Hanging food in raccoon, bear, etc. territory

[Nancy Hill]

A recent trip report that included mention of raccoons stealing food prompted me to write this.

I always hang my food, toothpaste and trash unless I am in an area with unacceptable or no trees (unlikely, but it happens). Recently,  I was sitting by a fire and looked over at my tent and there was a raccoon in my open vestibule, looking completely at home. There was no food or anything smelly in my tent or vestibule. I think he was just curious. Hanging my food gives me peace of mind and it's easy to do. I use an arborists line that glides smoothly over the bark and does not damage the tree. I also use a 12 oz. throw weight, but you can use a small bag of rocks. I use the PCT method. https://theultimatehang.com/2013/03/19/hanging-a-bear-bag-the-pct-method/ .  A tent stake works better than a stick because you can slide it off the line (without untying) when taking the bag down. You can find videos to demonstrate the method if that is more helpful to you. It takes a little practice to get your line over the chosen branch. Here are some tips. https://www.bartlettman.com/blogs/news/how-to-use-throw-lines

I've come across some odor-proof bags that live up to their name that have a variety of uses, included DIY WAG bags (doggy bag inside the odor-proof bag). So, if no trees are available, the odor proof bags might be good enough. They area available in different sizes.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y2WLY4K?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-ypp-rep_ypp_rep_k0_1_8&amp&crid=B9V8KS27XNUU&amp&sprefix=odor+pro

[Joseph Berkovitz]

Thanks for the tips Nancy! I have always aspired to your food hanging abilities and, now, here are some tools to pick up and use…