This is what I found:
In 2009 the Inyo National Forest canister rules were anything manufactured to be bear resistant. This meant Ursacks were legal. However, Ursack lost its suit with the feds last fall; therefore, check the Inyo's website for what they deem acceptable before bring your perfectly fine Ursack.I did a bit of research before investing in a heavy and bulky bear canister and if I remember correctly, you are allowed to use
"Approved" bear resistant containers, in which Ursack was not on the approved container list.
Looks like Ursacks are not approved because they need to be hung....and a large portion of the Whitney Zone is above tree line. Here's a great link to a conversation I found from this board:
Ursack vs Bear Canisters Where is the approved list? Order #04-10-02 for the year 2010 says "Containers designed to prevent access by bears", no specific brand of canister. However, if you go over NAP and head down the Rock Creek Drainage and enter Sequoia NP, you will need a SEKI approved canister, Ursack is not on their approved list...if you can find that list you are a better person than me. When I looked in August the link was broken. Ursack advised their product was not approved for this area; therefore, I took my Bearikade.
As for above the tree line, bears are not an issue. The Ursack gets hung off a wall, so the marmots can't get to it. I've used it that way many times, including Trail Camp in May 2007, and have not had any problems. I would be comfortable using a nylon stuff sack at Trail Camp but it's not designed to prevent access by bears; therefore, not in compliance.
