Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board BRC's

Does each person in a group have to have a canister or can the group have 1 so long as all the food fits in it?

If the group can get all its food into 1 bear canister, that will do.

How big is your group, and how long will you be on the trail?

If your groug is more than 2 people you will have to condense your food or rent another canister.

Bill

The canisters are really quite large. For a three-some for three days, one canister has been enough in my experience. Both the portal store and the ranger station where you pick up the permits rent them out pretty cheap, I think something like $5 for your entire trip.

I use them frequently for BSA outings. Typically 2 – 3 people for 2 – 3 days will fit in one canister. I have fit enough for 7 days and six people in 4 cans. We usually fill any voids with toiletries and types of trash with scents. Doug at the Portal Store provides a great service by selling the canisters at half the cost of our outdoor retailers at sea level. I ended up purchasing, but mine see a lot of trail time. Rangers on the trail have asked to see the cans from time to time. The weight is a bummer but it is comforting to know that your food can be left unattended and still be there when you get back. I usually like to wedge it somewhere or put a rock on it to keep the marmots and bears from rolling it to far away. Just a tip, as I use the food I fill it with other stuff to shrink my pack whatever little bit I can.

Have Fun.