Episode 56: Bringing Protection Into The Backcountry
On this episode we share our knowledge with the best way to store your food while in the backcountry, how to hang your food bag, and discuss the Bear Canister debate. Is it really necessary to bring one? We also will give you a list of all the National Parks that require a Bear Canister for backpacking
Why it’s necessary
Best way to store food
How to hang your food bag
The Bear Canister debate
List of National Park that require bear canister
How to hang a Bear Bag PCT Style
Ursack Bear Resistant Sack Bag
LOKSAK Opsak Barrier OPD2-12 X 20, Inner Dimensions: 12.25″x 20″,2pk Storage Bags
WHERE BEAR RESISTANT CANISTERS ARE REQUIRED
As mentioned, each park area decides what bear canisters are permitted. This information changes frequently. You will need to check the park area website for the latest requirements, pick-up locations, and fees.
Here is the most current information (as of March 2017) on where, what, and when bear-resistant containers are required.
Alaska
Gates of the Arctic National Park – all treeless areas; canister rent is free.
Glacier Bay National Park – all treeless areas; canister rent is free.
Denali National Park – selected areas; canister rent is free.
California
Sierra Wild, jointly operated by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, provides an overview of allowed bear canisters in the Sierra and an overview map of where canisters are required in the Sierra.
Yosemite National Park – entire backcountry; daily canister rental fee.
Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks – selected areas from May 1 – Oct 31; daily canister rental fee.
Inyo National Forest – selected areas; daily canister rental fee.
Lassen Volcanic National Park – entire backcountry from Apr 16 – Nov 30; daily canister rental fee.
Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park – entire backcountry below treeline from May 1 – Oct 31; daily canister rental fee at Estes Park Mountain Shop.
New York
The Adirondack Mountains Eastern High Peaks Wilderness – entire backcountry between Apr 1 – Nov 30; rentals available at many nearby outfitters.
Washington
Olympic National Park – selected areas; daily canister rental fee at Wilderness Info Centers.
North Cascades National Park – selected areas from Jun 1 – Nov 15; canister rentals free at several park office locations.
Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park – entire backcountry unless food lockers are in place.
Food Storage Regulations Organized by State – Last updated: October 7, 2015
State of Washington
Federal Lands
- US Forest Service (National Forest Lands)
- National Park Service (National Parks)
- North Cascades National Park (page 10-11)
- Bureau of Land Management Lands
- No Food Storage Regulations Found
Indian Reservations
- No Food Storage Regulations Found
State Managed Lands
- No Food Storage Regulations Found
Federal Lands
- US Forest Service (National Forest Lands)
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness
- Custer-Gallatin National Forest
- Flathead National Forest combined Food Storage Orders (updated 3/5/2017)
- Flathead National Forest (Tally Lake Ranger District and Island Unit of Swan Lake Ranger District)
- Flathead, Lewis & Clark, Lolo, and Helena National Forests in Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (see attached for map boundaries)
- Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest combined Food Storage Orders (updated 3/5/2017)
- Helena National Forest (Lincoln Ranger District Lands South of Hwy 200)
- Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest (Belt Creek -White Sulphur Springs, Judith -Mussellshell, and Townsend Ranger Districts)
- Kootenai National Forest
- Lolo National Forest
- Idaho Panhandle National Forest: Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, and Priest Lake Ranger Districts
- National Park Service (National Parks)
- Bureau of Land Management Lands
Indian Reservations
- Flathead Indian Reservation
- Blackfeet Indian Reservation (pages 31- 33)
State Managed Lands
- Montana Wildlife Management Areas (see page 5 and 7-9)
- Smith River State Park
State of Idaho
Federal Lands
- US Forest Service (National Forest Lands)
- National Park Service (National Parks)
- Bureau of Land Management Lands
- No Food Storage Regulations Found
Indian Reservations
- No Food Storage Regulations Found
State Managed Lands
- No Food Storage Regulations Found
State of Wyoming
Federal Lands
- US Forest Service (National Forest Lands)
- Bridger-Teton National Forest (combined with Shoshone National Forest)
- Caribou-Targhee National Forest
- Shoshone National Forest (combined with Bridger-Teton National Forest)
- National Park Service (National Parks)
- Bureau of Land Management Lands
- No Food Storage Regulations Found
Indian Reservations
- No Food Storage Regulations Found
State Managed Lands
- No Food Storage Regulations Found
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