I'm planning an easy trip to Seagull Lake. It will not have any portages.

Last year, Seagull/Alpine had a serious issue with bears. I suspect that the bears have been removed but I'm not sure.

I have access to a Yeti cooler. I think I will take that as a bear proof container. Has anyone done that? It would be pretty crazy to take a yeti on a normal trip with portages. But I think it sounds pretty cool for this particular trip..

I'm picturing a very expensive loss. Wondering if it's really that odor tight AND difficult for Ms. Bear to open.

schweady: "I'm picturing a very expensive loss. Wondering if it's really that odor tight AND difficult for Ms. Bear to open.
"

I agree. Given what Yeti cost why risk it. You must have some other option.

schweady: "I'm picturing a very expensive loss. Wondering if it's really that odor tight AND difficult for Ms. Bear to open.
"

+1
Maybe rodent-proof, but unless it is rated bear-proof or bear-resistant by a testing agency, it won't, by itself, prevent a bear from getting your food.

I think they have been tested. from their website:

The YETI Tundra® meets the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) standards for bear-resistant containers when used with extra-long shank Master locks. Our Tundra hard coolers have been thoroughly tested in both controlled bear simulations and with wild grizzly bears. When padlocks are used properly, grizzlies get nothing but frustrated after coming across your cooler.

Maybe bear resistant is different than bear proof.

Don't hesitate to use expensive gear, its not a collectors items, its meant to be used. I won't ever buy a Yeti, but if I had one, I'd use it in your situation.

Ausable: "

schweady: "I'm picturing a very expensive loss. Wondering if it's really that odor tight AND difficult for Ms. Bear to open.
"

+1
Maybe rodent-proof, but unless it is rated bear-proof or bear-resistant by a testing agency, it won't, by itself, prevent a bear from getting your food."

They are certified bear-resistant.

There BearProof

If it makes you feel better and don't mind moving it around (with no portages helps) then go for it.

I would probably pack my food inside Opsaks inside the Yeti. Keeping odors from getting out may help keep Yogi from scratching up the cooler.

"Have access to" tells me it isn't yours. I would find it.....wait for it...unbearable to have to replace it if something did go wrong. "It would be cool" that being said if your primary reason was so you can bring frozen/ refrigerated food in it, then that's kind of a different story. I think you can get around 4 bearvaults for the price of that yeti. Gotta figure risk versus reward. Just my 2 cents. Pete

pswith5: ""Have access to" tells me it isn't yours. I would find it.....wait for it...unbearable to have to replace it if something did go wrong. "It would be cool" that being said if your primary reason was so you can bring frozen/ refrigerated food in it, then that's kind of a different story. I think you can get around 4 bearvaults for the price of that yeti. Gotta figure risk versus reward. Just my 2 cents. Pete "

Last year, you were required to have a bear proof container due to a very large number of problem bear encounters.

Here is how I look at it:
Odds are fairly high a ranger will check me. A yeti would cover that.
Odd are low that a bear might come into camp. I think a yeti would cover that.
Odds are extremely low that a bear would come into camp and haul away my yeti. I think I would find the yeti a little ways back into the woods.

Based on those odd, I consider the reward to be well worth the risks...

THEGrandRapids: "Maybe bear resistant is different than bear proof."

There's no such thing as a "bear proof" container in the context of backpacking/canoeing.

mschi772: "

THEGrandRapids: "Maybe bear resistant is different than bear proof."

There's no such thing as a "bear proof" container in the context of backpacking/canoeing."

Agreed. But this is not a real backpacking or canoeing trip. It is just a paddle across Seagull lake. I have a Souris River Quetico 18.5 with just 2 people. I can carry almost anything...

mschi772: "

THEGrandRapids: "Maybe bear resistant is different than bear proof."

There's no such thing as a "bear proof" container in the context of backpacking/canoeing."

What about the backcountry bear lockers that are 1/8" steel with a pin locking mechanism with hinge doors, tied into a concrete slab? I've found many located in canoe areas, voyageurs NP has them, a few on the Mississippi.

There’s no way I’m subjecting my $350 cooler to a bear. I will be once again using my Five gallon pails this years trip. I have no problem finishing a trip with just eating Walleye and Pike if a bear gets our food. Protect your leeches from raids more than your food barrels.

I worked at a sporting goods store that sold them when they first came out. The sales rep showed us a time lapse promo video of one covered in fish blood, full of fresh salmon, padlocked, and set on the side of a river in Alaska during the salmon run. Several very large bears had quite the time beating the ever loving shit out of it, in every way imaginable, but never got it open. At the end it still opened, closed, and didn’t have any major damage other than some deep scratches in it. Sold me, but I wouldn't use mine as a bear vault hahaha.

Savage Voyageur: "There’s no way I’m subjecting my $350 cooler to a bear. I will be once again using my Five gallon pails this years trip. I have no problem finishing a trip with just eating Walleye and Pike if a bear gets our food. Protect your leeches from raids more than your food barrels. "

That works until you're in an area (like Seagull) that had a bear-resistant only rule in place for quite a while last year.

Savage Voyageur: "There’s no way I’m subjecting my $350 cooler to a bear. I will be once again using my Five gallon pails this years trip. I have no problem finishing a trip with just eating Walleye and Pike if a bear gets our food. Protect your leeches from raids more than your food barrels. "

I'd second this. Using 5 gallon pails with good insulation inside would be cheaper and less risky, I would think. I pack my blue barrel with a cold-pack insulation and set a soft-side insulated pack inside of that for perishables. Maybe you could adapt something like that for your setup (could be a lot lighter to tote around too).

I used a Yeti Tundra 70 several years ago. Fit perfectly when I removed the third seat on my N18. As long as you don't have to carry it like we did, it works fantastic with the proper locks. Just don't lose the key!

HighnDry: "


I'd second this. Using 5 gallon pails with good insulation inside would be cheaper and less risky, I would think. I pack my blue barrel with a cold-pack insulation and set a soft-side insulated pack inside of that for perishables. Maybe you could adapt something like that for your setup (could be a lot lighter to tote around too)."

The idea was to satisfy the mandatory bear safeguard. This is an early spring trip. In not worried about keeping food cold.

THEGrandRapids: " Our Tundra hard coolers have been thoroughly tested in both controlled bear simulations and with wild grizzly bears. "

I want to know more about these "controlled bear simulations." Do they involve a guy in a bear suit? Mechanical bear?

HighnDry: "

Savage Voyageur: "There’s no way I’m subjecting my $350 cooler to a bear. I will be once again using my Five gallon pails this years trip. I have no problem finishing a trip with just eating Walleye and Pike if a bear gets our food. Protect your leeches from raids more than your food barrels. "

I'd second this. Using 5 gallon pails with good insulation inside would be cheaper and less risky, I would think. I pack my blue barrel with a cold-pack insulation and set a soft-side insulated pack inside of that for perishables. Maybe you could adapt something like that for your setup (could be a lot lighter to tote around too)."

I agree with ya...but the problem is if the rules are like last year you can’t “legally” use this option. You can only use a FS approved container—the pales of barrels many of us use are not approved and were subject to fines from the FS if caught using them. I am not sure the yeti option would fulfill this rule officially either.

T

Mad_Angler: "

Ausable: "

schweady: "I'm picturing a very expensive loss. Wondering if it's really that odor tight AND difficult for Ms. Bear to open.
"

+1
Maybe rodent-proof, but unless it is rated bear-proof or bear-resistant by a testing agency, it won't, by itself, prevent a bear from getting your food."

They are certified bear-resistant.

There BearProof "

Thanks to TGR and you, I learned something new today. While looking at the Yeti's I did not see that bit of info. I later found a long list of IGBC-approved storage containers, including coolers, on the IGBC website.

As the USFS Rangers and BWCA LEO's enforce a specific set of rules for specific places it's probably best to ask them for clarification. Well intentioned assumptions may not be how actual officials view the use of a bear resistant cooler as replacement for what the rules specify.

butthead

Mad_Angler: "I'm planning an easy trip to Seagull Lake. It will not have any portages.

Last year, Seagull/Alpine had a serious issue with bears. I suspect that the bears have been removed but I'm not sure.

I have access to a Yeti cooler. I think I will take that as a bear proof container. Has anyone done that? It would be pretty crazy to take a yeti on a normal trip with portages. But I think it sounds pretty cool for this particular trip.."

Go for it man

timatkn: "

HighnDry: "

Savage Voyageur: "There’s no way I’m subjecting my $350 cooler to a bear. I will be once again using my Five gallon pails this years trip. I have no problem finishing a trip with just eating Walleye and Pike if a bear gets our food. Protect your leeches from raids more than your food barrels. "

I'd second this. Using 5 gallon pails with good insulation inside would be cheaper and less risky, I would think. I pack my blue barrel with a cold-pack insulation and set a soft-side insulated pack inside of that for perishables. Maybe you could adapt something like that for your setup (could be a lot lighter to tote around too)."

I agree with ya...but the problem is if the rules are like last year you can’t “legally” use this option. You can only use a FS approved container—the pales of barrels many of us use are not approved and were subject to fines from the FS if caught using them. I am not sure the yeti option would fulfill this rule officially either.


T"

The Yeti Tundra will easily meet the requirement:
SNF Forest Supervisor Order on bear containers

Mad_Angler: "I'm planning an easy trip to Seagull Lake. It will not have any portages.

Last year, Seagull/Alpine had a serious issue with bears. I suspect that the bears have been removed but I'm not sure.

I have access to a Yeti cooler. I think I will take that as a bear proof container. Has anyone done that? It would be pretty crazy to take a yeti on a normal trip with portages. But I think it sounds pretty cool for this particular trip.."

My family uses a Yeti for food storage when we take our easy trip to Basswood. Granted, I have taken a Yeti cooler when I've had to portage and it wasn't the smartest idea I've ever had. If you aren't portaging I would say bring the Yeti but make sure you have locks for the cooler and I tie it up at night time and hang our pots and pans off of it.

Looking at the list on IGBC site, seems more like which coolers are not bear resistant. Long list.

THEGrandRapids: "

mschi772: "

THEGrandRapids: "Maybe bear resistant is different than bear proof."

There's no such thing as a "bear proof" container in the context of backpacking/canoeing."

What about the backcountry bear lockers that are 1/8" steel with a pin locking mechanism with hinge doors, tied into a concrete slab? I've found many located in canoe areas, voyageurs NP has them, a few on the Mississippi.


"

A real bugger to portage, tho... :-)

Your $30,000 car is in the parking lot
Your $3,000 canoe has carried you in
You stay in a $400 tent
With a $320 sleeping bag / sleeping pad
You’ve brought your $700 iPhone
Etc., Etc., Etc

So, I can totally understand your not wanting to get your Yeti scratched

Me? I’ll keep my Yeti next to the washer ($900) and bring my $240 Kondos food pack with the & $100 BWJ Insulated Poly Box Liner.

See, I’m 62 and I gotta make this stuff last so that my kids will have sumptin to donate to Goodwill.

schweady: "

THEGrandRapids: "

mschi772: "

THEGrandRapids: "Maybe bear resistant is different than bear proof."

There's no such thing as a "bear proof" container in the context of backpacking/canoeing."

What about the backcountry bear lockers that are 1/8" steel with a pin locking mechanism with hinge doors, tied into a concrete slab? I've found many located in canoe areas, voyageurs NP has them, a few on the Mississippi.



"

A real bugger to portage, tho... :-)
"

Anything to keep those pesky bears at bay, certainly would be worse than all the $6 roadside firewood bundles and tapwater I portage.

THEGrandRapids: "

mschi772: "

THEGrandRapids: "Maybe bear resistant is different than bear proof."

There's no such thing as a "bear proof" container in the context of backpacking/canoeing."

What about the backcountry bear lockers that are 1/8" steel with a pin locking mechanism with hinge doors, tied into a concrete slab? I've found many located in canoe areas, voyageurs NP has them, a few on the Mississippi.


"

The day backpackers and canoeists start regularly carrying steel lockers and concrete slabs, I'll edit my remarks. Until then, I suggest you review what is meant by the qualifier, "in the context of backpacking/canoeing."

You took that seriously?

mschi772: "

THEGrandRapids: "

mschi772: "

THEGrandRapids: "Maybe bear resistant is different than bear proof."

There's no such thing as a "bear proof" container in the context of backpacking/canoeing."

What about the backcountry bear lockers that are 1/8" steel with a pin locking mechanism with hinge doors, tied into a concrete slab? I've found many located in canoe areas, voyageurs NP has them, a few on the Mississippi.



"

The day backpackers and canoeists start regularly carrying steel lockers and concrete slabs, I'll edit my remarks. Until then, I suggest you review what is meant by the qualifier, "in the context of backpacking/canoeing.""

I missed the OP mention he was going to portage it. I have used them while on a canoe trip.

This is just me but, it seems your proposed trip is exactly why Yetis were manufactured in the first place.

I just got back. The Yeti Tundra 75 worked great. It had space for all the cold and warm food. It fit great in my canoe.

I added bolts with wing nuts. You need something to secure the corners to make it bear resistant.

We just loaded the cooler into the canoe at the Seagull Outfitter dock and took it out at our site on Seagull Lake.

The cooler was heavy. I might take it on one portage but it really would be a pain to portage. But for trips without any portages, I highly recommend the Yeti.

glad it worked...might try it on a trip to red rock.

T

timatkn: "glad it worked...might try it on a trip to red rock.
T"

If you get a tow to and from Red Rock, the Yeti would work awesome. Red Rock did have some bear issues last year.

I was also amazed how long the Yeti stayed cold. If I would have actually planned to use it as a cooler, I could have kept cold food for the entire 4 days.

Glad it worked out. Did you leave it set right in camp the whole time, or did you take it off a ways into the brush overnight?

schweady: "Glad it worked out. Did you leave it set right in camp the whole time, or did you take it off a ways into the brush overnight?
"

Just right in the middle of camp. It also served as a nice place to sit.

RunningFox: "Your $30,000 car is in the parking lot
Your $3,000 canoe has carried you in
You stay in a $400 tent
With a $320 sleeping bag / sleeping pad
You’ve brought your $700 iPhone
Etc., Etc., Etc


So, I can totally understand your not wanting to get your Yeti scratched


Me? I’ll keep my Yeti next to the washer ($900) and bring my $240 Kondos food pack with the & $100 BWJ Insulated Poly Box Liner.


See, I’m 62 and I gotta make this stuff last so that my kids will have sumptin to donate to Goodwill."

LOL I was scrolling through this thread waiting for this comment, it's perfect!
I 100% agree, why buy the stuff to leave it at home? Buy what you can afford and use your gear folks.

You knew your trip and what type of gear needed, put it together and had a good time. So much for the naysayer's.
Last year I found a cooler to replace an old worn out 56 quart, Lifetime Coolers about 1/2 the cost of the Yeti line, blow-moulded instead of roto-moulded. Made in Utah and IGBC certified. Often cheaper than listed by Lifetime at Walmart. Several tests indicate longer ice retention than Yeti, my 55 quart is the best performing cooler I have owned.

butthead

Honestly, I wouldn't mind having some bear scratches on my cooler. Might even be aesthetically pleasing. If you bought nice gear, then use and enjoy.

deerfoot: "

schweady: "I'm picturing a very expensive loss. Wondering if it's really that odor tight AND difficult for Ms. Bear to open.
"

I agree. Given what Yeti cost why risk it. You must have some other option."

Bear scratches would be way more legit than lathering it up with advertising stickers from this and that company !

You've gotta consider the design points that a bear vault has which make it bear proof, that a Yeti cooler does not. Sure they are both physically imposing in that they require incredible strength to break into, however there's a reason the BV is designed and shaped the way it is, it's round and it's very difficult for a bear to apply their signature shoulder-to-stiff-arm "break something in" move. You know, where it looks like their giving CPR to something in an effort to break it open? Bears can apply tremendous pressure this this, a smooth plastic circular shape just pops right out of their grasp then they try it, there's videos of bears trying it on the BV and it does just that, pops out like a bar of soap, if it doesn't roll away mid-attempt. I wonder if with your flat surfaced cooler, it would be much more susceptible to this type of bear-strength.

Also, the BV has no handles or anything to grasp. The lid is just about a 1/2" smaller diameter than the container itself, which gets rid of a lip and a gap where the lid meets the container, there's no lip at all and it snugs right up to the container for a finish that no bear could ever wedge it's claws underneath to pry open for that matter I don't think a flea could get his ass under that seal, I bet your cooler will open like a can opener to a bear. I say this just because the lip is very exposed, bears are specialists at figuring stuff out, and their claws are unbelievable at opening things, not to mention something that has a nearly 1/4" gap between lid and container already.

All that said, if I had a Yeti cooler I wouldn't bother carrying it for it's weight alone. Bears are a worry everywhere, hang your food in a lightweight silnylon dry bag and use thin diameter Zing It as a hang system, it'll weight nothing, it'll take up no space (empty), the bear is gonna smell it anyways (even though the dry bag is "watertight" or "airtight", bears noses can smell anything), but at least my bag will be hung far out of reach unless that bear spends all damn day figuring out my rope system.

With Bears there's 1 golden rule. This applies to every animal I think. If they aren't in your food yet, and they are still in the process of "figuring out" how to get into it, or get it open, or get at it, then they are easily scared off because they don't even know if what they are investigating is actually food yet, and you being a threat, most of the time a black bear will not think a possible food source out weighs an actual threat and they'll haul ass. Grizzly bears are different. On the other hand, if the animal is already into your food and already eating it, they now have actual food, and an actual threat is a now a competitor and they'll fight you for that food. A bear that's already into your food is a dangerous bear and you should just let them finish their lunch rather than trying to defend anything.

With this said, I have always been a proponent of hanging, that bear spends 99% of the time trying to figure out how to get at it, and if you have a good hang it just isn't gonna happen and the bear will scare off much easier than a bear that knows it's making progress clawing open your cooler.

GearGuy: "You've gotta consider the design points that a bear vault has which make it bear proof, that a Yeti cooler does not. ...

"

Lots of good information. But you clearly have not seen a Yeti (or similar) cooler up close. The lid is stong and reinforced with padlocks. I used bolts and wingnuts for an even tighter seal.

Here is a video of a very large grizzly trying to get into a Yeti. It shows the bear attempting the CPR move. A wimpy BW black bear doesn't stand a chance against this cooler.

video

GearGuy: "...With this said, I have always been a proponent of hanging, that bear spends 99% of the time trying to figure out how to get at it, and if you have a good hang it just isn't gonna happen and the bear will scare off much easier than a bear that knows it's making progress clawing open your cooler. "

Hanging sounds great in theory. It doesn't work well in practice at many BW sites. It is especially difficult in the burn areas near Seagull Lake.

Go to the IGBC site, you will find pages of coolers certified, as for backpack containers around 15 including the 50 cal ammo can and Ursak.

butthead

Mad_Angler: "

GearGuy: "You've gotta consider the design points that a bear vault has which make it bear proof, that a Yeti cooler does not. ...


"

Lots of good information. But you clearly have not seen a Yeti (or similar) cooler up close. The lid is stong and reinforced with padlocks. I used bolts and wingnuts for an even tighter seal.


Here is a video of a very large grizzly trying to get into a Yeti. It shows the bear attempting the CPR move. A wimpy BW black bear doesn't stand a chance against this cooler.


video "

I'd LOVEEEE to send a $20 to anyone with a BWCA bear-damaged-cooler, to see how that turns out for you. Seriously, bring your Yeti to the BWCA, and whenever in this lifetime a Bear attacks it I'll pay you $20 to see how that turns out for you. my email address has been cmoss.dc@gmail.com for the last 15 years, it'll be a good way to contact me in the next 15 years to come.

Seriously, nothing makes me laugh harder than seeing the idiot carrying a heavy ass cooler on a portrage. $20 would be easily wasted to laugh at a jack*** who carried in a +$150 cooler however far, just to have it's value reduced to ZERO when a black bear showed you what they can do. Seriously, keep my email. Send me pics of your mauled ass yeti, I'll venmo you $20. It'll be hilarious when you realize you got $20 to lose $150+ and you got to carry that extra weight in the form of POUNDS into and OUT OF the BWCA.

Betcha I'll never see that email because you know you're dead wrong and your YETI isn't worth finding out because you know you'll be surprised when it's torn the hell open by a wimpy ass black bear. I got $20 that says you whimp the **** out and never find out.

Will be waiting Madangler....Maybe lay some big fat steaks on top of your cooler while you're at it to lure them in?

Mad_Angler: "

GearGuy: "...With this said, I have always been a proponent of hanging, that bear spends 99% of the time trying to figure out how to get at it, and if you have a good hang it just isn't gonna happen and the bear will scare off much easier than a bear that knows it's making progress clawing open your cooler. "

Hanging sounds great in theory. It doesn't work well in practice at many BW sites. It is especially difficult in the burn areas near Seagull Lake. "

Then you suck at hanging sir. Use a double rope method with pulleys. I have been to this area, it was absolutely not a problem, but then again I am smarter than your average idiot who'd consider toting along a cooler.

Or spend HALF THE MONEY and buy a LICENSED BEAR PROOF Bear Vault that weighs less than your cooler, and is actually 100% bear proof.

Or be an idiot and carry that cooler along, remember. I got $20 to see the claw marks on your cooler whenever that happens.

RunningFox: "Your $30,000 car is in the parking lot
Your $3,000 canoe has carried you in
You stay in a $400 tent
With a $320 sleeping bag / sleeping pad
You’ve brought your $700 iPhone
Etc., Etc., Etc


So, I can totally understand your not wanting to get your Yeti scratched


Me? I’ll keep my Yeti next to the washer ($900) and bring my $240 Kondos food pack with the & $100 BWJ Insulated Poly Box Liner.


See, I’m 62 and I gotta make this stuff last so that my kids will have sumptin to donate to Goodwill."

Hahaha! Well-stated.

GearGuy: "...
Seriously, nothing makes me laugh harder than seeing the idiot carrying a heavy ass cooler on a portrage. $20 would be easily wasted to laugh at a jack*** who carried in a +$150 cooler however far, just to have it's value reduced to ZERO when a black bear showed you what they can do. ...

"

Did you even read the original question that started this thread?

This was a no-portage trip to an area that REQUIRED bear-resistant food container...

GearGuy: "...
Or spend HALF THE MONEY and buy a LICENSED BEAR PROOF Bear Vault that weighs less than your cooler, and is actually 100% bear proof.
..."

Did you also miss the part where I said that I already owned the Yeti? So my cost was zero. A bear vault is MUCH smaller and does not cost HALF of zero...

Looking at capacity - volume - bear vaults have to be the most expensive option. A Yeti 45 is close to 3 times a BV500.

Mad_Angler: "

timatkn: "glad it worked...might try it on a trip to red rock.
T"

If you get a tow to and from Red Rock, the Yeti would work awesome. Red Rock did have some bear issues last year.


I was also amazed how long the Yeti stayed cold. If I would have actually planned to use it as a cooler, I could have kept cold food for the entire 4 days."

My only hesitation is if red rock is full...then I need to portage the beast :) or turn around and go to Sag.

T

Mad_Angler,

You did what Gearguy disproves of, with something "he wouldn't use". As such earn his ridicule.

Never mind that you already did the planned trip. Had a good time, without problems. Used a IGBC certified product, in the manner the IGBC recommends. Or that you went thru a very well respected outfitter who worked with you.

butthead

GearGuy: "

Mad_Angler: "

GearGuy: "You've gotta consider the design points that a bear vault has which make it bear proof, that a Yeti cooler does not. ...



"

Lots of good information. But you clearly have not seen a Yeti (or similar) cooler up close. The lid is stong and reinforced with padlocks. I used bolts and wingnuts for an even tighter seal.



Here is a video of a very large grizzly trying to get into a Yeti. It shows the bear attempting the CPR move. A wimpy BW black bear doesn't stand a chance against this cooler.



video "

I'd LOVEEEE to send a $20 to anyone with a BWCA bear-damaged-cooler, to see how that turns out for you. Seriously, bring your Yeti to the BWCA, and whenever in this lifetime a Bear attacks it I'll pay you $20 to see how that turns out for you. my email address has been cmoss.dc@gmail.com for the last 15 years, it'll be a good way to contact me in the next 15 years to come.


Seriously, nothing makes me laugh harder than seeing the idiot carrying a heavy ass cooler on a portrage. $20 would be easily wasted to laugh at a jack*** who carried in a +$150 cooler however far, just to have it's value reduced to ZERO when a black bear showed you what they can do. Seriously, keep my email. Send me pics of your mauled ass yeti, I'll venmo you $20. It'll be hilarious when you realize you got $20 to lose $150+ and you got to carry that extra weight in the form of POUNDS into and OUT OF the BWCA.


Betcha I'll never see that email because you know you're dead wrong and your YETI isn't worth finding out because you know you'll be surprised when it's torn the hell open by a wimpy ass black bear. I got $20 that says you whimp the **** out and never find out.

Will be waiting Madangler....Maybe lay some big fat steaks on top of your cooler while you're at it to lure them in?"

woah man.... Take a few deep breaths.. I've never seen someone get so worked up over something that doesn't impact them one bit

Mad_Angler: "video "

I see it now for zero-portage trips. All you have to do is put up with some scratches and bite marks, and maybe occasionally replace the rubber latches. And, don't pack breakables such as whole fresh eggs... :-)

jwmiller39: "GearGuy: "
woah man.... Take a few deep breaths.. I've never seen someone get so worked up over something that doesn't impact them one bit"

GearGuy follows ButtHead around on the forum and rants about things he does..... ButtHead has yet to crack like GG seems to think the yeti will.... I'm not sure why there is such animosity..... but it seemed to all start with a pair of leather boots...

GearGuy follows ButtHead around on the forum and rants about things he does..... ButtHead has yet to crack like GG seems to think the yeti will.... I'm not sure why there is such animosity..... but it seemed to all start with a pair of leather boots..."

Gearguy, when is your next trip and entry point? I want to follow you on your trip with a canoe full of yeti's just to watch your head explode

THEGrandRapids: "

jwmiller39: "GearGuy: "
woah man.... Take a few deep breaths.. I've never seen someone get so worked up over something that doesn't impact them one bit"

GearGuy follows ButtHead around on the forum and rants about things he does..... ButtHead has yet to crack like GG seems to think the yeti will.... I'm not sure why there is such animosity..... but it seemed to all start with a pair of leather boots..."

Kinda like that, I'm not sure it's me he started on, but with the boot I mentioned to a post about finding hard to fit comfortable boots to portage in (I use custom fitted and hand made leather boots myself for 20+ years), I was giving bad nay reckless advice to another member, in his opinion. It was suggested I take my aged and addled thoughts on gear and go away.
There were other derogatory comments about that and other topics, but what the hey, life goes on.


butthead

timatkn: "

Mad_Angler: "

timatkn: "glad it worked...might try it on a trip to red rock.
T"

If you get a tow to and from Red Rock, the Yeti would work awesome. Red Rock did have some bear issues last year.



I was also amazed how long the Yeti stayed cold. If I would have actually planned to use it as a cooler, I could have kept cold food for the entire 4 days."

My only hesitation is if red rock is full...then I need to portage the beast :) or turn around and go to Sag.


T"

It wouldn't be impossible to portage. It might take 2 people but it would be an easy walk. There is one short portage from RedRock to Alpine and one more portage from Alpine to Seagull. Doing 2 portages with a Yeti wouldn't be pleasant but it wouldn't be dealbreaker either.

Ours was a Yeti 75 is was probably way bigger than we needed. It could be carried by one person would probably require 2 for a portage. A Yeti 45 would probably be doable by one person and would probably be plenty big...

Thanks for the advice Mad Angler!

T

Take the Oath of Dignity and Respect

For what it's worth, the Beartooth Ranger Station in Red Lodge, MT has nuts and bolts free for the taking specifically for coolers with corner locking features.

butthead: "You knew your trip and what type of gear needed, put it together and had a good time. So much for the naysayer's.
Last year I found a cooler to replace an old worn out 56 quart, Lifetime Coolers about 1/2 the cost of the Yeti line, blow-moulded instead of roto-moulded. Made in Utah and IGBC certified. Often cheaper than listed by Lifetime at Walmart. Several tests indicate longer ice retention than Yeti, my 55 quart is the best performing cooler I have owned.


butthead"

Man, I wandered across a whole stack of the 77s marked down to $50 in summer of 2019. Guess I should've gone for it. Edit - found the pic I sent my buddy with more detailed info. It was the 3rd monday in august.

Shop for a cooler that has been certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

You'll also need bear proof locks.

I got mine from bearbolts.com

photo here

https://bearbolts.com/products/bearbolt-single


Their locks can be opened by human fingers. No keys or combo, and the are certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

Have fun and be careful.