If there's one thing that scared me the most during my first few times of camping, it would have to be the little critters and creatures that are found around the area.
From raccoons to squirrels, you can find a ton of small creatures nibbling away at your trash or looking for tidbits to eat while you're in the tent.
But the scariest part?
BEARS!
While bears are harness unless provoked, they still cause quite a stir and can get into your stuff, either ruining them or scaring your family. Fortunately, there are ways on how to bear proof your campsite, and that's through hanging a bear bag.
But are you wondering about what it is and how to use it?
Then read on as I show you how to hang a bear bag and keep your campsite safe!
What Is A Bear Bag?
A bear bag isn't exactly a specific type of brand or design. It's actually a handmade bag or form of makeshift way to hang your food out of reach from bears.
Because a ton of small and big creatures will try going after your food or trash while you're unaware, hanging a bear bag on a tree will make it more difficult to impossible for these creatures to get it.
In a bear bag, you will be hanging up all types of food (except canned), pots, pans, utensils, and garbage. All separated from each other, of course! These bear bags are hung up on a tree, high enough for no bears to reach.
While some people opt to make their own bear bags, some campsites already have designated bear bags in areas with bears known to roam around during the night.
It's crucial to know how to hang a bear bag so you won't be disturbed or fear any bears nearing your campsite and causing trouble.
How To Hang A Bear Bag
So a bear bag is an important thing to preparing when you're camping on a site where there are bears known to roam around. So if you don't know how yet, here are the steps on how to hang a bear bag.
First of all, you should prepare these items:
- Bear Bag
- 40 foot (12 meters) of strong rope
- Throw/rope bag
- Mini carabiner
- Small twig
- Anything that has smell to put inside the bear bag
Next, here are the 4 steps to follow:
1. Add rocks to the throw bag and then attach the carabiner to the drawstring to secure it. Attach the rope to the carabiner as well.
2. Look for a tree with a very sturdy branch that's about 15 to 20 feet (about six meters) off the ground. Toss the throw bag over the branch.
Take note that when it's properly hung, the bear bag should be hanging at least 12 feet (four meters) above the ground and six feet (about two meters) down from the branch, away from the tree trunk.
3. Unclip the throw bag from the carabiner and then clip the carabiner to the bear bag (which should already be filled with the garbage, food, or utensils you need to add).
Here are some tips about using a small survival axe to trim some branches of a densely branched tree.
Fold the loose end of your rope through the carabiner then pull its loose end so you can raise the bear bag to the top of the chosen tree branch.
4. Reach as high as you can, tying a clove hitch (a type of knot) around the twig n the loose ends of the rope. This will create a toggle. Release the loose end of the rope and that's where the bear bag will stop at.
And you're done! Just make sure that you choose a tree far away from your campsite as portable, around 200 feet (60 meters) away. The kitchen area should also be that far away from where you sleep as well.
I also recommend that you use a slippery line to make it easier to glide over trees and prevent it from cutting into the bark. That way, you'll have an easier time hanging the bear bag.
More Tips on Creature-Proofing the Campsite
Now that you know how to hang a bear bag, the next thing to do is to find more ways on how to prevent small and big creatures from getting to your campsite! Here are some tips you can follow:
- Make sure that you keep all trash away and that you hang it in the bear bag. Leave no trace while you're in the campsite and after you leave. That way, no one will have trouble with creatures detecting and coming over for scraps of food.
- If your problem is pesky mosquitoes, invest in anti-bug sprays. You can even find bear sprays that prevent bear attacks!
- There are also types of bear-proof equipment that bears can't get into. Opt to invest in these as well.
- Choose a campsite that is less susceptible to animals. That means it is away from stagnant water, too many bushes, and that it has dry ground. Keep on a lookout from tree branches or bushes for any small animals. You can also ask fellow campers for tips on where to camp on that certain camping ground.
Conclusion
When it comes to keeping your campsite safe and protected, then you should know the proper ways on how to prevent creatures from coming in your area, may they be small like squirrels or as big as wild bears!
Through hanging a bear bag near your campsite, you won't need to worry about your food and trash being detected and stolen by creatures while you're sleeping.
I hope that these tips on how to hang a bear bag helped you become more knowledgeable on what you need to do to keep you and your loved ones secure while camping. So what are you waiting for? If you plan on going camping, start preparing materials for hanging your bear bag today.
If you have any questions or would like to share your tips and experiences on how to hang a bear bag, then comment down below. I would love to hear what you have to think.