did i read recently that part of the at (maybe thru the national park?) is requiring a bear-proof cannister this year?? if so, check yer packs, hikers - a lot of the lightweight packs (like my granite gear) are too narrow to accomodate them, and need modification to carry 'em outside. just sayin!
_sgteasy_Bears and packs
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#1
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#2
All places on the A.T. that have a large population of bears have a system of cables or metal boxes at the shelters to place your food bag. Also you should bring some rope to hang food bag in tree if necessary. I had more prolems with mice in the South than bears. I did a thru-hike in 2011 on the A.T. To see more of my journal go to trailjournals/DreamWalker :cheers
_DreamWalker_
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#3
Last I heard it was about a five mile section in GA that required them. Just don't camp in that section (ie. hike through it) and you'll be just fine without a bear canister -- of course you should bring some bagging rope for areas that may have overflowing cables or if you want to stealth away from the shelters.
_Vortex of Fear_
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#4
The section is from Slaughter Gap to Neel Gap in GA that the Forest Service required use of bear canisters only if you camped in that 5 mile section. It is a seasonal requirement from March 1 through June 1.
_Loanedone_
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#5
I thought I read that the Smokies were considering bear Cans. Has anyone else heard this?
_Big B_
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#6
Actually, canisters are required (seasonally only) from Jarred Gap to Neal's gap and only if you are camping. It's only 5 miles and not hard to plan to just walk through without camping.
_hobby_
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#7
About an hour before i hit the sack, I chug a bunch of water
and right before hitting the sackI piss a wide circle around my tent.
The smell of my testosterone-laden he-man-piss scares the bears away…no lie.
Once on a while you get a female bear that it has the opposite effect on.
_infinitejest_
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#8
>>Once on a while you get a female bear that it has the opposite effect on.
That’s what they call bear-bagging I believe. Also works for reeling in the occasional cougar. Not to mention the shy young doe-eyed nibbler types.
_TR_