I’m going to be driving up next week to the end of the gunflint trail, anyone know where I could buy one of these on the way up thru Duluth and Grand Marais?

You could call a couple of the usual suspects along that route - Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, or Stone Harbour or Superior Trading Post in GM - to see if they carry them, or more importantly if they have some in stock. Given how camping gear has been selling in the last year, if they have what you want you might consider asking if you can buy it over the phone and pick up later. Don’t forget harnesses are separate.

Bear in mind (sorry about the accidental pun) there were several lakes at the end of the Gunflint where these 30 or 60 liter barrels were dis-allowed by the FS due to increased bear activity. I think that ban was lifted for this year, but could always come back as conditions warrant.

There are myriad threads arguing about the use of barrels that you can look up - hoping people don’t jump on a chance to rehash it here.

If you're coming through the twin cities Midwest mountaineering. In Duluth Duluth pack or Frost River may have them. Sawtooth outfitters in tofte may have those. And the trading Post in Grand Marais or Stone harbor wilderness supply. Those would be the Best bets to have them.

Tony

Meanwhile....practice throwing & set up of bear bag technique. A 5-gal bucket with a gamma lid would not be bear-resistant but would keep the other critters out. Pull the 5-gal can up to safety for the night.
Home Depot stocks gamma lids/buckets. Just a suggestion as backup plan #2.
(30 L = 7.9 gals)

There are 6 , 6.5, and 7 Gallon buckets at many Brew stores and the gamma lids fit them as well.

Thanks for all the advice