[pct-l] My Experiences with an Ursack

[Steve McAllister]

Why I use an Ursack:

Most of my backpacking is in the NorthEast and there are some bear
problems in my neck of the woods, but other animals are the big
problem.

1) If an Ursack is hung from a relatively high branch, coyotes and
probably wild dogs can't reach it easily. I have experienced coyotes
spending a good amount of time jumping and occasionally grabbing the
bag and yanking back and fourth, leaving teeth impressions, but the
food was unharmed.

2) If you hang a standard nylon bag properly, you are still at the
mercy of, birds, squirrels, chipmunks, ... I have seen what can happen
and I like the extra protection of the Ursack.

3) Although Raccoons have attempted to get into my Ursack, none have
succeedded. I suspect the same with Marnotts, mice, desert rats, ...
Hanging on a high branch helps.

4) If hung on an awkward tree branch, with a scent blocking bag
inside, overhanging a ledge, most bears won't be attracted to it and
my theory is that if they do smell food, they may crush my food, maybe
do some damage to the tree and bag, but they will not find it a good
food source and that is my main concern. I want bears to not think
that it is an easy meal.

Although I have seen what the bears can do in my area. They have
broken into my rental cabin and other shelters in the area. I have
never had an issue with them getting into, or even trying to get the
food in my Ursack, but I am careful with sealing off food scents.

I consider the Ursack a good compromise between just hanging a nylon
back and a full on bear canister and will continue to use it, unless
I'm in places like Yosemite, Yellowstone, or parts of BC.

stevie





-- 
"His eyes were cold.  As cold as the bitter winter snow that was
falling outside.  Yes, cold and therefore difficult to chew..."
 -Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich