BWCA Food Storage Methods, Snap Lid Bin? Boundary Waters Listening Point - General Discussion
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jamdemos
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07/30/2018 06:13PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
So.... between the numerous BWCA trips, hiking the SHT, and years camping out west and east I've always hung my food using methods similar to the PCT method, just since that's what I've always used. Now I've been thinking of changing up my method for the BWCA since hanging seems overkill with the very unlikely encounter with bears.

Other than using a Ursack, do people just use hard sided snap lid bins that would only keep the smaller critters out?

Know some use the blue barrels and similar but those wouldn't even keep out a real hungry bear so a similar square bin seems sufficient and would fit nicely in a Duluth pack, would this be an appropriate method (maybe throw some pans on top as an alarm for the rare encounter of a bear.)
 
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old_salt
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07/30/2018 07:10PM  
If you plan to keep your food in a pack, use double liners for odor proofing. Cinch all straps tight.
 
billconner
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07/30/2018 07:20PM  
I use stuff sacks - the CSS set - with the CCS fod pack. I think its a fantastic system. On color stuff sack for each meal and one all meals sack. They settle as they become less full and nothing rattles around.
 
yellowcanoe
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07/30/2018 07:51PM  
be afraid of small rodents.
Very afraid.
The BWCA chipmunks and squirrels are your enemy. They love Tupperware.

The Blue Barrels are not bear proof but they do deter the most numerous guaranteed to be after your food small predators.
 
07/31/2018 07:56AM  
Gamma lid 5 gal buckets work for me
 
07/31/2018 07:59AM  
This trip, I used the plastic buckets collected over the years from ordering WISE dehydrated foods. I use duct tape tightly to secure from any hungry bears. No bears so no problem anyway.
 
jamdemos
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07/31/2018 09:49AM  
AmarilloJim: "Gamma lid 5 gal buckets work for me"

Good idea, thanks for the tip, sounds like a cheap alternative I may look into
 
mjmkjun
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07/31/2018 10:18AM  
jamdemos: "
AmarilloJim: "Gamma lid 5 gal buckets work for me"

Good idea, thanks for the tip, sounds like a cheap alternative I may look into"

It is a good inexpensive alternative. I use a blue barrel in the BWCA but have some 5 gal. buckets w/gamma lids to hold feed for small farm animals. Keeps the small critters out, for sure. Strap bucket to a tree at camp so a bear doesn't go running off with it Goldilocks style.
 
HammerII
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07/31/2018 10:01PM  
coons and chipmunks are pure evil.....just saying
Oh and ants don't sleep at night either. Ask my buddy about that.......lol
 
gpmaloy
member (27)member
  
04/23/2022 12:13PM  
Ditto on the gamma seal lidded bucket. Tied to a tree away from camp-cheap,good size, strap it to the top of my GG portage pack, waterproof, fits well in front of solo canoe for balancing load, use as seat.
 
04/23/2022 04:31PM  
gpmaloy: "Ditto on the gamma seal lidded bucket. ..."


Ah yes, the black bear marshmallow.

 
nooneuno
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04/23/2022 05:00PM  
5 gallon buckets with gamma lids completely suck for portaging, however two fit perfectly in a army surplus duffel. (5 gallon, two of the taller 6 gallons wont fit)
 
mc2mens
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04/24/2022 09:31AM  
I've been using the same 30L blue barrel and harness since 2008. Back then, the combo cost me approx. $120. That works out to about $8 per year since. And I suspect it will last me another 15 years, costing me about $4 per year. No bear problems and easy to portage. I cable lock it to a tree in camp so that a bear can't haul away.
 
jillpine
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04/24/2022 10:10AM  
CCS 30L barrel pack holds 5 - 7 gal pails nicely.
 
04/26/2022 08:40AM  
Yes! I have a set of Sistema brand snap lid containers. They have latches on all four sides and have been rock stars when I am hiking or canoeing. I have yet to have a critter get into one of those containers and I have not had one break on me either; after multiple years of abuse.
 
05/11/2022 06:10PM  
nooneuno: "5 gallon buckets with gamma lids completely suck for portaging, however two fit perfectly in a army surplus duffel. (5 gallon, two of the taller 6 gallons wont fit)"


Yes that's what I use (gamma lids and duffel bag). You're right that they fit perfectly and with the backpack straps on the duffel bag, you can carry it fairly easy.
 
nooneuno
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05/11/2022 06:36PM  
I have never been real concerned with bears in the bdub, but this sob has woke me up three nights this week setting off the ring camera at home….
Bear
 
05/12/2022 11:51PM  
We have 2 x 5 gallon orange and white drink coolers with screw on lids. They seem pretty tough and have some insulating properties. They are pretty light for their size. We still hang them though, we mostly want them to keep the mice out.
 
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