Don't Underestimate Your Adversary!! Posted by: LongKayak on Sep-22-10 9:58 AM (EST)
On a backpacking trip years ago, we strung a rope 15' in the air between two trees (25' apart) with our food pack (my backpack) in the center. By all accounts, it should have been safe. In the middle of the night, we awakened to a commotion outside. Turning on our flashlights, we watched as a bear scaled one of the trees and began shaking the rope up and down. The pack "slid" down the rope to the other tree. Once it was against the other trunk, Yogi calmly climbed down one tree, up the other and began tearing into the backpack to get the food. Next morning, we took stock (there wasn't much left) bundled everything salvageable in my poncho, lashed it to what was left of my frame, and hiked out. My first aid kit with tooth holes sat on my mantle as a "trophy" for years.
Cliff Jacobson recommends an entirely different system--complete and total sealing food in plastic and placing the package ON THE GROUND way away (I forget how many yards, maybe 50 or 100). Check his books for details that I may have somewhat mis-remembered. I remember he writes that this system in his experience has always been successful.
I wouldn't trust myself with this method... I'd think if it were done right it would probably work, but I'm sure I'd smear *something* on the exterior of the bag or container that would have enough odor to attract animals. I use the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) method, so far so good for me. It's discussed here... I use a Marlin Spike Hitch on the trail stick only because I use it so often in camp. http://besthike.wordpress.com/2010/04/09/the-%E2%80%9Cpct-method%E2%80%9D-hanging-a-bear-bag/