Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Carry a Bear Canister?

How many of you actually carry a bear canister up the Whitney Summit Main Trail? I know there is a problem at Whitney Portal, but am not sure there is one at Trail Camp. Last time we summited, 7 years ago, the only animals we had to worry about were marmots, is that still the case?

You're required to carry a bear canister, and it seems they take that very seriously. If you meet a ranger on the trail, he or she will ask if you have one.

That stinks, has there ever been a problem at Trail camp?

Bears at Trail Camp were reported on this board 3 years ago. This was the year before bear cannisters were made mandatory. It looks like the requirement worked. No food laying around = no bears.

Ok, Ok, I understand.
I just hate the 2 1/2 pound fact that I have to carry one
How about the paint can theory? Doubt that one would go over well with the rangers.

It's only 6 miles and one day up. I hate the damn things but what's the big deal. Lighten your load in other ways if that is a real problem, carry less water and filter more.

Bill

Personally, I like the canisters. After a long day on the trail, setting up camp, cooking and cleaning up, the last thing I want to do is tie a rope around a rock and try to find a tree limb to throw it over to hang my food. It's a big relief to me to just throw everything in the canister, close the lid, and set it away from my tent.

Bill,I already have lightened my load as much as possible, I practice lightweight backpacking techniques on a regular basis, the big deal is that I have Rhuematoid Arthritus which makes a pound feel like ten.

Paige the bottom line is you WILL need a canister if you plan to camp at trail camp. If you
cut corners and risk it you will put other hikers well being at risk......make sense?
Have a great hike.btw I summited on Sunday 7/13
about 11:15 am....beautiful.

Paige,
If not bears, I think they work great keeping out marmots. There still is a problem. We saw one attact our neighbor's campsite at Trail Camp(July 1st.) And I heard of them chewing through a backpack or tent to get at food.

Don't worry Ed, as soon as I found out it was required, I was going to carry one, it doesn't make it stink any less though.
Hoping one day they figure out and "require" a lighter way, but I doubt it will happen during my hiking carrer.

mtn Dreamer, I do remember hanging our food off a big rock to keep the marmots from it, our food survived but not everyone elses did. Chewing through a tent is pretty extreme, I guess they are pretty relentless. An ursack would work well with the rodents and weighs much less. Oh well, I guess I'll stop complaining and just deal.
Thanks to everyone for the information.

try; www.wild-ideas.net
they have developed a very light (1.9 lbs.) made of composites with aircraft aluminum. looks like someone has been thinking about weight. check it out. you can rent on-line as well.

Paige,

I'd suggest a Bearikade, which you can rent from the manufacturer. It's about a pound less than the Garcia, @ wild-ideas.com

Sorry for the response but I don't have a lot of sympathy for people moaning about carrying a BRC 6 miles one day up; one day down. As, I said you if need to lose the weight minimize the water on the way up, as you know there are plenty of spots to get water. Also look for ways to save weight in innocuous areas, sil nylon stuff sacks, which I just discovered are 4 or 5 oz. lighter than the run of the mill stuff sack, available at A16. If your pack is older rent a newer one with light weight materials, my pack is about 1.5 pounds heavier than its current version.

Squeeze the weight out till it crys.

Bill

If you do not carry a cannister, Mr. Ranger *will* write you a ticket. Happened to our Scout Troop last year. And - we didn't enter at the portal!

I TOTALLY agree with the Bearikade posts. I just rented one on a 5 day trip and it was AWESOME! It's MUCH lighter than the Garcia and is easier to pack. When it's that light, you really don't mind using it because (as stated above), it's MUCH easier than hanging a food bag at the end of a long day.

Also, on a short hike, try to share the load. One person gets the tent, the other gets the food.

Have a great hike,
...tg...

Thanks everyone, I'll check out Bearikade and wild ideas.

During my trip to Yosemite last weekend, marmots chewed through my favorite synthetic climbing shirt! I left it outside hanging on the log to dry out after we got soaked in the hailstorm. When I came back from the climb, my shirt had several holes in it the size of my fist. Ranger later told us that marmots are attracted to salt. Hence, they may go after unattended backpacks (sides that face your back), shirts, boots, etc. that have any traces of sweat/salt.

&%$@^#^##&$@$%!!!!

Wild Ideas is based near my hometown. The Bearikade is neat - but be aware that if you planned to buy a canister, they are REALLY expensive. If you rent, no big deal.

Just to make sure, bear canisters are NOT required on day hikes, only overnighters.

Just to make sure.