Results of the more stringent 2024 bear-proofing food storage rules in the BWCA

[Mason]

I've used the steel drums up in Alaska. I don't recommend them for canoe trips. They are heavy and unwieldy, though effective. They'll also beat up your boat unless you have some protection. Multiple smaller units (like a BearVault) are much easier to manage. I've used Garcia canisters on 30 day trips up there--sort of a pain but imminently useable (5 canisters per person)-just stuff them in a pack.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

@Steve in Idaho, I agree with @Gamma1214. I've got the Counter Assault Bear Keg and the Bare Boxer (for 1-2 night solo trips hiking & paddling) and I plan to continue to use them. IIRC, the Garcia Backpacker's Cache—once the most popular and commonly used in rental programs—is only available through Amazon. I don't know if it's still be made or it's just NOS being sold off.

Thanks. The Garcia canister is the one I have.

 

[Modified Ottertail]

I've used the steel drums up in Alaska. I don't recommend them for canoe trips. They are heavy and unwieldy, though effective. They'll also beat up your boat unless you have some protection. Multiple smaller units (like a BearVault) are much easier to manage. I've used Garcia canisters on 30 day trips up there--sort of a pain but imminently useable (5 canisters per person)-just stuff them in a pack.

Thanks, @Mason, this is good to know! My brother and I have four Counter Assault Bear Kegs and a Bear Vault between us, so we'll stick with them and the multiple units method.

 

[yknpdlr]

Yeti coolers claim to be tested and certified bear resistant, but you have to put bolts or padlocks in the corner hold downs. I used a 120 liter Yeti when I paddled a large voyageur canoe on the first Yukon 1000 mile race, when an excessive amount of food (20kg/paddler x7) was required by the rules to be caried from race start, and stored in certified containers. Thankfully that ridiculous weight of food was not required in subsequent races, but whatever was carried needed to be in legal canisters. We used several under seat bear vault canisters in our next race.