Bear Canister Areas
As conservation needs increase, more park and trail agencies are requiring or recommending bear-resistant food containers (BRFCs). It can be difficult to figure out which zones mandate canister use, but this guide should make the process a bit simpler.
Trails
Pacific Crest TrailThe Pacific Crest Trail spans 2,650 miles (4,265 kilometers) from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. It is a National Scenic Trail. It reveals the beauty of the desert, unfolds the glaciated expanses of the Sierra Nevada, travels deep forests, and provides commanding vistas of volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range. The trail symbolizes everything there is to love – and protect – in the Western United States.
BearVault® is sold at many locations along the trail. For North-bound hikers, Bear Canisters are required beginning at Kennedy Meadows (located at mile 700 of the PCT). There are two shops in Kennedy Meadows that carry BearVault®, as well as retailers in many towns along the 395, Highway 99, and Lake Tahoe area.
BearVault® wishes you happy hiking!
Appalachian TrailThe Appalachian Trail (AT) is a 2,190 mile trail that runs from Georgia up to Maine, also passing through North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire. It is considered by some to be the hardest of the three long-distance thru hikes that comprise the “Triple Crown”, because of the total elevation gain and some of the rocky and slippery terrain. The other two trails in the Triple Crown are the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT)).
Whether you are planning to take on the challenge of a long distance hike, or a weekend excursion, the most comprehensive trail information can be found on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) website. The ATC serves as the steward of the trail, managing thru-hiking registrations, maintaining the trail and conserving the lands it passes through, hosting backpacking courses and workshops, and more.
Currently, bear canisters are required in some parks along the trail, and are strongly recommended throughout for overnight campers. The trail has grown in popularity, and resource pressure is ever increasing for bears, increasing the number of encounters with wildlife. In an effort to help wildlife stay wild, food storage policies are under revision.
BearVault® wishes you happy hiking!
Hot Springs TrailProposed as a National Scenic Trail, this 2,421.4 mile backpacking trail runs from Santa Barbara to Canada, passing 96 hot springs along the way.
Part 1 – The Coast Connect Trail
Part 2 – The High Sierra Hot Springs Trail
Part 3 – The Nevada Trail
Part 4 – The Idaho Soaktennial Trail
For North-bound hikers, Bear Canisters are required beginning at Kernville, CA and ending at Mammoth Lakes. There are two shops in Mammoth Lakes that carry BearVault®, as well as retailers in many towns along the 395 between them. Shipping your pre-packed BearVault® to Kernville may be a good option here.
More information on this outstanding new route can be found here:
BearVault® wishes you happy hiking!
The Siskiyou Peaks TrailProposed as a National Scenic Trail, this 448 mile backpacking trail touches the highest point in each of 7 wilderness areas. Passing through quaint mountain towns, past over 40 glacial lakes, and running along 3 Wild & Scenic Rivers, this rugged and spectacular trail is there for the strong at heart. “Black bears are found throughout the Siskiyou Mountains and are to be expected for the entirety of this trail. Although not required by law, bear canisters are highly recommended for ultimate peace of mind and food security.” – Zoner, creator of The 7 Summits of the Siskiyou Trail
More information on this outstanding new route can be found by following the link below.
BearVault® wishes you happy hiking!
