I've been using Ursack since they came out over 20 years ago, mostly in the Wind River Range and Teton Range of Wyoming. I've never even seen evidence of a bear messing with the Ursack nor lost food. I'm often at or above timberline, so finding a tree to bear hang is impossible. Sometimes I have to tie it to krumholz so I don't meet the 5" minimum. For the past 6 - 7 years, I've put my food in a Loksack first and then in the Ursack to cut down on smells. I probably keep my Ursack too close to camp...
Good video 👍. Ursack is our go to food storage as well if we're going somewhere without bear lockers or poles. It's just so much easier than trying to do a proper bear hang. One thing we do to improve the functionality though is to line the Ursack with an odour proof bag like an Opsak, helps keep the bears and mini-bears from getting interested in your food to begin with.
Well that was a cool video! A little bit of comedy helped keep my attention while you went through the different bags! Much better then the hard container! The actual bear footage was spot on! Thanks for sharing the video and helping me make the decision on the right bag to get! Rick from Chisholm
Exactly the video I was looking for, thanks for putting this together. Trying to decide on the 2XL or 2 Allmiteys now.. I like to take people backpacking with my extra gear sometimes, so it would be great to have something that can store 2x 5-7 days worth of backpacking food, but I like the idea of the Allmitey being more resistant against raccoons because we have an awful lot of em where I live and most of the time are far more of a nuisance than black bears.
I'm in Florida and we have a large Black Bear population in the state. For the most part the problem Bears are in the parks at established campgrounds ( Car Camping ). In the wild they tend to leave you alone. The problem children are the masked raiders ( Raccoons ). They are everywhere and are not bashful about checking out your grocery list , both in the wild and in establish areas. I found the URSACK to be handy in stopping them and I like to hang mine. There's no problem doing that since I hammock camp. My choice is the Major since I go Ultralight and only on weekdays , Monday to Friday. The privilege of being retired.
@@JustinOutdoors It appears that I have been hanging it correctly or they just don't know it's there. On one Everglades trip , during a full moon , I woke up to watch a coon exploring the campsite. He checked everything out and in the process walked right under the bag. I had hung it lower the normal. He never knew it was there and on his way out of camp he walked under my hammock ( I was in the hammock ). Then on into the woods without as much as a pardon me or out of the way bub. I went back to sleep.
@@BackcountryPilgrim they never actually mean to hurt anyone... it's always just their helpless attempts to hug and kiss hikers that get horribly misinterpreted.
You need to pass the cords through the opposite holes at the top of the bag so the cord crosses itself inside the neck of the bag - this ensures a tighter fit. So, the right cord goes through the left hole, and the left cord goes through the right hole. It also helps if you use a LokSak OPSak to line the Ursack as this reduces odours and makes sure your Ursack attracts less attention from big and mini bears. Not a fan of OPsaks personally so a practical (and cheaper) alternative is to use a Nylofume liner and just twist the top closed and tuck the tail inside the Ursack.
So if only the almighty is for small rodents does that mean rodents get in to your ursack? It seems to me that small rodents are a more regular problem than bears. Also... are the two ropes are supposed to make an X in the first step before you make the knots?
There are only a few spots where rodents are a known issue where I usually go. Otherwise, it hasn't be a problem. I'll also usually keep my food in an odorproof bag, which I think helps with the rodents a bit.
I've had some mini bears try and get in but were unsuccessful. It was near a popular rock climbing site and I think the mini bears were habituated to eating human food and I wasn't super careful with smell management on that trip. I haven't had any problems from any critters in more remote areas and have been better with making sure to have an odor proof garbage bag.
Great video 😉. I think that there’s more of a problem with small critters than bears. I prefer the ursack minor and use then PCT hang method. The almighty Ursack is very heavy for backpacking. What’s your impressions ? Thanks again for taking the time to create these clips👍
Where I usually am (Canadian rockies), there a hang is very very difficult, if not impossible, most of the time. And bears are by far the biggest danger. I haven't ever had problems with the ursack and rodents and, for the couple of spots I know rodents are an issue, I bring the allmitey and also haven't even had them try to nibble in yet.
Are there any restrictions, that you know of, regarding the use of the Ursack in Canada? I appreciate the USA map, I’m just wondering if there’s any info for us that are north of the border 🇨🇦
As far as I know, there isn't anything as definitive in Canada for bear storage as there is in the US. It's basically "be responsible". So, unless I am missing maybe one isolated park, there is no restriction in the use of an Ursack for responsible bear storage!
I’m debating on getting a major 2xl for my family trips. What’s been your experience with it for mini bears? Does it keep them out or do I need to layer it with something like a ratsack or grubpack In my neck of the woods I’m more worried about them ( it sucks that they don’t make a bigger allmitey and I want to also store my pot set in it which only fits in the major 2 xl)
I have been fortunate that I haven't had any minibears try and get into my ursack yet. An option may be to use the 2XL and then a couple of Ursack minor critter bags.
Thankfully I've never had a bear issue - mostly to do with precautions I take. I've found mini-bears (chipmunks, squirrels, jays, etc) are the more, and very frequent problem to deal with re: food protection. So I'm a big fan of the Ursack Minor. Justin, what's your experience with mini-bears?
The only mini bear experiences I have had were all at one campsite. Some squirrels chewed holes in my socks and something got into the bear locker and chewed a hole into my food bag! No issues with my Ursack but I think that is partly because I am using the Ursack in areas where the minibears have not been trained to eat human stuff.
Hey Justin me again. In the market for a bear container of some sorts. I love the idea of a bear bag like the ursack but read mix reviews. I live in Vancouver Canada so fairly similar backyards so to speak. What are your thoughts on bear canisters like the expensive Bearikade weekender 333 USD or something like the ursack? They also carry the almighty version which protects again rodents etc do you feel this is needed or the major XL is good enough?
I personally wouldn't carry a bear canister unless it was mandated for the area I was in - they are just so heavy and bulky. The Ursacks are great and I use the XL 90% of the time. I only use the Allmighty now if going to an area I know is bad for rodents (popular camping areas where people have been careless with food).
Justin Outdoors have you ever had a bear try to break into the ursack before? I am curious as to the condition of the ursack and mainly how edible the contents are after a bear has had a few swings with it? My main concern is being out far away from supply and having the ursack contents crushed to the point where its not edible? Just curious sorry for all the questions your channel is awesome and your conditions are very similar to mine
dumb question: is the figure 8 knot tied using the two ends together (tied like the tradition fig. 8 but both ends side by side). or do you tie individual fig. 8 knots at each end, w/ the second knot looped thru the first knot?
Soo really quick question, I’m going on a trip this weekend, kind of last minute and I just have ziplock bags and the ursack, will the ziplock bags be sufficient enough to prevent rodents/small animals from getting into it? I know lopsacks or whatever are preferred but I can’t find them anywhere in store near me and amazon won’t ship it soon enough. Thanks! Also, do you pack out your used tp? If so do you put it in your ursack or what? If that’s the case I’ll just do my very best to hold it all in for the weekend 😂😂😂😂
Hey Mark! A freezer bag will be better than nothing for stopping odor from getting out of the bag, but it still won't prevent rodents from trying to get in if they really want to. Even the Lopsacks won't prevent that. Ursack makes a special rodent-resistant bag and liner if that is a major worry for you. Unless in a very dry area, I bury my toilet paper with the poop in a nice and deep cathole. At this point, I haven't had the opportunity to go on desert trips (or carry out my tp!).
I don't use the liner. I may in some circumstances, but where I am, I am usually within a day or two hike out to a road if my food got completely wrecked and the odds are pretty low.
@@JessieBanana I know Bigfoot does the crossed ropes, but when I double check with Ursack on proper closing method, they said it doesn't matter as long as you get a tight closure. When testing crossed vs uncrossed, they both produce a gap-free seal. So it's not really something to worry about.
I think this bear needs to be a main character in a video: "How to avoid humans in the backcountry: a bears perspective!" Or a romantic comedy: "What a bear wants!" hahah
Hi Justin Thanks for the video You mentioned that the Ursack is lighter than a bear hang set up is surprising... I can get a lot of rope for half a pound or 215 grams MEC has the Ursack for sale. Do you know where to get a Canadian ultralight backpack Tks
Hey Roger! I meant the Ursack is lighter than a hard sided bear can and easier to use than a bear hang. So I think it lands in a nice middle ground between weight and ease of use when compared to the two main alternatives. The big stores only really sell a couple UL options by Osprey. Northern Ultralight is a Canadian cottage manufacturer that sells a true UL backpack. I went with the REI Flash 55 as a pack that weighs that weighs just around 1kg and is reasonably priced. REI also carries some other packs in the 1kg or less range, such as HMG and granite gear.
@@JustinOutdoors Matty Outdoors mentioned "Northern ultralight" Scott is in Nelson BC and his Sundown backpack looks to be the one. Bonus, no exchange US $, no duties small shipping cost TH-cam is a great venue for useful info Cheers
hahaha Me thinking to myself: I feel like there' got to be an inappropriate joke hiding somewhere in these comments...but I just can't seem to find it.... XD
Wow those bears in Canada look pretty dangerous! Especially with those long legs and human-like arms! hahaha Never been to Canada but bears might be a genuine fear, they can crush my food as long as i can live lol, there's definitely a trip to Canada someday tho :)
I've actually never had any problems with it wet. I've always had it tied against the trunk of a tree in the rain and the tree provides a lot of protection from the rain.
@@JustinOutdoors thanks, was curious if it mattered or not. Seems like if you don't cross them though, you would have a small uncinched (well not as tightly cinched) spot on the closure between those two grommets. Versus crossing them it would close even that small area tight. Both ways would obviously cinch the majority of the perimeter
Love your channel. But your "Required Bear Container" list only contains National Parks. The overwhelmingly vast majority of Public Land in California, Oregon, and Washington USA is NOT NPS land. Your list is vastly incomplete and you very much need to update this info for folks. You've left literally thousands of miles of trails off this "approved/unapproved" list.
That is Ursack's list diagram. I'm very unfamiliar with US law being a Canadian, so I'd be grossly under qualified to put a more robust list together. If you'd like to put together a more complete map/list, I'd be happy to link it to everyone in the comments and video description of this video!
Right on Justin. My advice to folks would be to "know before you go". To put together a complete list would be pretty daunting. I would suggest that hikers be aware of the land management agency that oversees the specific area(s) in which they wish to hike and then reach out to those specific agencies for the current conditions and requirements for bear containers, etc. There's tons of info online, or they could call the local field offices directly for updates and info. Happy Hiking!
I've been using Ursack since they came out over 20 years ago, mostly in the Wind River Range and Teton Range of Wyoming. I've never even seen evidence of a bear messing with the Ursack nor lost food. I'm often at or above timberline, so finding a tree to bear hang is impossible. Sometimes I have to tie it to krumholz so I don't meet the 5" minimum.
For the past 6 - 7 years, I've put my food in a Loksack first and then in the Ursack to cut down on smells. I probably keep my Ursack too close to camp...
Great review. Recommend using odor proof bags inside for food and other items as well to reduce/eliminate food smell that would draw bears, etc.
Best thumbnail and intro EVER !!!!!!
Pretty fun and hilarious to make. haha
Good video 👍. Ursack is our go to food storage as well if we're going somewhere without bear lockers or poles. It's just so much easier than trying to do a proper bear hang. One thing we do to improve the functionality though is to line the Ursack with an odour proof bag like an Opsak, helps keep the bears and mini-bears from getting interested in your food to begin with.
I have never actually used an Opsak but it's on my list for this year! Way better to not have to deal with a bunch of bear slobber on your bag. haha
What are mini-bears?
@@christianb8228 Lol, it's just a cutsey term for any small critter that can get into your food... Mice, squirrels, porcupines, etc.
Well that was a cool video! A little bit of comedy helped keep my attention while you went through the different bags! Much better then the hard container! The actual bear footage was spot on! Thanks for sharing the video and helping me make the decision on the right bag to get!
Rick from Chisholm
Stay tuned for more Mr. Bear in future videos! haha
@@JustinOutdoors uh oh
Exactly the video I was looking for, thanks for putting this together. Trying to decide on the 2XL or 2 Allmiteys now.. I like to take people backpacking with my extra gear sometimes, so it would be great to have something that can store 2x 5-7 days worth of backpacking food, but I like the idea of the Allmitey being more resistant against raccoons because we have an awful lot of em where I live and most of the time are far more of a nuisance than black bears.
I'm in Florida and we have a large Black Bear population in the state. For the most part the problem Bears are in the parks at established campgrounds ( Car Camping ). In the wild they tend to leave you alone. The problem children are the masked raiders ( Raccoons ). They are everywhere and are not bashful about checking out your grocery list , both in the wild and in establish areas. I found the URSACK to be handy in stopping them and I like to hang mine. There's no problem doing that since I hammock camp. My choice is the Major since I go Ultralight and only on weekdays , Monday to Friday. The privilege of being retired.
The privilege of being retired is real! haha. The raccoons don't try and chew threw the ursack?
@@JustinOutdoors It appears that I have been hanging it correctly or they just don't know it's there. On one Everglades trip , during a full moon , I woke up to watch a coon exploring the campsite. He checked everything out and in the process walked right under the bag. I had hung it lower the normal. He never knew it was there and on his way out of camp he walked under my hammock ( I was in the hammock ). Then on into the woods without as much as a pardon me or out of the way bub. I went back to sleep.
The illusive, bipedal, smiling Canada bear, eh??
🌲😉🌲
very rare
The Ursus arctos happilis is a very elusive species! Have to be extra careful in the backcountry or they will hug you to death.
Even the bears are friendly in Canada!
@@JustinOutdoors lol, you are SUCH a scientist! 😉👍👍
@@BackcountryPilgrim they never actually mean to hurt anyone... it's always just their helpless attempts to hug and kiss hikers that get horribly misinterpreted.
Omg that epic wildlife bear footage in the beginning 😂👌
I'm pretty much David Attenborough!
so the bear takes the bag to its stash. ever found a black bear pack stash? very common in the BWCA. dozens of packs stashed.
You need to pass the cords through the opposite holes at the top of the bag so the cord crosses itself inside the neck of the bag - this ensures a tighter fit. So, the right cord goes through the left hole, and the left cord goes through the right hole.
It also helps if you use a LokSak OPSak to line the Ursack as this reduces odours and makes sure your Ursack attracts less attention from big and mini bears. Not a fan of OPsaks personally so a practical (and cheaper) alternative is to use a Nylofume liner and just twist the top closed and tuck the tail inside the Ursack.
This was great man. Great quality and info. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks and no problem!
So if only the almighty is for small rodents does that mean rodents get in to your ursack? It seems to me that small rodents are a more regular problem than bears. Also... are the two ropes are supposed to make an X in the first step before you make the knots?
There are only a few spots where rodents are a known issue where I usually go. Otherwise, it hasn't be a problem. I'll also usually keep my food in an odorproof bag, which I think helps with the rodents a bit.
Great video Justin, plus thanks for making me laugh especially with all whats going on in the world lately .
Glad you got a laugh out of it :)
Nice demonstration of how to hang the Ursack. Btw, any bear or critter breaches of your Ursack since you made this video?
I've had some mini bears try and get in but were unsuccessful. It was near a popular rock climbing site and I think the mini bears were habituated to eating human food and I wasn't super careful with smell management on that trip. I haven't had any problems from any critters in more remote areas and have been better with making sure to have an odor proof garbage bag.
Great video 😉. I think that there’s more of a problem with small critters than bears. I prefer the ursack minor and use then PCT hang method. The almighty Ursack is very heavy for backpacking. What’s your impressions ? Thanks again for taking the time to create these clips👍
Where I usually am (Canadian rockies), there a hang is very very difficult, if not impossible, most of the time. And bears are by far the biggest danger. I haven't ever had problems with the ursack and rodents and, for the couple of spots I know rodents are an issue, I bring the allmitey and also haven't even had them try to nibble in yet.
Just got my major xl and it only weighs 7.4 oz. Weighed on two different scales.
Are there any restrictions, that you know of, regarding the use of the Ursack in Canada? I appreciate the USA map, I’m just wondering if there’s any info for us that are north of the border 🇨🇦
As far as I know, there isn't anything as definitive in Canada for bear storage as there is in the US. It's basically "be responsible". So, unless I am missing maybe one isolated park, there is no restriction in the use of an Ursack for responsible bear storage!
I’m debating on getting a major 2xl for my family trips. What’s been your experience with it for mini bears? Does it keep them out or do I need to layer it with something like a ratsack or grubpack
In my neck of the woods I’m more worried about them ( it sucks that they don’t make a bigger allmitey and I want to also store my pot set in it which only fits in the major 2 xl)
I have been fortunate that I haven't had any minibears try and get into my ursack yet. An option may be to use the 2XL and then a couple of Ursack minor critter bags.
Thankfully I've never had a bear issue - mostly to do with precautions I take. I've found mini-bears (chipmunks, squirrels, jays, etc) are the more, and very frequent problem to deal with re: food protection. So I'm a big fan of the Ursack Minor. Justin, what's your experience with mini-bears?
The only mini bear experiences I have had were all at one campsite. Some squirrels chewed holes in my socks and something got into the bear locker and chewed a hole into my food bag! No issues with my Ursack but I think that is partly because I am using the Ursack in areas where the minibears have not been trained to eat human stuff.
The Ursack Almitey no longer has the inner Velcro strip. They're likely no longer rodent-proof anymore due to the design change
Hi Justin! Random question, I really like that cap, where is it from? Thanks
It's a discontinued Outdoor Research hat!
Hey Justin me again. In the market for a bear container of some sorts. I love the idea of a bear bag like the ursack but read mix reviews. I live in Vancouver Canada so fairly similar backyards so to speak. What are your thoughts on bear canisters like the expensive Bearikade weekender 333 USD or something like the ursack? They also carry the almighty version which protects again rodents etc do you feel this is needed or the major XL is good enough?
I personally wouldn't carry a bear canister unless it was mandated for the area I was in - they are just so heavy and bulky. The Ursacks are great and I use the XL 90% of the time. I only use the Allmighty now if going to an area I know is bad for rodents (popular camping areas where people have been careless with food).
Justin Outdoors have you ever had a bear try to break into the ursack before? I am curious as to the condition of the ursack and mainly how edible the contents are after a bear has had a few swings with it? My main concern is being out far away from supply and having the ursack contents crushed to the point where its not edible? Just curious sorry for all the questions your channel is awesome and your conditions are very similar to mine
dumb question: is the figure 8 knot tied using the two ends together (tied like the tradition fig. 8 but both ends side by side). or do you tie individual fig. 8 knots at each end, w/ the second knot looped thru the first knot?
Together :)
@@JustinOutdoors i figured. dumb question i know...thanks for....bearing w/ me. : )
Soo really quick question, I’m going on a trip this weekend, kind of last minute and I just have ziplock bags and the ursack, will the ziplock bags be sufficient enough to prevent rodents/small animals from getting into it? I know lopsacks or whatever are preferred but I can’t find them anywhere in store near me and amazon won’t ship it soon enough. Thanks! Also, do you pack out your used tp? If so do you put it in your ursack or what? If that’s the case I’ll just do my very best to hold it all in for the weekend 😂😂😂😂
Hey Mark! A freezer bag will be better than nothing for stopping odor from getting out of the bag, but it still won't prevent rodents from trying to get in if they really want to. Even the Lopsacks won't prevent that. Ursack makes a special rodent-resistant bag and liner if that is a major worry for you.
Unless in a very dry area, I bury my toilet paper with the poop in a nice and deep cathole. At this point, I haven't had the opportunity to go on desert trips (or carry out my tp!).
Hello. Do you put something in the bag to help with odours?
Usually an Opsak or Nylofume liner!
Do you ever use the aluminum liner with your Ursack? Any thoughts on performance with of Ursack with aluminum liner vs canister for crush protection?
I don't use the liner. I may in some circumstances, but where I am, I am usually within a day or two hike out to a road if my food got completely wrecked and the odds are pretty low.
For only an ounce more than the major the major xl makes more sense unless I’m missing something.
Don't think you are! That's one of the reasons I went with the XL.
Nice video, though I think you are supposed to put the rope through the opposite side diagonal hole, where the rope makes an "X" at the top.
Some other reviews have shown that but it doesn't really matter. I've tried both ways and the result in the amount of closure at the top is the same!
I thought the bear suit was under utilized but otherwise Great Video!!! LOL!
I agree! I need to name the bear... maybe beary mcbearface
@@JustinOutdoors Bear McBaggins? hahaha
Barry Huggins
I thought you were supposed to thread the rope so it’s crossed?
@@JessieBanana I know Bigfoot does the crossed ropes, but when I double check with Ursack on proper closing method, they said it doesn't matter as long as you get a tight closure. When testing crossed vs uncrossed, they both produce a gap-free seal. So it's not really something to worry about.
I think this bear needs to be a main character in a video: "How to avoid humans in the backcountry: a bears perspective!" Or a romantic comedy: "What a bear wants!" hahah
I think a romantic comedy is in order...
Hi Justin
Thanks for the video
You mentioned that the Ursack is lighter than a bear hang set up is surprising... I can get a lot of rope for half a pound or 215 grams
MEC has the Ursack for sale.
Do you know where to get a Canadian ultralight backpack
Tks
Hey Roger! I meant the Ursack is lighter than a hard sided bear can and easier to use than a bear hang. So I think it lands in a nice middle ground between weight and ease of use when compared to the two main alternatives. The big stores only really sell a couple UL options by Osprey. Northern Ultralight is a Canadian cottage manufacturer that sells a true UL backpack. I went with the REI Flash 55 as a pack that weighs that weighs just around 1kg and is reasonably priced. REI also carries some other packs in the 1kg or less range, such as HMG and granite gear.
@@JustinOutdoors thanks I should have figured it out . Tks for the info on packs as well
@@JustinOutdoors Matty Outdoors mentioned "Northern ultralight" Scott is in Nelson BC and his Sundown backpack looks to be the one. Bonus, no exchange US $, no duties small shipping cost
TH-cam is a great venue for useful info
Cheers
i love ursack. 😘
hahaha
Me thinking to myself: I feel like there' got to be an inappropriate joke hiding somewhere in these comments...but I just can't seem to find it.... XD
you went there, ahaha
@@BackcountryForward Keep looking... ;)
@@JustinOutdoors i blame isolation.
@@MattyOutdoors you mean.... keep. moving. forward?!?!
Justin, not only the bears can get to it, I saw raccoons, badgers, marteens, squirrels, otters, birds like crows, give it a good try also. lol
10' cord? I don't think mine's that long.
OMG I love the bear costume! Thanks for the laugh. :-)
Put an op bag inside and still carry a rocksack and line. Then you are prepared for anything.
You gotta cross the ropes when you close the top
Wow those bears in Canada look pretty dangerous! Especially with those long legs and human-like arms! hahaha
Never been to Canada but bears might be a genuine fear, they can crush my food as long as i can live lol, there's definitely a trip to Canada someday tho :)
I think it's due to interbreeding ;)
I need backpack from this fabric
😂 You should email ursack about that!
@@JustinOutdoors Is that fabric only made by ursack ? )))
Imagine how heavy that would be lol 😂
how do u keep a wet sack in ur pack... not wanting everything wet
I've actually never had any problems with it wet. I've always had it tied against the trunk of a tree in the rain and the tree provides a lot of protection from the rain.
wasn't the cords supposed to criss cross each other when lacing back up . Hilarious "wild life" footage, lol
I've tested with the cords crossing and not crossing and I haven't found it made a difference in the hole, even when being tugged on.
@@JustinOutdoors thanks, was curious if it mattered or not. Seems like if you don't cross them though, you would have a small uncinched (well not as tightly cinched) spot on the closure between those two grommets. Versus crossing them it would close even that small area tight. Both ways would obviously cinch the majority of the perimeter
I wish Yosemite and Kings Canyon/Sequoia allowed Ursacks. Until then I've got my heavy bear vault.
I chatted with Ursack a bit last fall and there is a new super for Yosemite and they are hopeful they will get approval there soon.
Love your channel. But your "Required Bear Container" list only contains National Parks. The overwhelmingly vast majority of Public Land in California, Oregon, and Washington USA is NOT NPS land. Your list is vastly incomplete and you very much need to update this info for folks. You've left literally thousands of miles of trails off this "approved/unapproved" list.
That is Ursack's list diagram. I'm very unfamiliar with US law being a Canadian, so I'd be grossly under qualified to put a more robust list together. If you'd like to put together a more complete map/list, I'd be happy to link it to everyone in the comments and video description of this video!
Right on Justin. My advice to folks would be to "know before you go". To put together a complete list would be pretty daunting. I would suggest that hikers be aware of the land management agency that oversees the specific area(s) in which they wish to hike and then reach out to those specific agencies for the current conditions and requirements for bear containers, etc. There's tons of info online, or they could call the local field offices directly for updates and info. Happy Hiking!
Hahaha wtf
my thoughts exactly, haha