[MA-RPC] Food Storage at Shelters

[Dan Schwartz]

Hi -

I just recently returned from the ATC conference and backpacking the AT
through the Smokies.  At every shelter there was a cable system for
hanging food.  With the recent bear problems in the eastern ADK High
Peaks region and the NY DEC requiring canisters for backcountry travel 
there - see 
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/propregs/index.html#190p, I
thought I would ask if anyone has been implementing cable systems or
food storage boxes at their shelters.

I did a little web searching and found two company's that sell bear
proof boxes/lockers.

Bearproofinc - http://bearproofinc.com/index.php?p=3

Bearsaver - http://www.bearsaver.com/FoodStorageLockers.htm  -- The
FS24 is about 350 lbs ($826 + shipping) but looks pretty nice.

Does anyone have experiences with these storage boxes or companies, or
other sources for food storage at shelters?  These looked fairly nice to
me, but heavy to move, and possibly need to be regularly monitored for
trash.

I also came across some info about backpacking food canisters..

> Canisters:
> 
> * Backpacker Model 812-C Garcia Machine, 14097 Ave. 272, Visalia, CA 
> 93292 Phone: 559-732-3785 Website: http://www.backpackerscache.com / 
> Customer Service: gmachine at psnw.com
> 
> * BearVault 110b and 200 Visit http://www.bearvault.com for product 
> details and contact information or call Tel / Fax 866-301-3442
> 
> * Bearikade Weekender MKII (1766 and higher) and Expedition MKII 
> (1766 and higher)
> 
> Wild Ideas, LLC P.O. Box 1575 Santa Ynez, CA 93460 Phone: 
> 805-693-0550 Website: http://www.wild-ideas.net/ General Information:
>  info at wild-ideas.net
> 
> * The Bear Keg Counter Assault, 120 Industry Court, Kalispell, MT 
> 59901-7991 Phone: 406-257-4740 or 800-695-3394 FAX: 406-257-6674 
> website: http://www.counterassault.com/


-- 
Dan Schwartz  (Dan.Schwartz at lehigh.edu) 610-758-5061