Do I need a BearVault on Mt. Pinos? How do I use it?

Hi—I have researched this question online but only hoping to get more practical insights. I’m staying overnight at McGill campground in June. I set up a tent to put my stuff in and sleep in my Bronco.

Do I need a BearVault? If so, where do I put it? I read that you shouldn’t put it in your car or tent, but it will entice bears if left out by itself…. I’m not sure where it should go then. I am new to this. Thank you!

in socalhikingby SealedRoute

90%

15d

pudding7

15d

I'd reverse that. Sleep in your tent and keep your stuff in the car. Forget bears, more likely to have mice or raccoons get into your delicious, unattended tent.

HGFantomas

15d

I know not the intent of OP's post, but I am surprised when I hear people sleeping in there cars while camping. The tent is so much more comfortable. What is this a thing?

aguereberrypoint

15d

there can definitely be pros and cons, and obviously it depends on your car. as long as your car is big enough, the main challenge is getting it flat and level. aside from that, cars are often warmer, more weatherproof, maybe more spacious, and just less stuff to set up or take down in the morning.

zzzzrobbzzzz

15d

that’s because you don’t have a minivan. the air mattress fits perfectly and is supremely comfortable

SealedRoute

15d

The back seat of the Bronco reclines, and I have a fitted air mattress called a Luna that is really comfortable. I like sleeping in a more secure place than my tent too.

sunshinerf

15d

That is not true if you have an SUV or any vehicle qhere the back sear flattens completely. I used to only sleep in my tent until a desert camping trip that included 60mph winds and a tent flattening over me. Took my mat, laid my back seat flat, and slept in the car instead. Ever since then I only sleep in the car and got a kickass setup that's a 10000x more comfortable than any tent I've slept in. I also feel safer when solo camping. And I have way less to do to setup camp!

noDNSno

-1

15d

Aa long as you don't leave your food outside, who gives a fuck how you camp? Haven't gotten around to it, but if my sleeping pad fits in my car then I be open to just sleeping in the car as well as have less stuff to pack up

hikin_jim

15d

You'd probably be OK without it, but it's not like you have to carry it when you are car camping, so it can't hurt.

I normally keep mine outside, well away from my tent. Definitely don't keep it in the tent. Canisters in and of themselves don't attract bears. If a bear does come, so what? He can't do anything as long as the canister is closed. The temptation is to leave it open since it's a pain to open and close. Any time you are more than say six feet away, the canister should be closed.

That said, I don't consider McGill to be high threat. Good bear protocols are always in order, but there's no need to be paranoid.

SealedRoute

15d

Thanks!

jaclyn-cosgrove

14d

Howdy! I have camped there. We left our food in our car, covered up, and had no issues. I cannot recall whether those sites have bear boxes. We have used the big metal bear boxes at spots like Chilao and Buckhorn and had no issues.

Also, there are usually two campground hosts at McGill, which gives me good peace of mind when I camp there.

Get ready for amazing views of the stars at McGill!

SealedRoute

14d

Fabulous, thank you so much!

jaclyn-cosgrove

14d

Hope you have a wonderful time!

It can get chilly up there btw. Also, the hike to Sawmill Mountain is fun. Not toooo hard.

DaRealIllWun

14d

No bear boxes up in Mt. Pinos, but there are bears.

I'd call the corresonding ranger station for proper guidance.

Outdoor_Recovery_651

10d

ideally keep it downwind of your tent (and other campers!) at least ~100ft away.

Like others mentioned, if its locked, the bear wont be able to get into it, if they do find it, they can only really hit it around. I wouldn't recommend keeping food/scented items in your car (even if most of of the time people get away with it) They are capable of smelling through the car, and can easily damage the car. The container is much cheaper than the stress/cost of dealing with any vehicle damages.