Picture this: You’ve just finished an incredible day on the trail. Dinner is over, your wine glass is empty, the stars are coming out, and it’s time to settle into your tent.
But before you do, there’s one important job left… making sure every scented item is safely stored AWAY from camp.
If you’re new to backpacking in bear country, hanging a bear bag can feel intimidating. The good news? Once you’ve done it a few times, it’s a simple skill that quickly becomes part of your camp routine.
Whether you’re preparing for your first backpacking trip with the Women’s Wine Hiking Society or brushing up on your backcountry skills, here’s everything you need to know.
—
Why Hang a Bear Bag?
—
Contrary to popular belief, bear hangs aren’t just about protecting your food.
They’re about protecting wildlife.
When bears (or smaller animals like raccoons, squirrels, mice, and marmots) learn that humans equal easy meals, everyone loses. Wildlife becomes dependent on people, campsites become unsafe, and in some cases, bears have to be relocated or euthanized.
A few extra minutes spent hanging your food helps keep wildlife wild.
—
——
What Goes in a Bear Bag?
A good rule of thumb is:
If it has a scent, hang it.
This includes:
- Food
- Trash
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Soap
- Bug spray
- Cookware used for food
- Medications
- Coffee and tea
- Wine
- Pet food (if applicable)
—
If you’re asking yourself, “Does this need to go in the bear bag?” the answer is probably yes.
Anything I missed that should be added to this list? Add it to the comments!
—
—
Building Your Bear Bag Hang Kit
A simple bear hang kit includes:
- Lightweight waterproof dry bag or odor-resistant food bag
- 50–75 feet of low-stretch cord
- 1–2 carabiners
- Small sack that can hold a medium sized rock
- Gloves (optional)
Once assembled, leave everything together so it’s always ready for your next trip.
—
Choosing the Right Tree
Not every tree makes a good bear hang.
Look for:
- A healthy tree
- A sturdy horizontal branch
- A branch approximately 15–20 feet off the ground
The goal is for your food bag to hang:
- 12 feet off the ground
- 6 feet below the branch
- 6 feet away from the tree trunk
This keeps the bag out of reach of both bears and smaller climbing animals.
—
—
How to Hang a Bear Bag
—
———
Download this guide: Bear Hang Kit and How to Hang a Bear Bag
———
—
Step 1: Toss Your Line
Attach your throw weight (small bag with rock inside) to one end of your cord and toss it over the branch.
This may take a few attempts and that’s completely normal!
—
Step 2: Attach Your Food Bag
Clip your bear bag to the rope using a carabiner.
Double-check that the bag is securely closed before lifting it.
—
Step 3: Hoist the Bag
Pull on the free end of the rope until the bag reaches the proper height.
Remember:
- 12 feet above the ground (optimal)
- 6 feet below the branch
- 6 feet from the trunk
—
Step 4: Secure the Rope
Wrap the free end of the rope around the tree trunk several times before tying it off.
Make sure the rope is tight and won’t loosen overnight.
—
Step 5: Give It One Last Check
Before heading to bed, ask yourself:
✔ Is every scented item in the bear bag?
✔ Is the bag high enough?
✔ Is the rope secure?
If yes, you’ve done your part to keep wildlife safe.
—
What If There Aren’t Any Suitable Trees?
Not every backpacking destination has trees that work for a proper bear hang.
Many alpine areas, desert environments, and heavily used wilderness areas require or recommend bear-resistant canisters instead.
Always check local land management regulations before your trip.
—
Practice Before You Go
One of the easiest ways to build confidence is to practice in your backyard or at a local park before your backpacking trip.
Learning how to throw a line is much easier when you’re not racing daylight after hiking ten miles.
A little practice now makes camp setup much smoother later.
The Women’s Wine Hiking Society Philosophy
At the Women’s Wine Hiking Society, we’re passionate about helping women build outdoor skills and confidence.
Knowing how to properly hang a bear bag is one of those simple skills that helps protect wildlife, keeps campsites cleaner, and makes everyone a more responsible backcountry traveler.
Because the only thing we want bears remembering is that humans don’t provide dinner.
Happy trails and happy hanging! 🥾🐻🍷
—
