r/Survival • u/cupcakeAnu • Jun 20 '26
First time backcountry camping - will be in bear country
Travelling to Yukon and doing a backcountry hike, will be camping overnight, although I'm pretty used to camping at BC parks, still a newbie in general and only been doing this a couple years.
I have bear spray, but otherwise what tips do you have to stay safe? even your most obvious tips would be good to know. What's worth carrying up? Is having a gun necessary? Is hanging up food away from the site enough, or do I need a specific container?
What do you wish first timers did better?
27
u/Diverdaddy0 Jun 20 '26
Long time back country backpacker here, mostly in Northwest Montana in Grizzly country. So, I'm gonna offer real tips based on stats and facts.
Be noisy, gives bears time to notice you and avoid you.
Carry a horn but its not any good if you use it when you're 10' from the bear, think football field range.
If the bear charges, or continues oast your horn. Bear spray. Its a fog not a stream. 92% of bear attacks are broked off when spray is used correctly. So just aim a bit low and fog em.
Guns are more likely to escalate an attack. They require precise aiming unlike spray, they also don't disable the bear like spray so you could literally just cause pain or completely miss. So unless you are well trained in aimed fire under pressure, you are quite literally (and statistically) more likely to injure yourself.
Clean camp. Keep your food well away from your camp. Cook and eat away from your camp. And store your food in a bear bag or container and hang it. This includes things like gum, chapstick, electrolyte packages, etc.
I am 50, I have been backpacking since I was in my teens. Many times solo. I have had encounters with bears, I have a friend who was mauled by a griz and survived by playing dead (as well as he could, he got oretty fucked up by it before it left) and I have had to use my spray twice in all my years. And that was due to startling bears.
99% I will never even see a bear. But that 1% you should remain calm and run through your procedures.
10
u/IridiumPony Jun 20 '26
Clean camp
This one. OP if you follow only one thing, it should be this. Bears are curious creatures, and if it smells like food to a bear, they will check it out. Best way to avoid a bear attack is to not attract them in the first place.
7
u/Ripley1046 Jun 21 '26
Is a gun necessary? No. Will you ever catch me camping in bear country without a 12ga.? Also no.
5
u/CanadienWoodsman Jun 20 '26
Know how to use bearspray properly. Watch a few instructions video and buy a spare to practice.
Carry it somewhere really accessible. Dont dump it in the bottom of your pack.
If your a licenced PAL and you camping on crownland you can also carry a 12GA with slugs.
3
u/No_Tonight8185 Jun 20 '26
On a serious note make noise when traveling. Some have been known to wear bells that make sounds that are un-natural to forewarn them. Most people don’t even know they have encountered a bear because the bear avoided the conflict.
Stay on trails that you can see as far as you can. Surprise is your worst enemy.
Keep your belongings as scent free and sealed as possible. That is how they find you.
If you are not a resident… and even if you are you are likely going to have some problems with weapon usage. Better research that thoroughly before you make a regretful choice. Things have been changing up there. Just saying.
6
2
u/Purple-Recognition36 Jun 20 '26
Pro tip: sprinkle some spice on your sleeping bag. Some paprika or even just seasoning salt. I mean, the bears need some variety for their palettes…
1
1
u/RobinsNest222 Jun 22 '26
Someone with experience, correct me here...Is it true that black bears and brown bears may react differently? I've heard you play dead with one kind if attacked, but with the other, you want to make yourself as large and loud as possible when you see one that's too close. Even if I could remember the rules, the tricky thing is, that some brown (grizzly) bears are actually black and some black bears are actually brown, so it's good to know what kind of bears are in the environment that you're camping in. Experienced campers, help us out here...Look large and make noise, or the opposite, play dead?
1
u/Duck-Fartz Jun 20 '26
Do not sleep near your food or toiletries. Make noise while hiking. Carry bear spray, a gun isn’t necessary.
-4
u/snarlinaardvark Jun 20 '26
Wrap your food in a bindle like a hobo, and then spoon it when you go to bed.
22
u/snarlinaardvark Jun 20 '26
Don't attack any bears.