I'm thinking about getting one of those round bear proof food containers with a harness.  Anybody used one.  Do you like it?

I own one and really like it.  Here are some random thoughts on the food barrel:

1. Don't make the mistake of thinking it's really bear-proof.  I call it bear resistant, in that it will take the bear a bit of time to tear it up....long enough for you to get up and chase it off. 

2. I try to manage odor by not using the lid as a cutting board, and by wiping it down every night with a handwipe. 

3. We also tie the barrel to a tree to keep a bear from carrying it off.  We set pots and pans on top as an alarm should something try messing with it. 

4. Don't leave it exposed to the hot sun...it works like an oven and will really cook.  Just cover it with cloth, or put it in shade seems to work.

5. The weak link is the lid.  Gotta make sure you get the lid on right!  I had a bear get into it on Polly Lake a number of years ago... because one of our group didn't put the lid on right and the bear just popped it off!  Getting the lid on can be a bit of a chore, but it's really no problem.  Just make sure the lid and barrel flanges are secured in the metal band when you tighten it.

6. We have found that using nylon sacks inside the barrel helps to organize the food.  So we have a breakfast, lunch, and dinner sack.  Way better than rummaging through it every time. 

7. I bought custom made sacks at 'copia last year thinking it would be a good help to organize the food.  Complete waste of money.  These things are just fabric "buckets" with no way to cinch up.  Save your money and just use nylon stuff sacks. 

All in all, it's a wonderful addition to my gear.

Enjoy.

prouboy

I was wondering what the product was in question. It certainly seems like it might help unless of course a bearski has scored on a blue barrel before and then it might be a disadvantage. My guess is they could destroy one inside a minute.

You guys know me, Mr. bear-O-phobia after my couple of run ins.

While the blue barrel might help lock in some odors, especially if it has a rubber gasket, I never underestimate a bears intelligence but especially its nose. I would still make every effort to go as odor free as possible even with the barrel. Remember, a bear is much like a dog and their world revolves around their nose. If they can't smell it, it most likely isn't there. The next time you come home watch and see what's the first thing your dog does. Even though you have come home 1000 times and they knows it's you, they will still smell you first thing to confirm it's really you.

I also question the ability to run a bear off that is intent on your food pack or in this case food barrel. Some you can chase off but others could care less how much you whoop and holler. Cliff Jacobs once tried to run one off throwing rocks. Big mistake. He says it almost had him for lunch and they left with the bear popping his teeth on shore. Now he just lets the bear amble about camp while quietly watching and once the bear is satisfied there is no food it usually leaves. Of course if a black bear shows any interest in you personally it's time to get assertive with whatever contingency plan you have and of course avoiding playing dead at all costs.......don't even think about it.

I got a couple Bear Vaults... Kind of pricey I know. But my experiance is there is a lack of good trees to hang your pack high enough. And some places... forget it, your not hangen nothing. I had a pack made by a friend and hope to employ this settup this year. I know there is a bear that can open the Bear Vault in New York I think, but chances are I'm good to go. Also, not as much room as a food barrel, but your going to pack lighter this way too. I'll let you all know how it works...

Ben

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)


(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)