I've backpacked with a Garcia for years. My backyard consists of Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, National Monuments, and Sierra/Sequoia National Forests, plus a sprinkling of Wildernesses. and just over those hills, Inyo/Toiyabe/etc in California. I went with a BV450 a few years ago. There's a trick to opening it easily, and one time the lid actually got stuck in the closed position by items inside. Last year I picked up an XL Ursack. Ideal trees are difficult to find for hangs, and I'm not good at them anyway. I'm looking forward to using my new Ursack (in the areas where a canister is not mandatory) when traveling by bike but since the pandemic started, trips have been cut short.

My first bikepacking trip up into a National Forest my buddy and i took my Garcia (before i bought the BV450). It wasn't required, but it's a good idea. His Surly DT with front and rear racks made it easy to strap the Garcia to the front. I just wish I had painted a big smile on the bottom of the canister, which faced forward while riding.

For those considering any of these options, REI has a 20% off sale at various times of the year. Plus as a member with a healthy purchasing history, you earn annual dividends. And if you go with an REI mastercard, you earn reward points. My XL Ursack was basically free.

erc/fresno, ca.