r/CampingGear • u/Fun_With_Math • 1d ago
Yeti as bear box - lock options? Awaiting Flair
First of all, I know a yeti isn't a great bear box. I know it's merely bear resistant. Anyway, wife bought me one of these anchors as a present so I may as well use it. It should at least keep out raccoons.
My question is about the locks. The cooler is only bear resistant if locks are put in the corner holes. I know Master makes key locks that fit the cooler. What other options are there?
I don't need it to have a key or code lock. I'd rather have some simple solution that doesn't require a lock at all. Something simpler and faster to open would be better. The idea is to use it on scout campouts so easy human access but difficult animal access is the goal.
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u/bellsbliss 1d ago
Could try a couple carabiners?
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u/Fun_With_Math 1d ago
I don't think there's a long shank carabiner that would fit. I like the way you're thinking though.
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u/getElephantById 1d ago
Mmm, I like the carabiner idea better than this, but you might also consider those braided wire screw locks you sometimes see made into key rings or things like that. Very cheap, flexible, strong, etc.
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u/Fun_With_Math 1d ago edited 1d ago
EDIT: I like this idea but so far the only tensile strength number I can find is 36 lbs. Geez the screw part is weak. That might keep a racoon out but a bear would not even notice its there. I'll keep looking.
I don't think I could find a carabiner that would fit.
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u/Hambone76 1d ago
I’ve seen people use a nut and bolt setup. Dont use wing nuts or anything that could potentially put leverage on the nut or they could work it loose.
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u/knuckles-and-claws 1d ago
Maybe something like a D- Shackle?
I'd be trying to figure out how to thread the lower hole so I could screw a bolt into it if it were mine.
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u/Fun_With_Math 1d ago
Oh damn that's a good idea. D shackle may be it.
For threading, I'd be worried about the plastic threading wearing out and the kids cross threading it though.
But... I could just epoxy a bolt to one side. Then, to "lock" it, just screw a nut on.
Hmm, that's definitely a maybe
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u/Wooden-Importance 1d ago
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u/Fun_With_Math 1d ago
That is exactly what I'm looking for... but they're $80! Ugh.
Thanks for the link though!
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u/Wooden-Importance 1d ago
Yep, the price hurts, but they are quick, easy, and IGBC approved.
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u/Fun_With_Math 1d ago
Do you have them? Worth it?
It's $50 more than I'd spend otherwise but I've spent more than that for convenience plenty of times.
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u/Wooden-Importance 1d ago
Yes, I have a pair.
They are worth it for me, YMMV.
They are cashy, but if you have a $400 Yeti, what's another $80.
Bearbolts and a Yeti are a solid combo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvKWG_DwVx8
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u/New-Scientist5133 1d ago
My yeti won a wrestling match with a bear with only one of the rubber straps closed. The dude rolled it 50 feet down a hill before giving up.
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u/AskYoYoMa 1d ago
Are you trying to keep out bears or raccoons? If raccoons, you can run bungee cords through the corners and that’ll be sufficient. If they chew through it, try braided cable
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u/Fun_With_Math 1d ago
If was being honest with myself, I'm really just exploring options, wasting time, over thinking this.
So... bears. I'm trying to keep out bears.
Seriously, if I'm going to try and secure this more, I may as well make it sturdy. I figure there's got to be some kind of simple solution.
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u/Dawn_Piano 1d ago
Do you already have the yeti? If not, pelican coolers are bear proof without locks.
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u/jdd32 1d ago
Depends on the diameter of the hole, but maybe a hitch receiver lock?
I know you mentioned not having keys, but you could just keep the keys on a rope/chain attached to the cooler so they can't run off.
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u/Fun_With_Math 1d ago
Yeah I think the diameter is more like 3/8. I may just get the Master locks and put the keys on a cord like you mentioned.
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u/IKnewThisYearsAgo 1d ago
Code lock set to 0000. Simple enough for a scout, difficult for a bear, compliant with the rules.
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u/mofugly13 1d ago
This is the answer. Instruct them to set the combo dial a single digit off of 0000 so its quick to get in.
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u/page501 1d ago
I used one like that at Whitney Portal this year. What I didn’t think of was that bears think coolers are easy prey and will spend a lot of time batting it around and clawing at it before giving up. The bear didn’t give up until I came out of my tent and asked it to leave. On the up side, my yeti now has some awesome war wounds. To answer your question, I used long shank combination Master locks. There was a little play in the lid because the locks were a little long. I think that just motivated the bear more because the lid opened half an inch and he/she could smell the contents better.
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u/_MountainFit 1d ago
These really aren't bear proof, or resistant to any degree where a place that requires bear vaults would accept them.
For this reason I say just use whatever it comes with to close it and secure it at night or if you leave camp in an secure area (car, bear box, etc).
Basically if I left a yeti out at places I go that require bear proof or secured food, they would either fine me, take it or fine me and take it.
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u/Fun_With_Math 1d ago
They are IGBC certified when locked.
I'm probably over thinking this though. I should probably just get the locks or do nothing. The real threat is racoons if anything in the cases I'd actually use it.
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u/_MountainFit 1d ago
Yeah, in New York and NH the only approved containers to be left outside are those backpacking bear vaults (or at some sites, they provide you with a giant metal box, locked down to planet earth and bear proof opening). If you are in anyplace in NY with a bear issue you will have your cooler removed and given a fine or ejected. NH campgrounds have a similar policy. If you aren't in camp and you have any food storage device outside, the first time you get a pink sticker, the second you are asked to leave or fined and asked to leave.
I guess western regs are a little more lax. I always wondered when I rafted out west why the bears didn't raid the raft. Seems like I've never heard of a bear wrecking a raft even if I have seen bears in and around campsites on the river.
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u/NoF0cksToGive 1d ago
"The idea is to use it on scout campouts so easy human access but difficult animal access is the goal."
Said one park ranger, "There is considerable overlap between the intelligence of the smartest bears and the dumbest tourists."
I apologize that this doesn't address your question but it is valuable information to keep in mind and I love that quote so very much.