How did you store food above the treeline?

[bearcreek]

Don't kid yourself. There are lots of bears out there. (Particularly in the San Juans.) There were 1162 bear sightings in the Durango area in 2010 alone. (Not a misprint) http://durangoherald.com/article/201...t-know-the-law We had an incident recently where the body of a person camping near town was found partially eaten by a bear. (No conclusion was reached whether he died before or after the bear visit, but they found human tissue in the bear that was snacking on him.)

I have been intimately involved with the Colorado Trail for a number of years and have completed it five times. I have seen fifteen or so bears while hiking, biking, and doing trail work. All but two of those were between Eddiesville and Durango. (Segments 20-28) I have been on the adopter crew for the Elk Creek portion of Segment 24 and bears are commonly seen there. I know of several incidents where bears along the Colorado Trail have relieved people of food, damaged tents, or bluff charged hikers. There ARE some problem bears living along the CT.

We always cook a fair distance from where we sleep and hang our food if possible. The two cord method is definitely superior and recommended. It will almost always work effectively.

It's up to you.

[RodentWhisperer]

@bearcreek, that's actually something of a relief. It's not relieving to see that people have had their tents damaged, food stolen and (God forbid) their flesh eaten by bears. But I'm glad to see that my anxieties aren't paranoia.

I've not checked the forum to see if you've posted onto it before. So tell me-- how would you recommend storing your food when camping above treeline?

[bearcreek]

I put my food bag outside 100' or so from the tent. Haven't lost any food yet, but if I do at least I will be able to hike out for more....

Segments 23 and 24.(Above Spring Creek to Elk Creek)are the only segments where you have no trees for long distances. I have spent lot of time in there and have never encountered a bear. It is the home of the largest elk herd in Colorado. You are almost guaranteed to see elk.

"I've not checked the forum to see if you've posted onto it before."

When checking bona fides, start here:
http://www.bearcreeksurvey.com

[RodentWhisperer]

I put my food bag outside 100' or so from the tent. Haven't lost any food yet, but if I do at least I will be able to hike out for more.... When checking bona fides, start here:
http://www.bearcreeksurvey.com

Thanks for the advice. What's your opinion of Ursacks?

[Oklahoma]

I store food above the tree line with a system of ropes and pulleys......the mules do most of the work.