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Re: [pct-l] renting bearboxes

In a message dated 98-06-02 15:08:57 EDT, kevins@statenet.com writes:

<< Can someone please explain the "proper" way to counterbalance. This has
been on my mind for a while now. Thanks in advance!>>

Here's a start:

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BEAR BAGGING YOUR FOOD (from Backpacker Magazine)

The counterbalance method: 

If there's only one suitable tree in the area, locate a branch that's at least
20 feet up, sticks out at least 10 feet from the trunk, and is about an inch
or 2 in diameter (strong enough to hold the food bag but too thin to support a
bear). Toss the weighted end of the ropeover the limb.

You'll need two stuffsacks of equal weight for the food, ideally less than 10
pounds each. Tie a retrieval loop and the first sack to one end of the rope.
Pull it up. Tie the second sack on the rope as high as possible and add
another loop. Put excess rope in the bag.

Toss the second sack up so the two balance evenly, at least 12 feet off the
ground, 10 feet from the trunk and 5 feet below the branch. When time to eat,
hook one of the loops with a stick and pull the bags down.

The conventional method: (Bad Advice)

To hang your food up and away from bears and small, hungry critters, locate
two trees about 20 feet apart. Throw a weighted end of rope (50 to 100 feet
long, at least 1/8-inch or thicker nylon) over a limbthat's at least 17 feet
off the ground. Tie the rope to the tree.

Toss the other end of rope over an equally high branch of a second tree, and
attach your food bag to the rope's midpoint.  Hoist the bag and tie the rope
to the base of the second tree. Make sure the bag is at least 12 feet off the
ground.
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The Alternative counterbalance method: 
		(from "Wilderness Basics" edited by Jerry Schad)

An alternative to the stick is a second rope, looped through the strings of
the first stuff sack before it is hoisted. The second rope can be used to pull
the first bag down to a counterbalanced position. 

To prevent a bear from using this rope to pull the food bag down, separate the
two ends of the second rope and leave them dangling well apart (perhaps draped
across two bushes). When you want to retrieve the food, simply pull the two
ends of the second rope together and pull them both downward. This action will
lower the first stuff sack while raising the second stuff sack. Once the stuff
sack is released, the counterbalanced second stuff sack should come down
easily. But ... watch your head!
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Charlie Jones
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