Returning to camping after years of owning a TC, horse trailer and two daughters. There is much talk about food storage when in bear country, which we frequently are. We are actually car camping with a large SUV and tunnel tent, which allows us to sleep inside the SUV, but have a weather-proof room for dressing, eating, etc, etc.
So, here's my question....has anyone tried using the large metal/plastic army surplus containers that have rubber gaskets and multiple latches, to store cooking utensils and foodstuffs (not leftovers) to avoid raids by curious bears ?
No I have not used those types of containers. However, when we camp in bear country, we normally deal with the situation in one of two ways. We will store stuff in the bear proof lockers provided, or keep it inside our vehicle.
TexasShadow wrote: in a word: NO
plan on putting any fresh food and candy, etc in the bear boxes that are provided.
Don't store it inside the vehicle with you.
X2. That's just what you should not forget. Otherwise, DANGER comes...
I've no house in the city, just a camping tent in the wild.
in a word: NO
plan on putting any fresh food and candy, etc in the bear boxes that are provided.
Don't store it inside the vehicle with you.
TexasShadow
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Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.
We keep canned food in the truck and everything else in bear boxes. When we hike our backpacks are hoisted high in a tree.
We have often had bears in the campground but none have ever stopped at our tent site.
And in real bear country you cannot eat in the tent.
Thanks to each of you for the input. The boxes I'm referring to are air-tight with rubber gaskets and vacuum relief valve. They are available in both metal and a very heavy plastic style. This is a link to one such box...http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/used-half-open-us-military-container-white.aspx?a=947356
As car campers we are often in REAL bear country in British Columbia, The Yukon, Alaska and such, so we are not unaccustomed to bear traffic. As a result, we have virtually no fresh food, but rather canned and freeze-dried stuff, dried pastas, powered saucess, soy milk, etc...but last July we were in June Lake, CA at a PACKED RV campground on the weekend of July 4th. A very large Black bear sauntered through during the night and turned a nearby dumpster over, danced on top of it for a while, but couldn't defeat the lock to get inside. Turns out he had been doing this little trick every night for a week. Persistent cuss, huh? That is when I began thinking about leaving all the canned foods, etc outside our vehicle in a heavy, locked container, maybe chained to the picnic table or a nearby tree. As additional thoughts?
As for two daughters...they were a blessing in spite of the theatrics and horses. Now that they are adults and giving me adorable grandchildren...they are even better !!!
What a wonderful world we could live in...if we could just lose the politics!
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