Is there any need to carry anything like the Ursack to ward off bears and rodents, or is a regular sil-nylon bag fine?
Newbie
Food Bag On AT - Appalachian Trail
system
#2
I believe most people will tell you a sil-nylon bag is just fine and a ursack is overkill on the AT. I have had rodents in the shelters chew through my food bag but never had a problem when I hung the bear bag appropriately.
Big B
system
#3
Newbie,
The sil-nylon bag works just fine, except for the shelter mice. That’s why I also carry a ‘ratsack’ – fairly lightweight mesh sack that I set my whole food bag into when in shelters. The mice cannot chew through it and my food is left uncontaminated. Before I got the ratsack, why, I even had mice get into my food bag while it was hanging up on the bear cables in the Smokies. I hate the little kritters – that’s why I mostly pitch my tent and have no problems. See my gear list for the ‘ratsack’.
Woody
Woody
system
#4
Newbie - Just to pile one, the Ursack is totally overkill, but good queston to ask,nonetheless! Way to think through everything. Avoid shelters and you can even dismiss worries about tiny varmits. I slept in my tent with my food bag as a pillow for 5 months and never had one unwelcomed guest for dinner. Your mileage may vary, but odds are, it won’t.
Matt
system
#6
i’ve actually had mice chew through my ursack and eat all my food one time. otherwise i don’t have any complaints about using it. i never had to worry about hanging it, which was very convenient.
shakey