it to a past experience or a current sensation like odor (which is why you cook away from the tent and don't sleep in the clothes you cook in).

Don't forget to put toothpaste, deodorant et al in the canister as well.

 

[nazdarovye]

All advice is good except you want it *downwind* of your camp. If it's giving off any odor, you don't want the bear following the scent through your camp.

The triangle idea is fine advice - just put your camp upwind of both the canister and your cooking site.

Here in CA a lot of us cook dinner earlier on in the day, then pack up and hike for another hour or two to get to a campsite. That way we're nowhere near where we cooked. Just toss the canister out (making sure it's well-sealed) downwind of camp, at least 100 yards away, and you're set.

 

[woodstrider]

Bear Cannisters

It's simple- the bear goes into the canister. The food goes into your tent.

Happy Trails

 

[crazymama]

I just set it on the ground away from the tent or lean-to. I don't use liners or hide it.

I definitely would NOT put it in the tent.