[pct-l] Bear Bagging Etiquette

[Janet Grossman]

Andrew,
I finished my 8-year section hike of the PCT last summer. I did use a 
bear canister where required in the Sierra, but otherwise always slept 
with all my food and other smelly items (including lip balm, sunscreen 
and toothpaste) in an Odor-Proof Sak. I put the OPSak in a light stuff 
sack, and every single night put that inside my pack and slept with my 
feet up on my pack. I never had any indication of any sort of creatures 
trying to get at my food at all, whether I slept in my tent or under the 
stars. And in OR last summer I did camp several times with other people 
who had mice chew into their tents to get things like candy wrappers, 
while I was left alone. So I swear by my OPSak.

Rock-Kicker

From: Andrew Gerdes <andgerdes at hotmail.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Bear Bagging Etiquette
  Thanks to everyone who has helped answer some of my questions as I get 
ready for my PCT hike across Oregon. Your input has been much 
appreciated! I have been researching the best ways to store my food at 
night and kept finding conflicting information about hanging versus 
keeping food in your tent. Canisters aren't required in Oregon but most 
official sources say to hang your food. However, many other sources, 
including all the hikers in Yogi's book, simply kept their food sealed 
and in their tent. What is the general etiquette? I feel like this is 
less about personal preference and more about the safety of the animals 
as at the end of the day they are the ones harmed by getting into human 
food. I also looked into the Ursack but it looks kinda expensive. 
Thoughts, tips and suggestions are much appreciated! I can't wait to hit 
the trail! Andrew ------------------------------