Traveling in bear country requires some precautions. Be alert and for your safety (and the bear's) store your food properly. "A fed bear is a dead bear", as they will quickly become desensitized to humans and become more bold in their encounters. Rangers have the grim task of killing the bears that become a threat. Preventing them from eating human food helps mitigate the problem.

This is one solid cannister shaped food container. The Counter Assault unit is affordable with spacious capacity - why rent when you can buy. Rentals can be a pain to return if your trip takes you on a detour or takes longer than expected.

We believe this is better than competitive Bear Vault designs (conventional screw top) because Bear Keg requires a coin to open at 3 points. Recently the Bear Vault has been breached and broken into by smart bears in the Adirondacks ( read the whole story here), but not the Bear Keg.

Bears in areas that are frequented by humans are smart. Simply hanging bear bags just isn't adequate protection for your food. In some cases, Yosemite bears have been known to climb the twine, and in others they even learn how to cut the rope that holds tension, thus dropping the bag to the ground. Ask the local ranger. If the ranger recommends a canister, he/she probably knows local conditions and has dealt with campers and backpackers getting their caches raided.

New ! Turn your Bear Cannister into a music speaker. Share your iPod tunes with the whole camp using a compact ROCK IT vibration speaker unit. See the video below and more info in the sidebar. You Bear cannister can do double duty - protect and entertain you with music from your iPod !

A bear cannister is one of the best value investments a backpacker can make. When you buy this you get quality - not a cheap knock off - this is a tough unit. Bear containers are a simple, safe, and most secure backcountry solution.

While other vendors struggle to get approval, these are unconditionally approved by SIBBG, and by the IGBC.

When you camp or backpack, without food, your trip is ruined, and you have to high tail it for the park exit.

Make sure your food is safe and secure with the Counter Assault Bear Keg. While no container or cannister is 100% bear proof, this container is as close as you can get. This super strong bear resistant canister vault is made of a super strong polymer blend. This wide mouth, can shaped unit is sized to store 6-8 days worth of food. The mouth is wide enough to put full sized coffee cans through it (see food in sidebar).

The Bear Keg weighs 3.5 lbs. and has 716 cubic inches (~ 3 gallons) of storage volume. That is plenty for 6-7 days of food (3-4 days for 2 people). In testing, it was able to hold 15 Peak Backpack Meal packages - which are 2 services per package. (sold in sidebar)

Why rent when you can buy? Don't be at the whim of the rental office hours, inventory, dirty cans, smaller capacities, and outdated heavier materials. After 6 to 8 trips you break even, and are master of your own destiny.

The lid is secured with 3 rotating latches that are opened and closed with a coin, key edge, or knife blade. Last time I checked, bear don't carry keys, coins or knives, so your food is safe.

Why is the YELLOW color important ?

While bears can't break in - their inherent curiosity may cause them to investigate. They have been known to knock the bear kegs around, over cliffs, or into streams duirng attempts. The YELLOW assures that you can find your cannister after the bear departs. Others brands are non-descript black which may blend in to foliage or rocks. Additionally the bear keg has a reflective band, should you need to locate it at night.

Specifications:

* Weight: 3.5 lbs.
* Height: 13.75 inches
* Diameter: 9 inches
* Fits in most backpacks or can be strapped on externally
* Capacity: 716 cubic inches
* Penetrometer rating : 250 pound force ( Mandatory in many National Parks )
* Bright Yellow for easy location by day.
* Reflective band around middle for easy location by night (shines in flashlight beam)

Meets U.S. Forest Service Specifications.

Certified by the Grizzly Bear Committee and the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group for use in ALL National Parks.

Bears are curious creatures with a powerful sense of smell. Please follow local camping regulations. Below are some tips, while every bear encounter is different, and wild animals are unpredictable, these tips are common to government National Park and bear websites:

* Set up cooking, eating, and supply areas at least 100 yards from your sleeping area.
* Store food and odorous items in approved bear-resistant containers.
* Select food in individually sealed packages. Use Alok Sak Bags (sold in sidebar) to further minimize odors.
* Plan meals carefully to prevent leftovers.
* Store pet food, livestock feed, and garbage the same as food. Never bury it; pack it out.
* Strain food particles from dishwater using a fine mesh screen and store with garbage.
* Dump dishwater at least 100 yards from your sleeping area. Food odors may attract bears.
* Keep sleeping bags and tents completely free of food, food odors, or beverages at all times.
* Store personal items (such as deodorants, sunscreen, toothpaste, make-up, soap, and lotions) with food and garbage when not in use. Any odorous product may attract bears.
* Camp in open areas away from trails, thick brush, berry patches, spawning streams, or carcasses.
* Sleep in a tent for increased safety.
* Wash your hands adnd face thoroughly after cooking, eating, or handling fish or game. Brush your teeth. Always minimize odors.
* Change your clothes before going to bed -- do not sleep in the same clothes you cook in.
* Rehearse what you and others in your group will do -- day or night -- If a bear appears in your camp or while you're hiking.
* Review local regulations before your outing

********************

What should I do in a bear encounter?

* If you see a bear and it has not seen you, Stay calm - if you see a bear and it hasn't seen you, calmly and quietly leave the area. If on a trail, step off the trail on the downhill side and slowly leave the area.

* If the bear has seen you, identify yourself - let the bear know you are human. Talk in a soft to normal voice, do not yell. Help the animal recognize you are human. If the bear cannot tell what you are, it may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is curious, not threatening.

* Try to back away slowly diagonally, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground.

* Pick up small children immediately and stay in a group, to appear more formidable.

* Try not to pose a threat - avoid direct eye contact, as bears may perceive this as a threat.

* Don't make any sudden movements. If necessary, back away slowly to give the bear plenty of room to escape. Wild bears rarely attack people unless they feel threatened or provoked.

* Stand still - hold your ground if the bear charges. Bears often "bluff charge".

* Do not run - including to the nearest tree -- unless you are sure you can climb at least 10 feet before the bear reaches you. Running is likely to prompt the bear to give chase. You can't outrun a bear -- they have been clocked up to 35 mph, and like cougars and dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. (Climbing a tree may not work for black bears because they are agile climbers.)

The vast majority of bear encounters end peacefully, and are a source for great conversation and wonderment later. You are more likely to get struck by lightning than attacked by a bear, but use common sense and be alert in bear country

* Consult with local rangers before venturing into the backcountry. They can give localized, timely, and expert advice.

For a pdf guide on loading a bear cannister - click here

Check for current coupon codes and specials - Click Here

New Feature - FREE Pacific Crest Trail Resupply Service. Our web checkout system now permits you to set a shipping hold date. Purchase & reserve items up to 4 weeks in advance, then stagger shipments via US Postal Priority Mail to official resupply stations along your route. For official resupply addresses, click here. Cut your trip short ? Have to reschedule ? Call us to cancel or reschedule any remaining shipments. You will not be charged for shipments that are cancelled. There is no extra charge for this service. Our warehouse is located near the midpoint of the trail so postal rates are low and delivery fast. Whether you hike a portion or the entire trail, this service can help you go FAST and LIGHT. Contact goFastandLight.com during normal business hours for details.

GoFASTandLIGHT.com © 2010 All Rights Reserved
	SSL Certificates	GO