Hi Folks!
Yesterday the maps finally arrived - thank you ACA for doing such a fantastic job!! What a tour this will be! Don't know if I will be able to go this summer or next, but right now, looking out the window where I live in Germany, the rain is blowing horizontally and for May it is really cold! - well, checking out the maps will sure help me get through the day!!
In addition to my passion for cycle touring I am a JMT-Junkie and into semi-light backpacking - getting lighter every year! These two sports really complement each other and my gear is just about the same for both. I have a Bearikade Weekender carbon fiber bear canister that weighs about 2lbs. and also makes a nice camp stool. I have a good set-up to secure it on my back rack and it would replace a waterproof Ortlieb stuff sack that weighs 220g, about 1/2lb. I'm aware that the campgrounds in areas where bears are an issue have bear boxes, and (for the company) I mainly stay at campgrounds and motels, but I am not opposed to stealth camping if I discover a really good spot and I am for some reason not inclined to ride on to the next campground.
Hiking the JMT, the only time I have ever seen a bear was at the backpackers campground at Tuolumne Meadows where one stole my neighbor's sandwich off her table.
Would it be an overkill to pack the bear canister? I would really appreciate any thoughts on this!
Cheers! Susan
