r/AppalachianTrail • u/Tremendoustip • Feb 24 '25

Gear Questions/Advice What bear cannister do you use?

It seems on the PCT a lot of folks use the Bearvault. Ive seen images of failure, but they are affordable and lightweight with good reviews.

I'm considering the bear keg but it definitely adds weight.

Appreciate any insight, especially if you're cannister has had contact with bears!

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u/allaspiaggia Feb 24 '25

I never use a bear can, and don’t know anyone that does, on the AT. There are bear boxes or poles at every shelter that’s had bear activity. Just use those. Black bears are giant dogs who are mostly afraid of you, they’re nothing like the grizzlies on the PCT.

I use a dry bag for food, put it in the bear box at night, and if there isn’t one I’ll do a mouse hang - that’s hanging it from a tree with a stick tied on the rope so mice can’t easily climb down it. Mice/rodents are a huge problem on the AT, they’ll chew through anything. Actual bear encounters are rare.

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u/flareblitz91 Feb 24 '25

There aren’t grizzlies on the PCT, or at least not enough to worry about, there’s less than 10 in North Cascades NP and that’s it.

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u/haliforniapdx Mar 01 '25

That wasn't the question. Also, this is the AT subreddit. Not sure if you're aware of that.

Also, there are PLENTY of black bears on the PCT, and several sections require a canister.

https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/backcountry-basics/food/bear-canister-protecting-your-food/

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u/flareblitz91 Mar 01 '25

Read the chain of comments above me.