Bear Proof Lunch Box

Even though I am six months away from returning to the Long Trail, I am beginning to assess what equipment I will change out this year to make my backpacking trip a little easier.

One piece of equipment I bring with me without fail is a bear canister. Bears are smart, and it is necessary to protect them by securing human food from their reach. This can be accomplished by hanging all “smellable” items, including food, lip balm and soap from a tree branch in a bag that they are unable to get at.

Hanging bear bags can be difficult. It’s possible to hit yourself in the head with whatever weight you used to toss the line over the branch and choosing the wrong tree, along with a determined bear, can result in your food being ruined.

For years, I have carried a bear canister instead.

An approved canister is bear proof, and does not require being hung from a branch. You merely place it off trail far enough away from your campsite.

Canisters are also critter proof. While a bear bag may keep a bear out of your food, Mice and other rodents can squeeze or gnaw their way through the material.

While a beer canister is heavier and more ungainly to carry and pack, I find it simpler to use and need not worry about having to secure it after a long day of hiking.

I always carry one of the smallest lightest canisters in bear country.

This year I had hoped to hike longer distances and more days, but being six months out I expect my early trips will only be weekend excursions of no more than two or three days. My current canister should do just fine.

It’s important to plan strategically how you will pack the canister to maximize the space and include as much food as possible for the days I plan to hike.

Removing excess packaging and choosing the right food is key.

Over the next several months, I will make a few dry runs of my backpacking setup. I’ll be packing and simulating the weight that I’ll be carrying, including the bear can. I want to dial in the expected weight and configuration so that everything feels comfortable while I am hiking distances of 10 miles or more with 20+ lbs on my back.

I have owned a Bear Boxer Contender for many years. I’ll fill it with the expected amount of food and carry it as part of these practice hikes.

It is a sturdy canister and requires a tool, such as a can opener or a key to release the locks on top to get to what is inside.

Does this mean that I will not be visited by bears? Not necessarily. However, given that there will be no tasty treats on my person while I am sleeping, the bear should wander on it’s way like it did last year.