I have much more experience backpacking then canoeing, and we always carry bear spray and hang our food packs at night. Can anybody speak to what the bears are like up there? Any tips on how to stash food / avoid bear encounters? Are bears more common around EP 16 specifically and on into Crooked Lake?

I've read a couple of books, one guy says to just walk into the forest and drop your packs, the other guy said put all the packs together, cover it with a tarp, and put pots and pans on top of it. Any tips on these techniques? Any other ideas?

And bear spray is light, its worth the weight for the security.

You are correct about the bear spray being light. Alot people don't bring it for the BWCA but there is no reason not to do it.

I was in the EP#16 area last spring and had no bear issues. I also researched other peoples bear reports and I couldn't find much in that area. That doesn't mean they aren't around, that just means people didn't report troubles with them on this site.

You will find many threads with people that stash their food like Cliff Jacobson, those that stash it under loud stuff, those that hang their food, and those that use bear resistant containers.

The safest method is the bear proof containers. But all the other methods have their merits as well. I personally stash mine back in the woods and I use a scent and rodent proof container. I bought these from PetSmart based on another forum memebers reccomendation. Vittle Vault

Do a search of the other threads and you will find more info than you ever wanted to know about bears and food protection.

P.S. Welcome to the forum!

I use BEAR Vaults.

I have two big ones and two small ones.
I like dehydrating my meals and they pack well in the bear vaults.
I take steak for the first night and eat that right away.
I take a can of bear spray.
I keep it in my Thwart Bag in the canoe and then carry it handy on the trail, It sleeps by my side. :)

SunCatcher

Picture of Bear Vaults

I could see the Little Vault being a handy item, especially the '10-15 lbs. (4.7 Gallon) Capacity - Measures 9.75"H x 12"D x 12"W' model.
At 9.75" in height, It would pack on its side, in most packs. Certainly not bear proof, but for hiding scents and keeping small critters out, it should work well. Price is doable as well. Good find! You should post a link in the cooking or gear section as well.

Each person has there method of storing their food at night. I've always hung it between trees as recommended by the Ranger Stations and have never had anything happen to it.

I was camped the northern most island site on Horse Lake 2 years ago and we saw a smaller bear walking the shoreline. Once it spotted us it took off into the woods.

In general as long as you keep a clean camp you should be fine and if you feel more comfortable bringing the bear spray then go for it. No reason not to.

Bwoods, have you ever weighed your vittle vault?

I like the shape of those and the largest one could easily be a nice height stool if it's sturdy enough. Of course the fact that it's not round probably makes it more vulnerable to bears, but since I stash just lined packs for years and no bear issues, this would be one step up.

I own bear vaults too, but just tried them last fall and they are heavy... and awkward to pack. I like that they are clear though - that's hugely helpful.

Thank you Bwoods for the outstanding Vittle Vault idea! We stash. I will employ the vittle vault on the next trip. Great idea!!!

"You are correct about the bear spray being light. Alot people don't bring it for the BWCA but there is no reason not to do it."

The only exception to this would be if you plan to cross over into Canada during your trip. It is illegal to bring pepper spray across the border.

what, the Canadian bears can't deal with spicy meals?

quote Huntindave: ""You are correct about the bear spray being light. Alot people don't bring it for the BWCA but there is no reason not to do it."

The only exception to this would be if you plan to cross over into Canada during your trip. It is illegal to bring pepper spray across the border."

I believe if spray is specifically labeled "Bear Spray" its legal. Peppar spray deterrent for people is not.

I thought bears weren't a problem because of the Sasquatch overpopulation.

quote Huntindave: ""You are correct about the bear spray being light. Alot people don't bring it for the BWCA but there is no reason not to do it."

The only exception to this would be if you plan to cross over into Canada during your trip. It is illegal to bring pepper spray across the border."

It is legal to bring bear spray. I show the Douanes agent the canister. Its got a pic of a bear on it.

After lots of experimenting, I now use the Ursack for protecting my food. For me it is the easiest and most versatile.

quote GSP: "

quote Huntindave: ""You are correct about the bear spray being light. Alot people don't bring it for the BWCA but there is no reason not to do it."


The only exception to this would be if you plan to cross over into Canada during your trip. It is illegal to bring pepper spray across the border."

I believe if spray is specifically labeled "Bear Spray" its legal. Peppar spray deterrent for people is not."

I stand corrected then, however when I drove to Alaska in '08, the guard at the border crossing into Canada, kept my cannister and it was labled for use against bears.

quote BWPaddler: "Bwoods, have you ever weighed your vittle vault?


I like the shape of those and the largest one could easily be a nice height stool if it's sturdy enough. Of course the fact that it's not round probably makes it more vulnerable to bears, but since I stash just lined packs for years and no bear issues, this would be one step up.


I own bear vaults too, but just tried them last fall and they are heavy... and awkward to pack. I like that they are clear though - that's hugely helpful."

I have 2 of them a small one equivalent to a 2.5 gallon bucket and a larger one equivalent to the 5 gallon bucket. They seem to be a bit lighter than the buckets and a more efficient use of space when packed. I don't sit on mine but they could hold weight. The gamma seal lids are really nice and easy to use.