We are planning a trip to the Northwest USA and Canada soon. We are still transitioning from "tent" mentality and appreciating the comforts and safety of the Scamp. As a tent camper I know that NO food should ever be in the tent, especially in bear country.
I wonder if anyone has had their Scamp attacked by a bear? Is it safe to keep food in the Scamp? Mostly it would be in the frig but some things in the cabinet (toothpaste?) might have enough odor to attract a critter?
Thanks.
Kate in CO
I would think the scamp would be one tiny step up from a tent ir relation to the strength of a bear. I recently had my chicken house destroyed by a bear and it was a very sturdy shed.
I would clean-up my camp well and dump any outside wash water well away from the campsite and just practice normal camp protocol and not worry. And I would have some bear spray just in case though in Canada they are a bit fussy about pepper spray.
Stay safe..
Badge, I don't have to show you any stinking badges!
Canada does not allow pepper spray in any form (self sefense or bear spray). They do not question your possession of those high pressure, high volumn hornet spray cans. That is what we carry. Have never needed to try it out yet. Only up close and interesting bear encounter was in a Canadian RV park and the manager lady sent her 12 year old son to shoo the critter out of the park.
Do as 49north above says. Also, cover up any coolers you are carrying in the car or have outside. Bears have come to relate all plastic coolers to FOOD!
The reason we bought a hard walled camper was because we wanted time to at least scream before a bear gets in with us. Certainly not enough time in a pop up tent camper. LOL
Bob D
2005 13' Scamp "Lil Critter"
Brenda, AZ
Sorry, but that is incorrect. I have been in Banff multiple times and the big cans of pepper spray are available at many stores. You just have to sign a statement saying that you will not use it on humans. Bringing it across the border is a different story.
My understanding when he was referring to Canada doesn't allow pepper spray in any form was he meant in regards to border crossing.
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Agreed, but I think it is important for travelers in Canadian bear country to know that they can buy "protection" there. I would not want to test the effects of hornet spray on a grizzly!
Thank you for the info. I will definitely look for some pepper spray next time we get to Canada. I also do not want to see if hornet spray really works on a grizzly!!
However, folks should know that there is a notice posted on the bulletin board at our local airport that tells how to tell the difference between the scat of a black bear and a grizzly bear.......the grizzly scat contains pepper and little bells. LOL
Bob D
2005 13' Scamp "Lil Critter"
Brenda, AZ
i just returned from a week at Mono Hot Springs, brown bear country. We had 2 Scamps and 4 tents in 2 side by side sites. Oh, and a brown bear that made a couple of appearances. Rummaging the picnic table (right next to my Scamp while I was standing at the door chatting) at night for scraps, crumbs and drops. Stole a watermelon that had been chilling in the river. And broke into a cooler that someone from another site left outside overnight. He even ran theu the campground one afternoon just to show off be beautiful self.
Keep your coolers in your car at night. Keep your campsite and dishes clean. Keep you dogs on leashes. Be aware of your surroundings. It's their home, not yours. Most of all, ENJOY YOUR TRIP!!
Deb Staines
2016 16’, layout 4
'Rapscallion'
The only time I ever thought about bears was on my Alaska trip. I was 2 months into the trip before I ever saw a bear and that along side the roadway, in fact I saw a black bear meandering along then about a mile down the road there was a grizzly right by the highway.
Any way, what I noticed in campgrounds in Alaska was that no one seemed to cook inside, I don't care what the weather was. I didn't cook inside either. So I love cooking inside, unless it's too hot and I don't want the A/C on, then I'll cook outside. Having said that, when in Bear Country I definitely cook outside. I'm also cautious of the type food I have with me. I put Lily's can of dog food in a zip lock and then in the refridge. I simply think more about food that has a great odor such as peanut butter which a Bear would probably smell 10 miles away.
Joy A. & Olive
2001 13 Scamp "Puff"
Full-timer
2019 1500 Ram Longhorn
SOI #168
We depart for the Smoky Mountains next month for our big vacation of the year! I have educated myself on bears in the area, and behavior around them. One of my slight fears is hiking. I guess we must be aware that they are afraid of us more than we are of them. Just use your head about trash at the camp site, use bear lockers, and be aware.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
When we were in Yellowsone a few years ago, they really push Bear Bells
when hiking. Bears usually only become a problem when you startle them thus the bells let them know you're coming. You've heard of Belling the Cat. 
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