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[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Southbury, CT on 10/24/2008
Bears in both the Adirondack High Peaks region and in the Sierra Nevada backcountry have figured out that hanging bags are a free meal. Bear canisters are required in these areas.
I can verify Waldo's comments about the bear in the Adirondacks that has figured out how to open the "other brand" of canister as I am unfortunately one of the people who found this out first hand. BearVault (the "other brand") did try a new lid design this year but this failed as well and their web site now advises against using their own product in the Marcy Dam area of the Adirondacks.
Thanks to EMS's satisfaction policy I am now using the Garcia Backpacker's Cache and haven't had any problems since. While the BearVault had more volume and the transparency was nice I would gladly give up those features for the peace of mind of knowing that my breakfast will still be there in the morning. Garcia does make a nylon carry case for these so they can be strapped on the outside of a pack. I don't think EMS sells the case at this time.
Even if you have the carrying case you DO NOT want to hang or tie the canister to a tree. The manufacturer and the rangers specifically advise against it. Any kind of dangling rope or strap gives the bear something to grab on to so he can drag the canister away. The bear won't be able to get your food, but neither will you. The proper way to use the canister is to remove it from the carrying case and place it into a depression in the ground so that it won't roll away downhill or into water if a bear decides to play soccer with it.
Remember to put your soap, toothpaste, garbage, and anything else with a smell in the canister at night as well. A neighbor at a campsite used a canister for their food but put their toiletries in a hang bag. In the morning there was half-eaten deodorant and toothpaste scattered about.
Using a tied bag inside the canister helps keep odors contained and bears away. The canister and the plastic bag that comes with it are not waterproof but a small dry bag can be placed inside the canister instead of the plastic bag.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from New York, New York on 6/12/2008
This is essential if you are going up to the Adirondacks, as it is required up there. I think it is great because it is a very sturdy design and I don't think even a bear can claw through it. The only negative to this is that it is a little bulky for a weekend trip (as you don't need all the space) and there is no easy way to strap it to your bag, unless you buy a specific carry bag for this container. Otherwise, it's a great buy.
[2 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from Syracuse, NY on 6/2/2008
My only wish is that they made a smaller model. Beware of the other type cannister. EMS staff themselves (I won't give away which stores) state that there is one bear in the 'Dacks and one in Yosemite that can open it. And while that company expects to release a new lid in a few months, your only sure bet right now is this Garcia/Backpacker cache. I know it's only one bear, but do YOU want to take the chance? The DEC held a bear seminar which verifies my above statements. Feel free to call 'em.