Bear Bags

The bear bags provided by Philmont Scout Ranch are an essential part of wilderness safety and Leave No Trace practices. These sturdy, lightweight bags are issued to every crew as part of the required gear for securing food and other smellables (items that might attract wildlife) while camping in the backcountry.

Design and Specifications

• Material: Philmont’s bear bags are typically made of durable, lightweight nylon or a similar synthetic material, ensuring they are easy to carry and resistant to wear and tear.
• Size: Each bag is large enough to hold several pounds of food or smellables. Crews are issued enough bags to accommodate all items needing storage.
• Color: The bags are usually white or tan, making them easy to spot in the trees when retrieving them.
• Durability: Designed to withstand the elements, the bags can handle the rigors of the backcountry, including exposure to rain, sun, and friction from ropes.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the bear bags is to keep food and smellables out of reach of wildlife, particularly bears. By hanging these bags high in the air and away from camp, crews minimize the risk of attracting animals, reducing the chances of encounters that could be dangerous for both humans and wildlife.

How Crews Use Bear Bags

1. Packing the Bags: Crews are instructed to place all food, toiletries, and other smellables (e.g., sunscreen, lip balm, scented trash) into the bear bags at the end of each day.
2. Bear Bag Hanging: Using a rope, crews hoist the bags into the air, typically on a bear cable. The bags must be suspended at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from the trunk of any tree to prevent bears from reaching them.
3. Daily Retrieval: Each morning, the bear bags are lowered, and the contents are redistributed among crew members.

Benefits and Considerations

• Wildlife Safety: By using bear bags, crews help protect wildlife from becoming habituated to human food.
• Camp Cleanliness: Properly stored smellables keep campsites clean and safe.
• Teamwork: Hanging bear bags is a team effort, fostering collaboration and reinforcing outdoor skills.

Important Tips

Your ranger will teach you how to properly raise, lower, and hang bear bags your first day on the trail.

Philmont’s bear bag system reflects its commitment to safety, conservation, and responsible backcountry practices, ensuring a memorable and safe experience for all participants.

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