Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2015 8:47:43 GMT -8
Hi All,
I will be backpacking the four pass loop in Aspen, CO this August, most likely the 18th through the 21st, or 17th through the 20th. Anyway, this is my first time flying to a destination to backpack, and I have checked carryon rules and most of my pack items are ok as checked luggage.
However, fuel canisters (understandably) and bear mace is not allowed. While I'm sure they have a store locally to get that stuff, I would rather not have to venture around too much to find the supplies, and I already have bear mace, which is pretty pricey. Who has experience shipping supplies to your destination? I will be staying in a hotel the night I arrive in Aspen, and again following my return, so I'm thinking about mailing those supplies there.
Can I mail bear mace and fluid gas canisters? I'd imagine it's ok, since you can order that stuff online anyway, just want to make sure.
Thanks!
Mike |
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Jul 14, 2015 9:20:03 GMT -8
on the bear spray and gas canisters I'd check with the post office themselves rather than assume anything: I just mailed a package and I signed off on a lot of "does not contain hazardous material" on the form and both of those would appear to qualify. They might require special package signage (ORM-D) or other compliance to D.O.T. regulation which is how you might get stuff shipped to you. A quick glance at REI showed "surface shipping only" for example on Coleman liquid fuel.
Ground transport only would take longer so best to know now: and they restrict how much dry ice can be shipped on an aircraft (2,000 lbs, I hit that limit when I shipped an entire lab's frozen research material across the country) so I would understand either special packaging for the bear spray (a severe irritant) or a canister, a fire hazard.... on an aircraft with it's particular vulnerabilities.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2015 9:22:12 GMT -8
Thanks for the reply. I'll plan on ground transport. I was thinking of contacting the hotel in advance to let them know I'm sending them a package they need to store for me.
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toejam
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Post by toejam on Jul 15, 2015 4:28:21 GMT -8
In case you haven't been to Colorado, it's a very outdoors-oriented place and there are probably 1000 places to get stove fuel. The nearest convenience store to your hotel probably has it. And there are no bears in Colorado that need macing, so you don't need to worry about that either.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Jul 15, 2015 9:44:24 GMT -8
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2015 8:44:45 GMT -8
I have not been to Colorado for an extended period of time. However, my itinerary is tight and I don't want to rely on local sources for gear in case I don't have enough time or have issues with transportation.
I'm pretty sure there are only black bear species in the area, which I know are shy and avoid human interaction, but I'd like to ne prepared in the event I might run into a cub and its mother. Always be prepared, right?
Plus, I've been reading reports of increased bear activity in the Aspen area, so my chances of encountering one has gone up.
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toejam
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Post by toejam on Jul 16, 2015 10:46:39 GMT -8
"I've been reading reports of increased bear activity in the Aspen area, so my chances of encountering one has gone up"
Only if you are planning to camp near trash cans on the edge of town. I never saw a bear in CO in 14 years of hiking there.
And if you were going to some small, remote town, your concern about fuel could be justified. But it will be really easy to find in Aspen.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jul 23, 2015 21:35:13 GMT -8
I don't think either of those is legal to mail. But you don't need to. As toejam says, you don't need bear spray, and you can pick up fuel darn near anywhere. If you switch to an alcohol stove, you can REALLY get fuel anywhere  |
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Aug 5, 2015 22:35:13 GMT -8
It's not the bears to worry about. It's the marmots, porcupines, squirrels, rabbits, mice that are a more likely threat to tent, pack and food supplies. So skip the bear spray.
Stay away from abused campsites, especially any with campfire rings. This indicates the potential of previous campers to have sloppy and messy habits that attract and may accelerate aggressive behavior from small animals. The area around the stream leaving Snowmass Lake is a good example of an abused area.
I recently executed multiple mailings and forwarding of 8 oz. MSR gas canisters through UPS and USPS. You will need to buy ORM-D Stickers for packaging and perhaps study up on CFR 49 or USPS Publication 52 Appendix A to eliminate any bureaucratic and clerical delays at the post office. To use UPS you must go to a UPS Service Center not a UPS Store. Shipping fuel canisters is an uncommon transaction that has a 50% chance of generating a hassle with the USPS or UPS Clerk.
I have developed a one page, process flow chart, shipping rationale for MSR canisters based on the above referenced regulations. Send me a message and I'll e-mail you or any interested party a pdf copy.
Since you are doing the Four Pass loop there is no re-supply required. (1) 4 oz. or 8 oz. canister should be way adequate for your needs.
As previously suggested by rebeccad, it's a fairly common commodity in Colorado. Try Summit Canyon in Glenwood Springs, they carry MSR products. if your coming over Independence Pass, Twin Lakes General Store stocks gas canisters. I would call both in advance to verify inventory and store hours. The Trailhead in Buena Vista the same.
Note: Your shipping costs for (1) gas canister (hazardous material) will exceed the cost of the canister. UPS charged me $13.47, USP slightly less. Since it's a ground shipment, lead times should be considered also.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Aug 6, 2015 4:15:27 GMT -8
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