My bear canister makes an incredible side table to make my food on as I sit in my backpacking chair. If you put enough stuff in it (jetboil cooking system, personal care items, etc) the space isn't too invasive, especially as the trip goes on and you have more room to replace food with trash/gear.
Ha. I was trekking in Yosemite a number of years ago and watched as a bear followed the rope with his eyes from the bag to the point where the line was secured and promptly clawed through the line to drop the bag to the ground. They are smart beasts.
I prefer canisters. Keeps the bear and rodents out. Can be used as small table, seat, washing machine, hauling trash out, storage and can even be used for keeping the food safe. The bulk is not a problem since the empty space in the canister can be used to store items. At the end of the day this septuagenarian is usually too tired to be throwing things in the air. I store away my canister while others on the hike are still trying to find a suitable tree branch. One of my canisters have the teeth marks left by a bear. That bear also left all of my food untouched. Canisters work. My food was not crushed. I'm an older guy. Carrying the few extra grams of weight of a canister is for my comfort and is no problem at all.
@@nicoleablanchard I store the canister at least 100 feet from the campsite. I heard nothing the one time a bear actually try to get to my food and I slept right through it. However, it was no fun to be greeted that morning with all the bear slobber I had to clean off the container before I could break out breakfast. Yuck! I think this outcome was much better than having the bear to come into my tent for the canister.
Please critique this idea: Hang high in a tree so skinny that a human can barely climb it (and maybe bring a climbing aid which can be just a foot loop girth hitched around the tree). I bowhunt and was hanging my trail cameras 10 or so feet up and angling them downward. This is mostly to prevent theft. On bigger trees, black bears would still climb and check out/gnaw on/smack around the cams (I'm guessing they thought they might be a bee's nest with honey or just something new to check out). I started hanging my cameras on trees about as big around as a standard calf muscle at the base but so thin at the top that it was a bit sketchy (my weight would almost bend them over). I never had a bear hurt a camera after that. I guess a very young bear could have climbed it. Would a mama bear send her cub up a tree? Hasn't happened yet.
couldnt they just bend the tree over? also i have the same problem with the animal checking out my camera. it seems they are doing this by smell. they are following us days later thru smell and goes to check out that exact tree to see what we have done. i discovered this by having multiple camera mounted in the same area. most animals will do this (checking out the smell). i even have cats going 10kms deep into the woods and come check out the tree i mounted the camera unto.
Ive been doing a 2 tree hang but instead of hanging the bag from a "clothesline," I attach 2 lines to the bag and then throw each line over the 2 separate tree branches. Then pull and tie off each line individually to hoist the bag up in the middle. This also allows you to pull the lines tighter if needed to adjust for sag. And seems to avoid line breakage
As the ridgerunner on the AT in Great Smoky Mountains National Park I can attest how well our bear cables work. Not only are they at every trail shelter but every backcountry campsite. Game changing. They have also greatly eliminated the presence of mice in the shelters. Last month bears made off with two bear canisters during the night that had been placed on the ground under the bear cables. So far even the very ingenious bears haven’t been able to defeat the installed cables. They will however destroy an Ursack.
For sure. Cables work great and help people get a proper hang quickly. Before the cables were installed what was the regulations in the Smokies? I’m curious how many poorly hung bear bags were discovered by bears?
@@MyLifeOutdoors before the cables the shelters believe it or not were enclosed by chain link fencing. This meant people kept their food with them in the shelter and had the unfortunate effect of teaching bears to associate shelters with food. Not surprisingly there were also idiots who would actually feed bears through the fencing. There is still one shelter that has the fencing, Davenport Gap, the last shelter in the park going north. Google it to see what that looks like. I’m sure it is because where it is situated there isn’t convenient place to install cables. It is also the shelter with the least amount of use being only a mile from the park boundary.
I did a thru hike of the AT last year and carried a Bearikade Weekender the whole time. The bears on the AT can get into the Ursacks. The forest service wants you to hang everything now. If I did the AT again I would carry the hard sided can and hide it .
It's also a good idea to cook and eat well away from where you camp so your shelter and bedding don't smell like food. Even if you use a canister, it's never fun to be woken up in the middle of the night by a curious bear. Their noses are much stronger than even a dog's so if there's any scent at all they'll be able to pick it up from miles around.
I went with the Bearikade Weekender canister for my hikes and I've been very pleased. It was expensive but I feel it will last a lifetime. It's lightweight, easy to pack and as stated by many here, can be used in a few ways besides just a food container. I did apply a few dots of reflective tape around it to make it easier to spot at night/low light. So far no bear encounters but I'm confident my breakfast will be there in the morning if one ever does come poking around. If it's too expensive for your budget, they rent them as well. I rented a Weekender for a three day hike in the Rockies. It was a simple process and the canister impressed me so much that I ordered one.
Oh! Something similar to Nintendo Switch game cartridges. Because the game cartridge is so small, it has a very bitter taste to deter young children from putting it in their mouths
I use the double rope method. Basically u tie your bag to 2 separate ropes with a carribeaner. You need 2 trees. Find a thick branch up like 15-20 ft on first tree. One line over and tie. Other tree is away from it and u throw rope over a thick branch and pull tight. Should suspend you bear bag up. Takes all of 10 min. You can do with any tree....
Love your videos! You just reinforced my current thinking on food protection. Bear cannisters are heavy but so worth it for piece of mind. The last thing I want to do at the end of a long backpack in is mess with a bear bag. Some times I will also put food underwater in a lake. Keep up the high quality videos!
A much simpler two-line method: Pick two trees about 20' feet apart. Toss one line into one tree about 20' up on the side of the tree away from the 2nd tree. It doesn't matter too much if you can't get close to the trunk or exactly over a branch. Just get it up high and into the tree. Do the same thing with the second line and second tree. Bring the tossed ends together between the trees and tie your sack to both lines. Then hoist away on both lines (at the same time if you've got two people, or back and forth if you're solo) until the sack is hanging at least 12' up between both trees.
@@Alien2799the video shows the clothesline method which has many drawbacks. It requires more rope and you create too much sag because the second line puts double the load on the clothesline. The real two tree method uses one line with your food secured to the middle and you toss each end high up. No need to account for sag after since you only need to tension one line. Just google two tree method bear bag and it’s pretty self explanatory.
I have one of those bear canisters that is clear / blue, with a black lid. When the sun hit it, it would COOK everything in it. I painted the lid white and the inside white. Problem solved. I also added some reflective stripes, to make it easier to find, if a bear moves it away. The manufacturer told me, which paint type was safe for the canister and lid.
For years now we have just taken bear cans whatever the requirements of the area. It’s more weight to carry but the convenience, speed of use and peace of mind make it worth it for us, especially, as others say, they are handy work surfaces, seats etc. It’s always a trade-off but I prefer to save weight on other items and keep food safe not just from bears but rodents too.
Dyneema cord, which is slick and super strong, made a great addition to my kit. It slides over branches really well and I think it would take a LOT of friction or abuse to snap. I live in a place with lots of hardwood so finding a tree isn't terribly hard. I don't want to go the canister route as it would introduce too many changes to my pack and general setup to accommodate that large cylinder.
This needs to be pinned. Ursacks need an odor barrier to reduce the likelihood of the bear finding it and then the sack being basically bulletproof is the last resort line of defense. The bear could theoretically still get the taste of food through the ursack but not the food itself (I've seen reports it can get punctured, but won't tear).
Living near the Sierras, I've grown accustom to using bear canisters (Lighter 1 Lil' Sami and Bearakade). I tried using a bear hang a few times, but as mentioned in the video it's time consuming. I also tend to be very forgetful. I find things I forgot to put away or remember something I need. Having to hang and rehang a bag would be a hassle. The problem with the Ursack is that I put scented items with my food. If a bear was to smash the sack, all the scented items would get everywhere. Canisters just seem to be the best solution for me.
@@GenX_outdoors My Lighter1 is for 1-3 nighters and the Bearakade is for anything longer. I haven't used the lid as a pot yet mainly because I'm too lazy to clean it and I mostly eat dehydrated meals. I do use it as a base and windscreen for my esbit and alcohol stove.
I've used the "Ursack Aluminum Bear Sack Liner" inside my Ursack, with the food inside the Opsack plastic, which controls odors and gives waterproofing. During food prep, the liner also acts as a wind screen for the stove. I see that the liners are being discontinued, and is on sale 50% off right now at the Co-op.
I am so impressed and pleased that the "time to bear hang" you referenced were accurate, in my experience. How often do people completely underestimate the "actual" time it takes to 100% setup their bear hang? 😲I'm fortunate to have purchased an Ursack around 2008 so the outside material does not absorb water. It is so convenient to simply tie it to a tree (with a good climbers knot)! I rarely use the aluminum liner but I do have it, just in case. I'm so sick of the time/effort of setting up a bear hang line that I even consider carrying my BV500! 🤮
@@-COBRA Yes, that is my understanding. My old Ursack does not absorb water (or is very water resistant) but the Ursacks from the 2020s apparently absorb a lot of water. People have created videos discussing how they protect their Ursack with a garbage bag, etc. My only concern is water getting in through the top opening since it is not a "dry bag" closure. I'll add it to my video list - even if outdated for most people.
I use my Ursack as my regular food bag. I hang it using the PCT method as my plan A if I can find an appropriate location, and tie it around a tree as my plan B. Only adds a few ounces and gives me two reliable options.
@@udance4ever I just use run-of-the-mill paracord and the lightest full-size carabiner from my climbing gear (it's from Black Diamond, but I don't recall the exact model).
Using slingshot to fire a round, lead fishing weight tied to fishing line will help you quickly and accurately get the line over a branch, then tie the fishing line to a heavier cord and pull the cord over the branch.
I have a Kevlar bag and a canister. I use the bag when I can and the canister when I must. Also I refrain from eating anything with a strong smell while backpacking. No meat, fish, etc.
This is a well produced, concise, and educational video. I'm very glad I watched it. As a briefly engaged conservation worker and a hunter this is a big topic in my mind. I have basically resorted to the policy of just keeping my food on my body and having my presence be the deterrent. But I have NOT spent time in habituated areas like the adirondacks in a very long time. But there are high bear areas in my upcoming season so I will probably be checking this out.
We hike in Algonquin in Ontario Canada ( black bears) and have been using Ursacks for a couple years now. They are heavy and they do absorb water so we drape a plastic bag or waterproof stuff sack over it and hang it like a regular bear hang. Ive also used the PCT method of hanging my bag. But having the Ursack if there are no suitable trees or if its dark already then we just tie it to the base of a tree away from camp.
I always take a bear canister when backpacking in the Sierras. Having said that, the issue is a desire to pack my trash (and some of the other non-food smelly items) somewhere other than in the canister with my food. That's where the bear hang still comes in handy. Will try the two rope trick in the future. Thanks!
The PCT style bear hang is my go-to but you are right, in CO it is really hard to find the ideal tree to pull it off. There is another style that I have tried a couple times and like it a lot. It also uses two trees, but this time you only need one long rope. In the middle of the rope you tie a loop knot like a figure 8 on a bight. Then, you throw each end of the rope over branches about 15ft off the ground on trees separate by 10-12ft. Clip your bag to the loop, retrieve the ends and bring them together then pull on them to raise the bag. You can either tie each off to a lower branch on each tree once you know how much length you need or stake them down to the ground at and angle. Works really well and saves a lot of time.
A pulley hoist in the middle is the cat’s meow, especially if you’re staying in the same location multiple nights. It’s much better than untying / retying lines every time to access your goodies, and risk getting pine pitch all over your hands each time.
I use the blue bear cannisters kayaking here in Thailand. Keeps Rodentius Comminus at bay as well as the land crabs, lizards, monitors and the monkeys.
A side note with using the ursack method . Use a “scent proof” ziplock bag made to use specifically with the ursack. Probably not full proof but makes a difference. So far so good.👍
I used prussic cord and hung my Peak1 2 piece stainless cook set under the bear bag. There were two tries by Jasper, created a lot of noise, and he gave up. The other camper wasn't so fortunate. This was in the Adirondacks, Colden loop. Got a cool photo of it. This was in the late eighties. (my little claim-2-fame.)
My base weight is sub 10 lbs. while using a food bag. Being ultra light, I can afford a couple of pounds and use a canister. I just started and I like it. I like that I don't have to worry about a hang. Especially when I come in after dark. I got back from an overnight hike today from an area that I have had bears visit me at night. I feel so much better and sleep great knowing that I have a canister. Also, my chips don't get crumbly! A little trick is to tear off the tab on your freeze dried food pouches before you go. That extra piece takes up more room than you realize. Strange but true. I don't get the geometry on that one.
I have never regretted my choice of getting a canister. As you said, too many times I watched people spen up to an hour to hang their food and then do what I would consider a poor hang. I live in Georgia not far from the AT. This year many hangs were stolen by bears. As for the Ursac, many of them were gotten into this year and or the food inside destroyed. Canisters were also missing but many think that was human thefts. Yes a few were chewed up and or moved from where they were put but had the least failure rate. They are bulky and do weigh more but I have lightened my gear to the point the weight is not an issue. I have the bv500 and 450. Use determined by length of hike. In my opinion the benefits outweigh the bulk and weight for ease of just getting to camp and doing the walk drop and walk back.
We've used Ursacks for over a decade and we always combine them with an Opsak liner. (My main issue with that system is that the top of the Opsak above the zip always eventually fails which makes it very hard to open them again.) I think the key aspect is being able to camp where bears just aren't used to finding food so they won't come looking, and to keep those places free of any attractants. Established campgrounds ought to have bearproof storage, but sadly not all do.
Same with the Ursack. It just works and is very easy to deploy. I haven't had a food back crushed by a determined bear, but if you can knot it below the opening it's pretty rodent proof to boot.
So far I've been lucky. May of 2023 during my last solo camping trip involved an overnight, freeze dry food for dinner and breakfast and a small box of wine to wash dinner down (hey, it was my birthday!) I hung my food far away from my tent and had no problem over night. The next day I overheard some local people in a sandwich shop talk about the bears feasting on the trash cans! I guess their trash was better then my freeze dry garbage I was eating!
This is my experience as well. I basically just carry a can all the time now for all the reasons cited in the video. My base weight is still only 12 lbs, and the convenience factor is huge
I've switched to the ursack a few years ago and haven't gone back. But I couple this with odor resistant bags. My wife has been canister for every trip for about 5 years she likes that it doubles as a stool. She has converted two of the other backpackers in our group to canister all the time
You’re using the clothesline method which experiences more sag because the first line has to support 2x the weight of your food. The second line acts like a pulley with one end supporting the weight of your food and the other end pulling down equal to the weight of your food. Had the bag been tied to your line first, you’d experience half the sag.
Wow! Do I agree and how! Bear cans are the way to go. I gave up on hanging bear bags for the same reasons as you. No suitable trees! Just too frustrating to do every night when I'm tired. However, when I've hiked in bear country, especially on the PCT, I usually have a backpack that is large enough to accommodate a bear canister so I never really found that solution to be cumbersome or heavy. Pro Tip: Don't eat where you sleep!
A consideration that is seldom mentioned in such discussions is the many other kinds of critters that will go after a backpacker's food. Even if I cannot get my food bag hung out of reach of bears or if I am not in bear country, I often hang it out of reach of raccoons, marmots, opossums, mice, foxes, coyotes, etc.
One time in the Adirondacks (before the canister requirements - I now own one), I made a very good hang. The next morning, I discovered a 1-inch hole in the side of the bag, right next to the trail mix. Prime suspect: A flying (or red) squirrel.
#1 don't use your food for a pillow. #2 don't leave the food unattended. #3 if the bear carries your canister or bulletproof food bag away, be sure it is tied to an 8-foot log with lots of foot-long branch stubs and several cow bells, so you can track it down and spank it. Then wash the slobber off your food.
We use two line method with a twist. We throw a line weighted with a pully around a tree, as high as possible. Then you lower the pully and feed the other line through it, which is tied to your bag. Hoist the pully up as high as you can (minimum 15-18') and then pull your bag up with the rope to the pully, and then walk to another tree and tie the second rope off at ~ head height. This gives you a goo secure spot usually 5-6' from the first tree and 12-15' from the ground. We use this frequently in Eastern Ontario, and haven't had issues with bears, but occasionally issues with chipmunks. I prefer this when hiking, but when portaging, I have used a bear barrel, and it has worked just fine (also works against chipmunks).
I used a variety of methods depending on where I’m camping. I have a large (2x) yours hard sized canister and it IS very heavy, but I pack other items into it in addition to my food to help save space in my pack and I ditch my camp chair when I carry the canister because it’s high enough to double as a seat at camp. I can’t throw a line to save my life, but I hang bags on the pre installed bag hang systems provided by many National, State and local parks in the Eastern US. They aren’t entirely bear proof, but at least I’m obeying the rules, especially in GSMNP. I’ve always wondered about the Ursack and have yet to make this investment. I’ve also used the provided steel food storage systems some state parks here in TN offer. Happy 🏕️ ing! I also camp in a converted cargo trailer. If I’m in a non or low bear area, I keep my food in the refrigerator inside the trailer and in the trailer itself. If I’m in a densely populated bear area, I have a 20 gallon steel drum with a locking lid in which I place all non perishable items. I store that in the bed of my truck or on the ground near the fire pit. They absolutely cannot access it’s interior. I’ve had many people ask me about it.
Man, thank you for this vid. Years ago me and two friends did a 12 days no-resupply trek through the Rockies in the Banff/Lake Louise area back country. Every night we spent 1-2h setting a two-tree bear hang and then hauling our 45kg bag of food 5 m into the air using a carabiner pulley system. What a damn hassle.
I use an Ursack also, but I put my food inside an OP sack within the Ursack. That way there's no scent to attract bears to begin with. Recently however I've switched from OP sacks to Kea Stash bags; same concept, in that they're bags with heavy duty ziplock closures that prevent odors from escaping, but they're more durable and easier to clean than OP sacks.
Good video and yes finding the right tree can be difficult or even impossible. I've had good success with the balance method as follows if a suitable tree can be found. This requires a long stick or an additional chord to get the two stuff sacks fairly balanced over a high branch. Chord-1 is use to tie or clip the two bags together and balance them over a branch. Start by tying or clipping bag-1 to one end of chord-1. It's best to use a carabiner or tie a bowline. Then run chord-2 through the bowline or carabiner for later use (important!) - temporarily tie the ends of chord-2 together to form a loop (of course it needs to be long enough to make a loop and still reach near the ground when bag-1 is lifted/pulled up to near the branch). Pull the other end of chord-1 to lift bag-1 about as close to the branch that you dare. Clip the second bag onto a small loop in chord-1 about as high as you can reach, then stuff the excess chord into the second bag. Now you are ready to pull the first bag part way down (thereby lifting bag-2) using chord-2 until it is about even with bag-2. Then untie the loop in chord-2 and pull on one end of the chord until it slips all the way though and drops to the ground. If you selected the right tree, your food is pretty safe. The fun part is getting the two stuff sacks back down. You might be able to do it with a long stick. Keep in mind that you normally want to get bag-2 down first, because it has the extra rope that can be used to slowly lower bag-1 down afterwards. I often have a large loop of chord hanging off of bag-2 slightly below it, using a small branch to keep the loop open and form something like a triangle, or two branches to make almost a rectangular shape. I throw a rock (attached to chord-2) through that target (be sure to hang onto the other end of the chord). After pulling on chord-2 until bag-2 is within reach, pull out the excess rope in bag-2, and untie bag-2 (but hang onto the rope or the weight of bag-1 will make it drop very quickly). Slowly feed out chord-1 (or 2) until bag-1 reaches the ground so you can untie it. It sounds complicated because it's hard to put it into words, but it's not hard if you can see it being done. The hardest part is finding the right tree. It's important that your target loop that you will throw a rock tied to a chord through does not become undone or tangled. Now I more often use a bear canister for simplicity. While I don't like the extra weight and bulk, it can make a nice stool for sitting on. Caveat: I once camped next to a lake, with a nearby father-daughter pair that brought a home-made bear canister. It sort of worked, as the bear could not break in. However, the bear tried everything he could to get in, and thought throwing it into the lake would somehow help him open it. Unfortunately it was not water-proof and much of the contents got wet. Sadly the father and daughter ended their trip early as a result. Make sure your canister is water proof, or use and inner bag if camping near a lake or river.
The two tree hang isn’t too hard. Throw one rope per tree, any branch. Fasten the bag to the end of each rope. Use the other ends to hoist it into the air, between the 2 trees.
@@JasonsKnotChannelI agree with the pulley concept using a small carabiner for lighter loads and an actual pulley for heavy loads. If you tie the pulley to the bag (rather than the top) you gain 2x mechanical advantage. Just make sure you have some way to pull down the carabiner or pulley in case it gets stuck up top. There are excellent videos on how to do this.
I frequently use an Ursack in combination with smell-proof LOKSAK plastic bags. It’s super convenient, easy to pack, and keeps me super confident in my and my food’s safety. I’ve had no issues with this method!
My Garcia Bear Canister is my go to for food protection. I also use a NANUK case. The case is solid and waterproof.NANUK says their cases are polar bear proof. Their site has a video of the test. Yet, there is no certification. Thanks for the suggestions. Be well. Be safe. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!
I'm not in Grizzly country mind you but I do a lot of hiking and backpacking in black bear habitats. I don't use a bag or canister. When I cook, I do so several hundred yards away from where I plan to sleep, the farther the better. I eat at this same spot taking pains not to spill any on my clothes. I bury the trash underneath a rock cairn (good thing about rocks, they're pretty common in the vast majority of places). I then take my remaining food and do the same thing in a different spot. In the morning I go back to these spots and pack it all out. The key is to not have ANY food or even the scent of food anywhere near your camp. Bears have a sweet tooth so they're especially attracted to things like meat and berries. A bear canister can be a good substitute for the rock cairn but so far no bear has put in the effort to digging my food up, plus you have to lug around a bear canister everywhere you go, which automatically discounts the UL population.
Ursack for the win. Even in "bear country" it's the tiny critters that cause more damage and get into your stuff and I've witnessed my Ursack frustrate the hell out of them. Another great video Steve!
Great video. 90% of the places I go backpacking a bear canister is required and the other 10% has no bears. Your 2nd method for hanging on an angled line makes a lot of sense! Smart.
Would love to do an Ursack with a scentblock bag inside of it, but don't like the price. So for now it's a bear bag and hanging it. We have bears around, and they can be a nuisance at the popular areas that I typically avoid. I hang the food bag mostly to deter mice, chipmunks, squirrels and birds.
Bear vault hard canister is what I use, it is getting a bit heavy. Thinking about getting the ursack and pair it with an odour free bag that goes inside.
We always used a dry bag (so it reduces the scent) hung in a tree using a single branch with paracord and the other end anchored to another tree. We also used food that was not aromatic if possible. I also camped in the UK and that was a lot simpler because no bears or raccoons or mosquitoes. People often left the food out next to the tent in grocery bags or pots with lids.
They could make bear bag hanging into an Olympic sport. It would be pretty entertaining to watch; especially when the bear judges were set loose to test them. Sometimes you get it on the first throw and sometimes it's the hardest part of the day's hike, when the options are challenging.
As a scout, we learned the single tree method. And employed it reasonably well in the Minnesota Boundary Waters. Two years I went on a trip to Colorado, and found out about the 2 tree method, which I used. Like you mentioned had a lot of line stretch, but was able to tighten up slack on the tree-to-tree line enough to make it passable. I like this other idea of the 1-tree pulley method idea. For the 2-tree method you also mentioned the friction of cord on cord. I used a carabiner for the pulley. It was looped into the tree-to-tree line so it wouldn't slide. I have a Bear Vault for my food, and will hoist up anything else with a scent in a bear bag.
We did bear canoe (food under the canoe with several metal items on top of the canoe that startle the bear when it knocks them off attempting to get the food) except for one night where we knew there were bears in the area. We used a bear bag that night.
I back packed in Colorado for years, as many as 10 trips or 30 days a year. I never hang food or use bear containers. I have never had a bear get at my food. Not once. I once had a raven get at food in an Ursack tho.
I’ve been 100% on bear canisters since using them The BV500 weighs 2.5 pounds. It’s not that much when you consider that you are probably already using ultralight gear if you are concerned about weight, so the overall weight shouldn’t be anything to be concerned about with it. You Just get used to carrying it and it’s a good place to spend a little weight (which you afford with ultralight gear, or don’t care about if you don’t like ultralight) It saves bulk in your pack if you strap it on the outside, it’s a chair, a table, and the most effective food storage vs basically any animal and not just bears. It’s also easiest, comes in different sizes and you can put stickers on it if you are into that sort of thing. I can reasonably carry it on treks up to a week or more without resupply with the amount of space it gives, and it’s well worth the 2.5 pounds of weight (for the large size) It’s Comparable to a lot of camp chairs in weight.
My BV500 weighs 2.5 lbs. The BV450 weights 2.25 lbs. I agree with all your other points and if the BV500 was only 1.5 lbs., it would make my Ursack Major (0.5 lbs.) much less appealing.
I'm about willing to go with a canister. One thing never mentioned is the damage to trees that sawing Paracord over the limbs does. It cuts through the bark and opens up the tree to disease and pests. I'm not a mileage junkie, so I don't mind a little more weight.
So true. A simple solution to this that I use is by using a second Paracord. The first one is only used to raise a light weight pulley with the second Paracord already looped into it. There is no friction on the branch so no damage to it, and the bonus is that it is really easy to raise and lower the food bag.
During my time as a park ranger I must have checked 1000 bear hangs. I then had to tell 999 of those people that their bear hang was poorly done and were unacceptable.
Many many years ago i picked up large metalhooks which have an eyelet ( for rope) on the back of it , also has a cone on bottom of hook for a branch, broom handle, walking staff to reach up hook around tree branch or actual smaller trunk. Hooks make a nice loaded " grappling hook " that is easy to hook on and easy to unhook as well, makes easy for either bear line, or hanging tarp up higher over campsite
Last time I used a bear bag we happened to be in the neighborhood of a bear who understood rope. He pulled the tied off end of the rope bringing down the bag. He clawed it open and at three days worth of food for two people. But not only did this bear understand rope he understood cheese wrappers. In the morning we found a neat pile of wrappers where the bear had sat eating.
In Yosemite and the eastern sierras they simply won’t give you a wilderness permit without a bear barrel. Even the rip proof bags are not permitted. And in the southwest the issue is not as much bears as rodents, so metal mesh bags (or rocket boxes in assigned campsites) are mandatory if you don’t want holes in your tent and bag.
Something to consider about your line snapping. Nylon on nylon friction will cause it to melt which with tension will cause it to break. If you switch to something like 1/4 inch cotton webbing for one of the lines, it could help.
So I understand the Ursak bag stops the bear from eating your food, but doesn't the food still get destroyed by the bear chewing/clawing on the bag? I guess you could just add water to make a "backpacker smoothie"
I use the Ursack All-Mitey, which is not only bear-proof, but critter-proof as well. I do a lot of coastal backpacking in British Columbia, and mice are often a bigger risk to your food supply than the black bears that are around. Also use an OPSAK odor-proof bag inside the Ursack to further disguise the attractants I have inside.
I started with a canister for the reason you just spelled out - hanging is difficult! And my experience is that virtually everyone does a lousy job. Fortunately, actual bear attempts on food are rare (which accounts for much of the "I've been doing x for years with no problems" stories). Even canisters aren't immune to bear issues, but seemed to me to be the easiest and most versatile approach. Heavy, yeah .. but I've lost pack weight elsewhere and am just not willing to trade my time for extra weight savings. But, that's just me.
It's a no brainer unless you're obsessed with being ultra light (and honestly I find those people insufferable as they tend to be so obnoxious and condescending about it).
Forget the ursasack. I and a fellow hiker (elsewhere on the AT) had our usasacks shredded. Luckily REI refunded my money when I retured the shredded ursasack bag. I now use the polycarbonate cans.
You were using the wrong Ursak. Some models will keep rodents out, others will keep bears out. At least one model is good for bears and smaller critters.
I use my bear can most of the time. The area where I tend to hike requires them. And even when there are no requirements, it still gives me a peace of mind that is worth the extra weight for me. I have used the Ursak and like it, but agree that I'd only use it in places less frequented by bears!!! The major downside is, like you say-- if a bear finds your food, it sucks to be you! But at least the bears will be protected.
I use the Ursack for the reasons you mentioned in the video plus the fact that it keeps rabbits, squirrels and other small animals out which are far more likely to be a problem than bears, at least where I camp in Colorado. Another plus is the small animals won't destroy the food like I would imagine a bear chewing on the Ursack would as the kevlar is pretty thick. You can use an Opsack inside the Ursack for smell reduction as well, which really seems like the most bear-preventative measure you can take.
I usually do an odor-proof sack inside my Ursack unless a bear can is required. Used to always bring my BearVault because I'm crap at throwing in general, so I knew trying to hang a bag would be a futile effort anyway. But it's just so heavy.
When Bear Vault came out with the smaller BV425 I caved. Nothing is perfect, but I decided the extra weight was worth it when factoring in the time/effort at camp and effectiveness relative to other options.
Very good video. Been there, done that! Never having been a through hiker, on a schedule, etc., I always found the nightly food hang part of the ritual. Not like I had much else to do. Here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado it’s always the two tree method and even that can be challenging as most of the branches are downsloping so unless you get the line really close to the trunk it’s difficult to achieve a sufficiently taught line. So I started using an Ursack some years ago and have had no problems including of course from smaller critters. Fortunately, I spend most of my nights above tree line and in my experience there are no bears up there😊. Just came back from the Wind River Range in WY, where there are grizzlies, I think, and I did carry bear spray and a bear vault.
I've been in Colorado for over 30years, and I've found that you are much more likely to see bears in the city than in the wilderness. All of the bears that I've seen in Colorado, were in city limits. A couple were on the trails, but still in city limits, and I've never seen one in the backcountry.
Same for me on the east coast, I've been hiking the Blue Ridge and Smokies for 20 years and I've only ever run into two bears in the backcountry, and both of them scattered as soon as they were aware of me.
I’ve used a big bear vault and it worked for a base camp situation when I got dropped off and left to camp wo hiking in. It was easy and the bear who did come around didn’t see it at all bc it was looking for square shaped objects that look like coolers. But it’s way too heavy to backpack. I got a smaller UDAP that’s a better size but failed in a situation this summer where I have to bring a mess kit to a group camp kayak excursion. So then I got a really great Ultralitesack food bag so I could get everything in including mess kit garbage ziplock etc. I wanted to practice with it in the woods in my yard. But bc it’s mostly thick Hemlocks and Beech it was impossible to find a good branch. I think it depends on the circumstances but the bear can is easier to deal with when you just want simplicity. I guess I m just glad we have choices.
I'll definitely be looking into an Ursack. I'm just starting to dabble in bikepacking, looking at just some overnight trips this year. don't really have room on the bike for a canister, and again, lack of decent trees in many areas.
Thank you for telling the truth about hanging bear bags. I live in southern Arizona. I gave up on hanging bags a while back. I carry a canister. It replaces a backpacking chair as well. It is a great flotation device in canyons.
I use a canister all the time. Living by the Sierras you just get use to using it. I Crack up that it's considered heavy. It's not knocking miles off how far you're going to hike in a day regardless of what the ultra light weight weenies say. I have a V strap on my arc haul so it sits on top of my pack without ever bothering me. I think it has a bad rap from youtubers. Plus it makes a decent seat or table.
Same! We hike and backpack in the Sierras all the time and it's a bear can for us too, unless the location has a bear locker. Fed bear is a dead bear. We all need to understand and respect the fact that the forest is the bears' home and we are just visitors. Leave no trace needs to include proper food storage.
@@karencaskey6210 that's one of the nice things at a lot of Sierra campgrounds, bear lockers. I've just grown so use to a can that I bring it even if it has a locker. I don't want to be the reason a bear gets put down. Plus it keeps all the damn squirrels out!
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My bear canister makes an incredible side table to make my food on as I sit in my backpacking chair. If you put enough stuff in it (jetboil cooking system, personal care items, etc) the space isn't too invasive, especially as the trip goes on and you have more room to replace food with trash/gear.
The canister makes a good camp stool, for those who don't carry a camp chair.
Good point.
This is the way
Using the canister as a table runs the risk of getting food and food smells on the canister.
@@McBlaminbears can smell it either way
Ha. I was trekking in Yosemite a number of years ago and watched as a bear followed the rope with his eyes from the bag to the point where the line was secured and promptly clawed through the line to drop the bag to the ground. They are smart beasts.
This exact thing happened to me in Yosemite in the 70’s.
Did you meet f***ing Yogi??? This bear has definitely been at it for a while
Holy smokes
Pro hiker tip: Just wait for your hiking partner(s) to get their bear bag line strung. Then attach your foodbag to their line. Ta da!😂
I prefer canisters. Keeps the bear and rodents out. Can be used as small table, seat, washing machine, hauling trash out, storage and can even be used for keeping the food safe. The bulk is not a problem since the empty space in the canister can be used to store items.
At the end of the day this septuagenarian is usually too tired to be throwing things in the air. I store away my canister while others on the hike are still trying to find a suitable tree branch. One of my canisters have the teeth marks left by a bear. That bear also left all of my food untouched. Canisters work. My food was not crushed.
I'm an older guy. Carrying the few extra grams of weight of a canister is for my comfort and is no problem at all.
As a backpacker the last 50 years, I concur.
Do you keep the canister inside your tent or outside at night?
@@nicoleablanchard I store the canister at least 100 feet from the campsite. I heard nothing the one time a bear actually try to get to my food and I slept right through it. However, it was no fun to be greeted that morning with all the bear slobber I had to clean off the container before I could break out breakfast. Yuck!
I think this outcome was much better than having the bear to come into my tent for the canister.
@@nicoleablanchard Never keep your canister inside your tent.
What cannister do you use?
Please critique this idea:
Hang high in a tree so skinny that a human can barely climb it (and maybe bring a climbing aid which can be just a foot loop girth hitched around the tree).
I bowhunt and was hanging my trail cameras 10 or so feet up and angling them downward. This is mostly to prevent theft. On bigger trees, black bears would still climb and check out/gnaw on/smack around the cams (I'm guessing they thought they might be a bee's nest with honey or just something new to check out). I started hanging my cameras on trees about as big around as a standard calf muscle at the base but so thin at the top that it was a bit sketchy (my weight would almost bend them over). I never had a bear hurt a camera after that. I guess a very young bear could have climbed it. Would a mama bear send her cub up a tree? Hasn't happened yet.
couldnt they just bend the tree over?
also i have the same problem with the animal checking out my camera. it seems they are doing this by smell. they are following us days later thru smell and goes to check out that exact tree to see what we have done. i discovered this by having multiple camera mounted in the same area. most animals will do this (checking out the smell). i even have cats going 10kms deep into the woods and come check out the tree i mounted the camera unto.
Ive been doing a 2 tree hang but instead of hanging the bag from a "clothesline," I attach 2 lines to the bag and then throw each line over the 2 separate tree branches. Then pull and tie off each line individually to hoist the bag up in the middle. This also allows you to pull the lines tighter if needed to adjust for sag. And seems to avoid line breakage
That sounds doable 👍
Check out the PCT method, doesn't leave any tight guylines that clever critters can cut!
As the ridgerunner on the AT in Great Smoky Mountains National Park I can attest how well our bear cables work. Not only are they at every trail shelter but every backcountry campsite. Game changing. They have also greatly eliminated the presence of mice in the shelters. Last month bears made off with two bear canisters during the night that had been placed on the ground under the bear cables. So far even the very ingenious bears haven’t been able to defeat the installed cables. They will however destroy an Ursack.
For sure. Cables work great and help people get a proper hang quickly. Before the cables were installed what was the regulations in the Smokies? I’m curious how many poorly hung bear bags were discovered by bears?
@@MyLifeOutdoors before the cables the shelters believe it or not were enclosed by chain link fencing. This meant people kept their food with them in the shelter and had the unfortunate effect of teaching bears to associate shelters with food. Not surprisingly there were also idiots who would actually feed bears through the fencing. There is still one shelter that has the fencing, Davenport Gap, the last shelter in the park going north. Google it to see what that looks like. I’m sure it is because where it is situated there isn’t convenient place to install cables. It is also the shelter with the least amount of use being only a mile from the park boundary.
Thank you for your service. 😃👍
@@ChristopherMarshburn Surprised the chainlink keeps them out to be honest
The bears took the bear canisters?! For real? Where did they take them?
I did a thru hike of the AT last year and carried a Bearikade Weekender the whole time. The bears on the AT can get into the Ursacks. The forest service wants you to hang everything now. If I did the AT again I would carry the hard sided can and hide it .
It's also a good idea to cook and eat well away from where you camp so your shelter and bedding don't smell like food. Even if you use a canister, it's never fun to be woken up in the middle of the night by a curious bear. Their noses are much stronger than even a dog's so if there's any scent at all they'll be able to pick it up from miles around.
Excellent advice on using one line to the whole job. I camp in grizzly territory regularly and this will be helpful. Thank you.
I went with the Bearikade Weekender canister for my hikes and I've been very pleased. It was expensive but I feel it will last a lifetime. It's lightweight, easy to pack and as stated by many here, can be used in a few ways besides just a food container. I did apply a few dots of reflective tape around it to make it easier to spot at night/low light. So far no bear encounters but I'm confident my breakfast will be there in the morning if one ever does come poking around. If it's too expensive for your budget, they rent them as well. I rented a Weekender for a three day hike in the Rockies. It was a simple process and the canister impressed me so much that I ordered one.
Used one for years, they're the best.
If Ursack could somehow impregnate the fabric with something that's vile to bears but unnoticeable to humans, that would be closer to perfect
Oh! Something similar to Nintendo Switch game cartridges. Because the game cartridge is so small, it has a very bitter taste to deter young children from putting it in their mouths
I use the double rope method. Basically u tie your bag to 2 separate ropes with a carribeaner. You need 2 trees. Find a thick branch up like 15-20 ft on first tree. One line over and tie. Other tree is away from it and u throw rope over a thick branch and pull tight. Should suspend you bear bag up. Takes all of 10 min. You can do with any tree....
@official.MyLifeOutdoors hit up
Love your videos! You just reinforced my current thinking on food protection. Bear cannisters are heavy but so worth it for piece of mind. The last thing I want to do at the end of a long backpack in is mess with a bear bag. Some times I will also put food underwater in a lake. Keep up the high quality videos!
Headed to Yellowstone this summer where each backcountry site has a bear pole. Thankfully I won't have to worry about finding the perfect tree.
A much simpler two-line method: Pick two trees about 20' feet apart. Toss one line into one tree about 20' up on the side of the tree away from the 2nd tree. It doesn't matter too much if you can't get close to the trunk or exactly over a branch. Just get it up high and into the tree. Do the same thing with the second line and second tree. Bring the tossed ends together between the trees and tie your sack to both lines. Then hoist away on both lines (at the same time if you've got two people, or back and forth if you're solo) until the sack is hanging at least 12' up between both trees.
Exactly. It need not be that difficult.
I have always done my bear hangs this way.
I am not sure if I understand it. Is there a YT video for that?
@@Alien2799the video shows the clothesline method which has many drawbacks. It requires more rope and you create too much sag because the second line puts double the load on the clothesline. The real two tree method uses one line with your food secured to the middle and you toss each end high up. No need to account for sag after since you only need to tension one line. Just google two tree method bear bag and it’s pretty self explanatory.
Yeah, this is very easy to do. I've never had a problem.
I have one of those bear canisters that is clear / blue, with a black lid. When the sun hit it, it would COOK everything in it. I painted the lid white and the inside white. Problem solved. I also added some reflective stripes, to make it easier to find, if a bear moves it away. The manufacturer told me, which paint type was safe for the canister and lid.
Which is...?
For years now we have just taken bear cans whatever the requirements of the area. It’s more weight to carry but the convenience, speed of use and peace of mind make it worth it for us, especially, as others say, they are handy work surfaces, seats etc. It’s always a trade-off but I prefer to save weight on other items and keep food safe not just from bears but rodents too.
Dyneema cord, which is slick and super strong, made a great addition to my kit. It slides over branches really well and I think it would take a LOT of friction or abuse to snap. I live in a place with lots of hardwood so finding a tree isn't terribly hard. I don't want to go the canister route as it would introduce too many changes to my pack and general setup to accommodate that large cylinder.
That was going to be my comment as well. A lot of the complaints seemed to just stem from poor cordage.
Don't forget to use opsak odor barrier bag with the ursack.
This needs to be pinned. Ursacks need an odor barrier to reduce the likelihood of the bear finding it and then the sack being basically bulletproof is the last resort line of defense. The bear could theoretically still get the taste of food through the ursack but not the food itself (I've seen reports it can get punctured, but won't tear).
Living near the Sierras, I've grown accustom to using bear canisters (Lighter 1 Lil' Sami and Bearakade). I tried using a bear hang a few times, but as mentioned in the video it's time consuming. I also tend to be very forgetful. I find things I forgot to put away or remember something I need. Having to hang and rehang a bag would be a hassle. The problem with the Ursack is that I put scented items with my food. If a bear was to smash the sack, all the scented items would get everywhere. Canisters just seem to be the best solution for me.
A bear tore our packs apart one night and ate all our toothpaste 😮 at Kennedy meadows
Now I throw it in the food bag too
Which do you prefer - Lighter1 or Bearikade? Is the Lighter1 skillet any good?
@@GenX_outdoors My Lighter1 is for 1-3 nighters and the Bearakade is for anything longer. I haven't used the lid as a pot yet mainly because I'm too lazy to clean it and I mostly eat dehydrated meals. I do use it as a base and windscreen for my esbit and alcohol stove.
@official_MyLifeOutdoors No
I've used the "Ursack Aluminum Bear Sack Liner" inside my Ursack, with the food inside the Opsack plastic, which controls odors and gives waterproofing. During food prep, the liner also acts as a wind screen for the stove. I see that the liners are being discontinued, and is on sale 50% off right now at the Co-op.
I wonder how much your setup is?
I am so impressed and pleased that the "time to bear hang" you referenced were accurate, in my experience. How often do people completely underestimate the "actual" time it takes to 100% setup their bear hang? 😲I'm fortunate to have purchased an Ursack around 2008 so the outside material does not absorb water. It is so convenient to simply tie it to a tree (with a good climbers knot)! I rarely use the aluminum liner but I do have it, just in case. I'm so sick of the time/effort of setting up a bear hang line that I even consider carrying my BV500! 🤮
"an Ursack around 2008 so the outside material does not absorb water" so current ones do absorb water?
@@-COBRA Yes, that is my understanding. My old Ursack does not absorb water (or is very water resistant) but the Ursacks from the 2020s apparently absorb a lot of water. People have created videos discussing how they protect their Ursack with a garbage bag, etc. My only concern is water getting in through the top opening since it is not a "dry bag" closure. I'll add it to my video list - even if outdated for most people.
I use my Ursack as my regular food bag. I hang it using the PCT method as my plan A if I can find an appropriate location, and tie it around a tree as my plan B. Only adds a few ounces and gives me two reliable options.
Could you elaborate on the PCT method?
I was thinking about doing this too - what type of line & biner have you found most effective paired w yr Ursack?
@@udance4ever I just use run-of-the-mill paracord and the lightest full-size carabiner from my climbing gear (it's from Black Diamond, but I don't recall the exact model).
Using slingshot to fire a round, lead fishing weight tied to fishing line will help you quickly and accurately get the line over a branch, then tie the fishing line to a heavier cord and pull the cord over the branch.
I have a Kevlar bag and a canister. I use the bag when I can and the canister when I must. Also I refrain from eating anything with a strong smell while backpacking. No meat, fish, etc.
This is a well produced, concise, and educational video. I'm very glad I watched it.
As a briefly engaged conservation worker and a hunter this is a big topic in my mind. I have basically resorted to the policy of just keeping my food on my body and having my presence be the deterrent. But I have NOT spent time in habituated areas like the adirondacks in a very long time. But there are high bear areas in my upcoming season so I will probably be checking this out.
We hike in Algonquin in Ontario Canada ( black bears) and have been using Ursacks for a couple years now. They are heavy and they do absorb water so we drape a plastic bag or waterproof stuff sack over it and hang it like a regular bear hang. Ive also used the PCT method of hanging my bag. But having the Ursack if there are no suitable trees or if its dark already then we just tie it to the base of a tree away from camp.
I always take a bear canister when backpacking in the Sierras. Having said that, the issue is a desire to pack my trash (and some of the other non-food smelly items) somewhere other than in the canister with my food. That's where the bear hang still comes in handy. Will try the two rope trick in the future. Thanks!
The PCT style bear hang is my go-to but you are right, in CO it is really hard to find the ideal tree to pull it off. There is another style that I have tried a couple times and like it a lot. It also uses two trees, but this time you only need one long rope. In the middle of the rope you tie a loop knot like a figure 8 on a bight. Then, you throw each end of the rope over branches about 15ft off the ground on trees separate by 10-12ft. Clip your bag to the loop, retrieve the ends and bring them together then pull on them to raise the bag. You can either tie each off to a lower branch on each tree once you know how much length you need or stake them down to the ground at and angle. Works really well and saves a lot of time.
Same.
seems cool, thanks
Love this method personally. Still can be tough.
A pulley hoist in the middle is the cat’s meow, especially if you’re staying in the same location multiple nights. It’s much better than untying / retying lines every time to access your goodies, and risk getting pine pitch all over your hands each time.
Im probably never going to go camping or backpacking in bear country..but I can't stop watching your content..
.
I use the blue bear cannisters kayaking here in Thailand. Keeps Rodentius Comminus at bay as well as the land crabs, lizards, monitors and the monkeys.
A side note with using the ursack method . Use a “scent proof” ziplock bag made to use specifically with the ursack. Probably not full proof but makes a difference. So far so good.👍
@official.MyLifeOutdoors how?
@@BackcountryTreks that's a bot boss don't click anything it sends you
@@guywithatippmann realized that after I noticed the weird font. Thanks🍻
@@BackcountryTreksthat’s a scammer
I like my Ursack AllMitey, it is rodent and bear resistant. the little rodents are more of a problem in my area than bears.
I used prussic cord and hung my Peak1 2 piece stainless cook set under the bear bag. There were two tries by Jasper, created a lot of noise, and he gave up. The other camper wasn't so fortunate. This was in the Adirondacks, Colden loop. Got a cool photo of it. This was in the late eighties. (my little claim-2-fame.)
My base weight is sub 10 lbs. while using a food bag. Being ultra light, I can afford a couple of pounds and use a canister. I just started and I like it. I like that I don't have to worry about a hang. Especially when I come in after dark. I got back from an overnight hike today from an area that I have had bears visit me at night. I feel so much better and sleep great knowing that I have a canister. Also, my chips don't get crumbly! A little trick is to tear off the tab on your freeze dried food pouches before you go. That extra piece takes up more room than you realize. Strange but true. I don't get the geometry on that one.
I have never regretted my choice of getting a canister. As you said, too many times I watched people spen up to an hour to hang their food and then do what I would consider a poor hang.
I live in Georgia not far from the AT. This year many hangs were stolen by bears.
As for the Ursac, many of them were gotten into this year and or the food inside destroyed.
Canisters were also missing but many think that was human thefts. Yes a few were chewed up and or moved from where they were put but had the least failure rate.
They are bulky and do weigh more but I have lightened my gear to the point the weight is not an issue. I have the bv500 and 450. Use determined by length of hike.
In my opinion the benefits outweigh the bulk and weight for ease of just getting to camp and doing the walk drop and walk back.
We've used Ursacks for over a decade and we always combine them with an Opsak liner. (My main issue with that system is that the top of the Opsak above the zip always eventually fails which makes it very hard to open them again.)
I think the key aspect is being able to camp where bears just aren't used to finding food so they won't come looking, and to keep those places free of any attractants. Established campgrounds ought to have bearproof storage, but sadly not all do.
Turkey bags are a good cheap opsak alternative, with no zip closure to fail.
Same with the Ursack. It just works and is very easy to deploy. I haven't had a food back crushed by a determined bear, but if you can knot it below the opening it's pretty rodent proof to boot.
I developed a habit of opening any ziplock style bag by sliding it open parallel because of those OPsacs failing in my first thruhike.
@@TheIndianaGeoff For Grand Canyon trips, I use the Ursack Minor for critter resistance at less weight.
@@usernick8928 yeah they would be sturdy enough for sure, although I don't know if they're odour-proof (at least not as odour-proof as Opsak claims)
So far I've been lucky. May of 2023 during my last solo camping trip involved an overnight, freeze dry food for dinner and breakfast and a small box of wine to wash dinner down (hey, it was my birthday!) I hung my food far away from my tent and had no problem over night. The next day I overheard some local people in a sandwich shop talk about the bears feasting on the trash cans! I guess their trash was better then my freeze dry garbage I was eating!
This is my experience as well. I basically just carry a can all the time now for all the reasons cited in the video. My base weight is still only 12 lbs, and the convenience factor is huge
I'm camping this afternoon/overnight and was just thinking about my bear bag situation. Very timely.
Been using the Ursak with an odor-proof lining. Often take it to Montana and Wyoming and appreciate the compromise of weight/security.
i love my ursack,, last time a bear came for my hanging bag i scared’m off with a few blasts of my cap gun
I've switched to the ursack a few years ago and haven't gone back. But I couple this with odor resistant bags. My wife has been canister for every trip for about 5 years she likes that it doubles as a stool. She has converted two of the other backpackers in our group to canister all the time
Here on the east coast we hang ‘em . Plenty of trees . And 12 feet is the best.
Plus there’s bear boxes at every shelter.
Every shelter
Bear Vault all the way! Simple, safe, and makes a great stool/table at camp. I put reflective tape around mine to hit with a light when it's dark.
You’re using the clothesline method which experiences more sag because the first line has to support 2x the weight of your food. The second line acts like a pulley with one end supporting the weight of your food and the other end pulling down equal to the weight of your food. Had the bag been tied to your line first, you’d experience half the sag.
Wow! Do I agree and how! Bear cans are the way to go. I gave up on hanging bear bags for the same reasons as you. No suitable trees! Just too frustrating to do every night when I'm tired. However, when I've hiked in bear country, especially on the PCT, I usually have a backpack that is large enough to accommodate a bear canister so I never really found that solution to be cumbersome or heavy. Pro Tip: Don't eat where you sleep!
A consideration that is seldom mentioned in such discussions is the many other kinds of critters that will go after a backpacker's food. Even if I cannot get my food bag hung out of reach of bears or if I am not in bear country, I often hang it out of reach of raccoons, marmots, opossums, mice, foxes, coyotes, etc.
One time in the Adirondacks (before the canister requirements - I now own one), I made a very good hang.
The next morning, I discovered a 1-inch hole in the side of the bag, right next to the trail mix.
Prime suspect: A flying (or red) squirrel.
@@anorthosite Great story! I hadn't heard of that happening.
#1 don't use your food for a pillow. #2 don't leave the food unattended. #3 if the bear carries your canister or bulletproof food bag away, be sure it is tied to an 8-foot log with lots of foot-long branch stubs and several cow bells, so you can track it down and spank it. Then wash the slobber off your food.
OMG, I love the idea of cow bells. Need more cow bells 😂
PCT for me… the two tree method has several variations that also work well where there are few branches or skinny/thick foliage.
We use two line method with a twist. We throw a line weighted with a pully around a tree, as high as possible. Then you lower the pully and feed the other line through it, which is tied to your bag. Hoist the pully up as high as you can (minimum 15-18') and then pull your bag up with the rope to the pully, and then walk to another tree and tie the second rope off at ~ head height. This gives you a goo secure spot usually 5-6' from the first tree and 12-15' from the ground. We use this frequently in Eastern Ontario, and haven't had issues with bears, but occasionally issues with chipmunks. I prefer this when hiking, but when portaging, I have used a bear barrel, and it has worked just fine (also works against chipmunks).
I used a variety of methods depending on where I’m camping. I have a large (2x) yours hard sized canister and it IS very heavy, but I pack other items into it in addition to my food to help save space in my pack and I ditch my camp chair when I carry the canister because it’s high enough to double as a seat at camp.
I can’t throw a line to save my life, but I hang bags on the pre installed bag hang systems provided by many National, State and local parks in the Eastern US. They aren’t entirely bear proof, but at least I’m obeying the rules, especially in GSMNP. I’ve always wondered about the Ursack and have yet to make this investment. I’ve also used the provided steel food storage systems some state parks here in TN offer.
Happy 🏕️ ing!
I also camp in a converted cargo trailer. If I’m in a non or low bear area, I keep my food in the refrigerator inside the trailer and in the trailer itself. If I’m in a densely populated bear area, I have a 20 gallon steel drum with a locking lid in which I place all non perishable items. I store that in the bed of my truck or on the ground near the fire pit. They absolutely cannot access it’s interior. I’ve had many people ask me about it.
Thanks for the heads up Steven! I’m literally going on a trip tomorrow and this has helped.
Man, thank you for this vid. Years ago me and two friends did a 12 days no-resupply trek through the Rockies in the Banff/Lake Louise area back country. Every night we spent 1-2h setting a two-tree bear hang and then hauling our 45kg bag of food 5 m into the air using a carabiner pulley system. What a damn hassle.
I use an Ursack also, but I put my food inside an OP sack within the Ursack. That way there's no scent to attract bears to begin with.
Recently however I've switched from OP sacks to Kea Stash bags; same concept, in that they're bags with heavy duty ziplock closures that prevent odors from escaping, but they're more durable and easier to clean than OP sacks.
Good video and yes finding the right tree can be difficult or even impossible. I've had good success with the balance method as follows if a suitable tree can be found. This requires a long stick or an additional chord to get the two stuff sacks fairly balanced over a high branch. Chord-1 is use to tie or clip the two bags together and balance them over a branch. Start by tying or clipping bag-1 to one end of chord-1. It's best to use a carabiner or tie a bowline. Then run chord-2 through the bowline or carabiner for later use (important!) - temporarily tie the ends of chord-2 together to form a loop (of course it needs to be long enough to make a loop and still reach near the ground when bag-1 is lifted/pulled up to near the branch).
Pull the other end of chord-1 to lift bag-1 about as close to the branch that you dare. Clip the second bag onto a small loop in chord-1 about as high as you can reach, then stuff the excess chord into the second bag. Now you are ready to pull the first bag part way down (thereby lifting bag-2) using chord-2 until it is about even with bag-2. Then untie the loop in chord-2 and pull on one end of the chord until it slips all the way though and drops to the ground. If you selected the right tree, your food is pretty safe.
The fun part is getting the two stuff sacks back down. You might be able to do it with a long stick. Keep in mind that you normally want to get bag-2 down first, because it has the extra rope that can be used to slowly lower bag-1 down afterwards. I often have a large loop of chord hanging off of bag-2 slightly below it, using a small branch to keep the loop open and form something like a triangle, or two branches to make almost a rectangular shape. I throw a rock (attached to chord-2) through that target (be sure to hang onto the other end of the chord). After pulling on chord-2 until bag-2 is within reach, pull out the excess rope in bag-2, and untie bag-2 (but hang onto the rope or the weight of bag-1 will make it drop very quickly). Slowly feed out chord-1 (or 2) until bag-1 reaches the ground so you can untie it.
It sounds complicated because it's hard to put it into words, but it's not hard if you can see it being done. The hardest part is finding the right tree. It's important that your target loop that you will throw a rock tied to a chord through does not become undone or tangled.
Now I more often use a bear canister for simplicity. While I don't like the extra weight and bulk, it can make a nice stool for sitting on. Caveat: I once camped next to a lake, with a nearby father-daughter pair that brought a home-made bear canister. It sort of worked, as the bear could not break in. However, the bear tried everything he could to get in, and thought throwing it into the lake would somehow help him open it. Unfortunately it was not water-proof and much of the contents got wet. Sadly the father and daughter ended their trip early as a result. Make sure your canister is water proof, or use and inner bag if camping near a lake or river.
The two tree hang isn’t too hard. Throw one rope per tree, any branch. Fasten the bag to the end of each rope. Use the other ends to hoist it into the air, between the 2 trees.
Exactly what I was going to say. All it takes is an extra rope.
You can also combine It with a Caribbean or technique that he outlined, even with 2 trees that are close together.
Pulley system is much easier
@@JasonsKnotChannelI agree with the pulley concept using a small carabiner for lighter loads and an actual pulley for heavy loads. If you tie the pulley to the bag (rather than the top) you gain 2x mechanical advantage. Just make sure you have some way to pull down the carabiner or pulley in case it gets stuck up top. There are excellent videos on how to do this.
I frequently use an Ursack in combination with smell-proof LOKSAK plastic bags. It’s super convenient, easy to pack, and keeps me super confident in my and my food’s safety. I’ve had no issues with this method!
My Garcia Bear Canister is my go to for food protection. I also use a NANUK case. The case is solid and waterproof.NANUK says their cases are polar bear proof. Their site has a video of the test. Yet, there is no certification. Thanks for the suggestions. Be well. Be safe. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!
I'm not in Grizzly country mind you but I do a lot of hiking and backpacking in black bear habitats. I don't use a bag or canister. When I cook, I do so several hundred yards away from where I plan to sleep, the farther the better. I eat at this same spot taking pains not to spill any on my clothes. I bury the trash underneath a rock cairn (good thing about rocks, they're pretty common in the vast majority of places). I then take my remaining food and do the same thing in a different spot. In the morning I go back to these spots and pack it all out. The key is to not have ANY food or even the scent of food anywhere near your camp. Bears have a sweet tooth so they're especially attracted to things like meat and berries. A bear canister can be a good substitute for the rock cairn but so far no bear has put in the effort to digging my food up, plus you have to lug around a bear canister everywhere you go, which automatically discounts the UL population.
Guess I'm just lucky! Been camping for 50 years in back country of Montana, Woods of PA, NY, and VA never hung food and never had a bear problem.
Ursack for the win. Even in "bear country" it's the tiny critters that cause more damage and get into your stuff and I've witnessed my Ursack frustrate the hell out of them. Another great video Steve!
Great video. 90% of the places I go backpacking a bear canister is required and the other 10% has no bears. Your 2nd method for hanging on an angled line makes a lot of sense! Smart.
Would love to do an Ursack with a scentblock bag inside of it, but don't like the price. So for now it's a bear bag and hanging it. We have bears around, and they can be a nuisance at the popular areas that I typically avoid. I hang the food bag mostly to deter mice, chipmunks, squirrels and birds.
Bear vault hard canister is what I use, it is getting a bit heavy. Thinking about getting the ursack and pair it with an odour free bag that goes inside.
Thanks for the honesty. I have a canister and a bear bag and needed to hear a good in-the-field comparison.
We always used a dry bag (so it reduces the scent) hung in a tree using a single branch with paracord and the other end anchored to another tree. We also used food that was not aromatic if possible.
I also camped in the UK and that was a lot simpler because no bears or raccoons or mosquitoes. People often left the food out next to the tent in grocery bags or pots with lids.
They could make bear bag hanging into an Olympic sport. It would be pretty entertaining to watch; especially when the bear judges were set loose to test them. Sometimes you get it on the first throw and sometimes it's the hardest part of the day's hike, when the options are challenging.
As a scout, we learned the single tree method. And employed it reasonably well in the Minnesota Boundary Waters. Two years I went on a trip to Colorado, and found out about the 2 tree method, which I used. Like you mentioned had a lot of line stretch, but was able to tighten up slack on the tree-to-tree line enough to make it passable. I like this other idea of the 1-tree pulley method idea. For the 2-tree method you also mentioned the friction of cord on cord. I used a carabiner for the pulley. It was looped into the tree-to-tree line so it wouldn't slide. I have a Bear Vault for my food, and will hoist up anything else with a scent in a bear bag.
We did bear canoe (food under the canoe with several metal items on top of the canoe that startle the bear when it knocks them off attempting to get the food) except for one night where we knew there were bears in the area. We used a bear bag that night.
I back packed in Colorado for years, as many as 10 trips or 30 days a year. I never hang food or use bear containers. I have never had a bear get at my food. Not once. I once had a raven get at food in an Ursack tho.
I use French hotels to avoid bear encounters. Does not keep Parisian squirrels from approaching in the park when you eat a still hot baguette.
I’ve been 100% on bear canisters since using them
The BV500 weighs 2.5 pounds. It’s not that much when you consider that you are probably already using ultralight gear if you are concerned about weight, so the overall weight shouldn’t be anything to be concerned about with it. You Just get used to carrying it and it’s a good place to spend a little weight (which you afford with ultralight gear, or don’t care about if you don’t like ultralight)
It saves bulk in your pack if you strap it on the outside, it’s a chair, a table, and the most effective food storage vs basically any animal and not just bears. It’s also easiest, comes in different sizes and you can put stickers on it if you are into that sort of thing.
I can reasonably carry it on treks up to a week or more without resupply with the amount of space it gives, and it’s well worth the 2.5 pounds of weight (for the large size)
It’s Comparable to a lot of camp chairs in weight.
My BV500 weighs 2.5 lbs. The BV450 weights 2.25 lbs. I agree with all your other points and if the BV500 was only 1.5 lbs., it would make my Ursack Major (0.5 lbs.) much less appealing.
@@JohnMury you are correct, I wrote the wrong value in by mistake. but I would still say the same thing with 2.5 pounds 😀
I also came to correct the weight. 2.5lb. Please edit your original comment so you don’t mislead others.
I'm about willing to go with a canister.
One thing never mentioned is the damage to trees that sawing Paracord over the limbs does. It cuts through the bark and opens up the tree to disease and pests.
I'm not a mileage junkie, so I don't mind a little more weight.
So true. A simple solution to this that I use is by using a second Paracord. The first one is only used to raise a light weight pulley with the second Paracord already looped into it. There is no friction on the branch so no damage to it, and the bonus is that it is really easy to raise and lower the food bag.
During my time as a park ranger I must have checked 1000 bear hangs. I then had to tell 999 of those people that their bear hang was poorly done and were unacceptable.
what is acceptable?
@@ernest795in the Olympic national park they want it hung 12 feet high and 10 feet from the nearest trunk
Ursack for me. I've never even attempted to hang a bear bag. I tie my ursack off about 100 ft from camp and go to bed.
Many many years ago i picked up large metalhooks which have an eyelet ( for rope) on the back of it , also has a cone on bottom of hook for a branch, broom handle, walking staff to reach up hook around tree branch or actual smaller trunk. Hooks make a nice loaded " grappling hook " that is easy to hook on and easy to unhook as well, makes easy for either bear line, or hanging tarp up higher over campsite
Last time I used a bear bag we happened to be in the neighborhood of a bear who understood rope. He pulled the tied off end of the rope bringing down the bag. He clawed it open and at three days worth of food for two people.
But not only did this bear understand rope he understood cheese wrappers. In the morning we found a neat pile of wrappers where the bear had sat eating.
In Yosemite and the eastern sierras they simply won’t give you a wilderness permit without a bear barrel. Even the rip proof bags are not permitted. And in the southwest the issue is not as much bears as rodents, so metal mesh bags (or rocket boxes in assigned campsites) are mandatory if you don’t want holes in your tent and bag.
Something to consider about your line snapping. Nylon on nylon friction will cause it to melt which with tension will cause it to break. If you switch to something like 1/4 inch cotton webbing for one of the lines, it could help.
while using the cotton you need to calculate extensive sagging in case of rain
So I understand the Ursak bag stops the bear from eating your food, but doesn't the food still get destroyed by the bear chewing/clawing on the bag? I guess you could just add water to make a "backpacker smoothie"
Really fine topic sir! Seriously, nobody talks about this and some folks consider it a test of manliness or something and they say they never fail 😂
You can add a pull string alarm to an ursack to keep a bear from working on it.
I use the Ursack All-Mitey, which is not only bear-proof, but critter-proof as well. I do a lot of coastal backpacking in British Columbia, and mice are often a bigger risk to your food supply than the black bears that are around. Also use an OPSAK odor-proof bag inside the Ursack to further disguise the attractants I have inside.
Mini bears 😜
Spent years doing 30 day camp trips into the Wind River Range and never hung bear bags. I do like the bear sacks idea though.
I started with a canister for the reason you just spelled out - hanging is difficult! And my experience is that virtually everyone does a lousy job. Fortunately, actual bear attempts on food are rare (which accounts for much of the "I've been doing x for years with no problems" stories). Even canisters aren't immune to bear issues, but seemed to me to be the easiest and most versatile approach. Heavy, yeah .. but I've lost pack weight elsewhere and am just not willing to trade my time for extra weight savings. But, that's just me.
It's a no brainer unless you're obsessed with being ultra light (and honestly I find those people insufferable as they tend to be so obnoxious and condescending about it).
Bear canisters for me, yes they are heavy but they work and I don’t need the aggravation of a bear hang.
Forget the ursasack. I and a fellow hiker (elsewhere on the AT) had our usasacks shredded. Luckily REI refunded my money when I retured the shredded ursasack bag. I now use the polycarbonate cans.
You were using the wrong Ursak. Some models will keep rodents out, others will keep bears out. At least one model is good for bears and smaller critters.
I use my bear can most of the time. The area where I tend to hike requires them. And even when there are no requirements, it still gives me a peace of mind that is worth the extra weight for me. I have used the Ursak and like it, but agree that I'd only use it in places less frequented by bears!!! The major downside is, like you say-- if a bear finds your food, it sucks to be you! But at least the bears will be protected.
I use the Ursack for the reasons you mentioned in the video plus the fact that it keeps rabbits, squirrels and other small animals out which are far more likely to be a problem than bears, at least where I camp in Colorado. Another plus is the small animals won't destroy the food like I would imagine a bear chewing on the Ursack would as the kevlar is pretty thick. You can use an Opsack inside the Ursack for smell reduction as well, which really seems like the most bear-preventative measure you can take.
I usually do an odor-proof sack inside my Ursack unless a bear can is required. Used to always bring my BearVault because I'm crap at throwing in general, so I knew trying to hang a bag would be a futile effort anyway. But it's just so heavy.
When Bear Vault came out with the smaller BV425 I caved.
Nothing is perfect, but I decided the extra weight was worth it when factoring in the time/effort at camp and effectiveness relative to other options.
I want a BV425. Looks perfect for solo trips
@@MyLifeOutdoors Happy with the size. Easily do 3D2N, possibly another day / night if you really work at it.
Very good video. Been there, done that! Never having been a through hiker, on a schedule, etc., I always found the nightly food hang part of the ritual. Not like I had much else to do. Here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado it’s always the two tree method and even that can be challenging as most of the branches are downsloping so unless you get the line really close to the trunk it’s difficult to achieve a sufficiently taught line. So I started using an Ursack some years ago and have had no problems including of course from smaller critters. Fortunately, I spend most of my nights above tree line and in my experience there are no bears up there😊. Just came back from the Wind River Range in WY, where there are grizzlies, I think, and I did carry bear spray and a bear vault.
I got a ursack and haven't looked back. I hike with 2 german shepherds so I got alot of food to hang, and hardly anything ever messes with our food.
I've been in Colorado for over 30years, and I've found that you are much more likely to see bears in the city than in the wilderness. All of the bears that I've seen in Colorado, were in city limits. A couple were on the trails, but still in city limits, and I've never seen one in the backcountry.
Same for me on the east coast, I've been hiking the Blue Ridge and Smokies for 20 years and I've only ever run into two bears in the backcountry, and both of them scattered as soon as they were aware of me.
I’ve used a big bear vault and it worked for a base camp situation when I got dropped off and left to camp wo hiking in. It was easy and the bear who did come around didn’t see it at all bc it was looking for square shaped objects that look like coolers. But it’s way too heavy to backpack. I got a smaller UDAP that’s a better size but failed in a situation this summer where I have to bring a mess kit to a group camp kayak excursion. So then I got a really great Ultralitesack food bag so I could get everything in including mess kit garbage ziplock etc. I wanted to practice with it in the woods in my yard. But bc it’s mostly thick Hemlocks and Beech it was impossible to find a good branch. I think it depends on the circumstances but the bear can is easier to deal with when you just want simplicity. I guess I m just glad we have choices.
I'll definitely be looking into an Ursack. I'm just starting to dabble in bikepacking, looking at just some overnight trips this year. don't really have room on the bike for a canister, and again, lack of decent trees in many areas.
Thank you for telling the truth about hanging bear bags. I live in southern Arizona. I gave up on hanging bags a while back. I carry a canister. It replaces a backpacking chair as well. It is a great flotation device in canyons.
I use a canister all the time. Living by the Sierras you just get use to using it. I Crack up that it's considered heavy. It's not knocking miles off how far you're going to hike in a day regardless of what the ultra light weight weenies say. I have a V strap on my arc haul so it sits on top of my pack without ever bothering me. I think it has a bad rap from youtubers. Plus it makes a decent seat or table.
Same! We hike and backpack in the Sierras all the time and it's a bear can for us too, unless the location has a bear locker. Fed bear is a dead bear. We all need to understand and respect the fact that the forest is the bears' home and we are just visitors. Leave no trace needs to include proper food storage.
@@karencaskey6210 that's one of the nice things at a lot of Sierra campgrounds, bear lockers. I've just grown so use to a can that I bring it even if it has a locker. I don't want to be the reason a bear gets put down. Plus it keeps all the damn squirrels out!
One of the things I like about my bear canister is that it makes a great stool to sit around the campfire with.