Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Bear Canister in Car for Storage?

I was thinking...why not buy an extra bear canister and keep it in the car to store the toiletries, scented items, etc. that will not be brought into the backcountry.

I often spend a few days in Mammoth or Independence before a backpacking trip. I generally bring a bare minimum of toiletries with me to be used in "civilization", but hate to throw away unused stuff.

Is a bear canister kept in a car as a storage unit allowed and/or safe?

Thanks!

Susan.

Bears will smell whatever is in the canister...therefore, you may come back to a mutilated car but safe toiletries...the issue is having scented items in your car, so the answer is, no....you need to keep the canister outside.

Thanks!

It makes sense, of course...but I figure it never hurts to ask. I am not interested in a destroyed car or bear!

Susan.

The best thing to do is not leave smellables in your car, but when that can't be avoided I've had good luck with these: OP SAK
Just make sure the goodies are out of sight (from the rangers and the bears)

Thanks Dave.

I never leave anything in my car...I am a bit of a fanatic regarding that.

I just thought my "great idea" might indeed be just that!

Susan, the basic reasoning is sound, but you need to take it one step further, and place the cannister outside the car. I have used this maneuver many time. I place the can under my car, where it is not easily seen.

By the way, one could legally use a Ursack for this, as well, and I have done so, in this case tying it to the underside of the car.

+1, though I usually only opt for this method for toiletries and vacu-sealed food items.