*****READ THIS COMMENT****Hey everyone, I wanted to clear up a couple of things about how I demo'd how to tie the Larks Head and Clove Hitch. This was the way that I learned on the Trail, and although it worked for me, these demo's are not the actual way you tie these knots. There are a lot of resources that great knowledgeable UA-camrs linked in comments below, but I will share it here. Larks Head:www.northwoodsguides.com/larks_head.phpClove Hitch:www.animatedknots.com/clove/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.png&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPointSorry for any confusion.
I am glad you understand that you did not tie a clove hitching to be honest if it works for you what the hell.... Personally I would have used a cow hitch
I was going to say, "That's not the same clove hitch I learned in the Navy." Well, I guess I said it anyway. The technique is something I will use. It honestly hadn't occurred to me to pass the line through the 'biner and put a toggle in the line. Good stuff. Thanks.
Thank you for the demo. Also, I have always put everything in my food bag, and your use of a dirty bag is something that makes the whole process better. Thank you for the tip!
This a very good demonstration on how to properly hang your food bag. I would add if you're a knucklehead like me and struggle tying the clove hitch after grinding on the trail for hours in the dark there is a device you can purchase from DutchWare called a PCT stick. It cost about 4 dollars and weighs a few grams at most and you no longer have to tie any knots. It only works with 1.7 mm line but it's awesome. Buy this device and their throw kit and your all set. Great video.
I learned the bowline this way - The Rabbit comes out of the hole, runs around the tree, and jumps back into the hole. We had to tie these knots behind our backs in Boy Scouts back in the '80's. Shout out to Mr Moore and Mr Turner (who is now my CPA 30 years later). Great instructional videos - I've been using the PCT method, unknowingly, here in NC. It is quicker and easier and you have less hang ups - and easy to get back into when you forget to put something in the bag or want a quick snack.
Totally agreed! Learned this in Boy Scouts to get the merit badge. With the rope hanging down pinch it with your thumb and second finger and twist like you’re turning a car key. That puts the loop in the correct direction - it only works one way. Then tie as described. Easy peasy!
Good instructional video, one mod if I may? ... Just as a final precaution, when you're done with the hang, never pull the loop end of the cord back up over the limb, it doesn't take much to snag the loop on the tiniest of nubs or pinch it in a v slot of the branch, just takes a second to untie the loop or pull up the untied end ... thanks
It worked awesome. You always have those few things that you need to hang onto until right before bed. Now you can hang everything up and do the hard work earlier and just attach what every you want above the stick and you are good to go.
I have watched many videos on hanging a bear bag. This one is by far the most coherent. Your presentation is easy to understand and your style of speaking articulate. The ditty bag idea is fantastic. Valuable information. Thanks!
Hi Bigfoot.... I'm a career firefighter and Fire Service Instructor. So I have tied more than my share of knots... Your videos are excellent and educational. Ill be starting my AT thru Hike in February 2018. One month after retiring from the fire service after 36 years service. Knots can be difficult to demonstrate I feel you did an excellent job.
+Trail Hiker Thanks so much Trail Hiker and my deepest gratitude on putting your life on the line to help save and protect all of us. Thank you so much!!!!
Great feature for ditty bag. I generally do PCT style hang but the funny thing is on one on my section hikes in PA I had trouble finding stones for my rock bag. LOL Thanks a lot
THANK YOU!!! Great video!! I was so excited you answered my question that I called my whole family in to watch it!! I'm going to practice this later. I'll comment back about how it goes! Thank you again!
Happy Hikers pay particular attention about how far his Rock bag went over the limb and started to come down before his line became taunt. that's very important! as your access line is going up make sure it doesn't grab sticks, twigs and leaves on the ground and becomes taunt before it's supposed to. in other words clear an area on the ground where you have your access line laying. he did a very good video! kudos!!!
I utilize this style of bear bagging. A slightly different twist to what you do. I use a forward motion with the rock bag. Almost like a lasso. I build up momentum with several rotations & then release the cord & hopefully the rock bag will go over the designated branch (tie the loose end to your belt loop so everything doesn't get hung up in the tree without means of retrieving it). With the stopper stick (stake; chop sticks; whatever), I pull the bear bag up to the branch & place the stick against the cord. I wrap the cord around the stick one turn. I then twist a loop w/ my hand and place the loop around the opposite end of the stick. If done properly, you have a clove hitch tied without releasing the cord at all. It makes more sense when I do it rather than when I try to explain in with words. I pull down the non-bowline knot end down instead of vice-versa. Nothing to catch on that way. Zman AT 2013; 3/21 to 8/19
Thanks for sharing you way Carl. I had an easier time with how I did the clove hitch than the traditional way that you speak of. I probably gave up on it too fast when learning it. Thanks again.
How is it that I've been fooling around in the woods for 40 years and never saw this method?!! Seems much simpler than the tie off to a tree version, THANKS!
Thank you for the great video. You are correct that the knots you tied were not what you said they were. I do agree that if they work for you then they are a good knit or hitch. I learned to tie many knots and his in the Boy Scouts and REALLY learned in the fire department wearing 2 layer gloves and in the dark. Thanks again for a great video. I try to learn something new everyday.
ive used in stead of clove hitch the "marlin spike hitch" - not sure if that is a problem or not...has worked for me and its less figity I feel...can do it almost one handed...good video bigfoot..I did my first PCT style bear bag hang last year...took me like 10 tries to throw the bag/line and get it lol....
Hi Bigfoot! Thank you so much for this tutorial! I'm heading out for my AT hike in 2 weeks and was a little worried I still didn't have my knot game down yet. This was very easy to follow, definitely will keep on practicing. Love watching your videos!
I've found that instead of making the clove hitch before passing the stick through, it's easier if you wrap the line around the stick and then slide a reverse loop on the other side of it, that way, you can keep more tension on the first loop/winding than you can with your fingers. Either way, your videos have helped bolster my confidence that I'll be able to successfully thru hike. Keep it up!
+Jon Riordan Thank you Jon. I will probably be revisiting that and trying it out. When I learned it, I just did what I was taught and didn't take any time to actually see if there is a better way to tie it. Thanks
Great tip on diddy bag! I have Toothpaste, Lip Balm, Sunscreen and a few other odor items in a sac that I had attached to the Bear Bag. Now I will separate that bag and use your method to attach it to the stick. I use a different method for the over head Clove Hitch but may give yours a try. My method is to loop over the stick and the create a loop and reverse it on the opposite end of the stick. Great Video.
Glad the vid was helpful. I use this way with the clove hitch because it was easier for me to do the knot when the bag is suspended in the air. Try it out and let me know how it compares to your method.
That is such a better way to hang a bear bag! I'm just getting started in backpacking and this video was great for cluing me in on the proper technique. Thanks Bigfoot!
Absolute best video explanation. Love your vids man. I'm doing a PCT thru hike in 2018 but I'm doing some CO backpacking next week and some Gila wilderness in the next couple months so this was perfect. Ty.
I actually do this with two differently sized carabiners that just live tied to my cord. The carabiner that I use as my "stick" is large enough that it cannot pass through the one at the end. No more knots!
Another great video, thanks. Here's an easy way to remember how to tie a bowline knot. "The rabbit comes up out of the hole, goes around the tree, then goes back down the hole. The tree being the rope over top of your hand. This was how the Seattle Mountaineers teach it in their climbing class.
Thank you for this. I've been wondering how the hell to do this and your video was the simplest one I've seen. Can't wait to practice before my hike lol 2017 AT thru hiker here
Great video on an excellent way to hang a bag. I'm a bit of a knot nerd and watching on a cell phone so forgive me if I'm mistaken, but I'm pretty sure that your lark's head isn't a lark's head and your clove hitch isn't tied properly. Just would hate to see guys use an improperly tied knot in some other application where it might fail. Hope this doesn't come across as being a jerk. ;)
Not at all. Thanks for the feedback. This was my version of the clove hitch. When the bear bag is suspended in the air and you are holding onto the bear line, it was really difficult to do this clove hitch. The manner of which I showed on the video is what I found to be the easiest for to do....especially when I had a heavier food pack. I just found that these ways were easier for me.
I'm a fan of your channel, but as a scoutmaster and the dad of two boy scouts...it irked me to watch you butcher those knots. Glad to know I wasn't the only one who noticed. Personally I would've used a Marlin Spike hitch instead of the clove to secure the stick though... it's just easier to quickly assemble. But here's a quick animated knot video for the Clove hitch (you put an extra twist on the loop). www.animatedknots.com/clove/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.png&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPoint I won't even get into how much easier it would be to teach someone to do the bowline knot using the bunny hole and tree analogy, but that's for another time. Keep up the great work otherwise!!
Hello Dave, thank you for your feedback. The manner of which I tied these knots was how I was taught on the Trail... wish I would have had you there are that moment. I looked up the marlin knot and that does seem easier. I will have to try this out next time I hang my food bag. Thank you for the links to the animated knots, they are very helpful.
That was very cool! I actually ran into Happy Hikers on my SOBO Neels Gap to Springer hike this weekend. BTW, you are a rock star. I talked to several people who have been following your videos. :)
+Greeter's 2017 Thru-Hike That's awesome! Did she start her NOBO hike already? Good to hear that so many people are finding my videos and helping them out😊
Yes! She is on the trail. I am doing a flip-flop starting March 25. I was doing a practice hike from Neels Gap to Amicalola Falls and saw her and about 30 other NOBOs! I was amazed at the different gear (up to 60 lbs.) people were carrying. I saw one guy with a hatchet strapped to his side.
Great video with lots of good information. I'm looking for a good pair of hiking pants and notice the ones you have on in the video. Can you tell me the brand and model. Thank you.
I am with a4t5fan, with one addition. The first bowline you tied was not a bowline, the second one you tied looked great. Not meaning to be picky, but an incorrectly tied knot could cause the technique not to work. Now, off to my Boy Scout meeting tonight. We are working on knots!!!! By the way, the clove hitch you did outside looked ok, but it was hard to see.
Hey Roberthix! It sounds like you are a scout leader and I think that's totally awesome!!!!! The first bowline I did was little messy because I was stopping and slowing down to explain which was why I wanted to do it again. The clove hitch I do is a slight varation of how you would traditionally tie one, I just found this manner easier with getting the same result. Trying to tie a clove hitch while hanging onto the rope with one hand, especially if the bear bag was really heavy after a resupply, I found to be difficult and awkward. So I figured out a way to do it a little easier while still achieving the same end result. Thanks for giving back and teaching our youth all the important lessons they learn through scouts!!!
I don't know why anyone uses the bowline. It is too easy to tie it incorrectly. The figure-8 knot is so much simpler and replaced the bowline decades ago in climbing.
@@TheBabylane2 I used to do a lot of hiking in the Sierras. On one trip on the PCT, I met 2 experienced hikers who had lost their food using your method. This was in Vidette Meadows, a notorious bear place. They said the bear saw their pcord stretched out between 2 trees {their bag was hanging from from a steel cable). It grabbed one end and pulled on till fell in the middle. Then it went to the other tree and pulled on that one till it fell into the middle. Then the bear just pulled on both of them till their bear bag came down and ate all their food. I ended up giving them some of my food. That's why I never used your method. Greg
You're a great teacher. I'm planning a john muir run this year. I like the pack you have from zpacks. Can you fit the BearVault BV500 in that pack? What bear canister will you use on the PCT?
I haven't tried, but I have heard it is really tight. I would recommend the Arc Haul for that with a canister. As for what canister will I use the day I thru-hike the PCT (hopefully happens sooner than later), I actually don't know. I have not researched it yet. If you or anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it!
Can you comment on how far to hang a BB from your tent? Of course as far away as reasonably possible, but how far? How far are bear bag cables typically placed away from shelters on the AT? That might serve as a good guideline. Thanks
Hey I have a question for you what do you rather take one of those Cuban fiber bear bags or a bear canister what is the difference of both of them and which one do you prefer and I have another question for you if I was going on the Appalachian Trail how many days of food will I keep in one of the bear canisters and how much does it usually way
Great video; neat trick with the stick and ditty bag. :D Bigfoot, you speak clearly, with enthusiasm, and have a natural charisma that comes through on camera. That's in addition to providing interesting, relevant content of your subject matter. My teeny, tiny suggestion would be to lower the music that goes with your opening graphic (which is awesome btw) as you speak softly, so I turn the volume way up to hear you speaking. Then I immediately watch another of your videos and blam! The difference in volume of your intro music, plus me forgetting to lower the volume, makes me wince every time. Thank you otherwise and please keep the videos coming.
Thanks for the feedback Figbits. I have recently turned down the volume from 100% to 30% on the intro and thought it was better based on a couple of folks that had pointed that out to me before. I did do that for this video, did you feel you that this one was too loud as well? If so maybe I will turn it down to 10 or 20%. Let me know and appreciate the kind works and feedback!
Bigfoot, thanks and enjoyed a bunch of your videos over the last couple of months as I prep for a couple of weeks on AT. Question - using this method, do you find mice or squirrels getting to your bag? Wondering if I need to spring for the critter proof bag or if it's not really a factor.
I haven’t had an issue yet. You can attach a round lid like the top of a can above the bowline knot that is attached to the carabiner and that would prevent them from sliding/climbing down the line and getting into the food bag. This is how we hang our bags in shelters to keep the mice out.
Having grown up in SOUTH CAROLINA and Virginia, and doing a lit of camping we never hung a bear bag. I took about 8 people with me once to the Shenandoah valley. By the time we got there and found a suitable location it was getting dark. We were rushing to get set up when a ranger came and told us that we needed to relocate because there had been an aggressive bear in the area. He told us it was too dangerous but I told him that what would be dangerous would be to take down what was set up and relocate as it was almost dark by then. I assured him that we could handle a bear if necessary and he let us stay. Fortunately we had no problems. There was a time though when I was in the Boy Scouts that one of the scoutmasters sons was literally pulled out of his tent by a bear. He was in a mummy bag with his head covered and thought someone was messing with him. What a shock when he looked and realized it was a bear. The boy was terrified and screaming, and the scoutmaster told us to get sticks, bang on trees, and tell. Fortunately the bear did leave. The cause of this altercation was that he had been eating candy and had some in the sleeping bag with him. One of the things I learned from that experience was dont sleep with food in your tent, let alone sleeping bag. My current food system is packed to where I can easily hang it. We have some bear in this area but a bigger concern to me are the large numbers of large wild boar. I even have a video about a matriarch that came up to me because she was with two other females and a bunch of babies. You can see the pictures in the video. I do most highly recommend that you put your food high and away from your camp, not in the middle of it, and by no means leave your food supplies on the ground, and not near or in your tent. Thanks for the vid I am sure it will be beneficial to some, and I hope that my experience just helps reinforce your vid.
Bigfoot, reading WhiteBlaze, I hear that many thru-hikers on the AT start by hanging their foodbag, but by midway end up just bringing it into their tent. Obviously a lot easier at the end of a long day. I would be very interested in your thoughts on this issue. On another note, would a bearikade @ 23ounces be worth it just to not have to hang your food? Also, their are parts of the AT, like in New Hampshire where there is nothing but pine scrub. What did you do with your food bag there? Jeff Philadelphia, PA
+jeffbgoldman For me, I hung by bag through Virginia. The bear activity was the highest in VA. Getting into the mid-Atlantic states I rarely hung it up unless there were bear cables. Many times I would just eat dinner before I got to camp so I wasn't leave food scraps everywhere. There were some bear activity in NJ so I hung my food up the few nights I was there. I can't recall ever seeing anyone carry a bear canister. I would get one of those URsack before I would bring a canister on the A.T. They are under 9oz and they are a bear resistant sack. I have seen a few of these floating around the trail. Here is a link to URsack: amzn.to/2mfl2LV I don't think I hung my bear bag once in New Hampshire.... and I can't recall ever seeing or hearing anyone that seen a bear there. I did stay 2 nights in the huts for a work for stay. It's always safe to hang it and I do not recommend to not hang it. After hiking most evenings into dusk was the majority of the reason why I chose not to when I was in New England.
I am not sure if you read the comment I pinned at the top, but I talked about this. I am not a knot wizard but this is how I was shown on the Trail and it worked out for me. I put links into my pinned comment that gives the correct ways to tie the knots. Sorry for the creating the screaming worldwide :)
This is an older video, but its a great system. HOWEVER... if you're watching to learn, here are 2 important points: 1. he's not joking about needing a SMOOTH stick, the clove hitch can tighten up overnight and can be very hard to get loosened up In the morning. Titanium toggles are a great way to have a smooth item always at hand. And 2. CAUTION, if the rope below your toggle comes back through the gate of the carabiner for some strange reason (so both ends of the rope are going in and out of the same side of the carabiner, with the stick on the other side), you won't be able to get your bag back down, there's no way to pull the stick back to you. I use a ring, rather than a carabiner. You have to feed the rope all the way through every time, but there's no chance of the loose end of the rope going back through the gate. A locking carabiner would also work, but is much heavier in your gear than a ring. Hope that helps. Happy hiking.
I did not. Usually if I stealth camped I would not unless there was warnings of bear activity. If I stayed at a shelter and everyone else was hanging it, then I always would. I probably hung it about 40-50% of the time.
Thanks Freakinbrian! This was my version of the clove hitch. When the bear bag is suspended in the air and you are holding onto the bear line, it was really difficult to do this clove hitch. The manner of which I showed on the video is what I found to be the easiest for to do....especially when I had a heavier food pack.
I'm rather torn between doing this, carrying a bear canister, or using the Ursack. I lost a food bag one time when I used a traditional style hang. Even had it up 30' in the tree and anchored to two separate trees in case the bear cut one of the ropes. Well....he worked at it all night and was rewarded for his efforts. They are smart. I've since learned to put food 100 yards from camp (they associate with camps). In one place I go (Boundary Waters) its better to use a food barrel/canister and stash than it is to hang. And it's starting to look like I'll have to do that on the SHT as well- Yogi is learning how to get picinic baskets there too.
At first I did. When I got past Virginia, I did it about half the time or less. If I was at a shelter I would usually hang it. When I wasn't, I would usually eat dinner sometime before I got to camp so I wouldn't be eating in my camp site. There are spots where you definitely need to hang with bear activity, and then there's areas that you probably can avoid. If you are ever unsure I just would hang it.
What is the approximate number of bears you saw in each state: Georgia ? NC/Tenn ? Virginia ? WV/Maryland ? Pennsylvania ? NJ/NY/Conn ? Vermont ? NHamp ? Maine ?
An easier way. Tying off a stick with 20# (group of 3 or 4) of food and 'cosmetics,' I didn't think so. So I thought about it and came up with the following: Throw the line. With just the throw bag on the line, find the ideal tie off point as per this and other videos. At that point tie an Alpine Loop Knot; Alpine Butterfly; Lineman's Rider; Lineman's Loop Knot (all different names for the same knot). There are three ways of tying this knot. Practice it and choose your method. Practice a few more times. It will become easy. Lower your line and clip your bear bags to the carabiner (I used to just tie a bowline but this method requires a biner). Then I pull the line until I can reach the loop I tied and clip a bigger carabiner that won't go through the carabiner at the bag end of the line into the loop and let it slide into place. It may sound complicated but it's easier by far and no more complicated than the stick method. The butterfly knot is essential: do not use other in-line (on a bight) loop knots. This one is stable, strong, and very easy to untie, even in thin line. Easy to untie is key because easy bear bagging will have a different tie off point and although the loop(s) slide easily through the first carabiner, how many loops do you want in your line? (I have so special thin, reflective and especially slippery line I bought for bear-bagging. I love it.)
Technically, that doesn't look like a clove hitch, since you gave the first loop on the left a twist, but it looks like it will work better than a clove hitch. I'm not sure what that hitch is, however.
For us in the Sierra, "traditional way" is to counterballance two food sacks. I do like this method, though leaving the rope down is worrisome for experienced bears in the old days. Maybe bears are better behaved these days...
for people who cannot wrap their brain around the bowline knot.....use ........"the rabbit comes out of the hole around the tree and back down thru the hole again", tactic.......but knowing how to make the original "hole" is important........you need to hold the rope and form a loop "the hole"....by rolling your right hand towards the left hand forming a loop in that direction only........[]hope this makes sense]
Edit: Wow! Great system. Will try it this weekend for sure! Also, instead of tying a knot around a tree, you can wrap the rope around the tree trunk two or three times. Then gather the excess in a coil and stuff the coil into the rope where it extends upward to where the bear bag hangs. You can hang the bag in the middle of the rope and tie it off in two places for added security as they do at Philmont: (I forgot how corny these Philmont videos are): ua-cam.com/video/DN2y50oUcS8/v-deo.html
Thanks Swat. I kinda of altered my version of the clove hitch because it was hard to tie one with the food bag suspended in the air while holding onto it. I believe my way ends up with the same result of the knot, just a different way. Either way should work though. Thanks for sharing!
Just something to consider: You might want to make sure that the limb that you chose could support the weight of a bear (also, not a dead limb) - in case it climbed up the tree and out on your limb --- then the whole enchilada came crashing down at once -- limb, bear, and your food.
*****READ THIS COMMENT****Hey everyone, I wanted to clear up a couple of things about how I demo'd how to tie the Larks Head and Clove Hitch. This was the way that I learned on the Trail, and although it worked for me, these demo's are not the actual way you tie these knots. There are a lot of resources that great knowledgeable UA-camrs linked in comments below, but I will share it here. Larks Head:www.northwoodsguides.com/larks_head.phpClove Hitch:www.animatedknots.com/clove/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.png&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPointSorry for any confusion.
I am glad you understand that you did not tie a clove hitching to be honest if it works for you what the hell.... Personally I would have used a cow hitch
Great
Didn’t even give Backcountry Banter credit for the video you just copied? Cmon man
I was going to say, "That's not the same clove hitch I learned in the Navy." Well, I guess I said it anyway. The technique is something I will use. It honestly hadn't occurred to me to pass the line through the 'biner and put a toggle in the line. Good stuff. Thanks.
Thank you for the demo. Also, I have always put everything in my food bag, and your use of a dirty bag is something that makes the whole process better. Thank you for the tip!
Can’t teach the PCT method without teaching the knot needed. Good job
This a very good demonstration on how to properly hang your food bag. I would add if you're a knucklehead like me and struggle tying the clove hitch after grinding on the trail for hours in the dark there is a device you can purchase from DutchWare called a PCT stick. It cost about 4 dollars and weighs a few grams at most and you no longer have to tie any knots. It only works with 1.7 mm line but it's awesome. Buy this device and their throw kit and your all set. Great video.
I learned the bowline this way - The Rabbit comes out of the hole, runs around the tree, and jumps back into the hole. We had to tie these knots behind our backs in Boy Scouts back in the '80's. Shout out to Mr Moore and Mr Turner (who is now my CPA 30 years later). Great instructional videos - I've been using the PCT method, unknowingly, here in NC. It is quicker and easier and you have less hang ups - and easy to get back into when you forget to put something in the bag or want a quick snack.
It's a great method. The rabbit analogy is a easier way of explaining it!!!
Totally agreed! Learned this in Boy Scouts to get the merit badge. With the rope hanging down pinch it with your thumb and second finger and twist like you’re turning a car key. That puts the loop in the correct direction - it only works one way. Then tie as described. Easy peasy!
as a 46 year old mother of four, I just want to say how much I appreciate all the tips and info on long distance trail hiking. I will do this someday!
+Deana kalova Great attitude! It's an amazing journey that will change your life. Glad the videos are useful!
Good instructional video, one mod if I may? ... Just as a final precaution, when you're done with the hang, never pull the loop end of the cord back up over the limb, it doesn't take much to snag the loop on the tiniest of nubs or pinch it in a v slot of the branch, just takes a second to untie the loop or pull up the untied end ... thanks
I like the "extra" part of the ditty bag addition. First time I have seen the "extra". Can't wait to try it out.
It worked awesome. You always have those few things that you need to hang onto until right before bed. Now you can hang everything up and do the hard work earlier and just attach what every you want above the stick and you are good to go.
Never seen the PCT bear bag hang before. Thanks for another awesome tutorial, and, for the updates on the knots.
I have watched many videos on hanging a bear bag. This one is by far the most coherent. Your presentation is easy to understand and your style of speaking articulate. The ditty bag idea is fantastic. Valuable information. Thanks!
Thank you very much Hiker Feet!
Hi Bigfoot.... I'm a career firefighter and Fire Service Instructor. So I have tied more than my share of knots... Your videos are excellent and educational. Ill be starting my AT thru Hike in February 2018. One month after retiring from the fire service after 36 years service. Knots can be difficult to demonstrate I feel you did an excellent job.
+Trail Hiker Thanks so much Trail Hiker and my deepest gratitude on putting your life on the line to help save and protect all of us. Thank you so much!!!!
Great feature for ditty bag. I generally do PCT style hang but the funny thing is on one on my section hikes in PA I had trouble finding stones for my rock bag. LOL Thanks a lot
Loved this. Well done. I feel 1000% more informed/comfortable with the concept of Bear-bagging. Thanks!! 🐻🥩
Nicely done as always, the biggest thing for me is the knots, I rank this. Vid a 10+ !!
Well done...clear and concise. Can you do a video, just like this one, on the way you filtered your water? Thx.
Sure. I will put that one in the Que.. Thanks!
First time I’d seen adding the second ditty bag. That’ll save a lot of time. Thanks for the content!
Excellent explanation, I’ve seen too many people make it complicated. Great Job
THANK YOU!!! Great video!! I was so excited you answered my question that I called my whole family in to watch it!! I'm going to practice this later. I'll comment back about how it goes! Thank you again!
Happy Hikers
pay particular attention about how far his Rock bag went over the limb and started to come down before his line became taunt. that's very important! as your access line is going up make sure it doesn't grab sticks, twigs and leaves on the ground and becomes taunt before it's supposed to. in other words clear an area on the ground where you have your access line laying. he did a very good video! kudos!!!
Awesome, can't wait to hear back from you!
I utilize this style of bear bagging. A slightly different twist to what you do. I use a forward motion with the rock bag. Almost like a lasso. I build up momentum with several rotations & then release the cord & hopefully the rock bag will go over the designated branch (tie the loose end to your belt loop so everything doesn't get hung up in the tree without means of retrieving it). With the stopper stick (stake; chop sticks; whatever), I pull the bear bag up to the branch & place the stick against the cord. I wrap the cord around the stick one turn. I then twist a loop w/ my hand and place the loop around the opposite end of the stick. If done properly, you have a clove hitch tied without releasing the cord at all. It makes more sense when I do it rather than when I try to explain in with words. I pull down the non-bowline knot end down instead of vice-versa. Nothing to catch on that way.
Zman AT 2013; 3/21 to 8/19
Thanks for sharing you way Carl. I had an easier time with how I did the clove hitch than the traditional way that you speak of. I probably gave up on it too fast when learning it. Thanks again.
That was amazing. Thank you for showing how to tie the knots and why you use them.
How is it that I've been fooling around in the woods for 40 years and never saw this method?!! Seems much simpler than the tie off to a tree version, THANKS!
+Diana Hammond it's an amazing method
I'm late to the game, but I, too, am switching my bear bag hanging method. lol
Excellent demonstration, thank you!
Thank you for the great video. You are correct that the knots you tied were not what you said they were. I do agree that if they work for you then they are a good knit or hitch. I learned to tie many knots and his in the Boy Scouts and REALLY learned in the fire department wearing 2 layer gloves and in the dark. Thanks again for a great video. I try to learn something new everyday.
Awesome, got to practice those knots. Does look much better than the vids I’ve seen on the traditional methods
ive used in stead of clove hitch the "marlin spike hitch" - not sure if that is a problem or not...has worked for me and its less figity I feel...can do it almost one handed...good video bigfoot..I did my first PCT style bear bag hang last year...took me like 10 tries to throw the bag/line and get it lol....
Hi Bigfoot! Thank you so much for this tutorial! I'm heading out for my AT hike in 2 weeks and was a little worried I still didn't have my knot game down yet. This was very easy to follow, definitely will keep on practicing. Love watching your videos!
Great video! I'm already preparing for a thru hike for next year and I'm going to practice this a ton until I have it down cold. Thanks for the info!
I've found that instead of making the clove hitch before passing the stick through, it's easier if you wrap the line around the stick and then slide a reverse loop on the other side of it, that way, you can keep more tension on the first loop/winding than you can with your fingers. Either way, your videos have helped bolster my confidence that I'll be able to successfully thru hike. Keep it up!
+Jon Riordan Thank you Jon. I will probably be revisiting that and trying it out. When I learned it, I just did what I was taught and didn't take any time to actually see if there is a better way to tie it. Thanks
Great tip on diddy bag! I have Toothpaste, Lip Balm, Sunscreen and a few other odor items in a sac that I had attached to the Bear Bag. Now I will separate that bag and use your method to attach it to the stick. I use a different method for the over head Clove Hitch but may give yours a try. My method is to loop over the stick and the create a loop and reverse it on the opposite end of the stick. Great Video.
Glad the vid was helpful. I use this way with the clove hitch because it was easier for me to do the knot when the bag is suspended in the air. Try it out and let me know how it compares to your method.
That is such a better way to hang a bear bag! I'm just getting started in backpacking and this video was great for cluing me in on the proper technique. Thanks Bigfoot!
+TawnaTV Glad it was helpful!
Absolute best video explanation. Love your vids man. I'm doing a PCT thru hike in 2018 but I'm doing some CO backpacking next week and some Gila wilderness in the next couple months so this was perfect. Ty.
How the heck have I hiked for so long and not heard of this trick!? Thanks so much. I will get out and practice this one this weekend. Thanks Bigfoot!
+Otter River Outdoors I thought the same thing when I was shown this. It was mind blowing
I actually do this with two differently sized carabiners that just live tied to my cord. The carabiner that I use as my "stick" is large enough that it cannot pass through the one at the end. No more knots!
Thanks for the link. I think i need to watch this a few times and practice before i do the AT next year.
+Antonia Baker Yeah. When I learned it I had to do the same thing
Wow... Thanks!.... Tons better than the way I was doing it! Best.... Roger
Thanks for another great video, we were wondering how to do this. Going to practice. thanks shannon and jojo.
Best video for hanging thanks for sharing Peach
best bowline tutorial I've seen yet.
Another great video, thanks. Here's an easy way to remember how to tie a bowline knot. "The rabbit comes up out of the hole, goes around the tree, then goes back down the hole. The tree being the rope over top of your hand. This was how the Seattle Mountaineers teach it in their climbing class.
Yes, I didn't stay long enough in Boy Scouts to learn that.... way easier to explain and understand using that analogy.
Great video. this is probably the backpacking skill most beginners are least familiar with.
+Anthony Matthews Thank you Anthony. I'm glad you found it of value!
You can substitute a Marlin Spike hitch for a clove hitch.. it's a little easier since the line is under weight
^^
I was thinking the same thing.
I was just wondering "what's wrong with a Marlin Spike?" So much easier...
Thank you for this. I've been wondering how the hell to do this and your video was the simplest one I've seen. Can't wait to practice before my hike lol 2017 AT thru hiker here
Thanks Follow Bigfoot for ANOTHER very helpful video that will make me more prepared for my next hike.
Love the ditty bag tip! Watch a few other videos and you’ll probably come across a much simpler way to tie the clove hitch directly on the stick.
Right on, glad it was helpful!
Wow! Great explanation! Will be using that method from now on. Thanks
I enjoyed the video.A lot of very good points.Thanks Big Foot!
Great video on an excellent way to hang a bag. I'm a bit of a knot nerd and watching on a cell phone so forgive me if I'm mistaken, but I'm pretty sure that your lark's head isn't a lark's head and your clove hitch isn't tied properly. Just would hate to see guys use an improperly tied knot in some other application where it might fail. Hope this doesn't come across as being a jerk. ;)
Not at all. Thanks for the feedback. This was my version of the clove hitch. When the bear bag is suspended in the air and you are holding onto the bear line, it was really difficult to do this clove hitch. The manner of which I showed on the video is what I found to be the easiest for to do....especially when I had a heavier food pack. I just found that these ways were easier for me.
I'm a fan of your channel, but as a scoutmaster and the dad of two boy scouts...it irked me to watch you butcher those knots. Glad to know I wasn't the only one who noticed. Personally I would've used a Marlin Spike hitch instead of the clove to secure the stick though... it's just easier to quickly assemble. But here's a quick animated knot video for the Clove hitch (you put an extra twist on the loop). www.animatedknots.com/clove/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.png&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPoint
I won't even get into how much easier it would be to teach someone to do the bowline knot using the bunny hole and tree analogy, but that's for another time.
Keep up the great work otherwise!!
Hello Dave, thank you for your feedback. The manner of which I tied these knots was how I was taught on the Trail... wish I would have had you there are that moment. I looked up the marlin knot and that does seem easier. I will have to try this out next time I hang my food bag. Thank you for the links to the animated knots, they are very helpful.
a4t5fan knot snobs....
That was very cool! I actually ran into Happy Hikers on my SOBO Neels Gap to Springer hike this weekend. BTW, you are a rock star. I talked to several people who have been following your videos. :)
+Greeter's 2017 Thru-Hike That's awesome! Did she start her NOBO hike already?
Good to hear that so many people are finding my videos and helping them out😊
Yes! She is on the trail. I am doing a flip-flop starting March 25. I was doing a practice hike from Neels Gap to Amicalola Falls and saw her and about 30 other NOBOs! I was amazed at the different gear (up to 60 lbs.) people were carrying. I saw one guy with a hatchet strapped to his side.
Oh wow, I thought she was starting in March. That's awesome.
It is amazing what you see out there.
Great video with lots of good information. I'm looking for a good pair of hiking pants and notice the ones you have on in the video. Can you tell me the brand and model. Thank you.
+Christopher Stevenson They are the Patagonia Men's Gi III zip off pants
Thank you Bigfoot for this!!!! This is an awesome tutorial.
Thank you very much. I have a snack bag I carry on my hip. I used it instead of rock bag.
I am with a4t5fan, with one addition. The first bowline you tied was not a bowline, the second one you tied looked great. Not meaning to be picky, but an incorrectly tied knot could cause the technique not to work. Now, off to my Boy Scout meeting tonight. We are working on knots!!!!
By the way, the clove hitch you did outside looked ok, but it was hard to see.
Hey Roberthix! It sounds like you are a scout leader and I think that's totally awesome!!!!!
The first bowline I did was little messy because I was stopping and slowing down to explain which was why I wanted to do it again. The clove hitch I do is a slight varation of how you would traditionally tie one, I just found this manner easier with getting the same result. Trying to tie a clove hitch while hanging onto the rope with one hand, especially if the bear bag was really heavy after a resupply, I found to be difficult and awkward. So I figured out a way to do it a little easier while still achieving the same end result. Thanks for giving back and teaching our youth all the important lessons they learn through scouts!!!
I don't know why anyone uses the bowline. It is too easy to tie it incorrectly. The figure-8 knot is so much simpler and replaced the bowline decades ago in climbing.
I'm a bear in real life, but I work for the gov't disguised as a human and I can tell you this method has made me go hungry many nights!
This is a terrible way to hang food. You'll lose it 1/2 the time. I met 2 guys on the PCT who lost their food this way.
I knew it. !!! Do you have relatives at the skin walker ranch?
@@bullgoose7236 What, exactly is bad about it? Definitely seems better than the traditional style.
@@TheBabylane2 I used to do a lot of hiking in the Sierras. On one trip on the PCT, I met 2 experienced hikers who had lost their food using your method. This was in Vidette Meadows, a notorious bear place. They said the bear saw their pcord stretched out between 2 trees {their bag was hanging from from a steel cable). It grabbed one end and pulled on till fell in the middle. Then it went to the other tree and pulled on that one till it fell into the middle. Then the bear just pulled on both of them till their bear bag came down and ate all their food. I ended up giving them some of my food.
That's why I never used your method.
Greg
@@bullgoose7236 what do you do? I know a lot of people sleeping with it or a bear can
You're a great teacher. I'm planning a john muir run this year. I like the pack you have from zpacks. Can you fit the
BearVault BV500 in that pack? What bear canister will you use on the PCT?
I haven't tried, but I have heard it is really tight. I would recommend the Arc Haul for that with a canister. As for what canister will I use the day I thru-hike the PCT (hopefully happens sooner than later), I actually don't know. I have not researched it yet. If you or anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it!
Love it. Super easy to follow.
Can you comment on how far to hang a BB from your tent? Of course as far away as reasonably possible, but how far? How far are bear bag cables typically placed away from shelters on the AT? That might serve as a good guideline. Thanks
+Phil C 200 feet. From memory, the bear cables seemed closer than that, sometimes 100 feet, or at least that what it seemed like
Hey I have a question for you what do you rather take one of those Cuban fiber bear bags or a bear canister what is the difference of both of them and which one do you prefer and I have another question for you if I was going on the Appalachian Trail how many days of food will I keep in one of the bear canisters and how much does it usually way
Good video. I wasn't sure how it was done, but you answered the question. Thank you
March 15th 2018 A.T.
Im doing the AT in March 2018 too. Hope to see you there.:}
hope the AT is going well :)
Thanks for that! I'm glad I checked that out.
whoa! serious jedi mind tricks Bigfoot...[holding pen] "pretend this is a pen right now".
Thank you for the great step by step vid.
Great video; neat trick with the stick and ditty bag. :D Bigfoot, you speak clearly, with enthusiasm, and have a natural charisma that comes through on camera. That's in addition to providing interesting, relevant content of your subject matter. My teeny, tiny suggestion would be to lower the music that goes with your opening graphic (which is awesome btw) as you speak softly, so I turn the volume way up to hear you speaking. Then I immediately watch another of your videos and blam! The difference in volume of your intro music, plus me forgetting to lower the volume, makes me wince every time. Thank you otherwise and please keep the videos coming.
Thanks for the feedback Figbits. I have recently turned down the volume from 100% to 30% on the intro and thought it was better based on a couple of folks that had pointed that out to me before. I did do that for this video, did you feel you that this one was too loud as well? If so maybe I will turn it down to 10 or 20%. Let me know and appreciate the kind works and feedback!
Follow Bigfoot a
Bigfoot, thanks and enjoyed a bunch of your videos over the last couple of months as I prep for a couple of weeks on AT.
Question - using this method, do you find mice or squirrels getting to your bag? Wondering if I need to spring for the critter proof bag or if it's not really a factor.
I haven’t had an issue yet. You can attach a round lid like the top of a can above the bowline knot that is attached to the carabiner and that would prevent them from sliding/climbing down the line and getting into the food bag. This is how we hang our bags in shelters to keep the mice out.
Having grown up in SOUTH CAROLINA and Virginia, and doing a lit of camping we never hung a bear bag. I took about 8 people with me once to the Shenandoah valley. By the time we got there and found a suitable location it was getting dark. We were rushing to get set up when a ranger came and told us that we needed to relocate because there had been an aggressive bear in the area. He told us it was too dangerous but I told him that what would be dangerous would be to take down what was set up and relocate as it was almost dark by then. I assured him that we could handle a bear if necessary and he let us stay. Fortunately we had no problems.
There was a time though when I was in the Boy Scouts that one of the scoutmasters sons was literally pulled out of his tent by a bear. He was in a mummy bag with his head covered and thought someone was messing with him. What a shock when he looked and realized it was a bear. The boy was terrified and screaming, and the scoutmaster told us to get sticks, bang on trees, and tell. Fortunately the bear did leave.
The cause of this altercation was that he had been eating candy and had some in the sleeping bag with him. One of the things I learned from that experience was dont sleep with food in your tent, let alone sleeping bag. My current food system is packed to where I can easily hang it.
We have some bear in this area but a bigger concern to me are the large numbers of large wild boar. I even have a video about a matriarch that came up to me because she was with two other females and a bunch of babies. You can see the pictures in the video.
I do most highly recommend that you put your food high and away from your camp, not in the middle of it, and by no means leave your food supplies on the ground, and not near or in your tent.
Thanks for the vid I am sure it will be beneficial to some, and I hope that my experience just helps reinforce your vid.
I have now used this method the past season. I used to do a bear hang using a stake in the ground. Never tied it to a tree...
Ok , I see you found your mistake. Thanks anyway. I really enjoy your videos. Please keep up the great work. Dave Beal
Bigfoot, reading WhiteBlaze, I hear that many thru-hikers on the AT start by hanging their foodbag, but by midway end up just bringing it into their tent. Obviously a lot easier at the end of a long day. I would be very interested in your thoughts on this issue.
On another note, would a bearikade @ 23ounces be worth it just to not have to hang your food? Also, their are parts of the AT, like in New Hampshire where there is nothing but pine scrub. What did you do with your food bag there?
Jeff
Philadelphia, PA
+jeffbgoldman For me, I hung by bag through Virginia. The bear activity was the highest in VA. Getting into the mid-Atlantic states I rarely hung it up unless there were bear cables. Many times I would just eat dinner before I got to camp so I wasn't leave food scraps everywhere. There were some bear activity in NJ so I hung my food up the few nights I was there.
I can't recall ever seeing anyone carry a bear canister. I would get one of those URsack before I would bring a canister on the A.T. They are under 9oz and they are a bear resistant sack. I have seen a few of these floating around the trail.
Here is a link to URsack: amzn.to/2mfl2LV
I don't think I hung my bear bag once in New Hampshire.... and I can't recall ever seeing or hearing anyone that seen a bear there. I did stay 2 nights in the huts for a work for stay. It's always safe to hang it and I do not recommend to not hang it. After hiking most evenings into dusk was the majority of the reason why I chose not to when I was in New England.
First time I've seen that method, thanks?
awesome video and tip!
Great video
Knot fail! Outdoorsmen screaming at video screen worldwide.
I am not sure if you read the comment I pinned at the top, but I talked about this. I am not a knot wizard but this is how I was shown on the Trail and it worked out for me. I put links into my pinned comment that gives the correct ways to tie the knots. Sorry for the creating the screaming worldwide :)
if individuals choose to use the ursack and opsack, what would you do in the areas that require you to us a bear barrel?
Well you would be required to use it so there is no way around it. Use what is required.
This is an older video, but its a great system. HOWEVER... if you're watching to learn, here are 2 important points: 1. he's not joking about needing a SMOOTH stick, the clove hitch can tighten up overnight and can be very hard to get loosened up In the morning. Titanium toggles are a great way to have a smooth item always at hand. And 2. CAUTION, if the rope below your toggle comes back through the gate of the carabiner for some strange reason (so both ends of the rope are going in and out of the same side of the carabiner, with the stick on the other side), you won't be able to get your bag back down, there's no way to pull the stick back to you. I use a ring, rather than a carabiner. You have to feed the rope all the way through every time, but there's no chance of the loose end of the rope going back through the gate. A locking carabiner would also work, but is much heavier in your gear than a ring. Hope that helps. Happy hiking.
Bigfoot, always useful information. I am planning 2018 thru hike. Curious, did you hang your food all the time while on the trail?
I did not. Usually if I stealth camped I would not unless there was warnings of bear activity. If I stayed at a shelter and everyone else was hanging it, then I always would. I probably hung it about 40-50% of the time.
Check your clove hitch. Great video man!
Thanks Freakinbrian! This was my version of the clove hitch. When the bear bag is suspended in the air and you are holding onto the bear line, it was really difficult to do this clove hitch. The manner of which I showed on the video is what I found to be the easiest for to do....especially when I had a heavier food pack.
I'm rather torn between doing this, carrying a bear canister, or using the Ursack. I lost a food bag one time when I used a traditional style hang. Even had it up 30' in the tree and anchored to two separate trees in case the bear cut one of the ropes. Well....he worked at it all night and was rewarded for his efforts. They are smart. I've since learned to put food 100 yards from camp (they associate with camps). In one place I go (Boundary Waters) its better to use a food barrel/canister and stash than it is to hang. And it's starting to look like I'll have to do that on the SHT as well- Yogi is learning how to get picinic baskets there too.
Did you hang the bear bag the whole way from Georgia to Maine, when you were overnight outside? Or only when in "bear country"?
At first I did. When I got past Virginia, I did it about half the time or less. If I was at a shelter I would usually hang it. When I wasn't, I would usually eat dinner sometime before I got to camp so I wouldn't be eating in my camp site. There are spots where you definitely need to hang with bear activity, and then there's areas that you probably can avoid. If you are ever unsure I just would hang it.
What is the approximate number of bears you saw in each state: Georgia ? NC/Tenn ? Virginia ? WV/Maryland ? Pennsylvania ? NJ/NY/Conn ? Vermont ? NHamp ? Maine ?
An easier way.
Tying off a stick with 20# (group of 3 or 4) of food and 'cosmetics,' I didn't think so. So I thought about it and came up with the following: Throw the line. With just the throw bag on the line, find the ideal tie off point as per this and other videos. At that point tie an Alpine Loop Knot; Alpine Butterfly; Lineman's Rider; Lineman's Loop Knot (all different names for the same knot). There are three ways of tying this knot. Practice it and choose your method. Practice a few more times. It will become easy. Lower your line and clip your bear bags to the carabiner (I used to just tie a bowline but this method requires a biner). Then I pull the line until I can reach the loop I tied and clip a bigger carabiner that won't go through the carabiner at the bag end of the line into the loop and let it slide into place.
It may sound complicated but it's easier by far and no more complicated than the stick method.
The butterfly knot is essential: do not use other in-line (on a bight) loop knots. This one is stable, strong, and very easy to untie, even in thin line. Easy to untie is key because easy bear bagging will have a different tie off point and although the loop(s) slide easily through the first carabiner, how many loops do you want in your line? (I have so special thin, reflective and especially slippery line I bought for bear-bagging. I love it.)
Technically, that doesn't look like a clove hitch, since you gave the first loop on the left a twist, but it looks like it will work better than a clove hitch. I'm not sure what that hitch is, however.
What kind of line do you use? Looks a little lighter than 550 paracord.
Neat trick! Thanks!
Is there any reason not to hang two food bags on the same line provided the branch and chord are strong enough to hold the weight?
+TheAndysim66 Nope, you can totally do that.
Great video thanks man!
Love that,, That's a new trick for me
+Jenna08848 It is an amazing technique, Thank you
I snuggle with my foodbag.
I did that a lot in the last 500 miles. Got too lazy to hang it up especially when I was stealth camping.
For ultalight, what type of rope do you recommend?
Paracord
Nice!
2CR method is the way to go folks. Look it up.
For us in the Sierra, "traditional way" is to counterballance two food sacks. I do like this method, though leaving the rope down is worrisome for experienced bears in the old days. Maybe bears are better behaved these days...
Use aircraft cable! Bears have figured out that they need to chew the ropes to get food.
for people who cannot wrap their brain around the bowline knot.....use ........"the rabbit comes out of the hole around the tree and back down thru the hole again", tactic.......but knowing how to make the original "hole" is important........you need to hold the rope and form a loop "the hole"....by rolling your right hand towards the left hand forming a loop in that direction only........[]hope this makes sense]
commonconservative i can now remember how to tie this knot. Thanks
thanks
Edit: Wow! Great system. Will try it this weekend for sure! Also, instead of tying a knot around a tree, you can wrap the rope around the tree trunk two or three times. Then gather the excess in a coil and stuff the coil into the rope where it extends upward to where the bear bag hangs. You can hang the bag in the middle of the rope and tie it off in two places for added security as they do at Philmont: (I forgot how corny these Philmont videos are): ua-cam.com/video/DN2y50oUcS8/v-deo.html
Or doing it the way you did with loops: www.animatedknots.com/clove/#ScrollPoint
Thanks Swat. I kinda of altered my version of the clove hitch because it was hard to tie one with the food bag suspended in the air while holding onto it. I believe my way ends up with the same result of the knot, just a different way. Either way should work though. Thanks for sharing!
Cool
5 bears got on YT and unliked your vid
LOL.
I was wondering about that. Very clever bears!
Nice
Just something to consider: You might want to make sure that the limb that you chose could support the weight of a bear (also, not a dead limb) - in case it climbed up the tree and out on your limb --- then the whole enchilada came crashing down at once -- limb, bear, and your food.
+TYB439 That is correct. This was just in my back yard and was doing this as a demo
Understood.. Just wanted to clarify for anyone reading. :-)
BTW, I love your vids.
What size cord did you use?
50 foot. When I thru-hiked I used the Zpacks bear line. The one in the video is the tPMI utility cord that I bought at REI.
Can't the bear just pull on the rope a few hundred times till all systems fail??
You can just use a slip knot for the stick.
thanks!