Ursack~ What is it and how do you use it???

Ursack is my preferred method of food storage in many of my adventures. How do you use it, specifically, how do you tie it so that it is effective? I will demonstrate the different knots I use as well as compare each of the ursacks and why I went with the MAJOR XL.
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[@randynorton7101]

Big Foot, I have followed you since the AT. You, Dixie, and Darwin onthetrail inspired me to hike the AT this year where I will turn 65 years of age. You got me out of my recliner at 300lbs and on 7 different prescription drugs a day. I have now lost 65lbs and I'm off all meds. You could say you helped save my life. I start NOBO on April 1st, 2019 and I can't wait. By the way I ordered the items you showed and will no longer hang my Zpacks food bag. God bless you and yours.

[@FollowBigfoot]

You are an inspiration! Best of fortunes on your upcoming thru hike Randy!!!!

[@uncleredneck3802]

Randy Norton aka ABBA Bear do you have a KZbin channel and are you going to video your trip.

[@kristenplaysoutside4181]

Wow, cogratulations! That's really inspiring.

[@tridoc99]

Randy - That is great! I’m sure we all want to hear how it went when you get back. Definitely tell us if you post a video. Due to work I probably won’t get to attempt a thruhike until I’m retired at 65-67 years old (20 years from now) so if you do it I know I’ll have something to look forward to. Even if you don’t make it, just the attempt is a major win. You are probably out there now, but good luck!

[@JessieBanana]

That is amazing! Congratulations, I'm so happy for you.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

It was my understanding that when tying the bag to the tree that you want to eliminate any slack in the cord around the branch. The idea is that you want to make the cord tight enough so the bear can't slide it's jaw around the cord to chew on it. Ursack eludes to this on their site, but claims no knowledge of a bear chewing through the cord:--"Tie a secure knot (like a surgeon’ knot) above the slider, then take the long loose ends and tie them in a figure 8 around a tree branch. It is important to take away slack in the cord."

[@ChicaandSunsets]

Thank you Bigfoot! We are headed out for an overnight with our new ursack tomorrow night, this was super helpful! Thanks, -- Chica

[@jimkovarik482]

Thank you, Bigfoot, for your last 2 videos. I'm convinced. The Ursack is going on my 2020 gear wishlist/ budget.

[@garrick2600]

This is so helpful! I was having trouble understanding the instructions on the Ursack Major packaging, but your video made it easy. Thanks!

[@njjen60]

Thanks Big Foot! Love your videos, alway helpful and you make them fun and enjoyable!

[@bretthikez6567]

never tried one of these of my own..ive seen them used in the field alot...great video...everyone has there own food storage techniques...the pillow technique gets me every time..lol

[@n.jamesherr7120]

Very useful, Bigfoot. Thanks so much

[@2007surly]

Been using the Ursack for years. Bought my second one the Major XL two years ago and still going strong. Gave the first one to a friend who was hiking the AT. She told me it is one of her favorite pieces of gear.

[@TripleNickelOutdoors]

If you have the white then that means you’re an O.G.!! Great vid...couldn’t agree more on all the info. Especially using the OPSAK! 👍✌️

[@GreetersThru-Hike]

Hi Bigfoot! Thanks for the reminder video. I am headed out for the 100 mile challenge on the North Country Trail. I hope all is well with you and your beautiful family. Tell Mrs. Bigfoot "Happy Mother's Day""!

[@waynejanik9668]

Thank you for sharing. Great info as always. I have been using the Ursack with the smell proof liner since 2016 and love. Mostly to keep out the other critters. It is important to make sure to tie the Ursack right and there are no openings. Mice are the worst for trying to get at your food. Bear canister anytime in areas with high bear activity, like areas out west, never found a need east of the Mississippi.

[@renaecummings8068]

Thanks so much Bigfoot👍

[@mtadams2009]

I use a bear bag. Maybe I will give this a try but to be honest I have never had any issue with bears. About forty years ago I did find someone’s bear bag ripped open about two feet from the front of my tent. They took place in the Yosemite backcountry. This is before you needed bear cans.

[@jimpflugrath6220]

I have an Ursack, a BearVault BV500, a Zpacks DCF food bag, but what I use the most: Bear/Critter Storage Lockers found at many of the camp sites that I overnight at. For instance, the Rae Lakes loop in the Sierra has storage lockers at all the camp sites as do many of the sites in Kings Canyon and Sequoia NPs (but they require you to have a bear canister last time I went). Big Bend National Park has storage lockers at all the sites you can camp in, and the Grand Canyon Corridor trails have critter lockers at every campsite that you can reserve.

[@rumidude]

Right on! I have used the Ursack for almost 15 years. I use a Bearvault where required. Thanks for encouraging people to use good food storage practices. The increased numbers of people recreating in the backcountry means we have to change from previous practices. Once animals become conditioned to human food it takes decades to regain controls of the issue. Here on the Olympic Peninsula it's not just bears but coyotes, marmots, raccoons, mtn goats, and even deer that go for the food. Also rats/mice and the always present ravens are ready to steal unprotected food.

[@willitascend8595]

Totally worked! I had no idea you could just tie it to a tree like that. Knowing that kept me from having to go searching for tall trees after each day of hiking during my 4 -day adventure around the Maroon Bells 4 Loop Pass in Colorado. Thanks!!

[@joel.ha.]

that's a beautiful hike bro, i did it about 10 times before they started forcing you to pay a parking fee. I miss colorado !

[@captaincoyote1792]

I’m going to do the CT section of the AT starting tomorrow (after a failed thru-hike in 2018). Family issues, estate matters, probate, etc…took over my life the last 2.5 years. So, getting back to the Trail, I had to review the knot. I will say, my Ursack and Opsack performed admirably in 2018….with only one attempt by an ursine brother to cop a free meal (turning my pop tarts into still-edible granola!). Hmmm. Black Ursack? I like the ability to spot my Ursack 200 feet away, but I guess white makes it easier for Yogi and Booboo to spot as well. Looking forward to a mid-November hike through the Taconics into the Berkshires…and thank you, again, Bigfoot! Bravo-Zulu….on a well-made to-the-point video!

[@donovanroberts6219]

You’re right, I bought mine a month or two ago and didn’t have the option to buy the white one, only the black. However I was still shocked about the quality and how easy it is to use!

[@peggycobleigh4133]

Great video!

[@wingsontheat7188]

Suggestions for your Ursack: -- spray paint something (trail name, perhaps, or just one outside corner) to identify YOUR Ursack from others. It is VERY helpful in quickly identifying MY Ursack when it is in a pile of 20 inside a bear box. -- Consider attaching a Apple AirTag (or similar) to the inside with a zip tie. If someone makes off with your Ursack, intentionally or unintentionally, it is possible the AirTag may help you locate and identify your food bag.

[@NickyandRyanontheAT]

Thanks Bigfoot! Leaving in 2 days for springer. Now I know how to properly tie this thing haha.

[@dasloyal]

0:10 Ahh I'm in a Bigfoot video! :D Really though thanks for the lesson, man. No bears where I'm at now but this summer will be a different story so this is going right into my favorites playlist.

[@nicoleh.4994]

Super helpful video. Thanks!

[@scottfarrar3441]

I’ve been using URSACK for 3 seasons & 800 miles of the AT - love it! Hanging Food at night is no longer a “chore” - plus if u forget to put something into the Foid Bag or u need something out of it then it’s no big deal! BTW: OPSAK stands for Odor Proof Sack.

[@teo95doro]

Thank you Bigfoot. Your video and description of how to use the URSACK beats the lame instructions that comes on the packaging the sack. Nice job, looking forward to using a bear resistant sack instead of the clunky and heavy bear vaults.

[@nolanjordan1930]

Thank you so much! Heading from GA-ME starting this week

[@narrow_is_the_way6170]

I have the ursack critter bag for where I live, spring, summer, winter. And the BV-450 for fall.

[@felipecastellon4740]

Awesome video. I use the opsak not only to food my food into but I take one as my trash bag and only for trash. I've often wondered about the bear bag hanging which I think helps in many situations but I never thought that it was bear or rodent proof and if a rodent gets to it. You're done. I like the ursack idea. Thank you.

[@carrmelisaa]

SO SO useful! Thank you!

[@alexweigelhikes]

Thank you Bigfoot! I'm going on my first backing trip tomorrow morning! 3 days, 40 miles, solo on a section of the Ozark Trail. I am super excited! Thank you so much for all the advice!

[@michelleclark994]

How did the sack work for you?

[@alexweigelhikes]

@@michelleclark994 It worked great for me--especially for where I was at. The type of trees in the Ozarks just don't have a lot of good limbs to throw a rock sack over. The Ursack was perfect because I could just tie it to an available tree in no time. It's a little heavy, so it does carry a bit of a weight penalty. I think it's worth it though for the convenience and time savings. I also put a LOKSAK OPSAK in there to keep animals away, keep the Ursack from getting dirty and smelling like food all day, and because it's fairly inexpensive and weighs nothing. The knot that Big Foot recommends doesn't come with Ursack instructions. It's not a difficult knot, but I recommend watching this video and practicing before you head out.

[@paddle_hike]

Just got my Ursack today. I was wondering how to tigh it up so thanks 🙂

[@jeanward1252]

I use a carbon fiber Bearikade canister and will be bringing it on the AT thru hike this summer. Thanks for the in-depth videos on this subject ... well done!

[@shadow6pt533]

Do you hang the canister or hide it on the ground?

[@gingerthetrailpup7223]

I have a bearikade, which I use when a canister is required. (People complain about lost coins used to open them) but I have used my keys & my titanium spork in an emergency). I use my ursack all other times. Not only is it significantly lighter. It just is easier to fit in my pack. In 4 years I have never had a problem (a little snag as something tried to get in … but that is it) and I do a lot of backpacking in CA.

[@ChicaandSunsets]

Very helpful! Thank you! - Chica 💁‍♀️

[@blessedarmadillo8257]

You may not need the heavier and more expensive Ursack. I guess it boils down to whether you are hiking on a trail with a lot of trees or not. The AT does have a lot of trees and in most camp areas if you hang a durable food bag, using the PCT method (check KZbin for instructions) and you are all set. It isn't that difficult. You save money and you save weight. My 2 cents anyhooo.

[@kennethstarr5545]

Your videos get better and better. Keep up the good work! BTW, who missed the awesome name for this product? I mean Ursack Major and Minor for bears 😂

[@mountaintrailventures]

Awesome video! Thank you!

[@barbaralane6147]

Hello Big Foot. I love your videos. I was wondering if you could show how to use the Ursack when there are no study branches, only tree trunks. I was just out hiking in the Whites and had to secure around a trunk. I did it, but not sure it was the best thing.

[@Toots807]

Yeah I've been using an ursack since 2015. I have found that their scent proof bags haven't lasted very long for me usually about 1 season. My other just like with them is their title "scent proof" of course we all know this is not true it does help but nothing is sent for otherwise drug dogs would never have been assigned LOL. Thanks for the video of Bigfoot.

[@blueridgeexplorer]

I only hang my food when the area requires it. I mostly critter hang it since I'd rather not have anything snooping around. I've been on the fence about the Ursack since I saw Shug's commentary on it. I would probably be able to justify it if I backpacked in a different part of the country, but for now I just use the faithful Zpacks food bag with an Opsack.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Need to look at the Ursack too and see if that’s a possible option. To be honest I’m more worried about rodents than bears. Good stuff brother.

[@memathews]

I've always hung a bag and had it broken into occasionally by squirrels, and possibly by raccoons, martens,.wolverines, etc. Don't think my bag has ever been interesting to a bear. But now you've got me thinking on trading up.

[@maurofelipe76]

Thank you!!!

[@newageselfreliance]

I love my Ursack. Mine is really stained as well, they are not the easiest thing to keep clean.

[@douglass69]

I think the bag works well as long as you have trees like you’ve shown in your video. I live in Arizona where you have mostly pine trees and the rope is not long enough for the trunks. They do not offer it with a longer rope option so I had to purchase the extra rope on my own as to manage the larger Pine tree‘s.

[@FollowBigfoot]

Yes, that is a good point

[@tiennguyen-bu2vd]

Awesomeness

[@nathanielpoulin7728]

I imagine this to be sewn, is that correct? Would guess that and the rope are weak points. What does it weigh wet? Are the other bags not as strong? I use a modified PCT. Instead of a stick i have my toiletries bag on a locking carabiner.

[@towermonkey2000]

I use a rat sack lined with a sentlock bag inside it. The sentlock bag is water proof and hopefully blocks most if not all the smells. The rat sack is a wire mesh the small critters can't chew through. It would not be good for bears but I hang It for the large animals or it could be placed in a bear box and would still protect from the mice.

[@barbarahultman5450]

Do you know if the Allmitey is smell proof? Or does that need the extra bag, as well? Thanks!

[@floridalife2800]

Does it follow the rules of tying the bag with a certain distance from the camp?

[@martyc4594]

I've used an Ursack for the past 3 years. North Carolina is trying to pass a law that hard shell canisters will be required. I did purchase the Ursack aluminum liner and it weighs about 10 ounces. Still half the weight of a Bear Vault.

[@marzsit9833]

the originals were made from kevlar and are yellow, then they started to use green spectra but that became scarce during the wars in the middle east so they had to find an alternative, which was vectran which is what the white ones were made of. eventually they went back to the green spectra as it became available again. during the war ursack almost went bankrupt so they went through their spectra fabric scraps and designed a bag called the skinnysack that they could sell to raise some cash, i'm lucky enough to own one of those and actually like it even though it's a wierd shape.. the original kevlar ones were good but degraded badly in sunlight, which is why they went to spectra. the vectran bags are good for bears but rodents can get into them if they have enough time.

[@patriotkennethburlingham7059]

Cool!!!

[@05chmps]

Is a pain that you have to store cookware, toiletries, empty wrappers in addition to the full one week of food, but it's important. The Ursack XL (15 L) is still not big enough for all that, and the newer Ursack XXL (30 L) is too big. Also, nothing prevents the bear from crushing your stuff. It's even possible for other critters with sharp razor teeth to hang from the bag while they puncture it and the Opsack inside. The Allmighty might help with the latter, but it is no larger than the regular Ursack.

[@InventerX]

Do you ever bear hang your ursack? Been using it for a while and like it, but till with hang method. Been lucky to find trees that work well for at least 5’x5’ off the tree and 12ft off ground.

[@wilfredcoc9603]

Would you bring the ursack on an A.T. Thru hike if you where to do it again?

[@thepfleidi]

After spending a few sleepless nights on the trail worrying that a bear could find my food bag, I’m going to switch to an Ursack. I live in the Pacific Northwest and sometimes it’s just impossible to find suitable trees to hang a bag from. I’d rather carry a bit more weight than having to worry all the time.

[@HikingwithBraids]

Thank you for the info on the Ursack AND for how to tie it!! I like the new black color! Is this something you would recommend for hiking the AT?

[@FollowBigfoot]

Yes!

[@gregreichelt2413]

Awesome video as always! I really like that Patagonia 1/4 zip you are wearing, but can't find it on their website... do you know the name of it? Thanks for the videos!

[@FollowBigfoot]

I think it was called the cross trek. It was their 2017 line

[@abram860]

Ursack AllMitey, even the marmots in the Northern Sierra couldn't get into it. I ditched the opsack because it just blew out early on though!

[@FollowBigfoot]

I’ve gone through a couple of them the last year. The Opsak’s are probably good for about 400-500 miles on average from what I’ve read and seen.

[@MJGEGB]

I still use a bear bag, just a dry bag with a UHMWPE cord to avoid damaging trees. There were at least two Ursack failures on the AT at the Grayson Highlands that I'm aware of in 2018. The thing I don't get is even if the bear doesn't get your food, would it not get crushed inside of the Ursack? I guess it wouldn't matter depending on what it is though.

[@antsy_does]

That's my thought as well. The bear can totally chew the bag and even if the bag holds up, the contents inside won't. I'll keep hanging.

[@obidamnkenobi]

amazon review says the new black one is crap because it's really hard to see the contents inside, without a light, and it gets hot in the sun! I hope they make a white again.

[@guessit3341]

And harder to see/find at night. Who cares if the white one looks dirty, it's not like you are wearing it to the prom or your wedding? They need to make the white one again!

[@meaganducote9305]

Thank you for this video!! perfect compromise between a bear canister and hang bag. Prior to watching video I thought the Ursack had to be hung. Thank you for clarifying how to use! I will be ordering the major for my AT hike in March. Do you know if ospak 9x10 is sufficient to fill out the major size? So glad I won’t have to carry the extra weight and bulk of a canister:)

[@jimpflugrath6220]

One can always put as many OPsacks into an Ursack as will fit. One does not need to just put one in there. I use 2 of the 12x20s: One for food and one for trash. Also note that freeze-dried meals in their original packages are by definition odor-proof anyways. It's candy bars and trail mix in plastic bags that is not odor-proof.

[@n2cable]

I put a bunch of bells on mine so if i am in hearing distance of it at least i know where the big or little creatures are at. 1. you know where at least 1 of the animals are at. and 2 it gives me a lil more time to think and be smart about things

[@udance4ever]

this is a clever idea. are you saying you can distinguish small vs large creatures based on how the bells ring? any particular bells work the best?

[@trollsteadent.72]

I live in Louisiana. Has anyone had any experiences with this vs. wild hogs/boars? Especially if it's just tied around a trunk on the ground?

[@ProdigiousReturn]

Have you found it does as well with rodents and raccoons? They are my primary concern, but I don’t want their allmitey because it’s too small for family outings. I’m looking more at the major xl and major 2xl

[@davidfranson8118]

Great info as usual, Bigfoot!! Do you know how small critter-proof the Ursack Major is? I'm also concerned about the smaller critters like mice, squirrels, and raccoons, specifically on an AT thru hike. Have you ever had these smaller animals make attempts at your Ursack? I like the AllMitey option, but am wondering if it would be worth the extra 6-7 oz of weight in the long run.

[@trollsteadent.72]

My 2¢, if you're looking at an Ursack, make sure it's rated for small animals. I don't have one (yet), but from online research/reviews, rodents and small mammals can chew through the Spectra if it's not reinforced. So, check the specs before buying. 😀

[@lyfandeth]

Btw, if you soak the old sack in OxiClean (must soak!) For abour 6 hours before washing it, it should come clean as virgin snow. The long soak is critical.

[@dawgcitybackpacker5163]

Nice one… many thanks $!r..!

[@lyfandeth]

So, if you buy the Ursack Jumbo, climb inside, and tie it shut, the bears just can't get to you, right?

[@GC3-4370]

Right, but you might get a very nice massage

[@paddle_hike]

Possible human piñata! 😂

[@andrewhahn7362]

Like the hat! Where can I get one like it?

[@antsy_does]

Wait - so you hang the bag at the perfect height for the bear? It's like an invitation to chew the bag and mash the contents to bits.

[@thatguyonabicycleofconsurv3908]

Well done videos.... Also where is the best place would you say to get food 4 extended backpacking tracks I'm looking for a fordable that has good food maybe you could send a link or something

[@USMC6976]

Amazon - You can find Mountain House Freeze Dried on sale a lot. Sale is $7 or less for sizes greater then 1 serving. A few items that involve meat may run under $7.50. That's about $2 or $3 below norm.

[@whiteflower5603]

Are you a bear? 🤣

[@smallhikerbitch4098]

Do you recommend Ursack for an AT Thru hike????

[@schoon5m]

Oh man just asked this question on the last video haha... ok thanks!

[@KJ6EAD]

Use a figure 9 knot. It's as secure as an 8 but easier to untie.

[@MAXCOBRALAZERFACE]

I have the ursack almighty.. I prefer the white one over black cuz you can write your name on it.

[@TheBrendagolden]

I thought we had to hang it higher so on the appalachians I can hang it anywhere?

[@willitascend8595]

Good stuff. I've always been hanging my bear bags from trees (sometimes that take more time and effort than it is worth). I didn't realize you could just tie it to the trunk. Now I'll consider taking my burgers up overnight.

[@udance4ever]

when you say "bear bag" - are you referring specifically to an Ursack? if so, it is indeed convenient to tie it to a trunk!

[@joshuamoore1091]

Is the Ursack acceptable in Yellowstone?

[@ihateschool367]

i bought the major xl and they sent my the regular size which was pretty annoying cuz then they said the had no more xls left so i just kept the regular one. it still holds a decent amount of food though and works as expected. but still wish it was the xl!

[@FollowBigfoot]

Did you buy it through Ursack?

[@ihateschool367]

@@FollowBigfoot yes directly from their website. that was about 6 months ago though

[@HM-gk3rq]

I got the ursack major XL for Christmas. Size is great for family but now I’m a bit worried about critters. Does that mean they eat through it and wreck it or so they get in through the rope area?

[@FollowBigfoot]

It is still critter resistant, but not as much so as the allmitey. Make sure you put that Opsak in it and you should be fine. I just wouldn’t lying around any shelters without doing a rodent hang

[@HM-gk3rq]

Follow Bigfoot thx!

[@seanlanders4180]

Great video, but i wouldn't recommend using the figure 8 knot like that. A figure 8 should only be used as a bend like that if both lines are taking load in the same direction - like on a climbing harness - or two secure two lines together behind a more secure type of bend knot. the figure 8 as you tied it (called an "offset figure 8") is very well known for being able to invert itself while under load, like an adult grizzly reefing on it. Better knots to try would be the surgeon's knot, butterfly bend, or carrick bend.

[@davewalters9843]

Somebody used one on the trail last year. The bear tore that thing apart. Left the shredded ursack tied to the tree. I dont know if i would trust it.

[@saminthewoods]

I think I'd rather have white, at least i can see what dirt i have on it, if it even bothers me. Also, can see it easier in the dark, and won't get hot in the sun.

[@CalvinHodgson]

Dirt is still able to be seen on black. Maybe add some reflective tape? Tie it on the north side of a tree.

[@saminthewoods]

Calvin Hodgson guess I'm not afraid of the dirt. I mean, we're hiking after all

[@InventerX]

Sam In the woods white is easy to spot at night when checking your setup for midnight bathroom runs

[@Doa616]

So I got a Ursack major but now I’m thinking of switching it for the Ursack almighty just cause I’m concerned about mini bears ,,, do u think I would need it or I’m fine with the major as longest I hang the bag off the ground ??

[@FollowBigfoot]

I’ve never had a problem myself, but depends on where you are. If you left it in some of the busy AT shelters and didn’t hang it properly, mice would have a field day. Is there common areas you hike or do you have something big planned?

[@Doa616]

Follow Bigfoot nothing to big ,, a few nights out on the pacific crest trail here in Southern California and a 53 mile hike on the silver moccasin trail ,,,

[@brib9716]

So not only is it way heavier than a dcf bear bag, after you tie it out in the rain it becomes even heavier AND you now have a wet ursack to pack away. Also, the warranty only covers holes made by a bear. Mice can and often do chew holes in these.

[@FollowBigfoot]

You can get the Ursack allmitey and it covers it from any wild animal.

[@brib9716]

@@FollowBigfoot They don't make it in the XL size.

[@ocelot9173]

Dumb question but I've been thinking about this. Suppose you're all set up for the night, your Ursak is tied properly to a big branch, you're hammocking 50 yds or more away from your Ursak. You hear a bear middle of the night yanking on your Ursak. Should you get up and attempt to scare the bear off? Or just let him have at it and trust the Ursak is going to work?

[@firefighter2699]

Why don’t you try and let us all know the results of trying to scare off a hungry bear 😂😂😂. I was actually thinking this myself. I’d probably just cower in my tent and pray to every god I can think of that it doesn’t stumble into my tent 😂😂

[@chinseng3056]

Just a question about fuel for food. A 100 gm canister can only boil 2 cups of water for 10-12 times and it costs $17.50. Is there any cheaper alternative

[@jimpflugrath6220]

I can say that for me a 100g fuel canister costs less than US$5.00 and will boil 2.5 c of water about 16 times. One can try it at home and weigh stove+fuel before and after a boil. One trick is DO NOT RUN your stove at full blast. If you can feel heat coming up the sides of your pot or especially on the lid, then you are wasting fuel because much of the heat produced by the burning gas is not heating your water. I use a welder's carbon felt wind screen, too, wrapped relatively snugly around my pot like a pot cozy and extending low to the ground. The carbon felt will not burn and even insulates your pot and prevents heat from escaping. With a moderate or low flame, I can place my fingers on my fuel canister through the gap in the felt windscreen and they will not get burned. Yes, it takes 5 to 8 minutes to boil water on a low flame, but so what? I can set up my tent and sleeping pad in that time in the evening or pack my bag/pad in the morning.

[@udance4ever]

​@@jimpflugrath6220ah thanks for the tip on the low flame - I'll have to give this a shot & look into carbon felt windscreens as well!

[@spartywarriors]

Hope you enjoyed Scotland. My last hope here. I have scoured the internet, contacted ursack and even contacted the people who originally developed the fabric and no one could offer suggestions on reflective material that would stick to the bag. Anyone have any ideas? I got the black but really hard to find in the dark even with flashlight.

[@FollowBigfoot]

Scotland was incredible. I’m sitting at the airport in Glasgow about to depart back to the states. Could you tie or attach some reflective cord to the end of the URsack rope?

[@spartywarriors]

Welcome home Rory. Yeah I was thinking the same. I thought and asked about stitching velcro but they said it would compromise the integrity of fabric. If you think or hear of anything else please let me know. Thanks Rory. Look forward to watch the zpacks gang of bullies trekking across Scotland. 🧗‍♂️

[@ottomendez2404]

What's the sack rope capacity?

[@samsmith8870]

So what if you have the Ursack Major and a racoon gets into it? Does the warranty still apply?

[@udance4ever]

technically it doesn't

[@mcolynuck]

A video from the PCT series by 'The Whimsical Woman' showed an ursack bag that another hiker had used which was torn (more like shredded) in a single swipe by a bear. It was surprising to see how utterly it failed considering its claims and some peoples experiences. Nothing is foolproof I guess.

[@shadow6pt533]

Is it best to hang the canister or hide it on the ground? Thanks.

[@FollowBigfoot]

Ground.

[@phopem1801]

So I watched one of your videos on the ursack, bought it and have used it with no issues until this last hike 🤦🏽‍♀️ which is why I had to find this video so what happened to me wont happen again, as a bear 🐻 got my ursack (3 others food bags hung PCT style were taken as well 😔).

[@FollowBigfoot]

Where at? Did the bear actually get it off the tree?

[@phopem1801]

Follow Bigfoot hurricane shelter on the AT (north of Grayson Highlands State Park).

[@phopem1801]

Yes, we heard the snap crack and I said “what was that?” It was a bear!🐻😱It had broken the branch the bag was hung on (this was the 1st bear bag that was taken PCT style) and had the food all over in seconds. I ran yelling at the bear and the other hikers at the shelter following did the same, the bear (approximately 200-300 lbs) started to turn and go away, then turned back to get a bag of tortillas then ran away. We then helped pick up what was left and went back to the shelter. Then we heard snap snap again I said “what was that(already knowing what it could be) ran out and it had my bear bag down on the ground it had slash thru my (cheap) rope and the bag was on the ground. Again we yelled at the bear it turned to leave then turned back around bit into my ursack, it tugged two more times with my bag in its mouth and it went up the hill and disappeared 😧😔 all 6 days of my food cook pot and utensil. Then 2 more food bags (again hung PCT style) were taken during the night. I prayed and asked the Lord (as I was packing trying to keep as light as possible) should I take my ursack and He said “yes”. I knew there was going to be a bear story. 2 days before I left I downloaded the Guthook app and bought the whole Appalachian Trail map. The 1st comment was the Monday before I was leaving on Friday 2 people were 🏕 tent camping near the Fox Creek parking lot and both there food bags were taken. Then as I was hiking into hurricane shelter I met snowman who was near the stream (on the right and the trail to the left was to the shelter)and just finished dinner and said (before I went up to the shelter) I just saw a bear standing on the trail on its 2 feet looking at him like “what’s for dinner?” 😱 After I ate dinner I said I needed water and was going to go down to the stream asking if anyone else need water? Snowman said he was going to escort me down to the stream which I thought was nice and before I even got to the stream we heard snap snap, snowman said “theres a bear”! On the others side of the creek. There has been other comments since. I would love to give a donation to have a bear cable installed there so that this doesn’t happen to anyone else! If you can pull any strings to get this going please let me know and I will donate ok? Thank you for your concern 😍

[@JeremiahStringer]

Great info. Wonder how it got the name?

[@suseb4155]

I think in latin urs or better ursus means bear.

[@JeremiahStringer]

You are smarter than me lol. Don't know why I didn't think of that! Appreciate the info @@suseb4155

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Just a standard sea to summit food bag at the moment. Was planning to switch to the Zpacks food bag and bear hang it. Is there a rule how far from camp or your tent you should place the Ursack?

[@antsy_does]

Should be the same distance as hanging a regular bear bag, so it keeps the bears out of camp.

[@cortexion4128]

What is the likelihood Yosemite allows these instead of canisters in the future? Is it zero because bear canisters are more idiot proof than any piece of gear like an Ursack or bear bag?

[@davidw.schuetz3546]

Are you bn saying that a bear of any kind cannot bite through those ropes?

[@FollowBigfoot]

I wouldn’t bring it into grizzly area

[@kwoody1986]

So you can use it on a Thru hike of the AT?

[@FollowBigfoot]

Yes!!!

[@kwoody1986]

@@FollowBigfoot ideal as living in the UK never had to deal with bears lol. But planning to do the AT Feb 2020 so this info helps. Will be ordering soon. Take care cheers Karl