Comments on: Gear Review: Ursack Bear Bag Initial Impressions

By: hikingshoes

hikingshoes — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 03:19:58 +0000

Well,I was wondering if my Ursack Minor(bag)would hold up for my use as a hiker/backpacker. I can say now after my test that I feel that my food will be safe from critter’s. If you take a look at my video, Raccoon vs Ursack Minor/After Action Review(AAR) you’ll see that the bag held up very well. Sorry for the poor lighting and quality,but we had no ideal or plan’s to do a test. It just came to me as we was putting the food up. I’m glad i lucked up to get a chance to make this video. Now,I know that my bag will hold up to any critter after the raccoon did’t get in the bag. Hope you enjoy the video as much as we did making. HS

By: Desert Dog

Desert Dog — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 06:01:39 +0000

Thanks for the field report! Any critters go at it yet? Couldn’t you just melt the end of the cord like you would with a nylon rope?
How long have you been working on the PCT? I’m thinking about section hiking the Arizona trail (a much more modest endeavor).

By: Ralph Alcorn

Ralph Alcorn — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:42:46 +0000

We have three of the original Ursacks, and have been using them as we section hike the Pacific Crest Trail, except on the JMT part where we used canisters. We now have done almost 2000 miles, and have never had an incident with the Ursacks. A couple of maintenance items. The “odorproof” bags have the same problem as all ziplocks. After about 10 days the zip fails. But, by then we have used enough food so that we just roll them up. We have totally replaced the bags once. The other thing is that the end cap for the cord comes off easily, and then begins to shred. So far we are living with that. As far as usage, I think that tying them as recommended at eye level with a figure 8 knot is a good idea. You have to be careful to tie the figure 8 correctly. Do it wrong, and you can just pull the bag off the tree.

By: Desert Dog

Desert Dog — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:23:16 +0000

Tom,
Welcome and thanks for the comment! I guess my warranty is void now I figured what you said might be the case, so I kept an eye on her. Tug of war had no impact on the bag, but once she set at it with her back teeth I knew it was time to end the test. I think she could chew through a tank with her molars and the crushing, grinding motion will wear down any cloth material eventually.
Still, I was impressed with the lateral strength and am confident that even if the bear managed to puncture the bag the material would not rip.
It is a good product. Thanks again for stopping by.
DD

By: Tom Cohen

Tom Cohen — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:58:56 +0000

I’m the inventor/CEO of Ursack. Thanks for the review. I feel lucky that your dog could not tear the Ursack because it is not meant to repel canines with strong jaws and sharp teeth. Bears have great strength but their teeth are dull, and Ursack works well against them. Ironically, certain rodents with very sharp teeth are sometimes able to chew very small holes in Ursack (but not the aluminum). We could design a bag for this, but it would be much more expensive (needs finer thread and more of it) and would be ineffective against bears.

tom

By: Desert Dog

Desert Dog — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:51:44 +0000

Thank you! It’s always easier to write about something you enjoy. Don’t be shy about sharing the site

By: marein

marein — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:30:31 +0000

I had to join so I could let you know how much I enjoy your blog…Tante