Rooftop Tents Don't Protect You From Bears: Here's The Real System

Most people assume a rooftop tent keeps them safer in bear country. It doesn't — and here's the system that actually does. In this video I break down exactly how I camp with bears in Alberta's Ghost Wilderness using my 2004 Subaru Forester. Grizzly country. And the one thing keeping me safe isn't my tent's elevation — it's the system. I cover: - Why elevation is a myth (Parks Canada treats RTTs the same as ground tents in high-risk zones) - How I use the Forester as a bear box: rear hatch as the camp kitchen, everything within arm's reach of hard-sided storage - How to read a campsite in grizzly country: bear sign, wind direction, exit routes specific to Ghost Wilderness - My pre-sleep protocol: bear spray placement, car alarm as a deterrent, and the full checklist This isn't generic camping safety advice. This is what I actually do when I pull into Ghost Wilderness, set up the RTT, and go to sleep in grizzly territory. If you're overlanding in Alberta or anywhere in bear country with a rooftop tent, this one's for you TIMESTAMPS 0:00 The question every RTT camper asks 0:25 Why elevation isn't your protection 2:00 Using your Forester as a bear box 4:30 Reading a campsite in grizzly country 6:30 The pre-sleep protocol 8:30 The system that actually works The Forester: Built over a few years the 2004 Subaru Forester XS was built to test the limits of what is capable in an early 2000's Subaru with bolt-ons. Created for overlanding adventures it takes on the hardest offroad trails while having everything for camping. The Forester features: custom interior, rooftop tent, ARB rack with custom mounts, high clearance bumper, winch, Hella lights, transmission cooler, sway bar delete, offroad coilovers, AT tires, Beadlock wheels, overland kitchen and engine and trans skid plates. And to many people's surprise often keeping up with full-size 4x4s. Looking for parts? Check out our company: https://flat4offroad.ca/ About Chase Schrader: Based in Alberta, Canada, Chase Schrader is a multidisciplinary digital creative that focuses on automotive content. Through his two Subarus, a 2004 STi and 2004 Forester, he actively engages in both the race and overland community. As a community member, he engages with others and looks to further develop it through his networks. Join the channel today and get exclusive perks: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChaseSchrader/join Socials: Automotive Content - https://instagram.com/schrader_labs/ Our Parts Company - https://instagram.com/flat4offroad/ Content Creation - https://instagram.com/chase_schrader/ #bear #camping #overlanding