Taking a camping pillow with you on your next hiking trip or weekend getaway can really mean the difference between a good night’s sleep and tossing all evening. Many hikers choose to use a pile of dirty clothes for a pillow, but this can be uncomfortable or smelly.

If getting the best possible night’s sleep is important to you, then you’ll want to take a camping pillow with you on your next camping trip.

Camping pillows range in luxury and quality, from inexpensive inflatable plastic bubbles to micro fleece-lined insulated sleeping companions. All camping pillows share a few common traits which are important to their success and we’re going to cover all of the critical details. While it might not be necessary to take a camping pillow, I certainly feel that sleep quality is a critical factor in recovering, staying healthy, and staying happy when camping.

Top Pick: Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium

True to the nature of the best camping pillows on the market today, the Sea to Summit pillow is lined with polyester knit, and curved to keep your head on the pillow.

If you’ve never tried using a small camping pillow before, you won’t understand how gross it can be to have plastic or nylon right against your face. Sea to Summit lined their Aeros pillow with soft polyester fiber to solve that problem and give you a restful night’s sleep.

They’ve offered this pillow in “regular” and “large” sizes which is a great touch for those looking to gain better sleep for a little heavier pillow. Synthetic insulation between the lined pillow case and the internal air bladder helps to wick away moisture and increase the dryness and comfort of the pillow. A single multi-function valve can be used to inflate and deflate the pillow with a simple adjustment.

Overall, Sea to Summit earns our Top Pick award for quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The pillows pack down remarkably well and, for all its features, manages to stay lightweight.

Runner-up: Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultra Light

Sea to Summit camping pillows are so iconic, there are even Chinese knockoffs of them.

It’s easy to see why when you dig into the specs:

The Ultra Light weighs just 2 oz. And it packs down to less than the size a soda can.

But that’s not the Ultra Light’s only magic trick — it’s comfy, too.

There are lighter camp pillows out there (the Klymit Pillow X, for instance), but when we tested them they didn’t perform as well nor were they as comfortable as the Ultra Light.

For someone who wants a pillow for camping AND backpacking, the Ultra Light is a top option. The one downside is that, like all inflatable camping pillows, there’s a risk it can spring a leak.

We’ve been using the Sea to Summit pillows in the field for over two years now and ours haven’t started leaking noticeably yet, but be aware of that risk. Take good care of them and they should last you a while.

One way S2S has reduced the chance of leaks is by installing a high-quality valve. The two-part system make it easy to inflate and deflate the pillow, and its reinforced edges have held up well to our testing.

Budget Pick: Trekology Pillow

The Trekology pillow has the look and feel of the Sea to Summit Ultra Light, but at a much cheaper price.

We found it to be pretty comfortable. The valve system is unique but worked well. During our testing we experienced no leaks.

Trekology recently updated the pillow to be even smaller and lighter — something we can definitely get behind. The new design also has rubber dots on the bottom to reduce the chance of slipping. It’s a welcome innovation. Too often we’ve had camping pillows slip and slide underneath our heads at night.

Like most inflatables, the Trekology took us around 3 breaths to fully inflate. It performed about as well as some of the top inflatable backpacking pillows, which is admirable given its price.

Accordingly, we think it’s one of the best inflatable camping pillows for campers on a budget.

Best for Backpacking: Therm-a-Rest Trekker Pillow Case

No too long ago, we field tested 9 of the top backpacking pillows. The Trekker Pillow Case from Therm-a-Rest came away as our favorite.

Backpacking pillow cases are a different breed than inflatables. You don’t inflate them. Instead, they get their cushioning from whatever clothes you stuff inside.

Stuff one well and it’ll make for a comfy, lightweight, and non-bulky camp pillow that has no chance of springing a leak.

The Trekker Pillow Case stood out because — in addition to being comfortable and supportive — it weighs a mere 2.3 oz and retails for an affordable price. Other backpacking pillows can cost up to three times as much.

Of course, you’ll want to be sure to carry some good clothes for stuffing. Down jackets work particularly well.

But pillow cases aren’t for everyone. If you prefer an inflatable backpacking pillow, our favorite in that category was the Cocoon Hyperlight Air-Core Pillow. It was one of the most supportive inflatables we tested and was also exceptionally durable. It weighs 2.4 oz and inflates fully with three breaths.

» MORE: The Best Backpacking Pillows

Most Options: Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

Therm-a-Rest is a well-known sleeping pad maker for camping and hiking. Operated by parent company MSR, they’re known for great customer service and high quality products. Both of which I can personally attest to!

With the Compressible Pillow, you’ll be able to take advantage of Therm-a-Rest’s unique and highly compactible foam which expands radically when you unpack it from the included bag. Roll the pillow up and stuff it into its own case to pack it down to one-fourth or less of its expanded size. One of the coolest features of this pillow is the number of available sizes and colors. Pick from eight colors, each of which come in four different sizes.

For that reason, we’ve awarded this camping pillow as the most versatile buy for someone looking to diversify their camp pillow selection. With a total of 32 options of colors and sizes, you’ll definitely find something for you.

How to Choose the Best Camping Pillow for Your Needs

Types of Camping Pillows

Self-inflating camping pillows are more convenient, but the foam used to help the pillow expand adds extra weight. On top of that, when compressed the pillow naturally weighs more and takes up more space than a pillow without internal foam.

Inflatable camping pillows you must inflate with your breath can be lighter and more compressible, but they’re not as convenient. Inflating with your breath also introduces moisture and bacteria inside the pillow. Eventually the inside can become dirty and mildewed.

Stuffable pillow cases tend to be cheaper and have no chances of springing a leak. However the pillow’s comfort and support are reliant upon the clothes you stuff into it.

Ultralight backpacking pillows are usually smaller and lighter — and thus less comfortable — than camping pillows. Consider one if you need a good pillow for both camping and backpacking.

Your pillows from home can double as super comfy camp pillows! If you’re car camping or tent camping and aren’t concerned too much with the weight and bulk of your gear, I highly recommend packing your favorite pillow from home and just using that in your tent.

Weight

When we are going camping, it’s to important consider weight in all of our gear choices. Weight adds up eventually, and — if you’re planning to carry your inflatable camping pillow in your backpack — you’ll want to keep weight down. However, some reasonable weight additions are warranted when those additions help us function better in the backcountry.

When car camping, RV camping, or camping around the house, weight may not be such a factor. If you don’t have to carry the pillow in your backpack but instead have the luxury of carrying the pillow in your car or RV, a heavier and more luxurious pillow may be a better choice for you.

Compressibility

This is an important factor when hiking or carrying a lot of gear. Again, if you’re carrying the pillow in a car or RV this might not be as important.

Compressibility is critical to being able to fit and carry all the gear you’ll need for a camping or hiking trip in one bag. Choosing a pillow with high compressibility means the pillow packs down into a relatively small package when not in use. Choose a highly compressible pillow if you’re carrying the pillow in a backpack or suitcase to save room for other important items.

The post 5 Best Camping Pillows appeared first on 99Boulders.

When we set out on a new backpacking or hiking adventure, it’s critical to decide on what type of shelter makes the most sense. Tents have long been the baseline standard for backpacking shelter. Many different types of shelter exist, however, and they’ve been used in various fashions over the years.

Tents, as we’ve said, are the most common. They’re easy to use, lightweight, and nearly foolproof. Other options include the camping hammock. This more recent phenomenon includes a hammock outfitted for sleeping comfortably and covered by a rainproof tarp and bug net.

Another option is the backpacking tarp. Made from waterproof and lightweight fabrics, these are some of the lightest available shelters for backpacking today. They’re simple, versatile, and can be purchased in sizes from solo to group use. Let’s find out what the best options are on the market today and how to choose the best backpacking tarp for your next adventure.

Top Pick: Underground Quilts SilPoly Hanger Tarp

Since I discovered Underground Quilts, I’ve been using them for the majority of my backpacking gear.

Why?

Because their gear is lightweight, thoughtfully designed, and reasonably priced. I personally use this tarp from UGQ.

If you’ve read my reviews before, you’ll know that I look for products that I feel are the best balance of lightness and cost. It can cost hundreds of dollars in backpacking gear just to save a few ounces. That’s not the case with the Hanger Tarp, however.

Made from SilPoly (silicone impregnated polyester), this tarp is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective when compared to many other options.

You’ll need to seam seal this tarp yourself after receiving it or pay a little extra to have UGQ do it for you. If you go the DIY route be sure to check out our guide to the best seam sealers so you can find the right sealer for your needs.

Budget Pick: YUEDGE Waterproof Rain Tarp

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This backpacking tarp is for those on a tight budget only.

With just four tie-outs, one at each corner, and no reinforcement, there’s a good chance it won’t last as long as more robust tarps. Having so few tie-outs on a nearly 10’ x 10’ tarp means you’ll be hard pressed to get a good pitch on the tarp and you may even experience some serious slack problems in your tarp pitch.

However, at an undeniably low price, it’s a good option for those that just can’t justify more pricey options. With a little DIY sewing (r/MYOG is a good resource for beginners), you could easily reinforce the corner tie-outs and add in several more along the length of the tarp.

Thus, with a little ingenuity, you might just have yourself a ridiculously affordable tarp to get started backpacking. At just over 2 pounds, though, it certainly leaves room to upgrade in the future when your budget can afford a higher quality tarp or when this one no longer meets your needs.

Ultralight Pick: Mountain Laurel Designs Grace Tarp Cuben Fiber

Cuben Fiber is an incredible material which has allowed backpacking gear manufacturers to create some of the lightest backpacking gear ever. This Cuben Fiber tarp from MLD weighs in at just 5.5 ounces. It measures 7′ x 9′ and is made from some of the most advanced Mylar and Dyneema composites on the market today.

Of course, these lightweight materials come with a few drawbacks. The tapered design means you won’t have much room to get out of the rain so you’ll need to be perfect at pitching your tarp. Cuben Fiber is also notoriously vulnerable to puncture damage, particularly when under tension. So, you’ll want to be particularly careful about what’s around your tarp when you pitch it. You might also need to carry some extra duct tape to patch up any holes.

Drawbacks aside, if you’re willing to spend top dollar and fully understand the limitations of Cuben Fiber, the MLD Grace Tarp is a top ultralight option.

Runner-up: Aqua Quest Guide Tarp

 

 

 

 

 

 

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When it comes to finding tarps readily available from major retailers either online or at your local store, we’re usually left with zero good options.

Fortunately, many manufacturers of lightweight and simple Silnylon backpacking tarps are beginning to get their products in the right places! With Prime shipping, you can have this lightweight Silnylon tarp at your door in two days.

At just 17.6oz, this backpacking tarp is a similar weight to some of the (more expensive) cottage industry tarps. It’s made from two pieces of Silnylon with five tie-outs along each side. You’ll save money compared to high-end tarps, and you’ll get a product that’ll work for a majority of hikers in most situations.

Of course, it’s lacking some advanced features like cat-cut ergonomics, but that’s not a big deal in my opinion. I like the low price, easy availability, and versatility offered by this tarp. That’s why I named it our Runner-up.

Upgrade Pick: Zpacks Flat Tarp

If you’re prepared to splurge and on a quest for an ultralight, high-quality backpacking tarp, then the Zpacks Flat Tarp is for you. There are lighter options — such as the MLD Grace Tarp mentioned above — but this is a great upgrade for weight savings and size luxury.

This tarp can be bought in several sizes, but I recommend the 8.5’ x 10’ model as it’s the best balance of size to weight for most applications. If you go much smaller, most hikers will find it difficult to stay out of inclement weather. Any bigger, however, just isn’t necessary unless you’re looking for a two-person tarp.

At just 7.7 ounces, this tarp is lighter than most other options we’ve reviewed while still being luxuriously large. With 12 perimeter tie-outs, you’ll be able to pitch in any configuration without difficulty. This offers great flexibility when conditions or location force you to pitch your tarp unconventionally. Watch out though, because this high-tech tarp costs quite a bit.

How to Choose the Best Backpacking Tarp for Your Needs

Choosing the right backpacking tarp is a balance of understanding your needs, limitations, preferences, and budget. Today’s backpacking tarps can be made from what seems to be an endless list of complicated materials and designs. Let’s talk a little more about how to pick out a tarp with the best features for you.

Weight

Of course, the most obvious factor is weight. The lighter your tarp, generally, the more you’re going to pay for it. Be prepared to shell out big bucks for top ultralight tarps. If you’re willing to carry a tarp in the range of 16oz or more, then you can probably find a pretty cheap option for your needs.

Materials

Backpacking tarps are most often made of three main materials:

• Silnylon
• Silpoly
• Cuben Fiber (or Dyneema composite)

Of these materials, Silpoly is the cheapest though not always the heaviest. Silnylon is a little stronger and more expensive, it can range from lightweight to heavyweight. Cuben Fiber is the most expensive, by far, but also the lightest.

Cuben Fiber has the advantage of being totally waterproof and can be fused by heat welding. This means it can, potentially, have a totally waterproof center seam with no stitching required. Many manufacturers use stitching anyway to help ensure the highest quality seam possible by physically joining all the Cuben Fiber layers.

Silnylon and Silpoly tarps are durable and waterproof and can last for many seasons. They’re probably the best balance of price, weight, and versatility for the majority of hikers.

Design Considerations

One thing to think about when picking out your tarp is the tie-outs. Tarps with more perimeter tie outs provide more options for versatile pitching. They can be pitched in many shapes and configurations by the crafty hiker.

Another popular upgrade feature is catenary cut tarps. These tarps use an engineering concept called a catenary curve to remove any slack from the pitch of the tarp. This is both good and bad. It means the tarp can only be pitched in the position for which it is engineered. However, when the tarp is pitched this way it can achieve a nearly flawlessly taught pitch.

Size

You’ll want to consider how many people and how much gear you’ll need to store under your tarp. For a solo hiker with an ultralight gear load, it’s possible to get away with a tarp as small as 7’ x 9’ — even less in some situations. However, this often leaves inexperienced hikers exposed to rain and wind.

A more reasonable starting size is 8’ x 10’ for most applications. For two hikers, a 10’ x 10’ shelter is more than reasonable and will still be quite lightweight. Don’t go larger than 10’ x 10’ unless you have a specific reason. Often it can be hard to find room to pitch a tarp larger than that, and they’re usually just not needed.

The post 5 Best Backpacking Tarps appeared first on 99Boulders.

Sleeping bag liners get used for everything from standalone summer blankets to wintertime insulation boosters. Personally, I use a thin nylon liner for many of my down quilts to help protect them from dirt, skin oil, and wear. Whatever your needs or goal, a sleeping bag liner is usually an inexpensive addition to your sleep system meant to supplement your existing set-up.

Be warned, however, that most sleeping bag liners won’t add as much warmth to your sleeping system as many would prefer. Time and again I have talked to backpackers disappointed by the advertised warmth rating of bag liners. What this means for you is that it’s important to understand the uses and limitations of your new sleeping bag liner.

With that in mind, we’ve listed below the five best sleeping bag liners available today and briefly reviewed each. We’ve included options that cover a range of prices and styles to help you find the right bag liner for your needs.

Top Pick: Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Thermolite Liner

Sea to Summit has been producing backpacking and hiking equipment for years, and I personally rely on several of their products.

So why did we choose their Reactor Extreme as our Top Pick?

It comes down to warmth. Because sleeping bag liners have a tendency to provide less insulation than desired, I find it easier to err on the side of too warm as you can always take some layers off. Among popular bag liners, the Sea to Summit series offers the widest breadth of warmth options, and the Reactor Extreme is their warmest offering.

This liner weighs just 14oz and can add up to 25 degrees of warmth to your sleep system. It’s a good choice for a light summer blanket or an addition to extend the usability of your 3-season bag. It’s worth noting that, as a standalone blanket, this bag liner won’t provide much warmth. Expect it to be comfortable to no lower than 60 degrees by itself.

Best Value: Coleman Stratus Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner

One of the challenges of putting together an outdoor sleep system is accommodating multiple sleepers. If you want to go hiking or camping with your partner and share a comfortable bed, good luck! It’s surprisingly difficult to find good, affordable solutions.

However, the Coleman Stratus Sleeping Bag Liner is an exception. It comes in at a very affordable price. It’s also one of the best fleece liners available.

The Stratus adds up to 12 degrees F of extra heat to most sleeping bags. That’s right — no need to buy another sleeping bag just for colder weather. You can turn your 3-season bag into a 4-season bag with this liner alone.

Coleman even claims you can sleep in the Stratus on its own in temperatures as low as 50 degrees F. That sounds a bit crazy to me, that’s the temperature rating of some sleeping bags, but it gives you an idea of the warmth of this liner.

Budget Pick: California Basics Sleeping Bag Liner

This is the best option for those on a shoestring budget. Beating all of the other options we’ve reviewed with a low price and simple polyester bag liner construction, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more value-conscious option.

Keep in mind that while there are lighter and warmer options available, the main goal of this pick is to keep the price low for you!

There’s really no additional warmth to be gained from this bag liner. However, if you’re like me and want to protect your expensive sleeping bag or backpacking quilt, you’re probably looking for something lightweight and inexpensive. This liner comes in at 14oz, so it’s not the lightest, but it certainly is reasonable for those looking to gain the benefits of a bag liner without taking a hit to their pocketbook.

Runner-up: ALPS Mountaineering MicroFiber Mummy Sleeping Bag Liner

ALPS Mountaineering is a well-known name in hiking and backpacking gear. Among major manufacturers producing bag liners right now, the ALPS products are reliable and affordable.

Make no mistake, however, this bag liner is meant first as a protective layer and second as a marginal warmth addition. It weighs in at about 12oz so it’s not the lightest solution available but it does have a few advantages.

What I like about this bag liner is that it’s shaped to fit most mummy bags which are by far the most popular sleeping system on the trail. Many competitors use rectangular bag liners which won’t fit the popular mummy bag style nearly as well. If your primary need is sleeping bag protection from dirt and grime, this is a great solution from a good manufacturer at a price that can’t be argued with.

Upgrade Pick: Cocoon Silk MummyLiner

Why the Upgrade Pick? Because silk has been a luxurious fabric for centuries and, to this day, many still swear by its properties.

Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, silk is a great next-to-skin fabric and is a huge improvement over the feel of nylon or polyester used in most bags and bag liners. Silk dries quickly and the ripstop weave used in this silk bag liner lends durability to the material for a long usable life.

Oh, and did I mention that the entire bag liner weighs just 5oz? If you’re looking for a great lightweight sleeping bag liner, this one’s for you.

This is definitely not a bag liner for those looking for additional warmth, though. It will, however, provide a very comfortable sleep while protecting your main sleeping bag or backpacking quilt against body oils and dirt accumulation. Body oils and dirt can eventually negatively impact the insulative qualities of down bags. I personally use a thin nylon bag liner to protect my quilt for these reasons and the Silk MummyLiner is a great option that’ll do just that — of course, though, for a higher price.

How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag Liner for Your Needs

Weight

While we’d always like to carry the lightweight option, we have to accept that the warmer the bag liner, the more it usually weighs. If your goal is to use the bag liner to keep dirt and grime off of your sleeping bag, then we recommend making weight most important criterion. If, however, added warmth is your primary goal, you’ll need to accept a heavier overall weight.

Temperature Rating

Determining your overall temperature rating can be a bit more of an art than a science. Many backpackers will choose their sleep system based on the record low temperature for the region and time of year they expect to be traveling. I recommend this system.

Be sure to test your sleep system in a safe environment such as the backyard or a modern campground before relying on it in the backcountry. In case you’ve made a mistake in choosing your sleeping equipment, it’s best to discover this in relative safety!

Material

By far the most common material I see bag liners made of is polyester. It’s a common insulation material and tons of outdoor gear is made from polyester thanks to its wicking qualities and relatively inexpensive cost. Nylon is also a possible bag liner material though you’re unlikely to find this unless you make your bag liner yourself (easy to do) or have it custom-made as I had done with mine.

I highly recommend avoiding thermal emergency blankets such as the aluminized reflective survival blankets. These are made for very specific conditions and function best when used to reflect infrared heat back at your body. They’re not really meant to insulate directly and you’ll be very uncomfortable wrapped in a plastic sheet all night.

The post 5 Best Sleeping Bag Liners appeared first on 99Boulders.

If you’re headed out on a hiking, camping, or backpacking trip in any areas where scavenging animals might be a threat to yourself or your food, you’ll need a receptacle for storing your food and keeping it safe.

You have a couple options for achieving this goal. Bear bags are lighter and less bulky while bear canisters provide a more rugged and robust amount of protection and are required in some areas. Since we’ve already written about bear canisters and bear sprays, in this article we’ll be focusing on the five best bear bags for holding and organizing your food on your next trip.

Unlike bear canisters, bear bags must be hung from trees using the appropriate methods in order to be effective at warding off animals from bears to mice and chipmunks. See this video on the PCT Bear Hang Method for how to do just that.

Even when using the most effective bear bag hanging methods, though, it is still possible to lose your food to an intelligent or persistent animal. Be prepared.

Top Pick: Ursack Major

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Lightweight, flexible, and made of absurdly strong Spectra fabric, this bag is as close to “bear proof” as you’ll get.

While the other bear bags on our list are simply meant to provide a bag to hang your food in, this bag is actually proven to be bear resistant. In fact, it’s so resistant that the manufacturer, Ursack, recommends that you just tie it to a tree trunk rather than bother hanging it from a branch.

Personally, I would use this bag when hiking in areas that require the use of bear-resistant containers. Ursack products are now listed on the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee’s list of bear-resistant products. Just to be sure, however, make certain to check with the park rangers wherever you’ll be going to ensure that the Ursack is an accepted option.

And, while not strictly necessary, I would still suggest that you hang the Ursack using a well-constructed bear hang.

Why?

Even if bears can’t get to your food, they can still crush it, stomp it, and even carry it away if they manage to get to it. All of which leave you about as poor off as if the bear had gotten access to the food in the first place. Overall, Ursack earns our Top Pick for its lightness and insane strength and for being the only bag that’s actually approved as “bear-resistant.”

Best Value: Sea to Summit eVAC Dry Sack

I’ve been using Sea to Summit products for years and I love their eVAC Dry Sack series. Offered in a handful of sizes from 3L to 65L, they’re great for everything from personal essentials to pack liners.

I picked the eVAC Dry Sack as our Best Value pick because it’s durable, high-quality, and uses some of the best waterproof breathable fabric on the market today, eVent fabric.

eVent fabric is extremely breathable when compared to contemporary alternatives. Why do we care about breathable fabric on a bear bag? It helps to keep your contents dry while also allowing the stuff sack to be compressed down to the exact shape of its contents. If you’ve used regular roll-top dry bags, you know how hard it can be to get all the air out.

The eVAC Dry Sack performs great both inside the pack during daily carry and as a bear bag during a hang. I personally use these dry bags for many applications in my own backpacking and encourage you to give them a shot!

Note: this bag and all of the remaining ones on this list are NOT “bear proof” and can be easily torn, chewed, or ripped apart by bears.

Budget Buy: Liberty Mountain Stuff Sack

I’ve personally used the Liberty Mountain Stuff Sack before and seen it after years of institutional group camping use. It can take a beating and keep on truckin’!

That’s not to say that this bag is bear resistant, because it’s certainly not. However, it makes a perfect stuff sack for your food when making a bear hang for the night. That’s exactly what we used it for in one expedition program.

Why did the Liberty Mountain Stuff Sack make our list?

It’s inexpensive and reliable, and it gets the job done. Its simple nylon and drawstring closure is nearly bombproof for regular use and — with any repair and sewing skills — you can probably get one of these stuff sacks to last your whole hiking lifetime. It’s not waterproof at all and will quickly soak through, but you’ll be keeping your food in trash compactor bags or Ziplocs if you’re going to go this route.

One last tip: after cinching down the drawstring, wrap it around the fabric at the top of the bag several times before passing it back through itself. Then use this as your attachment point for hanging the bag. This distributes the weight of the contents across the entire fabric in a more even manner instead of stressing the stitching.

Best for Lightweight Hikers: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack

Among commonly available bear bag options, Sea to Summit’s reliable line of lightweight Cordura makes the cut for out top lightweight pick. Using an extremely lightweight but durable Cordura fabric, they’ve combined a polyurethane coated siliconized application to the fabric to achieve lightweight waterproofness.

I’ve known many hikers who love these bags and their thin fabric makes them easy to see through. You’ll be able to tell where the snickers bars are without even opening the bag!

I would advise caution with how much weight you suspend in these, however, as they are made from less durable material. You may need to split your food into two different bags to distribute the weight if you’re carrying a particularly heavy load of food.

Best for Paddlers: KastKing Dry Bag Waterproof Roll Top Sack

If you’re spending some time traveling the backcountry by boat, you know how indispensable a dry bag can be. KastKing’s bag makes our cut as a great choice for paddlers to store food in during their trips and at night when hanging a bear bag.

Again, it’s not bear resistant but it makes for a perfect storage bag for any well-constructed bear hang.

I love that this bag comes in at an affordable price with durable 500D PVC impregnated nylon. It’s waterproof and nearly indestructible under normal use conditions. It’s even got an optional shoulder strap which is great for lashing the bag down when paddling or carrying the food as you walk to your bear hang site. (Remember to always hang your bear bags at least 100 yards from your campsite!)

With 10L, 20L, and 30L sizes there’s a choice for everyone. 10L will most likely be too small for any bear bag and 20-30L should be great for anything from 2-6 days of food depending on your food choices and packing style. Remember to leave room to roll the dry bag at least three times to ensure a watertight seal.

How to Choose the Best Bear Bag for Your Needs

Bear Resistant?

On our list, only the Ursack is a bear-resistant bag. Many manufacturers avoid using the term “bear proof” just in case a bear does manage to get into your bear bag. To the extent of my knowledge, Ursack is the only manufacturer of bear resistant bags at this moment.

In order to find a sturdier and more robust container for your food, you’ll have to start considering hard-sided bear canisters. These are heavier and bulkier, though, and can add lots of weight to your pack.

Besides weight and bulk, many parks require the use of certified bear-resistant containers in certain locations. This might determine which type of bear bag or canister you buy. Check your destination’s guidelines before buying.

Size

Depending on your exact needs, you’ll want to experiment a bit with the size of your bear bag. For example, for my own solo personal use, I have found that stuff sacks up to 20L are enough for my food for up to five days.

If you’re carrying bulkier food, you may need to consider a 20-30L bag. Exceeding 20L usually makes the contents too heavy for the bag to be hung, though. You’ll want to consider splitting into two 20-30L bags at that point.

Another consideration is that most backpackers carry around a 50-60L backpack. Make sure that your backpack is big enough for both your food bag and other camping gear.

Use

If you’re planning to hang your bear bag from a tree each night, you’ll want to be sure it’s plenty robust. Bear bags eventually fail after prolonged use from the stress of hanging heavy weights from their attachment points. Look for a stuff sack or dry bag built with durable seams and closures for a long-lasting bear bag.

If you’re planning to just store the bag inside a bear-proof box (sometimes available in certain park locations) or other man-made bear storage, you may not need a highly robust bag.

The post Best Bear Bags: Our Top 5 Picks + Reviews appeared first on 99Boulders.

For years, the mummy bag has been the staple of outdoor camping. Made from either synthetic or down insulation, the mummy bag wraps around your body in a tapered form with a hood that can cinch down while you sleep.

That’s all changed now, thanks to the rise of the backpacking quilt.

Backpacking quilts feature the same tapered form as mummy bags but lack a bottom layer and a hood.

Why?

The concept is to remove the insulation underneath you while you’re sleeping because this insulation is crushed by your bodyweight and becomes effectively useless. This means backpacking quilts can be lighter, more compact, and more efficient for hiking and camping — all while achieving the same goals as a traditional mummy bag!

Here we’ve listed and reviewed the five best backpacking quilts available today. Regardless of your needs, you’ll find the one that is right for you.

Top Pick: Therm-a-Rest Corus HD Quilt

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Made with 650-fill hydrophobic down, the Therm-a-Rest Corus Quilt is sporting some new-age technology for advanced hikers. Some hikers feel that water-resistant down is a great option and — if you’re worried about your down bag getting wetted out — it might be a serious solution to your needs.

With full perimeter snap loops, you can attach the quilt to your sleeping pad to make sure it doesn’t move off of you while you sleep. I personally don’t use this feature on my down quilts, but some find this very helpful for keeping the quilt centered at night.

To keep you warm, this quilt has an insulated foot box and full perimeter side baffles both designed to maximize warmth retention. Weighing in at just 22oz, this is a reasonably lightweight quilt with a temperature rating of 35F. I chose this quilt as our Top Pick because of Therm-a-Rest’s great industry name and dedication to supporting their products with exceptional customer care after the sale.

Best Value: Therm-a-Rest Apogee Quilt

Our Best Value pick, the Therm-a-Rest Apogee Quilt, is a great backpacking quilt at a reasonable price. It was even a contender for our Top Pick based on its relatively light weight, low temperature rating, and Therm-a-Rest’s great name as a large manufacturer.

Because of the use of synthetic insulation in this 35F degree quilt, the overall weight gets bumped up to 29oz as compared to the 22oz of the Corus. That comes with a significantly reduced overall price which might be a critical buying factor to some folks.

With the same perimeter snap loop system, you can batten down the hatches at night by pulling this backpacking quilt tight over you as you sleep. It’s meant to fit one person on a regular-sized sleeping pad such as the NeoAir Xlite (one of the best sleeping pads in our opinion). I encourage you to consider this as your choice for sleeping quilt if price is a higher priority than weight and bulk in your pack — that’s why it made our list as the Best Value pick!

One of the cool things about Therm-a-Rest’s quilt system is that the perimeter snap loops can mate with other Therm-a-Rest quilts and blankets similarly equipped. That means you have the option to cuddle up with your partner at night with relative ease and comfort. This is a pretty cool feature you won’t find on other quilts.

Best for Summer: Big Agnes Kings Canyon UL Quilt

With a similar price and weight to our Best Value pick, the Kings Canyon UL Quilt is made for warm nights and high temperatures. That’s why it made our list as the best summer backpacking quilt.

The lower temperature rating of just 45 degrees compared to our Top and Best Value picks make it a 1-season quilt. Most people will only find this warm enough for summer season use.

That being said, a warm temperature bag is always too hot during the summer. Experienced backpackers always have different sleeping systems to adapt to the weather and this quilt makes a perfect summer season sleeping system.

Weighing in at 25 oz, the Kings Canyon UL Quilt can accommodate up to 60” shoulder girth and packs down to just 5” x 5” in a compression sack. That’s an impressively small size for a sleeping quilt! Exterior webbing and shock cord loops will help to make sure the quilt stays in place if you toss and turn by wrapping around the bottom of your sleeping bag. I highly recommend using these if you move a lot in your sleep.

Lightweight Pick: Therm-a-Rest Proton Blanket

There’s a reason Therm-a-Rest keeps making it on to our list — they’re producing some innovative and helpful gear! At just 18oz, the Proton Blanket earns its spot on our list by being lighter than any other backpacking quilt available from a major brand.

Don’t be fooled, however, as the lightweight nature of the quilt really does make it more like a blanket than a sleeping bag. By saving weight, the comfortable temperature rating of this blanket skyrockets to 55-60F. That means this is really only a viable option for seriously hot weather. You’ve been warned that this is not an appropriate choice for cold temps!

Some may find that this top quilt makes a great addition to a versatile sleeping system by adding warmth when paired with an additional warmer quilt. Together, the Proton Blanket, plus a warmer quilt, might make a great winter or 3-season sleep system. I encourage you to experiment with ways to maximize your use of great hiking equipment.

Budget Pick: Eagles Nest Outfitters Spark Top Quilt

Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) took the hiking world by storm when they started offering the hyper-popular nylon hammock. Hikers quickly started using these hammocks from the backyard to the trail. The ENO Spark Quilt is another hammock-oriented offering from this popular company at a price that earned it a place on our list as the most affordable option.

With a Velcro adjustable convertible foot box, you can use the quilt in flat or mummy mode. This is a nice option to see a major manufacturer adopting for common use as it’s been popular in the cottage industry for years.

With an overall weight of 27oz and a temperature rating of just 50F, it’s about as warm as the Proton Blanket but at nearly twice the weight. This makes it a viable summer choice for the hottest nights or as an addition to a warmer overall sleeping system. For the budget-oriented price, though, it’s hard to complain!

How to Choose the Best Backpacking Quilt for Your Needs

There are many factors to choosing a backpacking quilt including weight, price, bulk, and insulation type among many more. Let’s go over a few critical decision points so that I can help you make the best choice for your needs when buying a backpacking quilt.

Weight

This is a critical decision point for any piece of backpacking gear. You’ll have to carry all of this stuff on your back for days or weeks at a time and every ounce adds up to extra pounds.

Ultralight backpacking quilts come with drawbacks, though. They’re more expensive, usually more fragile, and often sacrifice features to save weight. Before choosing weight as your primary buying consideration, be sure to fully understand the limitations of your choice!

Bulk

You’ll need to pack your quilt into your backpack to carry along with you, so making sure that it’s as small a package as possible is critical. Synthetic insulation tends to be bulkier than down insulation. So, if bulk is a key consideration, be sure to pay extra for down insulation.

Of course, the colder the temperatures you’ll be hiking in, the more insulation you’ll need. Be prepared to accept that your quilt will be necessarily bigger and bulkier in some situations.

Down vs. Synthetic

Down insulation is made from duck or goose feathers which feature extremely high loft (inflation), light weight, and extreme compressibility (ability to pack into a small size). Down is rated in loft (volume) per weight and usually ranges from 500 fill power to 900+ fill power. High fill power numbers mean lighter weight and better performance but will cost much more!

Synthetic insulation is heavier and bulkier than down. Then why bother buying it? Well, for one, it’s usually cheaper. Also, synthetic insulations tend to retain a relatively greater level of insulation when wet compared to down. This means that if your quilt accidentally gets wet, it’s not such a big deal. Choose carefully.

Foot Box Options

Some manufacturers, especially in the cottage industry, offer many foot box options. Choosing a foot box with a drawstring and/or snaps means you can close the foot box like a traditional sleeping bag or open it up to lay flat like a blanket. Of course, these additional features add a margin of extra weight so that’s a consideration for some folks.

If you’re planning to go hiking with your partner and want to cuddle, buying an appropriately sized quilt with the ability to open up and lay flat can make the process much more enjoyable.

Temperature Rating

This is a critical but sometimes overlooked factor in choosing the best quilt for your needs. The real trick comes in choosing a temperature which is good for several seasons of use to minimize the number of different quilts you’ll need while still choosing a quilt warm enough to keep you comfortable.

In general, err on the side of “too warm” as it’s much easier to cool off at night than to get warmer. Don’t get yourself into an unsafe situation by trying to save weight or money.

I usually recommend that people look up the record low temperature in the area and season they plan to hike in. By choosing a bag that can handle record lows, you’re pretty well guaranteed to be safe in all but the most unusual weather.

The post 5 Best Backpacking Quilts appeared first on 99Boulders.

When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, probably the biggest misconception revolves around wildlife encounters. Wilderness survival “experts” with short eBooks and would-be-YouTubers alike disproportionately focus on the threat of bears in the wilderness.

Fortunately, I’m here to tell you that bears are not the biggest threat in the backcountry.

That’s not to say that bears don’t pose a real and tangible threat to hikers in certain situations, because they definitely do!

However, with the proper knowledge, preparations, and equipment, we can all but eliminate dangerous bear encounters in the backcountry. Today we’re going to take a look at the top three options for bear spray — the most effective solution to a bear encounter when the bear scat hits the fan.

Top Pick: Frontiersman Bear Spray

 

 

 

 

 

 

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When it comes to stopping a bear attack that’s already in progress, bear spray has been proven more effective than any other method.

What makes bear spray effective?

The high concentrations of capsaicin, an active component of chili peppers which is also used in pepper spray.

Frontiersman Bear Spray, in particular, didn’t earn our Top Pick because it has a higher concentration of capsaicin than other bear sprays. The EPA sets limits for all manufacturers. Instead, it’s our Top Pick because it will reach up to 30-35 feet with a single spray.

This is impressive compared to other bear sprays that will only shoot 12-32 feet. When you’ve got a bear charging you, every extra inch of spray distance is critical to give you time and space to make your escape.

The biggest drawback of this particular bear spray is the lack of a belt holster. The manufacturer does sell a belt holster separately which allows immediate access to the spray and can even allow the spray to be used while still in the holster. However, I think they should’ve included that with the base product, but that’s just me.

The Frontiersman Bear Spray comes in two sizes, a 7.9-ounce can and a 9.2-ounce can. The 7.9-ounce can has a range of 30 feet and the 9.2-ounce can has a range of 35 feet.

Most Frequently Seen on the Trail: Counter Assault Bear Deterrent

 

 

 

 

 

 

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From time spent on the trail and guiding trips for various companies, I will say that Counter Assault seems to be the most common brand of spray on the trail today.

Why?

Honestly, I think it’s because this bear spray is easy to find in most outdoor stores and outfitters. Good marketing on their part!

That’s not to say that Counter Assault Bear Deterrent isn’t effective, though, because it does contain the exact same concentration of the active ingredient capsaicin as other bear sprays. It also reaches up to 32 feet and can spray for a continuous 9.2 seconds in the 290g canister. That’s quite a bit longer spray duration than other competitors so there’s definitely a strong reason to consider this a winning criterion.

Fortunately, Counter Assault has included a nylon holster with their bear spray which gives them another leg up on the Frontiersman’s lack of included holster. From personal experience, however, I can tell you that the holster is flimsy and will deteriorate over extended periods of use. I’ve seen these holsters take a lot of abuse in the field, though, so you should be fine.

Runner-up: Guard Alaska Bear Repellent

 

 

 

 

 

 

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While I haven’t seen this brand in the field, there are plenty of great reviews and testimonials of it around the web.

A nine-ounce canister of this spray is capable of covering 15-20 feet of distance and boasts a four-year shelf life.

Since bear spray isn’t particularly cheap to begin with, it’s always nice to be able to rely on these to last a long time between uses. Nothing will ruin your day faster than trying to use your bear spray just to find out that it doesn’t work because you left it sitting in the closet for years. Yikes!

With a can of Guard Alaska Bear Repellent, you’ll be able to spray a fog of bear-deterring capsaicin for up to nine seconds. This is an impressive spray duration compared to other brands and the second best of our lineup by total spray duration.

By ratio, it’s actually the longest-spraying bear spray on this list when compared to the overall size of the can in ounces.

A can of Guard Alaska Bear Repellent does come with its own holster and belt clip but I highly recommend modifying the belt clip so that there’s no chance of it coming off and getting lost when you need it most!

How to Choose the Best Bear Spray for Your Needs

There are several considerations that will heavily impact your final choice of bear spray. Just because one is more popular than another does not necessarily make it the best bear spray for your needs. Let’s take a look at exactly what to consider when purchasing a bear spray.

Accessibility and Holsters

Bear spray can’t do its job if it’s packed away inside your backpack when the bear comes a-chargin’. One of the biggest mistakes hikers make with bear spray is packing it somewhere that can’t easily be accessed.

Some of the most popular access points include attaching bear spray to your:

• Backpack shoulder straps
• Backpack hip belt attachment
• Belt or chest harness

If the bear spray you choose does not already come with a great option for attaching to one of these locations, you may want to consider making one yourself if you have sewing skills. Remember that when wearing a backpack, chest harnesses and belt holsters are usually not an option as the pack will get in the way of these.

Spray Distance

Not all bear deterrents are made equal when it comes to spray distance.

Out of our list of bear sprays, here are the choices in order of maximum distance:

• Frontiersman: 35 feet
• Counter Assault: 32 feet
• Guard Alaska: 20 feet

If you’re worried about getting your bear spray to release the largest and furthest reaching cloud of capsaicin possible, you’ll want to go with the Frontiersman Bear Spray.

Safety Features

It’s important to know and use the safety features on your bear spray. While bear spray is effective at stopping bears, it’s also effective at disabling humans. Don’t screw up and spray yourself with the bear spray when you’re trying to deter the bear instead. It won’t end well.

All of the bear spray products we’ve reviewed feature safety caps which prevent accidental discharge. Both the Frontiersman and Counter Assault brands feature glow-in-the-dark protective safety caps so that you can easily find and release the safety if you need to repel a bear at night.

A Final Note About Safety

It’s important to note that bear spray is a last-ditch effort to deter a bear attack, and that effectively deterring bear attacks starts with proper education about backcountry travel practices.

Carrying bear spray does not make you a bear-warrior. Encountering a bear is dangerous, with or without bear spray. For this reason, I recommend always doing your best to avoid bear encounters with intelligent travel practices.

Taking a course on backcountry travel from a reputable organization such as NOLS or Outward Bound will give you the education and understanding you’ll need to safely travel into the backcountry and avoid dangerous bear encounters.

Taking a wilderness medicine course, such as Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder, is another crucial component of being a competent and safe backcountry traveler and should be part of your overall education and mitigation strategy.

The post 3 Best Bear Sprays appeared first on 99Boulders.

Dealing with hungry wildlife trying to access your precious stash of delicious backpacking food is always a hassle on the trail. I’ve seen backpacks chewed to shreds by “chislers” (chipmunks) when hikers forget to remove a small piece of food from a pocket.

While I’ve never had a problem with bears myself, hikers have notoriously had such problems with these animals breaking into food at night that many areas now require the use of bear-proof containers, such as bear canisters or bear bags, for storing food overnight.

We did the research and have listed here the five best bear canisters available today plus some advice on how to choose the right one for your needs. Read on for our picks.

Top Pick: BearVault BV500

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The BV500 is the bear canister I’ve seen more often than any other, both in the field and for rent at National Park offices.

It weighs 2 lbs 9 oz and has a volume of 700 cubic inches which should be enough for one person for about five or six days.

(Make sure to test it yourself before your thru-hike, however, so you know how often you need to resupply. Shakedown hikes are perfect for something like this.)

Otherwise, the BV500 is a no-frills canister that’ll do exactly what you need without breaking the bank. As a plus, the clear plastic makes locating food easy and it can be used as a handy camp seat when sealed.

Any land managing agency should accept this bear canister as “legal” so you won’t need to worry about meeting requirements. The only thing to keep in mind when using the canister is to strap or tie it down so the bears don’t run off with it as they’re sometimes known to do.

Best for Shorter Trips: BearVault BV450

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The BearVault BV450 is the smaller cousin of the BV500. It weighs 2.1 lbs and sports a volume of 440 cubic inches — ideal for shorter backpacking trips spanning 2-4 days.

You wouldn’t want to thru-hike with a bear canister of this size. But if you’re taking a weekend jaunt through bear country and only want to take what’s necessary, the BV450 is a great option.

All BearVault bear canisters are certified bear-resistant by the IGBC (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee). The BV450 and BV500 are no exception.

Upgrade Pick: Bearikade Weekender

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Is money no object for you when it comes to reducing pack weight?

If so, the Bearikade Weekender from Wild Ideas might be your best bet. This puppy clocks in at an impressive 31 oz with a volume of 650 cubic inches. (For comparison, that’s 10 oz lighter than the BV500 and holds 50 cubic inches less.) Dishing out a few hundred dollars to save 10 oz might sound crazy when it comes to a bear canister, but for the Big Three it isn’t unheard of.

The Weekender is the perfect size for carrying food for two people for a weekend trip. Use it solo and it can hold up to six days’ worth of sustenance. According to Wild Ideas, the Weekender has been used for over 22 years “without loss of food to any wild animal.” 22 years!

Like most of the canisters on this list, it also doubles as a camp chair and even a small camp table. Just make sure you pack a flat, hard object such as a coin or flat-head screwdriver to unlock it.

Wild Ideas also makes a larger version of the Weekender, the Bearikade Expedition. The specs are just as impressive — 36 oz, 900 cubic inches volume — and the price is just as nauseating.

Honorable Mention: Garcia Backpackers’ Cache

 

 

 

 

 

 

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If you’d like another option to consider, the Garcia Backpackers’ Cache is another good bear canister at a reasonable price.

It seems like this canister has been around for ages. I remember seeing them when I was just getting started backpacking and they haven’t changed much since then.

The smooth plastic, rounded corners, and oblong shape make it hard for bears to get a hold of the Backpackers’ Cache. The ABS polymer is similar to the plastic material used in many motorcycle bodies.

There’s nothing fancy or eye-catching about this all-black, bear-resistant tube for your Pop-Tarts. It’s just a straightforward tool for keeping the bears busy without letting them break into your food stash.

It weighs 2 lbs 12 oz and has a volume of 614 cubic inches. That’s about 100 cubic inches less than the BV500 but you should still be able to get around 4-5 days of food inside.

Like with the Bearikade, don’t forget a coin or flat-head screwdriver to unlock this canister.

Honorable Mention: Ursack Major

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Ursack Major, my personal favorite way to protect my food when backpacking, isn’t a canister at all, but rather a bear bag.

It has a capacity of 10.65 L (650 cubic inches), which can hold about five days of food for one person. Better yet, it weighs in at just 7.8 oz. The Ursack is both spacious and ultralight.

But how does a fabric bag keep bears out of your food?

The answer is in the fabric: the Ursack is made of woven Spectra fibers, which is used for applications such as bulletproof fabric. It’s incredibly tough.

What’s more, the most recent version has been updated with more than double the tear-resistance of older models by using a tighter, more durable weave.

In case you’re still in doubt though, know that the IGBC has certified it as bear-resistant.

Unlike most bear canisters, the Ursack can compress and form to fit inside your pack as you eat your food. Instead of having a large, rigid plastic tub to deal with, you can more easily pack your bag around the Ursack.

The Ursack can also be tied to a tree or rock using the included 2,500 lbs strength rope. This prevents bears from running off with your food, even if they find it. Always convenient.

You can’t use a bear bag as a camp chair or table though. And bears can crush the food inside.

Lastly, the Ursack might not be allowed in certain areas. Check your destination’s regulations before you buy.

» MORE: The Best Bear Bags

How to Choose the Best Bear Canister for Your Needs

Not all bear canisters will suit your needs. Here are the most important things to consider before buying to make sure you pick the right one.

Weight

As with all backpacking gear, weight is an ever-present issue. We always want to minimize weight while maximizing efficiency when backpacking. Bulky, heavy bear canisters are certainly no exception.

While I recommend that you keep weight to a minimum, carrying a little extra weight to keep your food safe when it is required by law or common sense seems a necessary admission.

Bulk

Bear canisters are bulky — that’s all there is to it. In their simplest form, most bear canisters are just durable plastic bins with sealable lids. Despite their annoying size and bulk, they often only hold 3-5 days’ worth of food for a single hiker.

One exception to this is the Ursak — a woven Spectra bag that is so strong a bear cannot rip it. This bear bag is much lighter than other options and can be packed down when parts or all of it are not in use.

Legality

Double check regulations in the area you’re planning to hike to ensure that the bear canister you’re choosing to use meets all legal requirements. Many areas even offer bear canisters for rent so you may not need to purchase one. Call the local land manager’s office for the final word before deciding.

Some areas require a certain type of hard-sided bear canister and other areas will be okay with you using something like an Ursak to protect your food.

Amount of Food You’ll Be Carrying

Finally, consider how many days’ worth of food you’ll usually be carrying in your canister. If you’re a weekend warrior who goes into the backcountry for only a few days at a time, you can save on weight and bulk by purchasing a smaller and lighter bear canister.

On the other hand, if you’re thru-hiking or your backpacking trips tend to last a while, consider a canister that can carry many days’ worth of food.

Why Are Bear Canisters Required?

While bear canisters are not mandated by law in most hiking areas in the US, more parks and public lands each year are beginning to require their use. Having bears (or other critters) break into your food is dangerous for several reasons:

• Wild animals can become dangerously reliant on human food once habituated to its presence. This can cause recurring issues and behavior problems with bears.
• Having animals break into and eat or destroy your food can leave you stranded in the wilderness without enough food to get out safely in some cases.
• If you are located near your food supply then you could put yourself, your group, and even other backpackers at risk by attracting hungry bears or other dangerous wildlife to your area.

Failing to use proper bear-proof canisters for your food can not only create problems for you, it can create problems for future hikers when that same bear returns expecting to find more food.

As responsible stewards of our public lands, it’s our responsibility to protect both the wildlife and other hikers by following proper use guidelines of bear canisters where required by law.

Bear Canister Alternatives

Acceptable alternatives to bear canisters in most areas include:

• Steel bear cables
• Steel bear boxes

Bear cables are permanently constructed platforms where park rangers or volunteers have created secure steel cables that can safely deter bears’ attempts to get at your food. Food bags can be safely suspended high enough above the ground and away from trees so that bears cannot get to the food.

Bear boxes are permanent steel bins resembling rugged trash cans which are usually affixed to concrete foundations. These bins are streamlined to prevent any way for bears to access and break into them but allow for hikers to open and securely close the containers with food inside. These are simple to use and more available than ever in many popular camping locations.

And don’t forget: along with storing your food, in grizzly country you’ll probably want to bring along a can of bear spray.

Conclusion

Everyone’s needs will be different with a bear canister. If you’re looking for lightweight and flexible, the Ursack is probably the tool for you. Others may feel that the larger volume and hard-sided plastic construction of the BV500 is a better fit for their needs. Though, if you really want to keep your Clif bars locked away at night, the smaller, lockable Backpackers’ Cache might be the only solution.

Each of these bear canisters has been used by hundreds or thousands of users with great reviews. Remember to keep your bear canisters secured away from your sleeping space and tied down so that bears can’t run off with them or swat them off a cliff. Finally, before you leave for your trip, be sure to check in with the local land managers to ensure that your choice of bear canister complies with their regulations.

Keep those ‘Tarts safe and enjoy the trail!

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