Bear Canister Loaner Survey

1.I borrowed a bear canister in:

New Hampshire

Vermont

Massachusetts

Georgia

2.What size bear canister did I borrow?(Required.)

BV450 (small size canister)

BV500 (large size canister)

3.How did you hear about this bear canister loaner program?

From a poster or staff in the Outfitter's store

From a friend

The Green Mountain Club's newsletter, website, or social media

The Appalachian Mountain Club's newsletter, website, social media, or on-Trail staff

The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club's newsletter, website or social media

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's newsletter, website or social media

The US Forest Service's Ranger Station, newsletter, website, or social media

Information provided by a State Park

A website, social media account or other source not listed above.

4.My previous backpacking experience:

I've never been backpacking before

I backpack occasionally (< 3 times a year)

I am a frequent backpacker (more than 3 times a year)

I am a long-distance hiker or previous thru-hiker.

I borrowed the bear canister for an A.T. thru-hike

5.On previous backpacking trips, I would (pick all that apply):

Hang my food bag over a tree branch.

Keep my food bag in my tent.

Store my food in a bear resistant stuff sack.

Use a bear canister.

I used on-site food storage provided at campsites or shelters

I have never been backpacking before.

Other (please specify)

6.On previous backpacking trips when I did not use a bear canister it was because (pick all that apply):

They cost more than I could afford.

I felt they would not fit into/work with my backpack.

I felt they were not light enough.

I did not realize their size, materials and shape are specifically engineered to resist bears.

I did not realize bear canisters also resist rodents.

I did not think I needed a bear canister.

I did not know bear canisters were an option.

I preferred a different method of food storage.

7.I chose to try the bear canister loaner program to (pick all that apply):

Other (please specify)

8.Before borrowing this bear canister my understanding of how to use one was best described as:

No understanding whatsoever.

1 star

Only a vague understanding.

2 stars

I had a basic understanding of how they worked, but I had never examined one.

3 stars

I had examined one in a store or other location but never used one on a camping trip.

4 stars

I have previously used one on a backpacking trip and knew how to use it properly.

5 stars

9.Did a bear try to get into the canister?

No, there was no sign a bear tried to break into the canister.

Yes, a bear tried but failed to break into the canister.

Yes, a bear successfully broke into the canister.