Question about using a cast iron pan as a bear deterrent

On a trip in the Adirondacks last fall, my only options for dealing with a curious raccoon were my brand new titanium spork or my heavy 10-inch cast iron skillet. I chose the skillet, banged it with a rock, and the noise worked, but my friend still calls me 'the skillet sentinel'. Has anyone else used regular camp gear in a totally weird way that actually worked?

3 comments

3 Comments

hernandez.jordan2mo ago

Why not just use the spork next time?

kevin_sullivan13d ago

Honestly, "just one noisy moment" really hits the nail on the head. That skillet might have clattered around for miles, and it stinks when you're trying to be quiet on the trail. I get why someone would want the heavier gear sometimes, but it's rough when it backfires like that. Ngl, this whole thing just sounds like a bummer of a situation, and I feel for you. Hope the next trip is smoother and a lot more peaceful.

thea_torres2mo ago

Actually, @hernandez.jordan has a point about the spork being lighter to carry. That skillet must have weighed down your pack for miles just for one noisy moment. Sometimes the simplest tool you already have on hand is the smarter choice.