Bear Canning: Food Storage on the Appalachian Trail

Per viewer request, I bring you all a 3 part series on food storage options for your hikes! In this video, I cover the bear can. I used a bear can from GA-NH last year on my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. This food storage option is definitely the least popular on the trail, but I liked it because I could (in all honesty) sleep with my food every night instead of hanging it. I present to you all the pros, cons, options for bear cans, and my personal pro tips for bear can use! As always, please like and subscribe to my channel, share it with your friends, and drop your questions, comments, and friendly suggestions in the comments section below!
Music:
Mindme / If You’re Down, I’m Down (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Velveteen / Part of the Game (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Snake City / Don’t Be Dumb (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Katnip / Come Back to Me (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Velveteen / Like You (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Bear Vault: bearvault.com

[@mfarley252]

I’m getting ready to do my first section hike and ordered a bear can (different brand). I have a bear bag, but I’m terrible at doing a hang. I keep going back and forth with which to take, but I’m leaning towards the canister. Thank you for the video!

[@maryriffee4972]

Thank you!!! Your videos are so helpful!!

[@cobwebroseonthetrail2447]

Thanks for watching!!

[@sheilahenry7279]

I watched this just because I like you. Then I got a perfect tip to use. The tracking tile! Never thought of that or heard this from anyone. Mine too is decorated & has lots of reflective tape.

[@cobwebroseonthetrail2447]

I love that! Thank you for watching too!

[@susietopspin]

Like the video. Great tips but you shouldn’t normalize sleeping with the bear can as we all know that is not what should be done and could honestly cause danger for you and camp mates. It should ALWAYS be away from camp when not in use. Happy trails🤟🏻🥾🏔

[@cobwebroseonthetrail2447]

@susietopspin I agree! I try to encourage proper food storage even if I’m not 100% compliant myself. I’m working on that!

[@AdventuresoftheSoul]

The struggle with this . Not sure which way to go lol. Don’t know about hanging ( will learn)don’t want the weight of canister 🤷🏾‍♀️I have sometime to figure it out
Thank you great series

[@cobwebroseonthetrail2447]

Maybe you’re an Ursack person! Just tying around a tree, less weight than a bear can!

[@1024Pete]

Thanks for the review. Appreciate the share. Very helpful. Always pleasant. I experimented using my Garcia Bear Can to stuff my sleeping bag. It worked well to help with pack organizing. My food was kept in the Smelly Proof bags or Funksac( The Funksac is a thick smell proof plastic bag of various sizes advertised to hide the smell of weed. I improvised). Then at camp the food would be placed in the can. Also, I tried using a Nanuk hard case. Nanuk is not officially tested as Bear proof. Although it was Polar Bear test by the company and passed. Certain Nanuks sizes fit in my pack horizontally. Nanuk is also waterproof. Agree. The food stays close. Best wishes. I hope your new job is going well. Happy Trails!

[@cobwebroseonthetrail2447]

You’re really using a combo of food storage! Thanks for telling me about the different brands. Thanks for the well wishes!

[@sulj3373]

Pigpen loved hers. I like the idea for many reasons. Why did you just carry it through New Hampshire? Thanks!

[@cobwebroseonthetrail2447]

I’d actually lost enough weight by NH that when I got my heavier winter gear back, my backpack was just too heavy for my body. I sent a number of things home at that point, and the bear can was the heaviest. I did miss it, though!

[@wesleykremer3916]

How did you pack/travel with your bear can, on the inside or outside of your backpack? I have both the Hilltop food sack and a bear can and am trying to decide which strategy to use.

[@cobwebroseonthetrail2447]

I used a Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L pack, and the BV 475 fit perfectly in the middle of my pack when I laid it sideways. You could also pack it on the top or bottom of your backpack, but your food will most likely be one of the heaviest items in your pack until you eat your food weight down, so I’d recommend trying to pack it in the middle until you’ve eaten most of the food. Try packing your backpack different ways and see how it best fits and is most convenient for you!

[@wesleykremer3916]

@@cobwebroseonthetrail2447 Thank you!!!