Looks like Ursacks are available

[Chip]

I have no vested interest here, but it appears as if Ursacks are being sold again for anyone wanting a light weight animal-proof food storage system.
Their site is slow, you have to go to "Order" (skip the catalog) and click "Buy One Now"

http://www.ursack.com/home.htm

 

[percious]

Just an FYI. These are not approved for use in the Adirondack High Peaks. Still a great space/weight savings option for those who want to keep critters/bears out in other areas.

-percious

 

[pedxing]

The Ursack Hybrid looks bear worthy and has one some approvals, but doesn't meet the definition of a bear cannister in the regulations for the ADK High Peaks, which is "a commercially made container constructed of solid, non-pliable material manufactured for the specific purpose of resisting entry by bears."

From what I see the most weight efficient cannister is the Wild Ideas Bearikade:
http://www.wild-ideas.net/products.html

Almost as efficient and much more affordable is The Bear Vault:
http://www.bearvault.com/index.php

If any one knows of other good options, I'd love to learn. I'll probably end up buying something before too long.


The Garcias seem to heavy for me. Maybe the extra weight helps them hold up in Grizzly country?

http://www.backpackerscache.com/

Also, there are some reviews at:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Cook Gear/Bear Resistant Containers/

 

[Chip]

I own a Bear Vault but have been looking for Ursacks for areas where the Vault is not required, just a good idea. Mice skeeve me also.

 

[DougPaul]

A ratsack (metal mesh cache bag) might also be worth considering.
http://www.armoredoutdoorgear.com/ratsack.htm

A search brings up a bunch more suppliers:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=ratsack+cache+bag&btnG=Search

Don't have one, but it looks interesting.

standard caveat: I have no connection with the suppliers.

Doug

 

[KMartman]

saw these too...

http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/p...10089/level3_id/0/level1_id/0/level2_id/0/N/0

Dont know if they are as indestructible as the ursacks, but same idea..

M

 

[pedxing]

I'm not sure those Gregory Bear bags are at all critter resistant. It looks like they are just designed for traditional food hanging.

 

[KMartman]

I'm not sure those Gregory Bear bags are at all critter resistant. It looks like they are just designed for traditional food hanging.

This could very easily be true....I am unaware, just noticed them in a catalog I got the other day...figured it was at least semi on topic..

My apologies.

M

 

[adirobdack46r]

I have the Garcia Design, it is a bummer that it adds weight but I picked one up as soon as I heard of the new regulation. I try and think of other ways it can be used to try and make it worth the weight. Makes a great stool to sit on, good for carying water to the tent site for washing. I may not have bought one without there being a regulation but I must say it is very easy to use and I know my food will be near by in the morning. Though the bags are much lighter, if by some chance the bear does get it untied from the tree, your food is history, the bear may not ever get in to it but it will most certainly be carried away.

 

[Jeff-B]

Ursacks

Last year, out west in Yosemite, a Ranger saw my home made "Ursack", which I had honestly thought to be superior construction from bombproof Kevlar/Spectra/Technora sailmaking fabrics and stitching.
I use 3/16" Spectra line to lace it up and hang it.

I was not in an area where canisters (approved) were required, but the Ranger felt he needed to share this story, and then advised I go no further with the bag.

He said they witnessed bears carrying off Ursacks to the river, sink them and squeeze out the juice!
Then of course, everyone knows Yosemite bears are the smartest in the world!

Canisters offer the advantage that a bear can't even carry it off, however last year, one certain bear was reported as unscrewing lids!


Jeff