View Full Version : bear bags
hey there. im kinda new to hiking and just wondering what everyone uses for a bear bag. i looked around on the internet and could only find two kinds, one by gregory and the other on backpackinglight.com (which was sold out). any help would be appreciated.
Are you looking for a bear-proof bag or just a bag to hang your food? I use an REI stuff sack with 25ft of nylon cord.
If you are hanging food, any stuff sack will work normally. Get silnylon to go lighter. If you want to not have to hang your food, get an Ursack ( www.ursack.com ). Used properly, Ursacks are great.
I generally use 3 nested plastic grocery bags for my food bag and if it looks like rain I'll put a trash bag over all and twist / fold the top to keep the stuff dry. If I am using the trash bag I attach the line with a cow hitch (aka lark's head) knot. if I am not using the trash bag I attach the line with a bowline loop.
Lately however I have been using a bear canister because it works well as a stool to sit on and I never have to worry about the critters getting into my food.
Footslogger
07-20-2006, 07:55
My "bear bag" is really my silnylon food bag.
'Slogger
UnkaJesse
07-20-2006, 09:50
Although I could find a lighter solution, I use an OR Hydroseal bag and lightweight line. The Hydroseal bag is waterproof, so no need for trash bags, etc. Nor do I need to figure out if it will rain in advance. Plus, it comes with a haul loop on the end opposite the opening, so it hangs upside down for more protection from the elements.
AdamantiumKid
07-20-2006, 12:01
Lately however I have been using a bear canister because it works well as a stool to sit on and I never have to worry about the critters getting into my food.
How bulky do you find bear canisters to carry? I've never used one.
Blue Jay
07-20-2006, 12:13
Although I could find a lighter solution, I use an OR Hydroseal bag and lightweight line. The Hydroseal bag is waterproof, so no need for trash bags, etc. Nor do I need to figure out if it will rain in advance. Plus, it comes with a haul loop on the end opposite the opening, so it hangs upside down for more protection from the elements.
This is by far the best suggestion. If a bear cannot smell the food it is far less likely to bother going after it. Hang this near the other suggestions and you'll be completely safe.
Lone Wolf
07-20-2006, 13:15
hey there. im kinda new to hiking and just wondering what everyone uses for a bear bag. i looked around on the internet and could only find two kinds, one by gregory and the other on backpackinglight.com (which was sold out). any help would be appreciated.
I sleep with my bear bag which is just a generic nylon stuff sack.
SGT Rock
07-20-2006, 13:20
Lone Wolf's is hooked to a trip flare and he sleeps with a .45 too.
How bulky do you find bear canisters to carry? I've never used one.
Well the approach I use results in the can being effectively strapped onto the back (outside) of my pack. What I did was to sew up a pack cloth sleave to slide over the canister with a cinch on each end - the lines from the cinch go up to a couple buckles on my pack (a Gearskin). I then tie a couple of small lines to buckles below the can so as to keep the can in one place on the back of the pack. When I tighten up the buckles the can is held fairly solidly against the pack. At first I thought it would be a problem hiking with the can attached like this but I have found that it travels well this way - the only problem I have is when I have to duck under a blowdown - I have to duck down farther to clear the can.
thanks for all your help guys. i really appreciate it.