How to Use a Bear-Resistant Food Sack for Camp Food
By Six Moon Designs | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to properly use a bear-resistant food sack like the Ursack Major or AllMitey to protect your camp food from bears and critters on the trail.
Quick answer
Use a bear-resistant food sack by filling it with your food and smellables, cinching it closed, and securing it away from your tent—no hanging required. The Ursack Major handles bear pressure, while the AllMitey adds critter-proofing for small punctures.
Why choose a bear-resistant food sack over a canister or hang
A bear-resistant food sack is lighter and more packable than a hard-sided canister, making it a favorite for ultralight backpackers. However, it still requires proper technique to be effective. Unlike a bear hang, a sack like the Ursack Major doesn't need a perfect tree branch—just a sturdy tree trunk or a designated food storage pole.
The trade-off is that a sack won't crush as easily as a canister, but it may be vulnerable to small critters if not fully sealed. That's where the Ursack AllMitey's puncture-proof fabric comes in, protecting against mice and porcupines that can gnaw through standard bags.
How to use a bear-resistant food sack in 5 steps
- 1. Gather all smellables: Place all food, trash, toiletries, and anything with a scent (like sunscreen or lip balm) into the sack. Don't leave any in your tent or pack. Common mistake: forgetting toothpaste or wrappers, which can attract animals.
- 2. Fill the sack properly: Pack items loosely so the sack can be cinched tightly. Avoid overstuffing, which can leave gaps at the closure. Checkpoint: The sack should be about two-thirds full to allow a tight seal.
- 3. Cinch and secure the closure: Pull the drawstring tight, then tie a secure knot (like an overhand knot) close to the sack. For Ursack models, use the provided cord or a carabiner to attach to a tree. Common mistake: leaving a loose knot that a bear can work open with its claws.
- 4. Choose the right tie-off spot: Tie the sack around a tree trunk at least 10 feet from your tent, or use a designated food storage pole. The sack should be 4-5 feet off the ground to deter rodents. Checkpoint: Avoid branches that might break or allow the sack to swing within reach of animals.
- 5. Store away from camp: Place the secured sack at least 100 feet downwind of your sleeping area. In bear country, use a bear-proof cache or pole if available. Common mistake: storing too close to camp, which can bring animals into your site.
Bear-resistant food sack options
- URSACK MAJOR - Bear Resistant Food Sack/Bag: The Ursack Major is made of ultra-high-performance UHMWP fabric and weighs 7.6 oz (216 g). It's light enough for long trips but tough enough to resist bear teeth and claws, so you don't need a heavy canister.
URSACK MAJOR - Bear Resistant Food Sack/Bag - URSACK ALLMITEY - Bear and Critter Resistant Food Sack/Bag: The Ursack AllMitey weighs 13 oz (369 g) and is virtually puncture-proof against small creatures. If you camp in areas with mice or porcupines, this model prevents the small punctures that the Major might allow.
URSACK ALLMITEY - Bear and Critter Resistant Food Sack/Bag
