Do You Need a Bear Canister Backpacking?

By Anna Duncan

When you are backpacking, it is critical to have the right gear to keep you safe and comfortable. One of the most important pieces of backpacking gear for safety is a bear canister. A bear canister is a hard-sided container that is designed to store food, garbage, and other scented items in order to protect them from animals, particularly bears.

Bear canisters are a must-have for anyone who will be backpacking in an area with bears. Bears have incredibly powerful noses and are attracted to the smells of food and other scented items.

If these items are not stored properly, it could lead to dangerous encounters with bears. A bear canister protects your food and other items from being discovered by bears and other animals as well as protecting them from being stolen or damaged by other people or weather conditions.

Not only do bear canisters protect your food and items from being discovered or stolen, they also provide an additional layer of safety in case of an emergency. If you become lost or injured while on the trail, a bear canister can provide shelter from the elements as well as a source of hydration if you carry water in the container.

The type of bear canister that is best for your backpacking trip will depend on several factors including the size of your group, the length of your trip, and the environment that you will be backpacking in. There are many different types available ranging from small lightweight models that are perfect for solo trips to larger models that will fit all the necessary supplies for larger groups. It is important to select one that meets your needs while still being lightweight enough to carry during long hikes.

When choosing a bear canister it’s important to find one that is certified by either Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) or Ursack Allmitey Bear Bag (UABB). These certifications ensure that the product has been tested for effectiveness against bears as well as durability and strength in adverse conditions.

Do You Need a Bear Canister Backpacking? Absolutely! Bear canisters provide an additional layer of safety when out on the trails by keeping your food and other scented items safe from animals such as bears as well as providing an extra layer of protection if you were ever stranded on the trails due to injury or getting lost.

When choosing a bear canister make sure it meets IGBC or UABB certifications so you know it has been tested for effectiveness against bears and durability in harsh conditions.

Conclusion:

A bear canister is an essential piece of gear when backpacking in areas with bears. Not only do they protect your food and other scented items from being discovered by animals, they also provide an extra layer of safety if ever stranded on the trails due to injury or getting lost. Make sure any bear container purchased meets IGBC or UABB certification standards so it has been tested for effectiveness against bears as well as durability in harsh conditions.