The Tahoe Rim Trail Association received the canisters from generous donation made by Game Tech International, Inc., one of America’s leading electronic bingo designers and manufacturers, based locally out of Reno, Nev.

Bear canisters are an easy and effective way to protect your food supply and help prevent bear problems in the backcountry. The TRTA strongly advises all backpackers to carry and use bear-resistant food storage canisters instead of other less effective methods such as hanging food. Proper precautions with bears keep the bear’s wild and neither attracted to nor dependent upon people for food.

This helps eliminate bear-human conflict and protects personal property, food, and the bears. In addition to food, bears are also attracted to anything with an odor including sunscreen, insect repellent, soap, and toothpaste. These items can also be stored inside a bear canister. The TRTA BearVault canisters are light weight (2lbs, 9oz), 7 day capacity, super rugged transparent Polycarbonate housing which resists impacts and have built in tie down straps.

The TRTA’s bear canisters are available for free rental to any TRTA member. If you are not a TRTA member, it’s worth the small membership fee given that purchasing an approved bear canister can cost upwards of $80. To reserve a bear canister for your next trip, or for more information, please call the TRTA office at (775) 298-0012. Bear canisters are first-come, first-serve based on availability. Rental applications will be taken with a valid credit card number to ensure the canister’s return.

For more information about the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, call (775) 298-0012 or visit www.tahoerimtrail.org. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association, founded in 1981, is a non-profit organization, which works to enhance, expand, and promote the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and encourage stewardship, and provide assess to the beauty of the Lake Tahoe region. The Association works in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and Nevada State Parks.