[pct-l] Hanging Food vs. Tent

[Tim Umstead]

For over 20 years of backpacking I have been sleeping with my food, but not
in the tent; I put it in the vestibule.  I also put my windscreen around
one side and anything that will wake me up on top: pot, pot lid, sporks and
so on.  Also I put my trash bag closest to the outside.  If a mouse shows
up I will put a few broken crackers 5' to 10' feet way from the tent, to
feed him.  This works most of the time.

I try to not camp in the popular places, he bridge at Woods Creek, the top
of Muir Pass, or the like.  This cuts down on mice that our use to people.
 I also try to pitch my tent away from old fallen logs and rock piles,
natural homes for mice.

When you are hanging your food and you want to stop mice from coming down
the rope, take the a plastic coffee can lid and tie it several feet above
your food.  As the mouse comes down the rope and hits the lid, their
footing becomes very unstable, as the lid rocks back and forth and they
will not go past.

The Ravens
PCT 96'