Q: Is the Palisade EST Certified?

A: TESTING TIMELINE

April 2007: initial product test at the Grizzly and Wolf Discover Center in West Yellowstone, MT. Result: SUCCESSFUL DETERRENCE.

April 2007: Palisade EST submitted to the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group. SIBBG Representative assigned for Palisade EST Testing.

April 2007: Palisade EST submitted to the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee for testing.

April 2007: Palisade EST passes Visual Inspection, Initial Field Test, and begins field testing with the IAGBC.

May 2007: SIBBG receives Palisade EST units to test.

May 2007: IAGBC suspends Palisade EST testing due to administrative delays.

June 2007: Yellowstone National Park receives custom electrified shelters, and custom electrifed Palisade EST bags for bear detterence programs.

June 2007: Grand Teton National Park requests and receives Palisade EST for testing and review.

October 2007: scheduled SIBBG meeting to discuss viability of Palisade EST.

January 2008: SIBBG Testing Moratorium in place.

February 2008: Independent, 3rd party field test arranged to take place in Central Idaho.

March 2008: SIBBG evaluation complete. Palisade EST denied approval for use in SIBBG managed areas. Approval of the Palisade EST was denied based upon:

1)Palisade EST does not pass SIBBG Visual Inspection.

2)Potential for user error determined to be too great in Palisade EST

3)Safety issues with regard to human use.

Based on SIBBG protocol, the Palisade EST was denied approval without ever being tested by any captive or wild bears.

April 2008: IAGBC begins field test of Palisade EST.

May 2008: IAGBC field tests continue. Results: SUCCESSFUL DETERRENCE.

July 2008: Independent, 3rd Party testing in Central Idaho continues. Extensive Video Documentation collected, and beginning to be reviewed.

Q: What size storage sack do I need?

A: ...well that depends on how much you eat! See the table below as a general guideline. Keep in mind, you can add another storage sack to a single controller by using the optional array to increase total volume, or to break up the chore of carrying food between people.

Q: How does the optional array system work?

A: The optional array allows you to use one Controller with multiple storage bags with the guarantee of the same level of deterrence and protection. Ideally suited for youth groups, families, rental programs, or any situation where the use of multiple storage bags are utilized.

Q:What are the benefits of the Palisade EST when compared to conventional bear canisters?

A: The Palisade EST offers many advantages over conventional canisters. The primary advantage is that it actively reduces human-bear conflict. Additionally, the Palisade EST is very lightweight, easy to pack, and allows easy access for humans. Unfortunately, unlike canisters, the Palisade EST cannot be used as a camp stool. Click here for a Comparative Chart of our competitors.

Q: How does the Palisade EST work?

A: The Controller included with the Palisade EST provides a pulse of electricity every 1.2 seconds. When this pulse is discharged, the Palisade is activated via the exterior woven circuitry. The discharged pulse registers at ~5,000 volts. This pulse is what acts to discourage repeated attempts and works towards negative behavioral conditioning.

Q: Is the voltage discharge harmful to animals or humans?

A: This discharge is ample enough to discourage repeated attempts from potential invaders, while also insuring that the animal (or human), regardless of size, is not harmed.

Q: Should the Palisade EST be hung to further discourage entry attempts?

A: We do not recommend hanging the Palisade EST for any reason.

Q: Should the Palisade EST be tied to a fixed object such as a rock or tree?

A: We do not recommend tying the Palisade EST to ANY fixed object. This has been proven to simply give an animal an advantage as well as causing damage to backcountry resources.

Q: Where should the Palisade EST be placed to insure its performance?

A: Ideally, locate a flat spot or shallow depression to place the Palisade EST before it is activated. If relevant, consider wind direction as well. The Palisade EST should be placed at least 100 yds from where you intend to locate your campsite as well as 100 yds from a water source. When the animal is deterred, it is important that they do not feel threatened. 100 yds is an adequate distance to allow the animal room for a dignified retreat. Avoid steep slopes or areas where water may collect.

Q: Is it possible to activate or deactivate the controller accidentally?

A: The controller is activated/deactivated by a simple press of a button. The controller itself is housed in a seperate zippered pocket on the bottom of the bag. A bright red LED blinks when the controller is activated and can be seen through a clear window on the controller pocket. If you are still concerned about mistaken activation, you can easily remove the controller from the integrated pocket and pack the controller seperately. A male and female (lockable) wiring harness to connects the internal wiring with the controller. You could also keep the controller in the pocket but simply disconnect the male female wiring harness when you pack it up, and then reconnect the wiring harness when you want to to activate the bag at camp.

Q: What happens when that fabric gets wet with the electric discharge? Will the electronic short out?

A: The material used in construction is urethane coated and will not saturate under normal conditions. The Palisade EST should not be submerged or placed in a spot where water may collect. In testing , we've tried to short it out with snow, water, etc, but it is quite difficult to do as each length of woven circuitry has 4 strands of positive and negative wire. One strand of the circuitry can be shorted out, but the remaining 3 are still functional. 5,000 volts is still the output regardless if you are down to 1 of 4 strands of circuitry.