Bears?

In some parts of the country I'd recommend staying in campgrounds with bear boxes available for campers. Yes a determined bear can rip their way into most RVS if they choose to do so but it would be like breaking into a paper sack for a hybrid with bunk ends extended. If you turtle, you would have no issues not faced by everyone else. Keep in mind that MOST actual CAMPGROUNDS will have a number of folks in tents scattered around the campground and you're a few steps above them when it comes to bears.

I certainly wouldn't choose/reject a rig type based on this parameter. Ours is a big country, and except for a few hot spots bears aren't that big a problem for recreationists unless camped in an "urban interface" area where once-wild bears have become accustomed to raiding garbage cans and other human-based food sources.

I've camped in remote "wild bear country" all over the Pacific Northwest, and the ONLY place I've ever seen a bear is on my own thirty-four acres here in Hadlock!

Also: the number of campgrounds that "restrict" to hard-sided only for this reason is very, very small.

bikendan wrote:
does the places you camp have bear problems?
if you want to camp in a campground that has bear problems, simply "turtle" your hybrid, if you are worried.
even at Fishing Bridge CG, in Yellowstone, where they ban soft-sided trailers, they will allow a hybrid if they "turtle", by not deploying the canvas ends.

Two miles down the road from Fishing Bridge is a campground that permits soft side campers (They post signs "No Bears Allowed"). Its a bit silly to use the bears rationale at Fishing Bridge to keep out soft side campers. I believe it has more to do with Fishing bridge being more amenable to motorhomes, etc. The campground is most always full so they do not need to try to attract other campers.

To my knowledge no one in a softside camper has ever been injured by a bear at Yellowstone, but as mentioned in the other posts you need to use common sense and not put yourself intentionally at risk - There is always a first time. I believe the bears are much more wary when there are many people around and thus they are more easily scared off.

My only encounter was with a black bear while camping in a tent. This bear had been at the campground before and was not leaving until he got all the goodies he wanted (I think he was related to Yogi). I practically had to push him with my car to get him to leave.

While visiting Glacier NP a ranger told me a good compressed air boat horn is as effective as bear spray (and much cheaper). Also some say wasp spray is just as good. However, bear encounters are rare and you are much more likely to be struck by lighting. Oh yeah, look up at those big limbs overhanging your camper and imagine what the wind could do.

Enjoy the great outdoors and don't become too paranoid.

We were in a tent at Yellowstone when a bear came through. We didn't have any food out but that didn't stop him from sniffing at everything. The neighbor left out some coolers and he went through those.
It really didn't make any difference as to whether we left food out. That bear was way to close to my family.
There is no way I would camp in anything "soft" in bear territory again.

Most campground in bear country are segregated by the term "hard side only". Those are the ones that are a problem with pop-up, hybrids, and tents. If possible just camp with the walls closed and it's a "hard side". Otherwise just look for campground that are "safe" for pop-ups.

Now that doesn't mean there aren't going to be warnings. What the others have said above applies. Keeping food and other good smelling things locked up is important. The idea is that it'll keep the bears out of the campground to keep it as pop-up/hybrid safe campground.

The National Park Service website has excellent articles on bears and what you should do and not do to have a pleasant camping experience. Also the internet is full of articles about bears. But with that said, as others have said, if the bear really wants in, they will get in. I remember as a small boy when on vacation seeing what a bear can do to a car if he or she wants in. I saw cars with the doors pulled down from the door edge,just like rolling down a window.
They crawl in, tear out the backseat and get the trunk area. I have been backpacking and RV camping for fifty years and have had only one bear encounter so be "bear smart" read up on the do's and don'ts and have a great time.

as loulou said, if a bear wants in, they can easily get in a trailer, hybrid or not.

does the places you camp have bear problems?
if you want to camp in a campground that has bear problems, simply "turtle" your hybrid, if you are worried.
even at Fishing Bridge CG, in Yellowstone, where they ban soft-sided trailers, they will allow a hybrid if they "turtle", by not deploying the canvas ends.

we've camped at Yosemite, in our hybrid. we just followed the park's bear policies.

As mentioned. Take nothing inside. Especially tooth paste. they love it. Just do as you would with a popup, or tent. Everything good smelling. Goes in the truck, and NEVER EVER cook inside the camper.

When we are in our tent.....

Nothing we have worn outside of the tent goes inside.
No food, toiletries, or any fabric softened items in the tent.
We brush our teeth an hour before bed.
All food items are in bins in the truck
No food items or dirty dishes, or dish soap left on picnic table.

When we are in our TT there are no cooking utensils or food left out.
The Baby Weber is washed and put in truck.

One thing I do always when we know we have visitors at night is...I wipe everything down outside with amonia or bleach. Table etc. They don't like the smell.

If you are overly concerned about bears you will not enjoy your trip. Get in touch with natural resources or a game warden and get educated.

Be aware and be wise. If anyone tells you that there is nothing to be concerned about with bears are just plain fools.

No issues, just easier for the bears to open.