How to Hang a Bear Bag (PCT Method) | Ultralight Food Storage Guide

Why Food Storage Matters

Hanging your food isn’t just about keeping bears away, it’s about keeping wildlife wild and your camp safe. A properly hung bear bag keeps animals from getting an easy meal and prevents them from associating people with food.

Whether you’re hiking the AT, the PCT, or your local trail, learning the PCT method is a must-have backcountry skill.

What You’ll Need

Before heading out, make sure you’ve got the right ultralight gear.

Ultralight Dyneema® Food Bag – <placeholder-link-to-food-bag> or one of our more affordable D50T ultralight food bags. with even more options here
Rock Sack + 50 ft Throw Line (2–3 mm UHMWPE)
Dogbone Toggle or Carabiner

🪢 The PCT Bear Hang Method — Step-by-Step

Find the right branch: 15–20 ft high, about 4–6 inches thick, and 4 ft from the trunk.
Load the rock sack: Place a small rock inside, tie the throw line securely, and toss it over the branch.
Attach your bag: Clip your line to your bear bag using a carabiner
Hoist your bag: Pull until the bag reaches the branch.
Insert toggle: Use the dogbone toggle or a traditional toggle as a line stop to hold the bag in the air.
Lower gently: Let the bag drop until the toggle meets the carabiner — the bag should hang 10-12+ ft off the ground and 4+ ft from the trunk.

✅ Take-down tip: Lift the bag slightly to unweight the toggle, remove it, and lower under control.

Choosing the Right Bag Size

Trip Length	Recommended Capacity	Example Bag Size
1–3 Days	5–8 L	Small
3–7 Days	8–14 L	Large

💡 Tip: Flat-bottom bags are easier to pack and stand upright. Narrower bags hang cleaner in dense canopies.

Dry Bags vs Stuff Sacks vs Bear Bags

Dry Bags: Waterproof gear organizers inside your pack.
Stuff Sacks: For quilts, clothes, and soft gear, not food storage.
Bear Bags: Built tough to hang food safely and resist abrasion from tree bark.

If you’re not sure which you need, check out the Bear Bag collection