Bear Canister VS Bear Bag: My Preferred Way to Carry Food in Bear Country 

Do you have a preference?

I'd rather hang a bag but there are times when that isn't possible and you have to use a canister. I did hike one place where the trees weren't tall enough to use a bag so I'm glad I had a canister instead. Also, a canister might be helpful if your in an area where there aren't bears but critters will chew through your pack and food bag. Racoons too. Those trash pandas ruined a trip for me.

An unspoken factor here is that a huge number, if not a slight majority of people, don’t hang bear bags properly.

I have both. Since I backpack in the Sierra CA and also RMNP, as well as WA, I need the bear canister. I use the Hilltop Packs in TN and KY. Weight wise, I totally prefer the bag. Had a bad bear experience up in Michigan where a bear harassed us at camp, despite the fact that we had no food out. He ended up sitting on our vault. all night. So I really take it all very seriously. Great video!

I'm transitioning to the bear vault, after using the bear bag for years. I see so many more positives at this point, than just the one you mentioned. 1. It doesn't change size, unlike the bear bag, which increases and decrease, you know what you are dealing with with the bear canister. You can also put other items in there to fill it up when it has space. 2. You just have to walk it away from camp and not have to find a tree, which can be especially difficult if you are above treeline or in a more dessert area. I'm hoping I can make it work for me and look at the positives more then the negatives. Happy trails.🥾🐻

Lol, don't tell bears its my fault hahaha! Good work! I prefer cans because its nice to have more easily available and many say bag hangs are ineffective. Get your next bag through Hilltop Packs too, Ben rules!

This was super informative! We’ve never had to use the canisters, always used a bear bag. Planning our trip to RMNP, now we know we are going to have to get one. Thanks for the info!

Great video! I did a similar one recently, and I think the bear concerns are unique out east and in the south. Like you, I don't mess with grizzlies.

This is a great topic to discuss. I have both a canister and a food bag. As a hiker I believe it is my duty to manage the resources in nature. That includes mice, squirrels and chipmunks. Here are a list of pros for a canister: you can use the top for a table. You can sit on the canister and use it as a stool. You do not have to throw a line over a limb at the end of the day. You do not need to know how to tie any knots. If you forgot something it is easier to access than hung food. Mice, squirrels and chipmunks cannot chew through the canister. The biggest Pro is my Oreo’s do not get crushed! Cons: bulky, heavy and hard to get into when your hands are cold. The two big chores I hate after a 20 mile day: blowing up an air mattress and hanging a bear bag. So, for me I carry a canister on the majority of hikes despite the weight penalty. I pack the canister in the bottom of a 40L pack and it works fine. Is a food bag easier to carry? Yes. Is it lighter? Absolutely. Do I carry a food bag? Yes, but it is not my preferred method.

I also use just a bear bag...I put my food in loksacks and then in the bear bag and have never had any trouble...And I have been in the woods all but 3weekends since March...

People rag on us Aussies for our snakes and the spiders ... but I'll take them any day over animals that can eat you :)

I prefer the bags. I am looking at getting one from Ben over at hilltop. Great comparison

Wish I would have found this video before I ordered my bag.... I would have used your link for sure!

Oh my! We totally thought we had subscribed...ugh....cheers to new friends!! We use a bear bag...Hilltop bearbag!!! Cheers Colleen and Jonny

Great info! I will share this over at Hilltop Packs FB page and our website

Like # 18 from us! Great tips! We have a strong bear country here in central Ontario! Cheers!

Good tips. I’m with you. Bear canister only if needed.

Great video and content, man! Really enjoyed this.

Great info!

Prefer the bag. I do have one for those places that require it. It’s always a bummer to have to use it 😂

This is so awesome!!

Very interesting video. New friend here 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

Might have to drop an AirTag in mine in case a bear does get it 🤣

I think is partially be an East vs. West thing. The East has no mo mountains or alpine regions so you always have easy trees to hang your food. Much of the best hiking in the west is in the mountains with tress that make hangs impractical or alpine regions with little to no trees. Lastly consider it a numbers thing. Sure an individual hiker could go a decade or two before having a bear hang fail but with thousands of hikers that means it is happening too frequently and creates bear problems. I agree with Skurka on this. I really think the bear hang is outdated and should be retired

I've never been to a place that requires cannisters. Does Rocky Mountain National Park require them?

New sub. Enjoy your content. 🥾🏕