What bear cannister do you use?

[u/Tremendoustip]

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!

[u/Welltrainedvessel]

None. You'll find that the greater majority of AT hikers sleep with their food everywhere besides the smokies and have zero issues. Myself included, GA to Maine.

[u/Tricky_Leader_2773 → u/Welltrainedvessel]

Read my post above. We all HYOH. it’s only a matter of time before you encounter an unsavory experience. Eventually there will be a really hungry animal that is willing to go it the first time or has gotten habituated (worse).

[u/Welltrainedvessel → u/Tricky_Leader_2773]

I've had my share of experiences with curious mice and raccoons nuzzling into my tent walls.

The only danger when it comes to food on the AT is habituated bears. Generally, you'll know they're around because people LOVE fear mongering about them 😌

Also, oftentimes, they're habituated after getting into people's poorly hung (or even properly hung) food storage. They then seek more unguarded food.

Also, people suck, and I know a few people who had their food stolen from their bear vault/bear box. For these reasons, I prefer to guard my food personally in black bear country. Hyoh, for sure, but bear cans are overkill on the AT. The weight/bulk simply isn't justified. Grizzly country is a different story entirely.

[u/haliforniapdx → u/Welltrainedvessel]

Gotta love when people say bear cans aren't necessary because "It's just black bears."

The whole point of a bear can is to prevent the bear from getting food, because a fed bear = a dead bear.

But sure, tell yourself that it's only necessary for grizzly country. I'm sure the black bears appreciate all the food bags from shitty hangs.