So on Wednesday of this week, Seningen and I destroyed my apartment as we wrestled with bear canisters, equipment, and many many bags. We played the game of tetris trying to get 5 days worth of backpacking food into two bear canisters- no small feat by any stretch of the imagination.
Two people, five days in the wilderness, and two bear canisters to make it happen. This was our challenge. After separating and bagging our meals. A variety of dried meats, trail mixes, Clif Bars, and Oatmeals. As well as squeezing all the air out of every possible bag and wrapper we began to the process of getting it into the canisters.
I am not saying that everything is in one piece. I am not even saying that we will be eating anything other than crumbs for the entirety of the backpacking adventure through the South Country of Shenandoah National Park. What I am saying is that the food is in the bear canisters. This was an eye opening experience for what it is going to be like in Alaska. We are going to need bigger or more bear canisters…which are already a space hog in the backpacks. Which became out next project. How to get these canisters and the equipment into our packs.
Here you can almost see the thought bubble above Seningen’s head as we looked over the equipment that would have to find its way into the bags. While I have been backpacking before, there are things that you forget. One of those things: How much you need to make food, water, and… bodily functions, possible in the wilderness. Water filters and JetBoils were tested and then packed up along with the needed fuel. Sleeping pads, tent, clothes, emergency equipment and first aid kits. Water bladders and water bottles. The list starts to get overwhelming. It wasn’t long until the kitchen, the dining room, and living room was covered by equipment- somewhat sorted.
We worked for a few hours on the project. My son thought his dad and uncle had lost their minds watching us wrestle with all of this. But, at last most of the equipment was divided and stowed in the backpacks. Outside of clothes, the equipment is ready to go… I think. My logistics brain is still suspicious there may be something else we need. I will keep you posted as we descend further into the psychosis.
UnBEARable Adventures 
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