Camping - Backpacking with Motorcycle

[Moedad]

In 20 years of camping in Alaska -- it's *all* bear country up here -- I've yet to have a bear get into the food that I've hung from a tree

Here in CA, the Sierra bears chew the branch off the tree if it's too skinny to support them. Problem solved.

[Moedad]

Even if that is just the North East I still need a bear proof solution for no tree areas.

Bear cannister.

[Custom82Hawk]

reading this Im glad I live in hte UK the only thing i worry about stealing my food are my camping mates.

We get smaller critters like hedghogs and foxes maybe badgers but all them are stopped the general noise of people.

But I would think that sensibly hanging food from a tree would be the safest bet

yeah, i don't think there are many bears to worry about in the UK.  kinda like we lucky americans don't have to worry about the evil wallabys those aussies deal with :D

[LOKi]

Even if that is just the North East I still need a bear proof solution for no tree areas.

Bear cannister.

I'll probably just use the bear canister. There capacity just sucks though. But then again how much food do I need to keep with me? Not THAT much. Not like hiking where there will be no stores to buy food as you need it. I'll have to look at all the areas I'm going to be camping in to find out if their bears smash stuff to get at it. If not then I'll just leave the food in the top box and place it on the ground. Might not need anything special at all.

[Moedad]

I'll probably just use the bear canister. There capacity just sucks though.

This model (BearVault BV500) has about 100 cubic inches more than the one I linked to previously.

http://www.rei.com/product/768902

[Custom82Hawk]

that looks like one of those 5 gallon refillable water cooler jugs...can't imagine that holding up to a bear bouncing on it in anger to get it open

[Moedad]

that looks like one of those 5 gallon refillable water cooler jugs...can't imagine that holding up to a bear bouncing on it in anger to get it open

I thought the same thing. It's been bear-tested or something supposedly. 

[Vermontster]

99% of any risk while camping (food or personal) is within the first two miles of the trailhead where people are. Beyond that point, you and your food is safe with minimal effort if you use just a little judgement.

  +1  Keeping away from previously used (and abused) campsites is also helpful. Critters of all types frequent frequently visited spots. I never bring smelly foods when backpacking or camping. They just invite unwanted furry visitors.

[Bumblebee]

that looks like one of those 5 gallon refillable water cooler jugs...can't imagine that holding up to a bear bouncing on it in anger to get it open

Take a look at one in person sometime. You can shoot it with a small caliber hand gun and not penetrate.

[niadhf]

Ever deal with raccoons? Also clever bastards.

You're not kidding. I could tell stories about raccoons getting into creatureproofed things on the farm. I'm convinced they could get into a completely welded shut 2 inch thick steel box if they wanted to...without any indication of breaking and entering.

I had one of those sneaky litle such n suches get trhoiugh 2 layers of chicken wire, unhook the dog crate, grab the chick, lock the crate BACK UP with momma in it...before the .22 hit him in the head. (racoon not bear)

As for the rest. 12 gauge back up to .357. if you are worried about the rope, use aircraft cable.

[travelafar]

I've been living on my NH for about 2 months now.  I keep my food strapped in a separate backpack, bungee netted in.  That way I don't have any small lingering in the saddlebags when I hang it in the evening.  Wash your dishes as soon as your done too!