Ursak and the JMT

Thanks Lori. I'll give them a call on Tuesday.

I'm just trying to track down failures.
Firsthand reports are hard to come by.

"Do what you will… but after talking to the folks at Down Works (backpacking gear store in Santa Cruz where Ursack is sold) I will never take one into the Sierras…. They are not recommending the Ursack to Sierra hikers as they keep coming back to them with the bottoms torn out by Sierra bears."

I called Down Works and learned that they do recommend Ursacks, provided you follow the protocols for knots and tying off, away from camp. And they have had One come back, ripped by a bear in the Yosemite campground.

"I will never take one into the Sierras…. They are not recommending the Ursack to Sierra hikers as they keep coming back to them with the bottoms torn out by Sierra bears."

I find your story hard to believe — nothing personal of course — just that with such incredible failure rates (people keep coming back with the bottoms torn out by bears…) — we would have read about some serious disclosures, warning, etc. from the now-defunct SIBBG, Park Service, etc.,etc. — but no — nothing even remotely close.

All I've ever read about was a handful of failures (which Ursack claimed were due to user error). But seriously, nothing kills credibility like hyperbole.

Greg, I hike alot in the Sierras and I use an Ursack wherever I am allowed. I have never had a problem with my Ursack…..ever. Not once in ten years

I carry an Ursack into the sierra's as well and never had a problem

I consider the Ursack a tool in my toolkit and take it (in the Sierra) when it makes more sense than a hang and a canister isn't required or the prudent option. It's never "failed" me but it's never been assaulted either, so I can't either recommend or disrecommend one. Believe me, if a rodent or bear gives a going over I'll broadcast the outcome, but in the meantime it's just another food bag.

Cheers,

Rick

"It's never "failed" me but it's never been assaulted either,"

I think this is the crux of the issue. Avoidance is the best protection. Otherwise you're in an arms race, and every once in a while Brer' Bear is going to win, with untoward consequences for your trip.

"Otherwise you're in an arms race, and every once in a while Brer' Bear is going to win, with untoward consequences for your trip."

So, do you advocate that we preserve the right to bear arms, or the right to arm bears?

–B.G.–

"So, do you advocate that we preserve the right to bear arms, or the right to arm bears?"

Bears are already armed to the teeth, so to speak.

As for preserving my right to "bear arms", I prefer the liver myself. Bear arms are sort of stringy and tough.