Ever wonder What a bear bag is, or how to use it Properly? Well, I’ve used makeshift bags in the past using plastic bags, and whatever string I was able to find, tying all kinds of knots to get the bag to stay suspended… Basically, it was as “Red neck as can be”. Anyway, I thought I’d do some digging, and figure out how to properly use, hang, and pack a bear bag. This is what I found:
What is a bear bag?
Basically, a bear bag is simply a bag designed to prevent wildlife from getting any of your food, and odorous supplies that have been stored inside. A bear bag is Typically used when doing Overnight Outdoor Activity’s. Such as Camping, Backpacking, Mountaineering…etc.
It is typically constructed of bulletproof Spectra fabric, High-density polyethylene, or a fabric woven with Kevlar (Depends on brand and product). They are very lightweight and said to be easier to pack around than a bear canister. Though bear canisters are said to provide better defense against a hungry bear.
Available for some models are aluminum liners that give the bag better structural support so your contents inside did not get smashed. Though the only Brand I’ve seen that provides this is Ursack. Ursack looks to be one of the biggest brands out there when it comes to bear bags.
Available separately are waterproof and odor proof plastic bags that will keep your food and contents inside from getting wet, and keep the scent concealed inside the bag so nearby wildlife is not attracted to your food.
How To Use A Bear Bag?
The use of a bear bag is pretty straightforward. You put any odorous items / supplies you have with you inside the bag, this typically includes Food, Hygiene products, Feminine products, toiletries…etc. Its often said, “If it goes in your mouth, or on your body it should go in the bag”. Obviously, use your best judgment. Don’t be spilling food on your clothes, and going to sleep a few hours later in those same clothes. Change your clothes, and put the spilled-on clothing in the bear bag.
Once you’ve got all your scented items in the bag. You will then hang the bag in a tree (high off the ground), at least 100 feet away from your camp. Don’t be hanging it 10 feet above your tent… the idea here is to keep wildlife away from your food, and your camp. Even though there are Oder-barrier bag liners available on the market, take every precaution you can… Keep yourself safe, and wildlife.
How To Hang A Bear Bag (2 methods)?
There are 2 main methods I’ve heard about when it comes to hanging a bear bag. Both are listed below, along with steps as to how each is done.
Traditional Hanging method:
1st: Begin by tying a loop at one end of the paracord (this doesn’t need to be big, just large enough to clip a Carabiner to)
2nd: Tie a weight to the other end of the paracord. A nearby rock should do the trick.
3rd: Throw the end of paracord with the weight(rock) over your chosen tree limb (the tree limb needs to be 20 – 30 Feet off the ground, and 5-10 feet away from the tree trunk)
At this point, you should have your paracord over the tree branch, a loop at one end, and a weight(rock) at the other.
4th: Now you will untie the weight (leaving one end of the paracord free of any notes)
5th: Clip your Carabiner to your paracord (the end with the loop in it), and to your Bag
6th: Pull on the paracord to hoist your bag up (Pull the end that had the weight attached)
7th: once your bag is suspended 10-20 feet above the ground, but still 5 feet or so away from the branch above. Find a nearby tree to tie the paracord in your hands too.
PCT (pacific crest trail) Hanging Method:
Some steps are the same as the Traditional Hang method, however, those that don’t make the process of hanging your bag much more evasive.
1st: Loop one end of the paracord (Just large enough to hook your carabiner through)
2nd: Tie a weight to the other end of your paracord
3rd: Throw the Weighted end of your paracord over a tree branch (Branch needs to be 20-30 feet high, and 5-10 feet away from the trunk)
4th: Untie your weight
5th: Hook your carabiner to the end of the paracord that has the loop in it, and simultaneously to your bag
6th Take the end of the paracord (that had the weight on it) and feed it through the carabiner
7th: Pull on the end of the paracord that you just feed through the carabiner until your bag is just about touching the branch with which your paracord is hanging on.
8th: Tie a small stick about 1-2 inches thick (thickness will depend on the weight of your bag) in the middle of your paracord (Ideally tie the stick in head high) using a clove hitch knot. (This Stick will act as a bumper, holding your bag suspended in the air
9th: At this point, you can loosen your grip on the paracord and let your bag down slowly. At some point, as you lower your bag back down, the stick will contact the carabiner, locking your bag into place.
Now your bag is suspended (ideally above 10 feet), but now you’ve got your paracord dangling to the ground. To solve this, you could simply round up all the loose cord, and tie it to a nearby tree (tie it as high you can on the tree trunk), or you could just let it dangle there. As long as you are using a thin line of paracord or something alike (that has no knots in it) you shouldn’t have to worry about animals pulling on it. And if they do, they will just pull the bag higher.
For those of you who are Visual learners. I found this video on YouTube by Backcountry Exposure. That demonstrates both techniques listed above. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UryJN7QLRM&feature=youtu.be
So Why is the PCT Method Better?
The PCT method removes the need to tie off one end of the cable to keep your bag suspended. So, in most cases, the bear will have to climb the tree, make its way out across the branch you’ve hung your bag over, and pull it up (if it can figure out how to pull it up). At least that’s the theory behind it.
Also, the Pacific Crest Method uses our ability to tie knots to our advantage. You see, (when using the PCT method) a Bear isn’t going to be able to pull down on the paracord (sending the bag up higher), untie the knot tied around the stick, Pull the stick out of the paracord, and lower the bag back down…
However, using the traditional method, if you have a rope tied around a tree that, a bear is able to reach It will likely be able to chew through, and/or pull on your rope until it breaks, or until the bag is pulled on hard enough to send that bag back over the tree branch it was hanging on (yes if it can find your tie off point obviously?) but bears are quite smart. Don’t underestimate them.
Though there are other hanging methods that combine both methods listed above. I think when you’re out in the backcountry you should use your best judgment, and what the landscape has given you when it comes to choosing how you’re going to hang your bag.
Accessory Items Available For your Bear Bag:
Odor Barrier bags: Ever wanted to odor proof your bear bag? Use this! This is a Liner that will go inside your bear bag. It will conceal any odorous items inside the bag. Plus, Odor barrier bags are waterproof!
Aluminum Liner: This will go into your bear bag, to give it structural strength. So, your food / supplies inside won’t get smashed…
Paracord: Is strong, and originally used in the suspension lines of parachutes. This will be strung over the tree branch and used to hoist the bag up into the air. So, no animals can reach it. Paracord is often used because of its high Tencel strength, and because it is so versatile and much lighter to carry around verse other options that are available.
Carabiner: This will be Used to connect your bag to your Paracord. With some hanging methods the Paracord will be strung back through the Carabiner (PCT Style), With a stick tied in the middle of the Rope.
Are Bear Bags Necessary?
Typically, it’s up to you to decide? However, there are some backpacking, and camping trails / sites that do require the use of food storage protection. Depending on the location you’ve chosen they may require bear bags or Bear Canisters. Before you head out on your trip be sure to check it the local forest service to see what the requirements are.
But either way, if you’re headed out into bear country? Id suggests you take at least a bear bag kit with you. Best be safe, then sorry…
Finish: If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’ve gained some value from this Write-up. Wish you great travels friend!