Bear proofing on vehicle-based expeditions?
- Thread starter TheRoadie
- Start date
"When a pine needle falls in the forest, the eagle sees it; the deer hears it, and the bear smells it." - First Nations proverb.
Read someplace about getting containers "bear certified" rather expensive process. They end up tossing the item in a fenced area with bears, if they can't open it and it can't hurt them it passes.
Back up this thread someone said to cover the windows so they can't see in, I doubt that will help at all, they will go after the smell.
We have brown and black bears in the Ozarks, a 12 ga. shotgun blast over them sends them running. But sightings are rare in this area, I've only had two encounters.
No one has mentioned military ammo cans, you can lock the latch down with a padlock. Would that work out West?
Read someplace about getting containers "bear certified" rather expensive process. They end up tossing the item in a fenced area with bears, if they can't open it and it can't hurt them it passes.
Back up this thread someone said to cover the windows so they can't see in, I doubt that will help at all, they will go after the smell.
We have brown and black bears in the Ozarks, a 12 ga. shotgun blast over them sends them running. But sightings are rare in this area, I've only had two encounters.
No one has mentioned military ammo cans, you can lock the latch down with a padlock. Would that work out West?
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ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
They'd likely just beat it apart. Any animal that can open a vehicle up w/o a can opener is a force to be reckoned with. I think of them as 500+lbs muscle with claws. They're not all that big, but that's the Conservative way to think about them.
The back-packer canisters that I've seen are a serious piece of hardware. Usually a carbon fiber lay-up that wouldn't be out of place as your glamper propane tank. They're CF for the obvious weight reason, but likely that isn't the only reason.
The back-packer canisters that I've seen are a serious piece of hardware. Usually a carbon fiber lay-up that wouldn't be out of place as your glamper propane tank. They're CF for the obvious weight reason, but likely that isn't the only reason.
Just to clarify, I'm pretty sure the black and brown bears in the Ozarks are the same "black bear" species- just different color coats. Some are cinnamon colored. Black bears as a species are the ones most likely to break into cars, though.
There are two separate issues for bear prevention. While some will focus on bear proof containers, these are really more important for people camping away from their cars. When the food is in the car, the damage caused by the bear getting into the car is more important than if they actually get the food. Preventing bears from wanting to get into the car is the real key.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
Only people that use fancy CF bear canisters are likely posers with too much money.
Those of us that have been backpacking for decades use the original $75 Backpacker's Cache
Its nothing more than ABS. But it is still the only version I know of thats used by the National Parks service.
Its also the only canister allowed for trips into some areas, including the Adirondacks.
Did I mention its just 7oz heavier than the Carbon Fiber Bearikade, which costs $350
The Best Bear Canisters for the Pacific Crest Trail
Like it or not, you need a bear canister if you want to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Here's a look at the best bear canisters for PCT thru-hikers.
www.halfwayanywhere.com
Sorry, but I don't see how this post relates to mine, I'm sure you are correct about bear species, I've never really studied bears.
I just know that they go after food they can smell, they don't have to see it. My comment was about covering a window not about camping near a vehicle or away from it, not about the damage done which would be my concern as well, but more to doubting a bear wouldn't rip off a car door because the windows were covered.
According to the National Forest Service, Yellowstone, here are the tips for campers:
Keep a Clean Camp
Store all food, garbage, or smelly items so that bears cannot access them. Ravens sometimes open containers or bags and scatter the contents. The following items should be properly stored when not in use (even if clean and empty):
- Water and beverage containers
- Cooking or eating utensils
- Stoves and grills
- Coolers and ice chests
- Garbage—bagged or not
- Food and condiments (even if in containers)
- Cosmetics and toiletries
- Pet food and bowls
- Pails, buckets, and wash basins
I don't see anything about covering your car/truck windows.
WOODY2
Adventurer
Onion Valley has bear boxes too.
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
Im impressed, this was a 2007 thread. It’s always good to see one revived. If it’s motivated & knows something (food) is there. It will get in.
In Egegik, Ak we had a Big Old Kodiak sow break into a seacan. (Shipping container) that was housing meat. She pried the cold unit off the front and went in that way. Once inside she pushed her way out the rear doors. The container was old, but still solid or so we thought.
In Egegik, Ak we had a Big Old Kodiak sow break into a seacan. (Shipping container) that was housing meat. She pried the cold unit off the front and went in that way. Once inside she pushed her way out the rear doors. The container was old, but still solid or so we thought.
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AbleGuy
Officious Intermeddler
Absolutely Best Bear Proof Camper Convo Idea?
So this inspired, retired airline pilot bought this truck for about $3300 at an auction and converted it into a tiny house. Something like this could be the ultimate bear proof camper for anyone really worried about that being an issue.
The one modification, other than somehow turning a truck like this into a four-wheel-drive, would be to get rid of that platform in the front that would allow a big Bruin to climb up on the bumper, then the hood, and the roof for the cab, and then up onto the camper! He probably could make a pull down porch over the front if you wanted to.
So this inspired, retired airline pilot bought this truck for about $3300 at an auction and converted it into a tiny house. Something like this could be the ultimate bear proof camper for anyone really worried about that being an issue.
The one modification, other than somehow turning a truck like this into a four-wheel-drive, would be to get rid of that platform in the front that would allow a big Bruin to climb up on the bumper, then the hood, and the roof for the cab, and then up onto the camper! He probably could make a pull down porch over the front if you wanted to.
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
Those that my packing friends have used while Teaching the WTC were rented. They didn't get a choice of type or style, but thanks for insulting them anyways.Only people that use fancy CF bear canisters are likely posers with too much money.
Those of us that have been backpacking for decades use the original $75 Backpacker's Cache
Its nothing more than ABS. But it is still the only version I know of thats used by the National Parks service.
Its also the only canister allowed for trips into some areas, including the Adirondacks.
Did I mention its just 7oz heavier than the Carbon Fiber Bearikade, which costs $350
The Best Bear Canisters for the Pacific Crest Trail
Like it or not, you need a bear canister if you want to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Here's a look at the best bear canisters for PCT thru-hikers.
What about Tupperware, they lock in freshness and keep odors out?
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ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
Two problems with that. Bears can smell lipstick in the center console of a full sized truck. I don't think a Tuperware is that well sealed. Second is that Tuperware is about to go under. They are nearly broke.
Tupperware Close To Bankruptcy - Direct Selling Facts, Figures and News
According to a Tupperware press release: “Tupperware Brands Takes Action to Improve Capital Structure and Liquidity Position.” Engages Financial Advisors to Support Financing and Liquidity Initiatives Announces Substantial Doubt About Ability to Continue as Going Concern. Receives Notice of NYSE...
www.businessforhome.org
Florida Native
Active member
They may keep odors out to humans, but not bears. The reason most bear-proof containers work is not because they block smells, they don’t. Bears can still smell what’s in them, the containers are just durable enough to outlast the bear’s interest and require opposable thumbs (and/or tools) to open. The bears treat them like toys until they get bored. And your food is still there for you (assuming you have tied the container up so you can find it again).
-Mike
NOPEC
Well-known member
Is there a possibility that some of you guys are off the mark in this discussion?
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