Whether you’re backpacking or camping in black bear country (like parts of Western MD), learning how to keep your food safe is a backcountry essential.
Here’s the simple PCT Method for hanging a bear bag:
What you need:
- 50 feet of rope or paracord
- A sturdy dry bag or stuff sack
- A small carabiner
- A stick
- A rock (to tie to your rope and toss over a branch)
Steps:
- Find a good branch: 15–20 feet high, 6+ feet from the trunk
- Toss the rope (with the rock attached) over the branch.
- Clip your food bag to one end of the rope using the carabiner.
- Hoist the bag all the way to the branch.
- Tie a stick to the rope about shoulder-height, then let the bag lower until the stick jams against the carabiner.
The bag now hangs high and out of reach, with no knots to untie in the morning.
Why it matters:
A good bear hang protects wildlife, your gear, and your peace of mind. Plus, there’s something satisfying about mastering the old-school skills that keep you self-reliant in the wild.
