David, so far as the camper and cooking in bear country is concerned, I have asked NPS and NFS rangers who have simply replied that it is a hard sided vehicle.  But in Yosemite the bears know how to get into cars, and storing food in cars is a no no.  I have wrestled with this conundrum, but have not come up with a satisfactory answer.  I do cook in the van, including in bear country.  I know that others do, too.  I do not leave the hatch, doors, windows open when sleeping in the van in bear, especially grizzly, country.

So far as food in the refrigerator, if the refrigerator is working, then the food is cold, and inside the box to boot.  I would not worry about that.  Cooking?  I'd like to hear more on the subject.  Certainly, everyone knows food smells attract bears.  When camping outside of developed campgrounds, and sleeping in a tent, the rule is to cook 100 yards from the tent and to change clothing after cooking before sleeping.  Clothing that was worn while cooking is supposed to be stored with the food and kitchen equipment either by hanging (required in Yellowstone) or in a bear proof storage device (required in Yosemite).  Rules vary by location and by jurisdiction.  In a developed campground, do whatever the local rules, usually posted, specify.

Should one sleep with the top down if in bear country?

mcneely
---- David Bjorkman <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET> wrote:

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David McNeely