How to Hang a Bear Bag: Protect Your Food in Bear Country

In bear country, proper food storage isn’t optional — it’s required by law in many areas and essential for safety. The PCT method is the most reliable bear bag technique for backcountry camping.

Why Bear Bags Matter

Bears that get human food become aggressive and are often euthanized. Proper food storage protects both you and the bears. It also keeps raccoons, mice, and other critters out of your supplies.

The PCT Method (Step by Step)

Find a suitable tree branch: at least 15 feet high, 10 feet from the trunk, and 5 inches in diameter at the hang point
Tie a rock to 50 feet of cord and throw it over the branch
Clip your food bag to the cord using a carabiner
Hoist the bag up to the branch
Tie a small stick to the cord as high as you can reach
Release slack — the stick acts as a cleat, catching on the carabiner to hold the bag at branch height

What to Hang

Everything with a scent goes in the bag: food, toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm, garbage, and the clothes you cooked in. Bears can smell food from miles away.

Alternatives to Hanging

Bear canisters — Required in many wilderness areas. Heavy but foolproof
Bear lockers — Available at many established campgrounds
Ursack — Kevlar-lined stuff sack that resists bear teeth. Lighter than canisters

Camp Layout

Cook and store food at least 200 feet from your sleeping area. Set up a “bear triangle” — tent, cooking area, and food storage each 200 feet apart. This keeps food smells away from where you sleep.