Question about the CT

[BigRingRider101]

I plan on riding  thru the Colorado trail next year. Read a bunch of ride reports, it's all good but couldn't find any info on what people do with food when you're sleeping. Bear bag it? I don't really want to carry a bear voult, and I don't think anybody does.
Have you ever have your food taken away by a bear or any wild life?

[aphoto]

I use an Ursack bear bag and have never had an issue. I can't think of a single place in CO that requires a canister.

http://www.ursack.com/ursack-catalog.htm

[riverfever]

I really try to be responsible when in bear country. I would be devastated if a bear had to be put down due to my irresponsibility in the area of food. Having said that, I generally try to put all food in my pack and then hang it. However, I know my gas tank smells good from all of the different stuff I've had in it and I usually don't remove the empty bag from my bike (although I have when something just didn't feel right). I also know that my jersey pockets probably are full of crumbs at days end and I don't ever shake them out. There have also been times when I am so exhausted that I just fall asleep before hanging or even finishing what I was eating. I've not had a problem but I know I wasn't playing it smart those times.

I think it's definitely worth mentioning that a bear was very recently destroyed in the Twin Lakes area after mauling a teenager. I don't know the full details of the incident but it sounded like the kid was in a campground and the bear had been rummaging through the coolers of nearby spots before it entered the tent and bit this guys leg.

And just FYI...RMNP requires canisters.

[Done]

When I'm backpacking in Colorado with my family, I generally hang food when I'm below treeline. Above treeline, I keep food ~50' away from the tent. I also cook well away from sleeping areas. While bears are generally afraid of people in Colorado, I agree with riverfever that it would suck to contribute to play a role in acclimating a bear to people--resulting in the death of the bear or the injury/death of a person.

On the CTR, I'm not as diligent. But I do keep all food on my bike, well away from my sleeping area. I figure that it's better for the bear to mess with my gear than with me.

I have seen several bears in Colorado over the years--and they've all been running away.

[BigRingRider101]

Thank you guys for the info. The ursack seems like a good idea.

I think I'm pretty good at bear bagging my food. That doesn't mean the food won't attract bears. Just want to be safe and keep them alive.

[aphoto]

.................
And just FYI...RMNP requires canisters.

From NPS.gov "Bear canisters are required at all backcountry campsites below treeline. "

I have never stayed beneath tree line and this rule appears to be recent. That said, I agree with the points expressed above completely. It is up to us to keep bears away from the food. I always use an Ursack but have never had it tested. Nice thing about it is that is doesn't bounce around and roll down hills if a bear gets a hold of it. 

They have some cool videos on their site. In no way am I affiliated with these guys just a happy user both here in the Colorado high country and in the Sierras.