I’m getting set here to leave for Colorado and start the trail around the 13th. Some last minute things that I find myself thinking of are bears and mosquitos. What are most people’s thoughts on bears. Bear camping is a necessity (a bear necessity) or not so much? Plus how bad do the mosquitos get? To mosquito net or not to mosquito net, that is the question. Will camping with just a tarp leave me and my dog open to the mosquitos’ will? Thanks for any thoughts.
Hydrology of the Banjo
On my '04 hike I used my repellent about four or five times. Only once were they bad enough that I put on my rain gear. I used a tarp as well. Stopped hanging my food after about a week. But I usually eat dinner before I camp when I hike out West. Saw two bears in five weeks. And they both ran away when they saw me, or smelled me. I’ll be useing the same setup this time. Will be leaving July 8.
elnomad
Just sleep with your food in your tent, that’s the PCT way. Hanging damages trees and its hard to find a suitable place 20ft off the ground ten feet from the trunk, no where near a branch that could support the weight of a bear. My brother told me today the Mosquitos were bad at his house in Alma at 11000 ft. Thats on Hwy 9 just south of Breck, but at lower elevations they are aalready subsiding. Not alot of bears in Colorado, too many people and hunters, but they are seen occasionaly my bro saw his 3rd the other night in the last ten years. Always have a little reppelent with you for the bugs, when you need it you need it. just because their tolerable doesnt mean they wont be swarming over the next ridge. I like to say about Deet, “Best thing about deet once you put it on it will never come off.” A cheap head weighs only a few grams and is great for cooking at night. Then when you eat just do so in your tent to avoid the buggies, lick out your pot then toss it out. Have fun. Dont hang your food and create a bear Pinata. Bear Cans are useless wastes of weight and space. Be more concerend about that pack you leave outside your tent, Two people I know had their empty packs dragged off in Ca.
Guino
I only saw one bear over the entire course of the CT (although I respectfully disagree with Guino - they’re plenty of bears out here!). I slept with my food each night and would do it again. Mice and one sneaky marmot posed bigger threats. As for mosquitos, Guino nailed it. One night there may be nothing. The next night, you get swarmed. Right now the’re out pretty strong at 7500’ in SW Colorado. I’d carry a net to insure you and your buddy get some peaceful sleeping.
Matt
We have been bitten by mosquitos up to elevations of 11400 and they follow you with a vengence. I beleive the reason why they are up so high is there is so much snow and run off this year.
Wilderness Bob
I almost left my deet at home but decided to bring it…glad I did. The mosquitos have been RELENTLESS this year. If I stop for even a few seconds, I’m swarmed. The only time I was bug free, was when I was alpine hiking (mostly segments 20 - 24). With that being said though, it’s really only just mosquitos, and the deet works great. It least it’s not like the AT where you have those annoying “eye bomber” gnats that swarm around your head and dive into your eyes. Of course every now and then in the hot parts you get those annoying horse flies that circle you with a vengeance, but don’t do anything other than annoy you. 
I have a six moons designs lunar solo for a tent, so my screening keeps the bugs out at night…so I can’t comment on mosquitos during sleep.
-lakewood
lakewood
Just got into Breck yesterday. And after seven days on the trail I find the bugs far worse then they were four years ago. I dread stopping to get water even. I even got mosquitos on the divide on a windy and cold morning. Saw one bear or its backside anyway at Buffalo Creek.
elnomad