What is the best dimension of bear locker I should plan for?

camping backpack dimensions image

Jennifer

Normally my family and friends tend to go camping in areas, mainly privately owned campsites, where bear lockers are not mandatory. This year we are going to a number of state parks where locking food and other supplies in the bear lockers is mandatory. I have quickly realized bear lockers come in a variety of sizes listed on the National Parks website but I am also going to some State Parks this years too, such as Calaveras. I will be going to buy a new cooler for this summer and wanted to know the average locker size I should plan for so that I do not end up with a cooler that is too big. (I realize I could just call Calaveras for the locker dimensions but I am trying to plan for future trips too)

Also, I was looking at REI and saw those bear canisters for sale. Am I right in assuming that those canisters do not need to go into a locker as long as they are closed properly or will I get fined? That would save space in the locker if that was the case, otherwise what would be the point then?

Answer
The canisters are designed for backpacking. I have heard of Kevlar bags that even function as bear-proof storage containers. In remote wilderness settings, I have never had any problem bear enter my dispersed campsite. However, I have encountered many bears in developed campgrounds where bears have been trained to exploit food and trash left by irresponsible campers.

Contact California State Parks and ask the rangers about what typical car campers utilize to meet the "locker" criteria, if you intend to camp in developed campsites. Usually, where bear-proof storage is a requirement, such as Grand Teton National Park and Katmai National Park and Denali National Park, metal storage lockers are provided for each campsite. You are merely required to safely store your food and fuel. I have never needed to purchase a bear canister, although some parks rent them for backcountry campers.

Calaveras State Park: (209) 795-2334

Where can I buy a Jansport Blue Square Backpack?

Julia

There's this backpack that I really like and I don't know where I can buy one. Does anyone know where to get this?

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://s10.thisnext.com/media/largest_dimension/1BAE44B5.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.thisnext.com/topic-gold-jansport-backpack&usg=__uGaxCDIYgO_fiP5DCD8OyhlvXzw=&h=230&w=230&sz=11&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=PukjCQHoQj9fNM:&tbnh=148&tbnw=159&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwhere%2Bto%2Bbuy%2Bjansport%2Bblue%2Bsquare%2Bbackpack%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us%26rlz%3D1I7ADSA_en%26biw%3D1003%26bih%3D542%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=192&ei=TU91TNekKZC8sAOe_5GhDQ&oei=TU91TNekKZC8sAOe_5GhDQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0&tx=69&ty=55

or this

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.luggagewarehouse.com/ProductImages/jansport/jt5014sr.jpg&imgrefurl=http://baba-whitesheep.livejournal.com/4894.html&usg=__w3pd1jzKxgLi0p6yMsGRd5xUSHc=&h=300&w=300&sz=16&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=ZhXlTbvze7ZCHM:&tbnh=147&tbnw=160&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dwhere%2Bto%2Bbuy%2Bjansport%2Bblue%2Bsquare%2Bbackpack%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us%26rlz%3D1I7ADSA_en%26biw%3D1003%26bih%3D542%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=172&ei=w1N1TKW5AoiisQPClaShDQ&oei=w1N1TKW5AoiisQPClaShDQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:0&tx=111&ty=87

( They're two slightly different types of backpacks, but the same design )
I checked lots of store's websites, and I can't find it. Does anyone know where to find it? No links please. I don't want to buy online. Only at a store. And I also checked this website :

http://jansport.com/js_product_detail.php?cid=&pid=TDN7

But for some reason the design doesn't show up. Does that mean they don't make that design anymore? Thanks in advance!

Answer
Hi Julia!
You can buy Jansport Blue Square Backpack on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Dnb%5Fsb%5Fnoss%26field-keywords%3DJansport%2bBlue%2bSquare%2bBackpack%26url%3Dsearch-alias%3Daps&tag=digitsy-post-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

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any recommendations for a sleeping bag?

camping backpack dimensions image

Oldschoolj

Im going on a weekend backpacking trip and I need a sleeping bag. I want something "compressible" so it doesn't take much space. I only camp in the spring, summer, and fall, mainly in the northwest (Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan). I think a 30* bag should be ok but i don't want to spend more than $100 as i am not an avid camper, just occasional. thanks!

Answer
Check out Campmor's online catalog.
http://www.campmor.com
They probably have the best range of sleeping bags and the best prices anywhere for quality goods. From my own experience, Cabela's tends to be overpriced and Walmart and Sear's stuff doesn't hold up or keep you as warm as promised. Another nice thing about Campmor is they have charts showing the exact size, weigh, temp rating and both bag and packed dimensions of the bags so you can compare. They always have great closeout and sale deals too. I have bought gear from just about every outlet you can think of over the years and have always been very pleased with everything from Campmor -- they ship quickly and their customer service is great.

Is this a good backpack for a heavy load?

rockon199

http://www.zumiez.com/dakine-factor-charcoal-and-green-backpack.html

Is it a good backpack for about 3 textbooks, a binder, notebooks, etc.?

Answer
NO, it's really quite small. Look at the dimensions -- Only 17" x 12" x 6 1/2". I think you will be shocked if you order it online when it comes and you see the actual size. It would be stuffed to the max with a couple of books and a binder and it doesn't have a hip belt to stabilize the load or transfer the weight to your hips. The shoulder straps don't look well cushioned and the hardware and strapping looks flimsy. It also doesn't appear to have a laptop sleeve. And the pockets aren't very impressive. You'll blow out those mesh side holsters in no time. In my opinion it is quite overpriced for what little you get.

I sold high-end packs for a number of years and have used a pack almost every day for hauling things. This one looks designed more for carrying a light lunch and water bottle for a day hike than hauling heavy school supplies. You should also try on any pack before you buy it, with some weight in it to see how it carries and fits you. Everyone is built differently and not all packs feel the same. Don't just buy on looks, but concentrate on function. Look for a camping and backpacking shop in your area (like REI, L.L. Bean or an independent outfitters) and try on packs there. Even the "off price" stores like TJ MAxx and Marshalls often have a good selection of quality daypacks in their luggage departments for half what that Dakine is selling for. Sierra West is one brand that makes excellent backpacks that often show up at these type of discount outlets

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Help finding a molle compatible bag to add into my system?

camping backpack dimensions image

Bob

I have a backpack that features molle webbing on the bottom in addition to sides, and I want to use that to expand on the cargo capacity. (putting together a kit that in full can be used for camping, but through the modular nature of molle can quickly be minimized into a basic 3-day survival bag) Ideally, I want a "bag" (really more a big pouch if we want to get technical) that's about 10"x8"x8" with molle strips on at least one of the 10x8 sides (running such that a molle stick would be parallel to the 8" side- if any of my size/shape descriptions are unclear, please say so and I'll post a sketch)

It can be a few inches bigger in any dimension, but prefereably no smaller. A single compartment is fine, but if it has smaller outer pockets (or more molle to attach pouches) even better

If you've seen or own anything like this, just a link would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
if you look at the picture of the bag in this product: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003IPI6P0/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

though it doesn't appear to anymore, I saw this a while back and remember that the surface of the outer pockets were all covered in molle webbing. this is more of a duffel bag (though that would work fine, if I took the carry strap off) but its just to give an idea of the size/shape I'm looking for.
with the amazon link about, don't worry about the first aid contents, that not what this is for, just look at the product image that shows just the bag and imagine that bag with molle... just showing it to give an idea of the size/shape of thing I'm looking for

Answer
Link is no good but "molle" accessories can be found at any military surplus. That first aid thingamajig on Amazon is way overkill for camping needs or a bug out bag. Consider this advice from REI,
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/firstaid-kits.html

How to Pick Your Next Camping Tent?

Yue Gao

How to Pick Your Next Camping Tent

Answer
Are you backpacking or car camping? The former stresses compact packed-size and light weight, while the latter favors extra floor space and stand-up height.

Are you a fair-weather camper or all-weather camper? If the latter, make sure your tent has a full-coverage rain fly, one-piece bathtub floor, and lots of guy-down points. Pay attention to reviewer's reports of performance during rain.

Ignore the capacity ratings for tents, there are no true standards. Instead, figure out how much space you and your tent-mates need to layout and sleep comfortably, leaving a little extra room to maneuver. Then get a tent that provides least that much floor space. Remember that sloping walls take away as much as 12" from each dimension unless you want to be pressed against the wall.

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