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JMT ? need bear can below MTR?


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Home Forums Campfire Trip Planning JMT ? need bear can below MTR?

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  • #1290488
    Sam Sockwell
    BPL Member

    @sockwellsam

    Perusing a few JMT threads I hear this refrain about bear cannisters not needed below MTR(headed south of course) Is this true? Can one simply carry a bear container and mail it out at MTR? Or just take one instead of a couple each needing to carry one?

    This is a crucial logistics question but I had not seen it in the books, or on the Yosemite conservancy info.

    Thoughts? See you out there first two weeks August.

    Sam.

    #1882390
    Chris S
    BPL Member

    @bigsea

    Locale: Truckee, CA

    Last year when looking into it I found this discussion on the Yahoo JMT group:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/johnmuirtrail/message/17752

    Basically, it's required in some sections, but not the section right after MTR so you can probably get away with a smaller canister.

    #1882399
    Manfred
    BPL Member

    @orienteering

    Sam,

    you don't need a bear canister for the 50+ miles south of MTR until Pinchot Pass. But bear canisters are required at Rae Lakes and at Mt. Whitney.

    So shipping back your canister from MTR won't work. But at least you don't need to fit all your food into a canister for the first couple of nights after MTR.

    Have fun out there,

    Manfred

    #1882405
    Steven Paris
    BPL Member

    @saparisor

    Locale: Pacific Northwest

    I don't know if this map is still the accurate version of bear can requirements:

    http://sierrawild.gov/bears/food-storage-map

    Assuming the map is accurate, you will need a canister after Bench Lake into Kings Canyon UNLESS you (a) rush through that area or (b) use existing campsites with bear lockers. Both those options seem . . . limiting.

    As an aside, I know that all of us on BPL, who are either going to hike the JMT or have dreams to hike it someday, wish that we didn't have to carry bear canisters. The lower right corner of that map lists some reasons to carry a canister. No. 7 is "this is the single most effective thing you can as a backcountry visitor to protect Sierra black bears."

    #1882423
    Bob Bankhead
    BPL Member

    @wandering_bob

    Locale: Oregon, USA

    Just because they are not required in a given area does not mean they are not needed.

    Remember, bears do not read maps; they just use their nose.

    If it smells good, they will come.

    YMMV

    #1882433
    Hobbes W
    Member

    @hobbesatronic

    Locale: SoCal

    I always take a bear can. Why? Because, at the end of a long day, I don't want to d!ck around trying to hang a food bag – especially above tree line.

    Once you get used to the convenience of not having to deal with guarding your pack during rest stops, naps, fishing breaks, etc (marmots & rodents are sometimes worse than bears) ie just take out the can and put it aside, or even better, not needing to wake up to protect your stash during the night, the 2 lbs or so (I use a BV450) becomes practically inconsequential.

    The trick is to find a pack that handles the can. Properly sized & configured, you shouldn't even know it's in your pack.

    #1882446
    Sam Sockwell
    BPL Member

    @sockwellsam

    for all the helpful responses, that makes it all clear. Thanks again to all Sam.

    #1882925
    Curry
    BPL Member

    @veganaloha

    Locale: USA

    Sam,

    I saw threads like you described, so i decided on a smaller can, the BV450. But I won't mail it home at my last resupply as you suggest, because it is needed again later on as others have posted here.

    I'm hoping the the extra 2+ lbs for the BV will be offset by not having to carry so much water at any one time.

    Have a nice trip.

    Susan

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