BACKPACKING FOOD STORAGE // Bear Canisters & PCT Hang Method
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- čas přidán 24. 08. 2021
- I show you how I store my food on the trail. There are multiple ways to store your food, but my two go to methods are bear canisters and the PCT method to hang a bear bag. I use the Backpacker's Cache bear canister by Garcia Machine for locations that require a bear canister such as the Adirondack High Peaks. In other areas or during winter, my go to method is the PCT Hang Method.
Bear Clip: The Wildest Product Testers in the Biz
vimeo.com/296016960
Backpacker's Cache: amzn.to/3mziglJ
Zing-It Cordage: amzn.to/388ossH
Paracord (50ft): amzn.to/2WmH994
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Bear Canisters and the PCT Method are my two "go to" ways I keep my food safe at camp. What method do you use? Are you going to use any of the PCT Method hacks or just use a stick?
Fortunately I live in New England and I am not forced to use a bear can. For the record back in the day, say over thirty five years we never did anything but sleep with our food. We never knew anything different. Now in the Whites of NH and many shelters on the Long Trail they have steel bear boxes, which are awesome. When I hang I use the PCT method but instead of a stick I use something I purchased on Garage Gear called the Dog Bone. It works great as no over head knot tying . They cost a few dollars or any other device called the PCT stick. For those of you who are learning that is a dream tree he is hanging from and you will rarely find such a wonderful tree and branch without lots of other trees and branches in the way. I have the most success throwing underhand for some reason. I do a lot of long hikes and I find many people are still sleeping with their food. Not In grizzly country but in black bear country. I know it’s not right but it goes on all the time. Maybe it’s why we have such a bear issue. To be honest I have never really had any issues and I have hiked thousands of miles. Mostly in the east but I have done a few trips out west. Thanks for taking the time to make this video, you were very clear on your instructions and took the time to teach the knots. I had a hard time tying the clove hitch over my head, so I went to the dog bone. I also hike with my dog so the first night out my bag can be way to heavy. Take care
A friend made me a “dog bone” from a piece of sheet plastic. It works really well, but I still use a small piece of PVC. I guess old habits. Thanks for the great comment and I’ll see you outside!
Great tips with the lineage!
I would be REALLY careful recommending anything be secured to the outside of the bear canister that could potentially lead to a bear hauling it away or using it as leverage for breaking the can. I used some bright orange duct tape around mine to make it grippy enough to stay in place when tied to my pack. I've also heard of people making or buying a mesh sack for it, which could be used for securing it to your pack (of course, remove this before storing for the night!).
I like using my canister, even when it's not required, to protect my food from mini bears. So many places I go don't have trees suitable for a proper hang, and the canister is reasonably fool-proof. Plus, it can be a nice stool to have with me. There are some places where they haven't yet started requiring canisters, but the bears have gotten very good at taking down even a good hang (and so many people DON'T do a good hang, so thank you for good guidance on this!), so I like to err on the side of caution.
Thanks for the comment. I have received similar feedback about the paracord loops on the outside. I taped them on as to not disrupt the integrity of the canister. So a bear using them to open it is unlikely. But more likely is it getting caught intentionally or unintentionally and getting hauled away. I am going to revised to something that is removable perhaps a sling or something with velcro. Thanks for watching!
Wonderful video. Thanks for the close up knot footage. Huge help!!
My pleasure, glad it was helpful. See you outside!
I use the PCT method, except I use a mini Groundhog stake as my toggle. Slides out easier than a stick with knots, and it’s multi-use for if anyone loses/forgets a stake.
I do a Marlin Spike Hitch(pretty similar) because I kept screwing up the Clove Hitch!
I wrap my line the same way with thumb and pinky.
Never seen that Alpine Butterfly before; kinda interesting
Good suggestion on the groundhog stake. I have a small piece of PVC for my toggle for the same reason, but I like the double use concept. Thanks for watching, see you outside!
I think its funny that a hang is called the PCT method - I've never been to a place on the pct where a proper hang could be achieved. The branches are two short and hang in a distinct downward slope - did it once, never again
Excellent demonstration. Thanks!
I picked up a BV500 this Spring to use on the JMT next year. I'm going to try it out on the AT in Sept.
I was looking for a knot to put loops in a tarp line to keep the ends of the tarp taught.
I think I just found one. Thank you!
Thanks so much. I am glad you liked the video. The alpine butterfly will definitely do the job, but I would suggest checking out Corporals Corner CZcams channel. He has some great tarp videos using toggles.
This is good, really good.
Thanks!
I use the PCT too..but learned some new tricks in this one thanks Mike!
I too am learning, several people use an Ursack in the group with good success. I may have to give it a try.
@@OutsideChronicles I'd love an Ursack. Expensive but so convenient..
Good info! Thanks.
My pleasure!
Just found your channel. Nice work. I’ve been frustrated with my dyneema line getting knotted up when I prepare to hang my bag. I’m excited to try that technique.
The thumb and index finger wrapping technique will work with dyneema too. I use zing-it cord for ridgelines and to hang a bear bag. I prefer paracord for the bear bag because the zing-it is really thin and hurts to pull with a heavy load. Maybe I will try one size up. What weight dyneema do you use?
I've attached a personal alarm to the my bear canister in the event an animal starts messing with it: czcams.com/video/GoyM4MRDgtM/video.html.
Notes:
Adding anything to the outside of the can has the potential for the bear to grab ahold of it and drag is away.
Mostly pine trees in many areas of the western states (not to mention desert areas) making the hanging difficult if not impractical.
If using a bear can and weight distribution is a problem (e.g. crossing large streams, walking over boulders) if you have to store your canister on the top of your pack you can always put your food inside a lightweight food bag and store it in your pack while leaving the bear can empty. And when done for the day simply place the food bag back inside the bear canister).
Great tips and an interesting idea with the alarm.
Nice video! Make sure you hang it high enough for the type of bears. Here in Kodiak we hang a minimum of 20 ft up because our bears are 10ft tall but can jump up to 15 ft.
Right, the PCT method probably would not work with kodiaks. Works for black and brown bears. I would definitely ask locals and local rangers for advice in your area. Thanks for the comment and watching.
@@OutsideChronicles I've been watching tree arborists videos to see how they accurately throw up to tall limbs. It's possible with the right gear, technique and lots of practice! I like how they use a Friction Saver device as a pulley. Check it out.
I'm getting a canister this season . I have had the unfortunate experience of getting a bag stuck on the tree , too funny the lengths I went to to retrieve my coffee.
They are bulky, but convenient and effective. Make sure you get the Garcia-style, not the BearVault.
Often I can't find a tree branch like that. Most tree branches go up diagonally at a steep angle.
That is some times a challenge with the PCT method. Bear canisters are bulky, but convenient
Do you think the Adirondacks will ever allow bear proof bags?
No, I think they have had enough issues with the BearVault-style canisters, that the solid ones will be the only methods.
Don’t u need a bear canister at the pct or can you get away with not using one? Need to know if they check
You will need to check, certain jurisdictions may require it. For example, in the Adirondacks, you need a canister in the High Peaks region, but not elsewhere. Everywhere is different.
Id be hesitant to tape loops on my canister..that gives the bear something to bite and run off with..bear might not get into it..but you probably wont find it either.
Great point, I have removed them and use an alternative method to secure to my pack.
Those loops on the side seem like a really bad idea, since it gives a bear or other animal a convenient handle to grab onto. You just undid the whole purpose of the slick outside of the canister.
Agreed, I put them on so I could secure it, but based on suggestions in the video, have removed them. They were just on with tape, they would have fallen off easily if picked up by them. But rather be safe than sorry. Thanks for the comm.
Been looking into hiking and camping out in the bush. My question is why not just bury it underground, looked around on Google and couldn't get an answer.
My opinion is it would be high impact (not Leave No Trace) and it would be vulnerable to animals that can dig (many animals). I don't know if you're referring to a bear bag or bear canister though.
Watch the bear does not carry it away with those taped paracord loops on there!!
Never really thought of that, I do not think they would really hold up from a bear carrying it. But you never know. I put them there so it does not move around too much when strapped horizontally. I really do not want to get a sleeve. Maybe I can rig up something with velcro that is easily removable.
Dude are you from Chicago? I can recognize that accent anywhere....
And great informative video
@@ro3843 Chicago? Way off, I live in Buffalo, NY. GO BILLS! See you outside!
counterbalance method is far better than pct method !
The counterbalance method is also a very good method, I would not say it is “far” better than the PCT method. I would say more “equal”. Both have pros and cons, but both get the job done.
@@OutsideChronicles
you have not seen bear get to food with pct method........ yet.......
but guess what?
there are smart bears, ..... but with counterbalance method, no bears can get to your bag.
the only con with counterbalance method is if you were careless setting it up.
whereas, with pct method, a smart bear will hold onto the cord and will bring the bag down....... bye, bye food ! ....... lol
@@OutsideChronicles
i see many folks do the counterbalance method the wrong way.....
unlike the pct method, in counterbalance.... the cord should not be hanging...... but tucked inside the bag.
this is what most folks miss !
know how to do it correctly and it is superior than pct any day !
It doesn't really make any difference. If you are in grizzly country YOU are the food source, and not the rations that you are trying to make unavailable.
We only have black bears in the northeast. Not as scary as grizzlies. I would definitely carry bear spray out west. I have also heard people eating a couple of miles before they reach camp. See you outside!
Just for the record - your hacks for strapping the bear can to your pack top as well as any type of sleeve for a bear can is a TERRIBLE idea. The cans are made to be pretty resistant to bear pounding but they're also made mostly so a bear can't do anything with it ...the size shape and material of the can protect it from being taken away - just slips through big claws - you just gave them a perfectly convenient handle to put in their mouth and take away to figure out the hows without you around. Even if they don't get to the food, you are without your food - a trip ender. I even worry that the stickers on mine would give them something to grab onto. Embrace the suck and start your pack with the bear can always there. I hike the sierras so I never hike without one. Never on the outside and I only have a 30 liter bag. In truth theres more than enough room for a bear can and all that you need in a pack - we just take too much other crap. Thats where you trim until the cans in the pack...I actually have extra room for the whatnots I might want to add to a specific trip. It's an art.
The super reflective tape is the bomb. I can see my bear can like someone's shining a light in my face from 100 ft away with a headlamp. It helps when you're sure that a bear is there messing with your food and its of course not.
I've only spent two nights backpacking without a can....two times critters stole my food. Chewed through the hang twice and then a bite out of every piece of food. Embrace the suck, long live the can - carry one less liter of water. same same....and now theres 4 sizes of bear vault.
Peace all - be bear safe
I would not have thought a piece of duct tape would survive a bear claw, but you are not the only commenter to mention that. I will heed your advice. Thanks for the comment, see you outside!