Learn how to hang a bear bag, PCT style, plus my favorite trick for storing and throwing your bear bag rope.
Watch How to Hang a Bear Bag Now
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Knots
The first knot I show, to attach the food bag, is an overhand knot on a bight, you can learn that knot here. I promise, if you tie your shoes, you can tie that knot.
The last knot I use to attach the ‘stopper’ stick that holds the bag in place, is a slip knot. You can learn how to tie a slip knot here. This is maybe one step up from the overhand knot, but with practice, I’m sure you can master this one too.
Notes
Please please please always hang your food, or use a bear canister, or an Ursack! Not only to keep yourself and other hikers safe, but to also keep our bears wild.
Reminder – After your bag is hung, it should hang
- 4-6 feet below the branch it’s hanging on
- 6 feet away from any tree trunks
- At least 12 feet off the ground
So that bears can’t reach it from above, below, or the sides.
While the PCT method, the first method I showed you, is preferred, sometimes you might not be able to find a branch high enough to hang it this way, and then you would have to tie it off to another tree.
Learn more backpacking skills here:
- What to include in your hiking itinerary
- Tips on hiking in the rain
- How to prevent and treat blisters
- Campsite safety tips
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