[pct-l] hanging food

[Scott Diamond]

I echo Herb's general advice (mostly I slept with my food but in a few
places I hung food too).

Only thing I thought I'd mention is that Lassen is having a serious problem
with one bear. This year they now require a bear canister
<https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/wilderness-permit-information.htm>.
Something to consider in planning your trip logistics.

        -Scott



On Thu, Jan 26, 2017 at 10:57 AM, Herb Stroh <HStroh at sjmslaw.com> wrote:

> I know many just sleep with their food in all but mandatory bear can
> areas. But there are some sections of the PCT that have significant bear
> activity, but do not mandate a can. It is a good idea to have the tools and
> skills necessary to be able to hang your food in high-risk areas. Plus, the
> loss of food is not only an inconvenience to you--ultimately it could
> result in destruction of the bear.
>
> The old method is counterbalancing, which is a bit trickier but still very
> doable. Many use "The PCT Method" which is easier to do. See it described
> here: http://theultimatehang.com/2013/03/hanging-a-bear-bag-
> the-pct-method/ Although technically it may not be legal in areas that
> specifically call out for  counter balancing, I don't think the dangling
> line from the PCT Method poses any additional risk of food loss.
>
> This reminds me of an old joke we use to share back before bear cans were
> invented and a good counterbalance hang was the only way to protect food.
> After accomplishing the task and meeting the height and distance
> guidelines, one of us would inevitably look at the other and say, "now THAT
> is what I call WELL-HUNG."
>
> Herb
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Pct-L [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Sam Whited
> Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2017 8:06 AM
> To: Megan Leedom
> Cc: pct-l
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] hanging food
>
> On Thu, Jan 26, 2017 at 8:55 AM, Megan Leedom <mkleedom at gmail.com> wrote:
> > but was curious if any of you found it necessary to hang your food at
> any point.
>
> Like carrying basic medical supplies, it's not necessary at all (until it
> is). If you hang your food in the worst case you've wasted a few minutes at
> the end of the day hanging it, in the best case you've saved your food
> supply from being raided by critters.
>
> > I'm trying to decide if I should pack some rope and learn proper hanging
> techniques before I go.
>
> Short answer: Yes. Even if you decide not to hang food, rope is just
> generally useful. If you ever run into a tight spot — slipped into a gully,
> can't cross a flooded stream safely, injur your leg and need to bind it up,
> or just want somewhere to string wet cloths up to dry — you'll want it.
>
> —Sam
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