Ursack or not to Ursack?

[RodentWhisperer]

The other day when I was doing my test-hike through Indian Peaks, I had a brief conversation with a couple who thru-hiked the CT a few years ago. When I told them I was planning to do it next year, I got the usual recommendations-- "pace yourself," "keep lots of water on hand," etc. etc. etc.-- but I also was recommended to carry an Ursack. My "advisers" based their recommendation on the Ursack's low weight, relative bear-proofness, and ease of storage/hanging.

It got me to thinking that, at the very least, I should investigate. Have any of you used an Ursack? If so, how did it work? Any thoughts? I'm just curious.

[BigHodag]

Happy with mine. Used mine on two A.T. section hikes and every morning my food is still ties to the tree with no signs of animal tampering. Mine doubles as my bus carry-on bag as well.

Don't know why the NPS won't approve the UrSack for use in addition to hard sided containers.

[hikingshoes]

I'm a fan of Ursack Minor.. I did a video when we was camping at the river. We had a big raccoon try to get in it...never come close...

[leaftye]

I love my Ursack. Been using one on every backpacking trip except when I had to carry a canister. Keep in mind that if a bear gets at it, your food will probably get crushed. Packing raw eggs and peanut brittle may not end well.

[Mags]

Never carried one FWIW...

[Two Speed]

Got one, use it occasionally when I think rodents or raccoon are likely to be a problem.

[T-Rx]

I have one and love it so far. No problems with bears or other critters.

[bigcranky]

Been using Ursacks since 2004. Little critters don't get my food, which is great. Not sure how they would work against bears, but I'm not as worried about that.

[Llama Legs]

I've been using one for years, old green Kevlar model that's now looking like an old seabag (duffle bag for you army types, semper fi). I can't say that a bear has ever messed with it. Given enough hours and plenty of incentive (i.e. homemade cookies), chipmunks can work a small hole in kevlar

[Chif]

I haven't tried one but I do have a question. They look small to me. Are they large enough to hold 3-5 days worth of food?

[RedBeerd]

Love my ursack minor OPsak combo. Holds 5 days, maybe more.

[SCRUB HIKER]

Ditto. My Ursack Minor (product site says it's the same size as a regular Ursack) has held 6 days, and could maybe hold more if I were more careful/choosy.

[bigcranky]

I can get 5-6 days in my green Ursack if I am careful.

[Cookerhiker]

You asking about Ursacks on the Colorado Trail in particular (this is the CT Forum)? I didn't use one on last year's thruhike. Slept with my food every night.

[RodentWhisperer]

I can get 5-6 days in my green Ursack if I am careful.

What do you mean by "careful?" There are stretches of the CT lengthy enough to require you to hike 5-6 days without resupply-- correct? How easy would it be with an UrSack?

[leaftye]

Keep in mind that you can carry your first day of food outside of your Ursack.

[bearcreek]

You asking about Ursacks on the Colorado Trail in particular (this is the CT Forum)? I didn't use one on last year's thruhike. Slept with my food every night.

July 12, 2012 Segment 1 of the CT: From the CTF Facebook site:

"Campers that stayed at mile 10.8 of Seg 1 reported they were visited about 6 AM. The sow climbed several trees in an attempt to reach they food without success. A yearling showed and they left without further incident."