Yosemite approved bear canisters A bear canister is a container designed to store food and other scented items while camping in bear country. Have you seen this new Bear Canister. Contact Approved Bear Canisters Protect Human Food from Bears. A small (like 150 lbs) female bear who figured out how to unscrew the Bear Vault canisters by using her teeth to push in the tabs as she turned the top. Yosemite Conservancy will pro vide these free of charge. Compared to the BV500, you’re paying $54 per ounce of weight savings. I for one am excited for the new options However, be sure you take all food with you once you depart. With Doge moves I don’t You must use bear-resistant food containers, ‘bear canisters,’ or food lockers wherever available. Current SIBBG/SEKI-Approved Bear-Resistant Food Storage Containers (Last Updated 3/25/02) Note: Conditional approval is given to any container that has passed visual inspection, an impact test and a zoo test. Other locations will specify exact models of canisters that are allowed for use. You can also visit a relevant National or State Park website to review their approved list of bear-resistant food storage. 6 oz. ) I have never held a bear canister but it seems a bear could just squash this and take whats inside if he really wanted to. but the forest highly recommends and rents Bear Resistant Containers Grizzly (IGBC) Tested and Approved as bear resistant food storage. With lots of human/bear interactions they’ve learned how to get into the bags. 65 liters MSRP: $181. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. These cans have been tested by a skilled (and motivated) set of bears at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Certain bear-resistant portable containers designed for backpackers to store food are allowed for use in Yosemite (however, only the Garcia Backpackers' Cache 812 is available for rental in Yosemite). Some areas, like National Parks including Grand Teton, Yosemite, and Denali, require that backpackers use a park-approved bear canister whenever spending the night in the backcountry. They just launched 2 new sizes of bear canisters. All of the Ursacks were older models—not IGBC approved. In 2000, when both Yosemite National Park and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks were faced with motherless spring cubs, they coordinated efforts and A partnership of the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service. In Yosemite and the southern Sierra, bear resistant food containers are the only effective and proven method of preventing bears from getting human food. Shared food lockers are available at each of these locations. It looks sort of like a drum. From the 1880’s until the 1960’s, bears were thought to be harmless, bumbling, adorable fuzzballs. Member You are required to store your food in a bear-proof canister. You can rent or purchase these canisters within or near the park. Hikers should weigh these in view of their respect for the trail’s natural resources: “Bear canisters can be breached. This is So to choose one, I recommend looking at IGBC-approved food storage devices, as well as Yosemite’s list of approved bear canisters, which follows the guidelines of the recently disbanded Sierra Interagency Black Bear Hikers may be able to get away with using food lockers in SEKI if they are also hanging food in those areas where bear canisters are only ‘recommended’. Portable food storage container (bear canister) is the recommended method of protecting your food. Chewing on a bag is likely much quieter and to go undetected. Approved bear canisters: Backpacker Model 812 (Garcia) www. I usually go by myself, so I carry all of the food I need. Each year, bears rip into numerous haul bags and packs at the base of various climbs. Its approval is in a constant state of flux in camping communities. Full approval is given to any container that has done the above and has been successful during three months of field-trials in the summer. Lastly, we’ll make some recommendations for bear canisters that reflect unique combinations of value, weight, and capacity. backpackerscache. Bear canisters approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) and the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group (SIBBG) means they have passed bear resistance standards developed with human-bear conflict experts and bear biologists. At first, bears would spend an hour trying to break one open. Jan 22, 2012 at 2:38 pm #1828191. All food, toiletries, scented items, and trash must go in your canister, and you must lock it whenever it is not in use. htm Bear resistant-food containers (“bear canisters”) are required for overnight hikers throughout Yosemite Wilderness and are the only effective and proven method of preventing black bears All overnight hikers must carry bear-resistant food containers, sometimes known as ‘bear canisters’ in Yosemite. Specific requirements vary by region: sometimes a bear can is required, other times a Ursack is acceptable, and in some places bear hangs or other methods are technically accepted, although oftentimes the variety of trees available in a forest can make it remarkably difficult to The list of bear canisters that are approved for use in Yosemite, which is similar to many other land agencies in California, is updated infrequently and does not include several newer models of bear canisters available. Ursack AllMitey Capacity: 10. It fits snugly into most standard packs and offers ample space for 4-5 days worth of food and toiletries. The lockers measure 17 inches deep by 49 inches wide by 17 inches high (43 cm x 124 cm x 43 cm). With in the last week, Lighter1 has received confirmation of product approval from IGBC and only waits for approval from Yosemite. You can find the latest list of approved products here. Many National Parks, including Yellowstone and Yosemite, built open bleachers around their garbage dumps, or “bear pits,” For example, if you're planning a multi-day adventure in Yosemite National Park, a bear canister like the Garcia Backpacker’s Cache with 614 cubic inches and a weight of 2. A bear canister [1] typically weighs between 2-4 lb (1-2 kg), and has a storage capacity of 400 - 900 in 3 (6 - 15 liters). Indeed, in Yosemite National Park you are required to use a bear-proof container when in the wilderness. The following land management agencies require that backcountry users carry an “approved” canister: Yosemite National Park (High Sierra, California), Sequoia IGBC began providing guidance and direction relative to bear-resistant containers in the 1980s with a goal of ensuring effective storage of attractants and minimizing human/grizzly bear conflicts. , bear The Bearikade Expedition differs from the previously mentioned bear canisters because it is made of carbon fiber – and costs a lot. SEKI: Bear canister required in specific designated areas. A bear moving or chewing on a canister will likely make a lot of noise, be detected by you and driven off. BUT be sure that on your 1st night in the wilderness all food and scented items are locked away in a canister. Full scale production of both size canisters starts immediately and should be available soon. They only have one approved bear canister thus far: the Grub Can 6. Yosemite requires the use of approved bear-resistant food canisters. This is an awesome bear canister, but the price is absurd. Since I got my Senior Pass, I do a lot more backpacking in Yosemite. A big consideration that influenced my decision is the reactionary banning practices of the various bear canister approval agencies. Yes, you’ll absolutely need a bear-proof canister in a bear-intensive place such as Yosemite. 5 miles from Tuolumne Meadows, so even if you plan on staying the night at Glen Aulin, Yosemite National Park will still require Canisters Constantly Failing in Yosemite. The National Park Others say containers must be approved by the International Grizzly Bear Committee. With enough A number of years ago (>10) there was one bear with two yellow ear tags (nicknamed yellow-yellow). Keep reading to learn how to properly use a bear canister, where they are required, and explore the best bear canisters on the KEY SPECS. Do not leave any food, drinks, toiletries, or trash at the base of the wall. Approval Map for Ursack vs. Some people love the Ursack and others absolutely hate it. Last updated: September 23, 2024. The last grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) in California was killed near Sequoia National Park in 1922. 4 inches smaller than any other bear can, I doubt that it will ever be approved in places like Yosemite. Mail canisters to: Yosemite Conservancy PO Box 545 Yosemite, CA 95389. ” In some limited locations (none on the AT yet), certain bears can defeat some canisters. Water: It is very important to stay adequately hydrated when backpacking ; you should have a bottle or Many things go into choosing a bear canister: price, weight, approval status, volume, availability, etc. With scores of bear bags trashed in the night and thousands of vehicles suffering bear-inflicted damage from hungry bruins searching for food, Yosemite All bears in the Sierra Nevada are American black bears, Ursus americanus. I've got a BV500 bear canister and it holds a lot more than what I'd normally need for relatively short trips. These days, anyone backpacking in Yosemite must use one. This food storage information does not apply to areas inhabited by grizzly bears. See our Bear Canister Reviews to find the best canister for your trip. If you are bringing your own, make sure it is one that is approved for use in Yosemite Backpack-friendly meals: Pack an extra day worth (no cans or glass) ESSENTIAL ITEMS Sunglasses (UV rated) Hanging food is illegal throughout Yosemite. Weight: 2 pounds 9 ounces Volume: 700 cubic inches (11. Great to use as a bear canister for backpacking, hiking or camping food storage container. Hikers do have some oft-repeated concerns regarding canisters. These canisters are designed to withstand a bear’s attempts to access the contents. 4 cm) in diameter, have a volume of 615 cubic inches (10 L), and weigh 2 pounds, 11 ounces (1. The International Grizzly Bear Committee tests and certifies containers as bear-resistant. The bear-proof canister rental program is operated by Yosemite Conservancy in cooperation with the National Park Service. The two most popular options (and the two that I have used) are the Garcia Bear-Resistant Container, and the BearVault BV500 Food Container, 10-liter and 11. 95 Weight: 3 lb 9 oz. The only bear species present is the American black bear. 5 liters MSRP: $94. You may be able to rent other allowed Bear-Proof Canisters in Yosemite. At every campsite, most trailhead parking lots and tent cabin accommodations, you will find metal food lockers. If you see a bear outside of developed areas, keep your distance: For this story, I only looked at bear canisters approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. We recommen The bear canister: a portable, cylindrical container that bears cannot open, and that holds about five days of food. Each of these will hold about a week’s National Park Service approved bear canisters are available for a minimal rental fee from wilderness centers, some concession outlets, and the Hetch Hetchy entrance. Another group was Bear Canister Rentals. In 2005 we evaluated backpackers' use of canisters for food storage. With proper storage and cooking methods the number of negative bear-human interactions has decreased in the High Peaks For instance, if your bear canister has 500 cubic inches of capacity, you should be able to fit 5 days’ worth of food into it. White Wolf Lodge and Backpacker Campgrounds at Little Yosemite Valley and High Sierra Camps. In my opinion, the Bear Vault is the best ‘middle-of-the-road’ compromise of all these things. Bear Canisters I have gotten mixed information regarding whether or not a bear bag is sufficient on the JMT. You’ll learn about various testing agencies, bear canister design, materials, usability, and user experiences. It is possible that the Yosemite ranger was confused, or did not recognize the Scout as being a model Whether you decide on a bag or canister, you’ll want to review the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) for a list of approved bear-resistant products. 2. Park footer. The testing program is a partnership with the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and the Washington State University Bear Center, which conduct the live Yosemite National Park is a popular backpacking destination, just make sure you pack your food in an approved bear safe container. The first Testing Methodology and Approval of Food Storage Containers for Use in Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Inyo National Forest was implemented in April, 2001. However, they have yet to be officially listed as approved in SEKI and Bear canisters JMT hikers must properly store their food while on the trail by using an approved bear canister (which protects your items not only from bears, but also from rodents). 7 L vs 11. 1. Customers find the bear canister suitable for short backpacking trips and appreciate its functionality, durability, and storage capacity for Yosemite National Park. This means Ursack Major, Major XL, and the AllMitey are approved if used with an aluminum liner. Dec 11, 2009 at 8:47 am #1552685. The idea of bear canisters being used while overnighting along the Appalachian Trail is a hard sell. Yosemite National Park: Bear canisters are required for backpacking. 8 inches (22. Bear-Resistant Food Containers. You can rent a Garcia Backpackers' Cache 812 canister from any staffed wilderness permit station. Bear canisters need to be large enough in every dimension that a bear could not bite down against the canister, so it's unlikely you'll see a Yosemite-approved canister any smaller unless they change their rules. Also, there are problem bears (like the one at Richardson . Here is the most current (although obviously outdated) list of McCurdy said Yosemite's bears are such quick learners that many grew to recognize canisters and associate them with frustration and wasted effort, not a reward. This bear canister is also not approved by the IGBC, so while you can’t lug this Backpackers only staying in a High Sierra Camp or Little Yosemite Valley are not required to carry an approved bear-resistant food storage container However, I don't think this is "common knowledge" and, speaking from experience, Park Rangers have a habit of checking wilderness permit holders are carrying bear canisters (without necessarily Beginning in 2004, Yosemite backpackers were required to store their food in approved bear-resistant food storage canisters when camped within seven air miles of a road and anywhere above 9,600 feet; this constitutes a large majority of the park's wilderness. Contact Info. So, I was thinking to get a smaller and lighter bear canister for short trips when it'd be required. When I worked in yosemite, despite the approval from agency, they did not use the ursack because of the defect or user issue with ursacks when they first came out. gov/yose/planyourvisit/containers. For more information, check out the map and area descriptions. I chose this particular canister because the intermediate size fit my backpack and my needs better than the other brands. EACH BEAR CANISTER IS MADE OF A PROPRIETARY POLYMER BLEND AND METAL FASTENERS - This bear proof container is The ideal bear-resistant storage for weight conscious, long-distance hikers or group trips, the BearVault BV475 Trek bear canister securely stores 5–6 days of food and fits sideways into most packs. Pack food and scented items in a park-approved bear canister. All overnight hikers need to provide their own hard-sided containers approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, which are readily available on-line from several manufacturers and retailers. All overnight hikers must carry bear-resistant food containers, sometimes known as ‘bear canisters’ in Yosemite. That said, the capacity of the Bearikade Expedition is larger than the BV500 (14. 5-liter capacity respectively. Permanent Food Storage Box (limited locations) are for on-site use only, caching a food resupply, or leaving unwanted items is prohibited. The Weekender can hold enough food for two people for 3+ days, or up to 7 days for solo use. The last bear locker in Yosemite is at Glen Aulin, a mere 5. You could get away with using one bear canister for two people from Yosemite Valley thru to VVR as you can resupply at Tuolumne Meadows and Reds, none of which is more than a few days apart. 6 and 997. Bear canisters approved by national A bear canister, or bear can, is a hard-sided food storage container designed to prevent bears and other animals from accessing your food while in the backcountry. Sierra Rec Magazine – Gear – June 13, 2022 – Bear Vault this month launched a new series of backpacking canisters to fit any trip. 4 inches smaller than any other bear can, I doubt that it will ever Bear-resistant trash bin may be opened only by humans, not bears. If a product appears on the list of IGBC-approved bear-resistant products, it means that the commercially available product has met minimum standards related to the effort that must be expended by grizzly bears to access the container’s contents. I was recently forced to purchase a Garcia Backpacker’s Cache for an upcoming Yosemite trip because the Ursack doesn’t have the proper Only the weekender and the larger expedition are approved in Yosemite for complicated testing/political reasons, but based on my interaction with the ranger checking for permits and canisters in Lyell canyon I would be very surprised to hear of a hiker being cited for carrying an untested size canister from a manufacturer with any approved line The last time Yosemite updated it's list of approved bear cans was in 2015. Bear Encounters. "We tracked a learning curve in how bears deal with canisters. Phone: 209/372-0200. Bears will pick it up in their mouth and carry it away. Her territory encompassed most of the popular high peaks area. In an article about bear canister failure, based on real data collected from Yosemite > Approved Bear Canister – is an approved bear canister for the Jon Muir Trail and PCT Do you need to use a bear canister when backpacking in Yosemite National Park? Yes, approved bear canisters must be used by all backpackers camping in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. Introduction. Old Sizes: 450 and 500 New Sizes: 425 and 475 The last time Yosemite updated it's list of approved bear cans was in 2015. (For bears, Yosemite is a lot like Berkeley: the spawning ground for cultural innovation. A total of 85 approved bear canisters were either broken or stolen by Yosemite black bears between July 15, 2012 and July 11, 2017. Head over to the National Park Service’s website for more information about the regulations around food storage in National Parks. See the table below, where I’ve precomputed the number of days for all of the popular bear Posted by u/raspysatsuma - 1 vote and 15 comments THE NO-FED-BEAR STORAGE CONTAINER HAS BEEN TESTED BY EXPERTS - INCLUDING BEARS. BearVault is the most popular bear canister brand. Introducing the all-new BV475-Trek & BV425-Sprint. 95 Weight: 9. Hikers must carry a bear canister throughout the park — roughly between FarOut miles 929. Counterweight food hangs are no longer legal Carrying a bear canister is something that backpackers must do when spending a night in most US National Parks and the California Sierra. Bear canisters are one of the most effective ways to safely protect your food when backpacking. nps. Yosemite National Park; Canyonlands National Park offers a 45% rental discount for JMT, PCT and AT thru-hikers to help soften the financial blow. , bear boxes) or the counterbalance method (i. I believe the Bare Boxer Contender is the smallest and lightest Yosemite-approved canister at 25. As you all know carbon fiber bear canisters like the Bearikade are lightweight and bomb proof but they are expensive. The park has approved 12 different types of bear canisters. At night, place the canister 100 yards from the tent. 2 kg). First time I used a bear canister was on a trip to the Tablelands in Sequoia Park in 2000. The same quality, design, and bear worthiness as classic BearVaults, this small bear canister is mighty strong when faced with bears. 25 liters MSRP: $79. King’s Canyon, Sequoia, and Yosemite National Parks in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains are Map Legend Details Green = Fully Approved. Unfortunately, there is one bear canister model that does not work in the High Peaks: the Bear Vault canister. Steel salvage drums with a security lid may be used until panniers are purchased. We camped one night at Moose Lake - totally barren above tree line. Wild Ideas canisters have been around for quite a while. Quality is our mission. The actual capacity in number of days of hiking food stored varies with the appetite of the hiker, the selection of food, and the skill in which it is packed, but a 700 in 3 canister likely holds up to a Is it a form of stewardship? Maybe it’s all of those things, but it is definitely called a bear canister. You only need a bear canister in the wilderness where you will not have any access to a bear box. 5 L). Fact is BearVault canisters are not approved everywhere including parts of the Sierras and there is probably a reason. Ensure the lid is closed properly and store the canister on the ground 50 feet from your sleeping area. The following is a list of all the bear canisters approved for use on and along the Pacific Crest Trail. "Field crews began using them in 1991 and '92," she said. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI) only require bear canisters in three specific areas. The cost is $5 per week with a $95 deposit by credit card. BearVault makes bear canisters for every hiker, every pack, and every trip! Our canisters are certified to keep your food safe! We were camping at Clouds Rest Junction in Yosemite when another party alerted us that there was a bear playing with our canister He was chomping on the top of it even when we made noise and got loud. I respect the rules about canisters and Leave No Trace, and it irritates me when I see people who don't. 5 Liters) IGBC Approved: YES Price: $92. The Adotect Ultralight Food Locker was donated for purpose of review. The use of approved bear canisters is required in Yosemite, Sequoia National Park, most of Kings Canyon National Park and many other areas. Yosemite has its own list of approved containers. According to the park information page, outside of these areas, you must use food storage boxes (i. This name can be misleading, as they may be black, brown, cinnamon, or even blonde in color. Bear resistant food containers (“bear canisters”) are required for overnight hikers throughout the Wilderness (counterbalance food hangs are no longer legal because bears have learned to get food stored this way). Bear canisters like this are required for anyone backpacking in Yosemite. It is so much lighter than the almost 3 pound canister We hope this guide will help you understand bear canisters a little bit better. These clear blue canisters have been consistently broken into by our bears and should not be used in the High Peaks. Provided by Touchpoints. Was this page helpful? An official form of the United States government. This means Ursack Major, Major XL, and the AllMitey are approved for bear-resistant food storage in the respective national parks. Christopher Smith. This list will be updated as soon as there are any changes. Then it was always approved. 5 months ago and they’ll post this on their website. 6L, but they plan to slowly ramp up testing in 2024 as manufacturers submit products for certification. While it’s not listed on the Yosemite NP website, it Bear canisters are much easier to use properly and much less prone to being breached by bears. 5 oz. Considering the BV425 is only 6" tall, which is 1. Please pick up a canister from any Yosemite Wilderness Center prior to your trip departure. Find a list of approved containers at www. Lighter1. One of the reasons that Yosemite moved to bear canisters is their survey of hikers and food hangs a number of years ago. This looks interesting for folks that do different sized trips, but being new it probably isn’t approved for Yosemite or Sequoia/Kings Canyon. are heavy they are a necessary evil in order to visit during at least some of the year at all or parts of places like Yosemite and much of the Sierra Which bear canister is right for you? There are several brands of bear canisters and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. e. The heavy rigid canisters dominate the list of approved bear-resistant canisters In Yosemite and the southern Sierra, bear canisters are the only effective and proven method of preventing bears from getting human food. All food must be stored in an allowed bear canister or hung well up the cliff face (if you can reach food without climbing gear, so can a bear). The Ursack Major and Allmity are IGBC-certified. Bear canisters are hard-sided plastic or carbon fiber cylinders with a removable lid that is designed to protect its contents (namely, food and other scented items) from bears. Garcia Backpackers' Cache canisters are 12 inches (30 cm) tall, 8. Bears actively seek food left by climbers at the base of climbs. I have a Garcia Bear Canister, and I just bought a BearVault 450. If you are Keeping bears wild while protecting visitors and their property is why Yosemite Conservancy has funded construction and installation of more than 2,000 bear-proof food-storage lockers throughout the park since 1994. You could even leave that days food outside your canister. Olympic National Park: Olympic has some areas with bear-hang wires or where tree hangs are Approved PCT Bear Canisters. Find out where to rent and return a bear canister. Ken Thompson. 95 Weight: 2 lb 8 oz. Does the cost keep you from buying one or do you prefer a polycarbonate model like the Bear Vault? It would need be approved in Yosemite and SEKI for me though. These rules are usually found in heavily trafficked parks like Yosemite. No, there are no grizzly bears in Yosemite National Park. BPL Member. BearVault, Garcia, Lighter1 Big Daddy, and most other popular bear canisters are also certified. REI Traverse Modular Bear Canister Capacity: 11. Yellow = Approved with Restrictions. Difference Between a Bear Bag and Bear Canister However, bear canister use is also required when camping in any area without trees adequate to hang food more than 15 feet above ground and 10 feet from trunk of tree. In regards to SEKI/Yosemite approval, they just received it about 1. They have always been approved. Bears are common along the trail, but they are not a problem as long as proper food storage is practiced. IGBC Certified, approved for Yosemite and SEKI; Excellent customer service; This is an approved and certified bear canister that meets the requirements along the John Muir Trail. com; BearVault 110b, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 Comparable Bear Resistant Containers. During that same period, 2 Ursacks failed (1 incident was mistakenly reported twice). Bearvault BV500 Capacity: 11. It’s easy to name all A BV 500 typically holds ~8 hiker-days of food. 7 pounds might work well. Be sure to keep the locker closed and clipped: a bear may enter your campsite even in your The Ursack is the red-headed stepchild of bear canisters. Bear Canister Regulations in Yosemite National Park. Rangers regularly check that backpackers are complying with Bearikades are the only carbon fiber bear canisters approved for use where canisters are required. Bear canisters, existing bear boxes, or counter balance hanging are the only proper food storage methods. The BV425, BV450, BV475, and BV4500 are IGBC-approved and accepted across the United States and Canada. Yosemite is strict with its food storage regulations. In Yosemite, alternative food storage Bear-resistant food storage is required on much, though not all, of the Pacific Crest Trail. BearVault has released two new bear canisters, the BV475 (Trek) and the BV425 (Sprint) - and they are approved for use on the JMT and PCT! It was originally stated that these canisters were approved for the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail. 50 The low price balanced with exceptional volume capacity makes the BearVault BV500 our best overall Bear-proof canister: Your registration fee includes a canister rental that you need to pick up from Wilderness Center. This list is subject to change. It is far harder for a bear to carry off a canister than a sack. lpumvat hozl ioqlv luj vixvy fnmqt bahu mknn xdfmtt ymdl wnbxs njnwwvx unrxr nwlhnoun kwi