by Phil » Tue May 24, 2016 9:10 am
Another thing about any larger bear canister, regardless of brand, is what else you can fit into it. Weight is always a factor with just about any gear. I think that's a given that we can all agree on. And if it's just food, etc, within reason, as small as you can go and still take what you need for the time you're out is best. But when you start narrowing the diameter of the opening or the canister itself, you get limited in not only access, but in function. If you're splitting hairs for an inch of diameter or length, you have to remember that a larger opening is going to facilitate more than food. And that's a nice option, IMO. Sure the can is a bulky pain, but the gear that gives me the most trouble in fitting somewhere into my pack and taking up awkward volume are things like a few of my stoves, pots, bowls, mugs, canisters...If I can cram it into an only partially full canister, I will, as long as I can get it in there to begin with. This is especially true as the days go by and the can empties. I have more volume with the can upfront, but I can potentially offset that by what I save in being able to fit into it besides food...it's got to go somewhere. And that's the entire basis for the concept of "nesting". I liken it to a few things: Too small a pack and having to strap gear all over the outside of it to carry what I need, too small a stuff sack for my bag and a constant daily fight to make it fit, and traveling with one bigger suitcase instead of several smaller ones. I still need to bring what I need to bring, but compartmentalizing/consolidating gear and optimizing space is just so much cleaner and functional, and if that means a slightly larger bear canister that helps facilitate that at times, so be it.