HOW TO Use a Bear Canister | What Goes in a Bear Canister | How To Keep Your Food Safe Backpacking

Why would you bother to carry a bulky, heavy bear canister, when you could just do a bear hang or use an Ursack? Here, I'll explain the rationale, what needs to go into the bear canister, and answer many other common questions about bear canisters.
Bear Canisters I own:
Bear Vault Bear Canister: bit.ly/3CsHREz
UDAP No Fed Bear: amzn.to/3uhaQ9a
Other items mentioned:
Ursack Allmitey (if you're going to use an Ursack, get this one- this is stronger than the Major and is rodent-proof/mini bear-proof): bit.ly/3fRE9eN
Opsak (odor-proof sacks): bit.ly/3RP1smU
If you're more concerned about mini bears:
RatSack: amzn.to/3qrMcBm
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[@h.r.streicher8092]

Soooo helpful, I just did my first solo backpack where I needed to have a bear can and I found myself leaving with questions like “should I put my fuel in here or what?” Thank you!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I’m glad you found it helpful! It’s easy to question what should or shouldn’t go in a canister.

[@mikem5933]

I ALWAYS learn something new from your videos. This one was no different 👍

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much, Mike!

[@AndreandRoryTravel]

Thank you for this! You were very informative and entertaining. The part about scentless bags was something I would not have thought of and information on what to do when approached by a bear was a nice touch. I have yet to encounter a bear but having watched this I feel better then I did yesterday about the possibility! Thank you.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I really appreciate that! I hope you have a safe trip to bear country!

[@trailfleamlangdon2260]

You did a great job on this video, good info. I have a bear can that I will be using. I have spent 30 minute or more looking for tree to hang from, not fun. Trail Flea,,

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much, Trail Flea! I can believe the search. It's a whole separate challenge, and especially not fun when you're already exhausted from the trail. I don't hang ever.

[@HamidShibataBennett]

Got my X-mid, now my next step is a bear canister. I really appreciate your presentation. The UDAP looks like a good option. How do you stow your bear canisters in your backpack?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! I hope you love your X-Mid! My UDAP fits horizontally across the tops of both of my packs, so I’ve been able to do that consistently. Some people empty it into a bag, put the bag in their pack and strap the empty canister outside their pack. If you have a smaller volume pack (my smallest is 55L), this may be a better move. My BV500 is a bit more challenging, but still fits inside my pack. I hope that helps! Whatever you do, keep it close to your center of gravity (it’s usually the heaviest thing in your pack) and high.

[@HamidShibataBennett]

@@WanderingSwitchback I just found a UDAP at a local shop, far less expensive than I’ve seen anywhere else. Slapped on stickers already. I have Swiss Army Knives to wrangle it open. I’m preparing for a brief shake down camp at a state park. First Xmid pitch today!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@@HamidShibataBennett that's awesome! I've managed to open my canister just with my finger- even just pressing your thumb and twisting may do the trick. Good luck with your shake down and first pitch! Let me know how it goes! 🙂

[@HamidShibataBennett]

@@WanderingSwitchback the locking mechanism on mine isn’t loose enough. Plus, I’m a licensed massage therapist, so my nails are always stubby. I’m out here on my first excursion with the X-mid. I so love this tent already! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3SQkIidpKqWgs0si=5chIOAp77sV-fphO

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@@HamidShibataBennett How did your first trip go? I saw your video!

[@hunternegron336]

wow this was one of the most informative videos I've ever seen about anything on KZbin.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you, Hunter! I really appreciate that!

[@ev6377]

This is so informative - thabk you! may I know how many days worth of food can fit in your bear canister in the video? Thanks!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! I'll typically take that canister for 2-3 night trips. I have a BV500 I'll take for more than that (but I haven't taken trips much longer yet). Caveat- I tend to pack WAY more food than I need. I am slowly getting better, but this is a work in progress! It also depends on if you're taking bulky foods, of course.

[@ev6377]

​@@WanderingSwitchbackthank you so much 😊 be safe on your trips!

[@athircanada]

I enjoyed watching such beautiful scenery 👍😊🌹🇨🇦

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! Yosemite is such a magical place. I know Canada has some incredible scenery I’m dying to explore. Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you for watching! If you're already a subscriber, thank you!! If you haven't yet subscribed, please consider supporting this channel by subscribing. Comments, likes and shares all help as well! Share these videos so that we can get the word out, and help more people enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. Bear Canisters I own: Bear Vault Bear Canister: bit.ly/3CsHREz UDAP No Fed Bear: amzn.to/3uhaQ9a Other items mentioned: Ursack Allmitey (if you're going to use an Ursack, get this one- this is stronger than the Major and is rodent-proof/mini bear-proof): bit.ly/3fRE9eN Opsak (odor-proof sacks): bit.ly/3RP1smU If you're more concerned about mini bears: RatSack: amzn.to/3qrMcBm

[@moinab]

I’m so happy to find this! I’m new to backpacking (still gathering my gear) but getting ready to do my first 2-3 day hike in Pisgah National Forest in NC. All the videos I’ve watched mock bear canisters for being too heavy and unnecessary, but it seems like the best option for me.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

How exciting! I hope this was helpful! I have lots of other videos you may find helpful as you’re starting your journey. Happy trails! ❤️🥾🏕🏔

[@moinab]

@@WanderingSwitchback I’m going through a bunch of them! I’m also a nurse! I was a bedside neuro nurse for 13 years (CNRN) but am now working in a new transgender clinic, so I greatly appreciate your inclusiveness. :)

[@lydiarose77]

I am wanting to start backpacking so this question may be quite naive so I apologize ahead if time. Do you take your bear cannister every time you go out? Because of rodents and other small critters.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

It’s a great question (and I welcome questions)! I tend to use a canister on all my trips for exactly that reason. Plus, I don’t have to hang my food and hope there’s a good tree (there isn’t always) and deal with the time that takes. I’m almost always in bear country anyway, and with more and more places requiring canisters, I feel like it’s a wise decision. Plus, mini bears (rodents, marmots, raccoons, etc can’t get into it. Plus it makes a great stool to sit on. I hope you get out backpacking!! ❤️🏕

[@DanielBelliveau-y5x]

Useful and informative tips for back country food storage, along with scented items, on backpacking trips, thanks.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much!

[@YankeeTankerOutdoors]

you need one of my bear canister stickers!!! hi. i’m the person who started the norcal hiking page - shoot me a dm. i’d love to send you one!!!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! I'll be getting one back to you, too!

[@RC-qf3mp]

Why should I take advice from somebody carrying a Nalgene???? Wow.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

😂😂 Thanks for watching!

[@suecox8355]

Great pee bottle at night and using for hot water to warm your feet on cold nights. Just make sure you tighten the lid properly .😊

[@RC-qf3mp]

@@suecox8355 don’t need hot water. I no-soak. Don’t need a pee bottle b/c i eat a healthy keto anti-inflammatory diet, so solved that problem. Monitor food and electrolytes. Save weight not carrying a stove, pee bottle or Nalgene.

[@jhauronic]

Thanks for your video. I feel I know much more of what I need to know about canisters. Thanks, OG (Old Guy)

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you, OG! Stay safe out there!

[@nannettekyer8839]

Thank you! I just Bought a bear canister and your video was extremely helpful - thorough and realistic.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much, Nannette! I hope the canister works out great for you!

[@dirtinnails]

Wow you covered everything. Never used a bear canister before and this is the best video I've found. Thanks

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you, Isaac! I hope you have a safe adventure!

[@darwinleewhitman8120]

Your video was just what I needed. My daughter is preparing to go on a 3-day camping trip with a high school class to the Great Smoky Mountains. There was lots of very useful info, and shared on a non-techy level. I will be subscribing, and checking out your other videos. By the way, what is the bear cannister you showed in the video? Thanks so much, again. Keep up the great work.

[@darwinleewhitman8120]

Sorry, "canister," not "cannister."

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much, Darwin! I hope she has an amazing trip! I have links to the canisters I own in the description. The one I have in the video is an old Frontiersman Bear Safe, but the new version of that is the UDAP No Fed Bear. I also have a Bear Vault 500, but they make a smaller 450 as well.

[@zumoo1]

Be cautious of sitting on the Bear Vault. I've seen damage to the lid. Maybe turn it upside down. I'm not sure if that will protect it. I haven't seen damage to the Garcia bear canisters when sat upon.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I believe as long as the lid is screwed on all the way, there isn't generally an issue with the Bear Vault. It just needs the threads protected in that way when there's weight on it (which would be an issue whether it's upside down or right side up).

[@zumoo1]

@Wandering Switchback I think you're correct. If the lid is on tight and correct, you would think there wouldn't be a problem. So, a word of warning to those using them as a seat. Me? I usually take a chair.😁

[@RC-qf3mp]

Lose weight

[@so-shuseitzler8403]

I NED THAT WATER HOLDER

[@WanderingSwitchback]

It’s awesome, right?? Here’s the link! www.etsy.com/listing/944154329/water-bottle-holder-for-a-backpack