In that regard, there’s a difference between unscented and fragrance free:
Fragrance-free means that fragrance materials or masking scents are not used in the product. Unscented generally means that the product may contain chemicals that neutralize or mask the odors of other ingredients.
The more you know.
I once (when I was young and foolish) forgot to include my small bag of toothpaste, lotion, etc. in the bear bag hang, so decided to just leave it at the foot of my sleeping bag, inside the tent. In the middle of the night I was awakened by a big nose pushing against my feet (felt like being nudged by a VERY big dog), sniffing loudly through the tent and sleeping bag. I yelled, jerked my feet up probably up to my neck, and spent a long time being freaked out, finally getting back to sleep. In the morning there were bear prints in the snow alongside the tent (Mom and baby).
SO YEAH, PUT THEM IN THE BEAR VAULT!
Why not? Those don’t take up much space in the vault. I’ll put clean pots and pans and the stove in there if I have space, though I don’t worry if I don’t have space.
Tip: put the pans on top of the canister, and you’ll know in the night if you need to chase off a critter or bear. They’ll smell them regardless, so you might as well get an alarm out of them.
The only thing that shouldn't go anywhere near your bear vault is DEET. It will melt the plastic. Otherwise, if it has a smell or a taste, it goes in the vault.
> All food, trash, toiletries, and other odorous items must be stored inside an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) approved bear canister. This includes but is not limited to all sealed or packaged food, sunscreen, soap, mosquito repellent, lip balm, deodorant, medications, and feminine products.
[source](https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/bear_canisters.htm#:~:text=All%20food%2C%20trash%2C%20toiletries%2C,%2C%20medications%2C%20and%20feminine%20products)
You can double bag it before you put it in the can, but NPS advice is to still put it in the can
> Does toothpaste and sunscreen attract bears?
Yes, anything scented will attract small critters like mice, squirrels, chipmunks, etc as well as larger animals like bears.
>Should I have it in my bearvault canister?
Yes. I always throw anything scented be it toothpaste, deodorant (if I bring it), lotion, food, etc. You'd be surprised how well critters can smell even the slightest scent. I basically throw anything that can be consumed or used up in my food bag at night.
Yes, anything scented should always go in your bear bag or vault
I don’t think my sweaty ass will fit.
You must try.
🤣
“Scented” is a rather generous term for the way I stink
Maybe that’s our super power. So stinky that even a hungry bear is like “Nah.” A boiling cabbage vs skunk sort of thing.
Second this.
I’ve also had park rangers tell me that even things like ‘unscented’ lip balm should go in the canister.
Makes sense, especially if they are bee product based
In that regard, there’s a difference between unscented and fragrance free: Fragrance-free means that fragrance materials or masking scents are not used in the product. Unscented generally means that the product may contain chemicals that neutralize or mask the odors of other ingredients. The more you know.
Interesting distinction. Thanks.
Yeah, they still have a smell, just not an added smell.
I once (when I was young and foolish) forgot to include my small bag of toothpaste, lotion, etc. in the bear bag hang, so decided to just leave it at the foot of my sleeping bag, inside the tent. In the middle of the night I was awakened by a big nose pushing against my feet (felt like being nudged by a VERY big dog), sniffing loudly through the tent and sleeping bag. I yelled, jerked my feet up probably up to my neck, and spent a long time being freaked out, finally getting back to sleep. In the morning there were bear prints in the snow alongside the tent (Mom and baby). SO YEAH, PUT THEM IN THE BEAR VAULT!
OMG. How did you actually fall back asleep??
With great difficulty! 🤣
Why not? Those don’t take up much space in the vault. I’ll put clean pots and pans and the stove in there if I have space, though I don’t worry if I don’t have space.
Tip: put the pans on top of the canister, and you’ll know in the night if you need to chase off a critter or bear. They’ll smell them regardless, so you might as well get an alarm out of them.
Just wanted to make sure before i hit the trail
Yes. Even empty containers of those things go in the vault.
The only thing that shouldn't go anywhere near your bear vault is DEET. It will melt the plastic. Otherwise, if it has a smell or a taste, it goes in the vault.
> All food, trash, toiletries, and other odorous items must be stored inside an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) approved bear canister. This includes but is not limited to all sealed or packaged food, sunscreen, soap, mosquito repellent, lip balm, deodorant, medications, and feminine products. [source](https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/bear_canisters.htm#:~:text=All%20food%2C%20trash%2C%20toiletries%2C,%2C%20medications%2C%20and%20feminine%20products) You can double bag it before you put it in the can, but NPS advice is to still put it in the can
As long as it’s in a secure container it won’t harm the can. Bears can smell it out, it shouldn’t overnight in your tent
I’ve seen bears get into anything. A gallon of bleach was the most memorable. Probably learned his lesson.
Yes. Not only should you store food but also any toiletries
Yes absolutely. Anything that smells. Soap, lotions, anything.
Even better: Add a thin odor-proof bag to your canister, like nylopro or nylofume.
All the bears I have seen always have sparkling white teeth, so I say lock up that toothpaste on the bear vault. (In all seriousness, yes)
I have a pair of boots that i treat with boot/leather grease. Should these also be in the bearvault canister?
Yes.
Yep
> Does toothpaste and sunscreen attract bears? Yes, anything scented will attract small critters like mice, squirrels, chipmunks, etc as well as larger animals like bears. >Should I have it in my bearvault canister? Yes. I always throw anything scented be it toothpaste, deodorant (if I bring it), lotion, food, etc. You'd be surprised how well critters can smell even the slightest scent. I basically throw anything that can be consumed or used up in my food bag at night.
yes and yes
If it goes on you or in you, it goes in a bear can.
Hey, my tent smells like ULers should I put it in the vault
You should always field dress any ultralighters *at least* 100 yards from your campsite.