Food Hanging Question.

"Can you hang a bear bag in the dark?" Yes, but there is a better way to do it.

First of all, I like to get to a campsite well before sunset. Before I settle on it and put up my shelter, I look around to see if there is an appropriate tree nearby. I get the line up in the tree first and make sure that it will work, then turn my attention back to camp affairs, putting up a shelter, cooking, etc. Once the meal is eaten, the rest of the food plus anything smelly goes into two bags, and the two bags counterbalance each other at the tree limb.

Assuming that the line is in the tree before sunset, then the bags can be hung on it later with just a couple of hands and a headlamp.

If you have multiple people, even though there is a lot more food weight, it is easier to get it all hung. One person to push, one person to pull, one person with the light, etc.

I was on a group trip one time when the leader waited until long after sunset before he even began thinking about this, and it was a mess in the darkness.

–B.G.–

+1 to the above comment. Even easier w/ the "PCT method". Get the rope in the tree before you can't see anything. Then when you're ready just put your food bag on the end and hoist it up.

+1 to throwing the rope first thing.

+1 to PCT method.

Bears in the Sierra can be incredibly stealthy/sneaky. Several times I've spotted a bear patiently watching a campsite. Come evening they will quietly approach and when your back is turned snatch your food just like that. Cubs too. Never underestimate! Which reminds me of some lyrics:
"once I was in Chinatown
eating some Liu's chow fun
I happened to turn around
and when I looked
my chow fun was gone.
Oh no no"
Paul Simon, "paranoid blues" (or in this case, bearanoid).

+++ to hanging the line first.

Take your food bag (and maybe pack) with you while you do this, dont leave unnatended.

Finding a good tree with right size limb 20-25' , can take a LONG time sometimes, and be a long way from your campsite.

Justin –

Where?

Thank you Bob. I'm not sure why I didn't think of that- throw the line before dark and haul your food bag up before bed. That sounds easy. I will make it a point to get to camp before dark.