Don't Go Camping Without A Bear Proof Container

Many US National Parks require that campers use a bear proof container to store their food. This is so because many black bears in American wilderness areas become unwanted visitors at campsites where they’ve learned to take food from campers.

Bear-resistant canisters have been devised to prevent bears from foraging on campsites and encouraging the animals to return to their natural food source. The bear-resistant canisters will therefore contribute to the significant reduction of negative human–bear encounters.

Campers can either purchase or rent bear proof containers from outdoor equipment stores many of which have local and national outlets. The canisters can also be purchased through online suppliers and outdoor equipment manufacturers.

The bear-resistant canisters available from these sources are products of more than 20 years of development, testing and refinement.

The canisters are usually manufactured from hard plastic although metal or other robust, solid and non-pliable materials may also be used. Typically, these containers are 8 x 12 inches in size.

These products are now as compact and light as possible and have been designed to easily fit into a backpack or strapped onto a pack frame.

Some canister models have their own nylon carrying cases as an added convenience in attaching these containers to backpacks or pack frames. These bear-proof canisters come in a range of sizes weighing 1.5 to 4 pounds and can hold provisions from two to nine days.

Bear-resistant containers vary in price depending on the product brand and size. Campers will spend between $50 and $200 for these bear-proof containers. An average-sized canister that can hold provisions for a maximum of six days would cost about $70. This cost is comparable if not cheaper than the equipment campers normally use. If maximum cost saving is an issue, the campers can just rent the canisters for as low as $5 at many park areas.

In order to achieve the full benefits of a bear-proof container, campers must pack their provisions into the canisters properly. It is important that all scented items that campers carry should be packed into the canisters. These items not only include food but also trash and toiletries. To prevent cross-contamination and further reduce the odors that bears are attracted to, each of these items has to be separately packed in sealed plastic bags or containers. Campers should also make it a point to bring high-calorie foods that are compact or compressible, and just enough for the camping trip.

Adhesive reflective tape should be placed on bear proof container so that the containers can be seen easily in the dark. Labeling the tape with the camper’s name and contact details is likewise necessary for identification purposes in case canisters are lost or misplaced. A camper should also always ensure that the canister lid is tightly closed before it is placed inside the backpack or attached to the pack or packframe.

Bear-resistant canisters should be stored away from the campsite by at least 100 feet. Ideal storage locations are between rocks or a shallow depression. It is not advisable to hang canisters in tree branches as bears are still likely to carry them away. Storing the canisters near a water source is also not ideal because the containers are not watertight, and an unexpected flooding may carry them away from the camp.

If camping is something you want to enjoy with your family, then you should protect them with a bear proof container. Not only will you feel better, but the whole family will feel safer.