Algonquin Outfitters Video How To Bear Proof You Food

The best thing to do is to find a tree (ideally 100 m or so from your camp site, and also ideally down wind from your site so anything following the scent doesn’t wander through your camp) that has larger branches that are horizontal or as close to that as you can get. The bag when hung should be at least 5 m off the ground, and 1 m out from the tree trunk. White pine, and the odd birch will work well, Hemlock is quite challenging due to its small branches.

Once you have located an appropriate tree, take your rope, and tie a weight to the end. A few weights that work well are a stick 8 –12 inches long and 1 to 2 inches thick, your roll of ductape, a third to half full 1L Nalgene bottle or as Kevin shows here a weight in a bag. I don’t recommend using a rock as they are hard to tie, and tend to become loose in the air changing from a handy tool to a deadly projectile.

Before you have found your tree, and tied your weight, make sure you have enough rope, otherwise you have a nifty home-made streamer, and are better to save it for new years eve.

At this point you are ready to throw the line. Aim over the limb, and watch the weight, as it will swing back towards you once it catches on the tree limb.

Congratulations! You are now ready to tie your food bag. Haul it up, tie the loose end to another tree a few feet from your bag tree suspending your food bag in the air, and sleep soundly.

Remember to include all food and even things like Toothpaste, chewing gum and deodorant in your bag and not in your tent.