How high should a bear bag be?

Select a tree at least 200 feet away from your tent that has a sturdy branch about 15 feet off the ground. Ideally, the bear bag should hang ten feet away from the trunk and 15 feet above the ground. Hold the loosely coiled rope slack in one hand and throw rock above the sturdy branch.

What kind of bag do you use for a bear hang?

Your bag needs to be sturdy enough to hold all of your food, and ideally you should be able to seal it fairly well so bugs and birds don't get to the food inside. The best bear bag is a waterproof drawstring bag with a strap on the bottom. You actually hang the bag by the strap so it is upside down.

Does hanging a bear bag work?

Hanging is recommended, taught, and practiced by influential organizations and individuals even though it is less effective, less foolproof, less reliable, less efficient, and less safe than other food protection techniques, notably hard-sided canisters and (to a lesser degree) soft-sided bear-resistant food sacks.

Can bears smell food in a dry bag?

Now bears have an extraordinary sense of smell. It's estimated that their ability to smell things is so acute that it's about 7 times greater than a bloodhound's ability and 2,100 times better than humans. So, that means whatever is in your food bag a bear can certainly smell it.

Will screaming scare a bear?

To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an airhorn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.

3 Easy Ways to Hang a Bear Bag

How many feet of rope do I need to hang a bear bag?

Bear Bag Checklist

At least 25 feet of rope: Invest in something durable that you can leave in your backpack for years. Paracord is a great investment. Bear spray: Because if you're in bear country, you should always have bear spray.

Does a bear bag need to be smell proof?

Bear bags don't have to be fancy, odor-proof, or waterproof. If you're in a pinch, you can hang food in a tree with a garbage bag or any other way you can get everything suspended. The important thing is to keep it out of reach of the bears in any way possible.

How many bags are needed for a black bear?

Next, you'll need a quality set of game bags. The Caribou Gear Small Magnum Pack is the right size for a black bear and includes seven game bags: 4 quarter bags, 1 parts bag for loose meat, 1 cape bag for the hide and 1 camp meat bag.

How far should bear bag be from camp?

Select a tree at least 200 feet away from your tent that has a sturdy branch about 15 feet off the ground. Ideally, the bear bag should hang ten feet away from the trunk and 15 feet above the ground. Hold the loosely coiled rope slack in one hand and throw rock above the sturdy branch.

Do thru hikers use bear canisters?

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has a new policy in place requiring thru hikers bring a bear canister with them as one of their vital items.

Can bears smell food in backpack?

Bears have a never-ending appetite and a nose well adapted to keep feeding it. They can smell food particles and other scented items like toothpaste from miles away, and their curious nature keeps them on the move for sustenance.

Do you need to hang a bear bag in winter?

Winter freezes hard enough that bear activity will be extremely limited, and populations won't be as dense as in places in the west. You can leave the canister at home (pending local regulations), but it's still a good idea to hang your food in an Ursack or similar protective food storage bag.

How long should you hang a bear?

There is no benefit to aging bear meat longer than 24 hours. It is very important to thoroughly cook bear meat until gray in color but do not cook in a microwave.

Do you need a bear bag in the winter?

Plus, some bears might get up throughout the winter months. So if you're going camping in bear country during any time of year, you're going to want to bring a bear bag. Even if you aren't in bear country, you might want one to keep other critters out of your stash.

What smells are bears scared of?

Bears also dislike the strong scent of pine-based cleaners, but avoid using anything with a fresh, lemony or fruity smell. And never mix bleach and ammonia; the combination produces fumes that can be deadly to both people and bears.

Do bears like the smell of Lysol?

It was recommended to place a rag soaked with disinfectant, such as Lysol, on top of your current trash container. The smell helps deter bears. A bear's nose is 100 times more sensitive than a human's. If you find bleach or ammonia fumes unpleasant, you can imagine what they smell like to a bear.

How many miles can a bear smell you?

Most types of bears can smell up to 20 miles away. The polar bear has the best sense of smell, reaching up to 40 miles. The bear's sense of smell means that when you're in bear country, they can smell your camp if they are in a 20-mile radius of where you bed down for the night. Bears attacks are infrequent.

Are bear hangs necessary?

Defending your food by keeping it in your tent or on the ground nearby is often ineffective, unwise, and does not meet the requirement. Generally, you should keep your food in a bear canister, or hang it using the counterbalance method.

Can a dry bag be used as a bear bag?

Hiding Your Food (bear bag)

If your not in one of those areas or you find yourself not having one, dry bags can be used. A bear hang is an improvised system of cord, dry bags, or any stuff sack, and sometimes carabiners and pulleys used to suspend food in a tree.

How do you hang a bear bag between two trees?

HANG A TWO-TREE BEAR BAG

Tie the other around one tree's trunk. ❸ Throw the rope over the first branch; pull out most of the slack, then throw it over the second tree's branch. ❹ Tie a loop in the cord at least 6 feet from each tree, and clip the food bag to it. ❺ Pull on the free end of the cord to hoist the bag.

Should you look a bear in the eyes?

Here's what the experts say:

Avoid direct eye contact. Walk away slowly, if the bear is not approaching. If the bear charges, stand your ground (you cannot outrun it). Don't scream or yell.

What to do if a bear is charging you?

When the bear charges you, hold your ground and stay calm. After the bear charges, slowly retreat while keeping an eye on the bear. Let the bear know that you're a human, and that you aren't a threat. Continue to speak to the bear in a calm voice and make it clear that you are a human.

What sounds do bears hate?

The most effective noisemaker in bear country is you. Talking or singing loudly can help prevent surprise encounters with wildlife. With enough warning of your approach, wildlife typically remove themselves and their young from the area.