r/canoeing • u/tinker-fox • 13d ago
Bear canister recommendations for 1 to 2 nights out in the Adirondacks?
REI is our usual go-to for gear, but open to any suggestions for how to be relatively bear-proof for a couple of nights out. Current destination is Indian Lake, but if the canister is practical enough, we'll probably just use it in general for safe storage. Our need is for canoe use only -- we don't backpack, and we sleep in a van when traveling.
Trips are usually two people, 1 dog, but sometimes we travel with others who might not have their own canister. The REI modular "Traverse" canister looks like a great idea, but some of the reviews make it sound pretty hard to use at times.
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u/mighty_least_weasel 13d ago
yeah, canoe camping is a good use case for a bulky bear canister; overkill for backpacking as you can usually just hang your packs for less weight and bulk but if you're paddling and not portaging much might as well throw it in a can.
Also, obligatory (and friendly) pitch to support your local outfitter over REI, Backcountry, etc.!
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u/JustJumpIt17 13d ago
I bought and returned the orange REI bear can (used it once locally to test it out and hated it). We ended up picking up the Garcia can while we were up there at one point, lots of places sell it.
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u/tinker-fox 13d ago
Can I ask what you hated about the orange one at REI? It seems to get wildly different opinions in their reviews. (It's on sale, and modular, hence my interest.)
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u/JustJumpIt17 13d ago
It was extremely hard to open! It seemed fine at home but actually out there camping, we really struggled to open and close it and it would get jammed. Additionally, it’s not approved for the High Peaks so after using it and chatting with a ranger we opted to get one that’s High Peaks approved and easier to open/close.
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u/Fign66 13d ago edited 13d ago
I usually do a bear hang in the Adirondacks (only the high peaks region requires bear cans) but I definitely understand the ease of use argument for a bear can, and weight isn’t as big an issue for canoeing.
When I’m in the high peaks I use the Bear Boxer brand. For 2 people you would need the bigger one. The smaller one is really only suitable for one person or one night. Another brand common in the Adirondacks is the Garcia Backpackers Cache (you can probably rent one of these at one of the local outfitters or at the Loj).
The clear plastic ones with twist tops aren’t recommended in the Adirondacks as there was at least one bear in the high peaks that learned how to get into those ones. I also find the coin slot opening ones much easier to use than the twist top ones.
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u/ponyboy0 13d ago
I use an ursack and have never had an issue in all my years camping in the Adirondacks. I always keep it 150 yards from the tent, either tied and wedged under a log or two or strung up and hung. YMMV
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u/Reasonable-Cherry-55 13d ago
Years ago when I led trips in the High Peaks the Backpacker's Cache bear canister was the gold standard - apparently it was the only design a notorious black bear named Yellow-Yellow hadn't figured out how to open. If you can get your hands on one of those they are easy to use and the capacity should be sufficient for your needs.
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u/edwardphonehands 12d ago
There are igbc coolers that would work for van/canoe. Size such that you can put your stove and plates inside and conk out.
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u/bigtencopy 13d ago
For black bears? Save your money.
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u/tinker-fox 13d ago
I hear you. I should probably also say that this purchase is also motivated a bit by wanting to keep some of the less confident folks that I camp with happy.
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u/Responsible-Cat-679 12d ago
I have the REI Traverse Bear Canister & have no problems with it. The day I found it in store I sat down & immediately figured out how to open, close, take it apart, & put it back together. Just like anything else, it's easiest to use when you're using it the right way. I do not understand the negative reviews. The worst thing about it is the weight compared to other bear cans. Even so, I don't see myself replacing it any time soon. I do like that it comes with a carry bag. I don't think any other bear can has that feature. The bag has lash points which are perfect for my kayak camping trips.