Took me 5 years to figure out I was packing my bear can wrong

Last summer on the Uinta Highline Trail, I stopped to dig out my dinner and realized I had to unpack half my bag to get to the bear can. It was buried under everything because I always put it in first. A guy I met at the trailhead near Kamas said he puts his can in sideways at the bottom, then layers his tent and clothes above it. That one tip saved me 15 minutes of digging every night for the rest of the trip. How do you all pack your can without losing your mind over access?

3 comments

3 Comments

riley_taylor28d agoTop Commenter

Oh man, I feel your pain so hard on this one! I spent way too many trips doing the exact same thing, digging through my whole pack just to grab my dinner at night. It drove me nuts until a buddy showed me the sideways trick too, and honestly it changed my whole system. Now I put my can in sideways right at the bottom, then stuff my puffy jacket and sleeping bag on top so everything stays tight. I also keep my spoon and a small bag of snacks in the same outside pocket so I don't have to open the main compartment at all until camp. It's such a simple fix but it makes a huge difference when you're tired and just want to eat.

bettywood28d ago

Gotta admit, I was stubborn about putting my can in first for years. Finally tried the sideways trick on a trip last month and it really does make a world of difference.

blairtaylor26d ago

Wasted way too many meals digging through my pack like a raccoon before I saw the light too.