BEAR CANISTER vs URSACK vs DRY BAG

Which one do you choose to store your food on trail?
Bear Canister: app.rockporch.com/prd/JwoSziNC2e
Ursack: app.rockporch.com/prd/FiQ5dwFxA4
20L Dry Bag: app.rockporch.com/prd/m1ptadMHUC
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Gear I Used on Trail and Recommend:
GEAR:
Backpack - Osprey Atmos 65: app.rockporch.com/prd/rMONFph6w4
Pack Cover - REI Duck's Back: app.rockpor.ch/prd/htigoEQJ1o
Headlamp: app.rockpor.ch/prd/sD35tL6Gze
20L Dry Bag / Food Bag Sea to Summit: app.rockporch.com/prd/m1ptadMHUC
Ursack: app.rockporch.com/prd/FiQ5dwFxA4
20L Dry Bag / Clothing Sea to Summit: app.rockporch.com/prd/m1ptadMHUC
3L Dry Bag - Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack: app.rockpor.ch/prd/PWo4FElCDJ
Rope - Gear Aid 325 Paracord - 50': app.rockpor.ch/prd/BzpwXwdlQv
Water Filter - Sawyer Squeeze: app.rockpor.ch/prd/oGcwv2iBaZ
Cnoc 3 liters: alnk.to/90vxl9v
Little blue attachment for Cnoc to Sawyer: alnk.to/aLCJsfp
Bladder - CamelBak: app.rockpor.ch/prd/z7UuipsrN1
Bladder - Osprey: app.rockpor.ch/prd/adlYJlgnCx
Smart Water Bottle: amzn.to/34yapy7
Knife - Gerber Folding Knife: app.rockpor.ch/prd/tvf3LgD5iX
Compactor Bag: amzn.to/34Imalr
AWOL'S A.T. Guide:
SLEEP SYSTEM:
Tent - Nemo Hornet 2P: app.rockporch.com/prd/vdctaCyvw3
Footprint - Nemo Hornet 2p: app.rockpor.ch/prd/dsNIpawiYZ
Sleeping Bag - Nemo Disco 15: app.rockpor.ch/prd/13JyQ1iuGi
Mattress Pad - Nemo Tensor Reg/Wide: app.rockpor.ch/prd/HNhcDysog7
Pillow - Nemo Fillo Elite: app.rockpor.ch/prd/xXXqtOEp5X
COOK SYSTEM:
Pot - Toaks 900ml Titanium: app.rockpor.ch/prd/6x7bWcQb18
Long Handled Spoon - Sea to Summit Alpha Light: alnk.to/5ua2E3Z
Stove - MSR Pocket Rocket: alnk.to/eDLndUl
Fuel - MSR IsoPro Fuel Canister: alnk.to/9T2UJZ4
FAVORITE MEAL:
Backpacker's Pantry: app.rockpor.ch/prd/IdVXjxxkYN
CLOTHING:
Shoes - La Sportiva Wildcats: app.rockpor.ch/prd/oNiRaWyqw2
Socks - Darn Tough: app.rockpor.ch/prd/MzxHP7zLhN
Underwear - Noble Titan
Pants - REI Co-op Classic Sahara Convertible Pants: app.rockpor.ch/prd/i5CJBdhyrK
Shorts - Running: app.rockpor.ch/prd/yvUc6f5TnZ
Shirts - Mountain Hardware: app.rockpor.ch/prd/PNotbOwFtn
Nano Puff - Patagonia: app.rockpor.ch/prd/kjQqYZls1f
Rain Jacket - REI: app.rockpor.ch/prd/2rNrb3M42J
Camp Shoes - Crocs: app.rockpor.ch/prd/TLdTmIxs5E
CAMERA GEAR:
Sony a6400, 16-50mm: app.rockpor.ch/prd/tNHKT7u4li
Add'l Lens - 7artisans Photoelectric 35mm f/1.2 Lens: app.rockpor.ch/prd/75FvbUvNz6
3 Batteries - (1 sony, 2 Neewer + charger): amzn.to/3BaWbiG
3 SD cards - 64gb Sandisk Extreme Pro: app.rockpor.ch/prd/K5mQEc6SmJ
1 External Charger Anker Powercore 20100 mAh: amzn.to/3BgEAWz
Rode VideoMicro: app.rockpor.ch/prd/1gE8gd3lPc
ND Filter - Gobe: amzn.to/3Jkuo2k
Camera Bag Fanny Pack (large) - Eagle Creek:
Memory Card Holder Waterproof - Honsky: amzn.to/3sv6OZK
Camera Wrist Strap - OP/Tech USA: amzn.to/3GHquyz
Small Rig Cold Shoe Adapter (Left Side): amzn.to/34C7y7k
Peak Design Camera Clip: bit.ly/3lUrO98
Tripod: Cheap Plastic One With Phone Adapter: amzn.to/3uHWFf0
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OTHER GEAR I LOVE:
Best Boots -- Vasque: alnk.to/ge0eAAX
Best Chair -- GCI Outdoor (Camping Chairs): alnk.to/4MuWihw
Best Mugs -- MiiR Products: alnk.to/7WYzWYn
Best Alternate Boots -- Keen Footwear: alnk.to/4MuWiiV
Best Alternate Pad -- Therm-a-Rest: alnk.to/aLCHIBG
Best Bear Canister -- BearVault: alnk.to/44PUn2a
Best Climbing Equipment -- Black Diamond: alnk.to/flqqh1N
Best Water Bottle -- Hydro Flask: alnk.to/90tan8g
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DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!
CONTACT:
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Social Media
Instagram: / packandsoul

[@RT-gv6us]

Overall a very accurate video with fair unbiased opinions about food storage. One detail I would like to add about the dry storage bag: While this might be a great option on the AT (which was mentioned several times) the dry storage bag runs into problems in the Western United States with trying to find a tree to hang it. Elevations are higher out here and I have done a LOT of backpacking above 9500 ft elevation. At that elevation you are getting close to tree line and there are not very many trees and many of the ones there don't grow very tall. When you get above 10500 ft, trees for hanging a bag become VERY hard to find. Over the years I have used URSack with a lot of success. For this reason the seasoned backpacker will own all three of these options and use whichever one works best to the particular circumstance. Great video.

[@PackAndSoul]

EXCELLENT point. You’re absolutely right, hard to hang a food bag without a tree! Thanks so much for the contribution, and appreciate you watching!

[@juliedickson8925]

Thank you for the kind words about my dad. He has talked about you and enjoyed spending sometime with you 🤍

[@PackAndSoul]

[@outdoorguy1343]

One of the best vids on the topic I’ve seen. Nicely done

[@PackAndSoul]

Really appreciate that

[@sandy-yy1qh]

LOVE this vid. Takes a long time to figure out what's best for you, and constantly changes, great job with it

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks a bunch!

[@lenaleo7976]

I always learn so much watching you. Thanks for sharing.

[@PackAndSoul]

Love that! Thanks Lena :-)

[@FiveOClockSomewhereWalks]

great advice! thanks again

[@PackAndSoul]

Appreciate that!

[@Tg-in5xi]

depends solely on the trail, love the video, you're good at this, keep it up

[@PackAndSoul]

Yeah, definitely trail dependent

[@Emoji-ATTrailangel]

I love hearing your Trail wisdom, Hollywood, and especially your honesty❣️😎🥰 Thanks for the comparisons❣️😎 Keep’em comin❣️😃👍🏻👍🏻

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for the motivation! Love your comments :-)

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Good video. I have tried all these too. I think of an Ursack as a "critter" bag. There are cases of bears eventually chewing through them. It's rare, and takes a big hungry bear, but it's happened. But even if a bear doesn't rip it open, it will smush all your food, and slobber all over the bag, leaving you with inedible mush. Ursacks are GREAT at keeping chipmunks, ravens, mice, racoons, squirrels out of your food, and on a day after day, hike after hike, trail after trail basis, this is far more common than bears. Canisters have been defeated by bears, but that's hyper rare. Things like a bear pushing it off a cliff to where it breaks. I take my canister when required. The rest of the time the Ursack works great. I've never lost food on a PCT hang, but know two people that have. I've had birds try to attack a hung bag, and poke holes in it. There are a LOT of people who just sleep with their food, even in the Sierras and northern Rockies. A bear would have to be really hungry, almost desperate, and fearless to try and take it from you. I grew up doing this, but not any more. I'm a big believer in keeping bags, canisters as clean as possible, and putting all my food and wrappers in gallon freezer bags. I've tried the Opsack, which supposedly blocks all odor (I doubt this, but may cut the scent way, way, way down), but find them fragile, and not much more than an expensive, glorified freezer bag.

[@PackAndSoul]

Awesome recap! Thanks so much for this. Guess it really just depends on the situation which we’re going to bring. Thanks again for the comment!!

[@jamesbailey9838]

Hi, I truly believe my bear canister saved my life. I slipped and fell backward on a rock slab safely landing on my bear canister instead of my head smashing on the slab. Will not hike without it now. Great video. Interest rates are up.... that extra 200k you have laying around could earn you 10k in a 1 year cd. That's a free thru-hike. 😊

[@PackAndSoul]

Wow, that’s a wild story! Glad you’re okay. Wish I had 200k lying around lol

[@hilltacklerthebackpacker]

Great video. I’m an ursack convert but I agree. You need to have all options depending on the trip.

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@jeraldheinrich3589]

Alot of good information.

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for watching!

[@scottscipione9044]

Great info, thanks! April 2024 is my attempt (nobo), will turn 53 on the trail. Newbies like me to this type of hiking need all the help with info we can get!

[@PackAndSoul]

Yessss!! Love to hear that. Keep in touch, and any questions you have, feel free to reach out

[@susietopspin]

Thanks. Great video and glad I stumbled onto it. I'm transitioning from a bear bag to canister and just purchased the BearVault 450. Everything you say is right, especially about how even when you are down to a small amount of food, the Bearvault will reamain the same size. I'm trying to see that as a positve because it doesn't change so you know what you are working with, every day of your hike. Not sure that makes sense. Thanks and happy trails.🤘🏻🥾🏔

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for the comment! Makes perfect sense. And when I’m out in heavy hear country, having that vault is super reassuring!

[@DrKeithMcNally]

I just purchased my BearVault. Found your channel. Subscribed!

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for watching!!! Welcome :-)

[@DrKeithMcNally]

@@PackAndSoul - absolutely!

[@sef5090]

It’s really Dependent on the trail/wilderness. I Prefer a canister, but it is heavy. I put rocks on top of the canister to act as an alarm system if any animals try to get to it at night.

[@PackAndSoul]

Rocks are a good idea

[@ComeWalkAroundTheWorld]

something good on this channel every week, star

[@PackAndSoul]

That’s means a lot, thanks!

[@PackAndSoul]

Gotta store that food!!! How do you do it?

[@hutchke15]

We mostly hike in the Sierras so are always required to have a bear can. It's heavy, but it's safe and easy, as you say. One time we were in a place that only required a dry bag and I was so paranoid all night that a critter would chew a hole in it, but we got lucky.

[@danielobrien199]

Thanks.

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for watching!

[@charliemcdowell5231]

I bring a plain old nylon food bag most of the time. Here in my part of MO I haven’t seen signs of any bears. But I have had goats steak my trail mix. Every time I’m doing a bear hang I WISH I had my canister. And when I do bring the canister it feels so worth the weight. If I can figure out the space I’ll usually strap it to the outside of my kelty trekker 65. Only reason I don’t bring it solo is because the small quantity of food for an overnight isn’t worth it but I bring it when someone goes with me

[@PackAndSoul]

Goats!?! haha, that's a whole knew critter to worry about. They can eat for days too huh? I hear ya though, when I'm out there without a canister, trying to hang food...really wish I had one with me.

[@pimacanyon6208]

great review. yes, I've done the "in the tent" thing too, but only in areas where bears are scarce and the greater risk is from marmots or other small critters. I triple bag the food inside 3 large plastic garbage bag, tying each one tight before putting it into the next outer one. My thinking is that very little smell will get thru 3 layers of plastic, that I probably have more smell on my clothes, breath, etc. Could be wrong of course. And in areas where there are lots of bears, I use the canister.

[@PackAndSoul]

Appreciate the comment! Yeah that all makes sense to me. It’s like, it all works and is fine…until it isn’t lol

[@hunterbarnell8096]

I’ve heard too many stories about having to search the woods for the can in the morning after bears played soccer with it all night. If I had to carry a canister, I’d still want to put it in a bear box or hang in anyways. Totally understand why certain areas make you have one, but they do suck. I’m a dry bag guy myself.

[@PackAndSoul]

I like the dry bag too, my preferred choice

[@alumnimentor5664]

love the ursack

[@PackAndSoul]

Me too!

[@steveroberts3102]

So basically no matter how you store your food if a bear has previously found food in someones tent then youre still at risk

[@PackAndSoul]

Yeah pretty much! They get what they want

[@BryanManning]

cold/warm makes a HUGE difference with the lock

[@PackAndSoul]

Great point!

[@mooseliver1772]

The small 425 bear vault STILL doesn't fit well in my pack, but I will pack around it by stuffing things around it.

[@PackAndSoul]

I know! Those things are always tough. Which pack do you have?

[@mooseliver1772]

@@PackAndSoul its an Osprey. I LOVE IT

[@FiveOClockSomewhereWalks]

@@mooseliver1772 amazing!

[@toghikes]

Hey Hollywood, I’m new to your channel. I have really been enjoying your videos. I have always used a food bag until recently. I injured my shoulder and doing a bear hang has become challenging. I have a new 475 Bear Vault. I hope it will work good for 3 to 4 days on the trail. There are definitely a few advantages to a bear can as you pointed out. They say they make good seat or a small table. One thing to consider is more and more areas are requiring bear cans. I’m just having a hard time justifying the weight. One thing I did, as suggested by others, was to put pieces of reflective tape all around the can to facilitate finding it in the dark. I have also hear of people putting micro gps tracker in the can so they can find them with their phone. I need to look more into that. Thanks for the great video and have a great day!

[@PackAndSoul]

Hey! Welcome to the channel 🙂 Great points you got, love the seat aspect of it. Reflective tape is a great idea as well. I think they have a bit of that on there already, but more certainly won't hurt. Appreciate the comment!

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

I can fit 5 days of food in a BV450. But this depends on the food. For example, trail mix with a lot of nuts is a LOT of dense calories, and almost no packaging compared to freeze dried meals. Don't forget, your first night out is "free". That is, you don't need to put your first night's backpacking meal in the canister, as you will be consuming it before you go to sleep (you will want to put the dead wrappers in the canister, I recommend inside a gallon sized freezer bag).

[@toghikes]

@@PhilAndersonOutside that sounds like a good way to go. Thanks.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@PhilAndersonOutside great advice! Keep the first night’s food out. Love it.

[@pdvision2194]

I've got a silly question....what is best practice for storing weed? I've had a few pungent bags that got me thinking about tossing it in a bear bag.

[@PackAndSoul]

Not silly! They say anything with a scent should go in the bear bag. So if you got some good stuff, prob wanna throw that in there too ;-)

[@rebeccasponderings8459]

Regarding the cables and bear boxes: I would be concerned with mice getting into my food with both of those methods. What has your experience been?

[@PackAndSoul]

Good question, never had any issues with mice in either. The cables are really hard for the mice to climb, by design. And the bear boxes seal up pretty tight. Sure it’s happened before, but from my experience, pretty solid choices. Thanks for the comment!

[@bradyoung7440]

Any thoughts on using the bear canister as a camp stool?

[@PackAndSoul]

Absolutely!

[@edmolash3401]

Backpacks are not designed to accommodate bear cans and bear cans are not designed to fit in backpacks. Putting bear cans on top of the pack raises your center of gravity a lot, causing instability.

[@PackAndSoul]

Yup you got that right

[@Thatcntrygirl1]

But aren’t the bear canisters not odor proof? Just bear proof from stealing your food right?

[@PackAndSoul]

Right, you can buy odor bags as well to stop the smell. But I‘ve never used them, have heard mixed reviews on them.

[@Thatcntrygirl1]

@@PackAndSoul gosh it’s like what do you do then .. not real remidy

[@sandchar9640]

dry brag mostly, but gotta hang it right

[@PackAndSoul]

Yup! Been there

[@jeffreyerwin3665]

Aren't you yurself the "food" when in grizzly country?

[@PackAndSoul]

Haha good point