Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Ursack in Inyo

I know this subject has been discussed here a few times, but I wanted to get a confirmation from seasoned folks who know the rules since getting park rangers on the phone is currently very difficult - are Ursacks legally allowed in the part of Ansel Adams Wilderness that falls into the Inyo National Forest jurisdiction? I am taking a group of colleagues to hike a loop from Agnew meadows to Thousand Island lakes via River trail and then back via JMT SB. We have a couple of bear canisters, which we plan to bring, but the combined space is not sufficient to pack all the food in for 8 people. I would rather complement these canisters with a couple of available Allmitey Ursacks, considering that renting more canisters is a PITA and buying is not practical.

Thanks in advance.

P.S. Please refrain from off-topic comments. Having used both systems extensively (in compliance with park's regulations), I am aware of their advantages and limitations.

I was told, last year, by staff at the USFS White Mountain station that the Ursack was allowed in Inyo County. I have been using it for several years in Inyo County. However, once you leave Inyo County into other areas, like over Bishop Pass into Seki, or Yosemite, the rules change. Call the Bishop USFS White Mountain station office for confirmation. Don't be put off by hesitant USFS staff, because the regulations say "bear resistant", not "bear proof". No container, hard sided or otherwise, is "bear proof."

https://ursack.com/pages/where-ursack-is-approved

Anton, your hike never enters the national parks, so the Ursacks are good! Enjoy your trip!!

Thanks a lot, gentleman!

Steve: Clearly, I am still a bit confused with park's boundaries, despite hiking and climbing all over the range for 12 years. Well, perhaps the NPS will improve the quality of their publicly available maps one day.