Portable Fridge in Bear Country

One of those Tom Cruise bears..... he no match for ole thunder stick!

 

Nice to see this thread still going;

Guess what it comes down to is, what are members here doing?

As I said earlier, I've been fortunate to not have a bear encounter, other than one backpacking trip, so I've always left my ice chest inside my vehicle.

I've dispersed camp throughout different parts of Los Padres and have always left the ice chest inside my truck.

I guess it depends where you're camping; some sites (established) will have a locking bear box whereas other's don't.

What are the rest of you guys doing with your food/ice chests? Better yet, what about everything else that smells like food IE propane stove, dishes, etc.

I've always put everything in a scent-free garbage bag and double bag after I've used it.

 

There is a plethora of bear proof or bear resistant coolers on the market nowadays. That would help alot of folks.

You can wrap a regular cooler with hangar strap for $5 from the hardware store that will defeat any black bear. Wrap it twice and tight to take out any slack, add a 1/4 bolt w/washers and your done.


Your cooler will still get chewed on though and maybe ruined? Just go buy a new one then.

I spray Pine Sol around my truck, and leave a soaked rag in the cab and bed. No issues yet.

Don't eat in your truck on the way up, bears love fast food smell. I'll add if you do want bear or other critter trouble just fry up some bacon on or near your tailgate, and let those bacon smells permeate your topper or RTT.