Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Bear vault questions

After performing some searches I still have questions. I need some advice on the bear vault and on canisters in general. For those who have used bear vaults, would the solo version suffice for a 5 day trip or would I want the larger version? Also, is it a good idea to tie the canister to a nearby tree? What stops the bear from walking off with the food (even if it can't get inside)?

5 days is pushing it for most people, although, if you are very careful in packing, you could probably get away with it. Most important tip I got last weekend from the Chief Bear Biologist in Yosemite: Repackage EVERYTHING.

There is nothing you could tie a cannister to a tree with, that a bear could not get through, if they wanted. However, there is no easy way for a bear to carry a cannister....unless you attach something to it to give it a handle.

Good point. Did that person give any recommendation for what to repackage in? Just ziplocks or is there something that works better?

I got the impression of ziplocks

Larger Bear Vault BV500 (700 cu inches) is currently on sale at
REI thru May 10th. $59.99 This is cheaper than the $66.95 solo at REI, but about the same after the annual Members dividend.

First off, the first day’s food stays outside the canister. Secondly, repackage main mails and others where you can. Use freezer ziplock quart bags. These can withstand boiling water. Write what the contents, number of cups of water and simmering time on the outside of each.

For me, the smaller bear vault canister for a 5 night, six day trip is doable. Are you talking about 5 nights?

If you follow the above, you are only storing 4 nights dinner and 5 lunches and breakfasts.

One caveat here is how your appetite develops at altitude and on multi-day hike. For me, I tend to eat less and less as the trip goes on. It may be different for you.

Paul

It will be a 5 day, 4 night trip. I think I'm going to go with the larger bear vault though, so that it will work on longer trips.

I guess I misunderstood. I failed to notice that you were in the process of purchasing one. Yes, the larger has more potential for future trips. I am embarrassed to say that I have purchased over the years several types, from aircraft aluminum to Garcia to both the large and small bear vaults so I have a wide selection. But still repackage the meal contents.

Have a good trip

Paul

Filets fit better in the bigger canister...

I usually can get away with 4 days in my solo vault. But I tend to pack a bit more goodies than most.

Or the prime rib that you usually bring along.....

paul

Screw it: this year I'm haulin' in a WHOLE COW...

You'll need the bear vault 5000 for that. Or you could try counterbalancing it over a tree.

Actually, that reminds me of time somewhere around the late 60 or early 70's when I was hiking down the Kern to then over Franklin to Mineral King. We ran into a group of boy scouts who had a goat with them for the purpose of slaughtering the goat near the end of the trip. A merit badge was the purpose.

I could never do that however, I wonder to this day how it all turned out. I believe the rules have changed enough that something like that wouldn't happen in the park.

Just a side story.

Paul

After discussing this earlier this year on this site and getting lot's of advice, we settled on the BearVault BV500 and with repackaging EVERYTHING into ziplock bags it's good to go for over 5 days or until I get to the cow tied to the tree in the north forty.