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Weight Bearing Carabiner

Philmont Scout Ranch is home to a robust population of black bears, with approximately one bear per square mile. Because of this, bear safety is a critical part of every trek. Each night on the trail, your crew will carefully hang anything that might attract bears—known as smellables—in your bear bags. These smellables include food, toiletries, and any item with a scent that could pique a bear’s curiosity. Properly securing your smellables is essential for both your safety and the preservation of Philmont’s wilderness.

However, even the most diligent Scouts, Advisors, and Staff Members occasionally make mistakes. It’s easy to forget a small item, like chapstick or sunscreen, when packing up the bear bags at night. Instead of dropping all 75 pounds of carefully hoisted bear bags just to add a forgotten item, Philmont crews use what’s called The Oops Bag.

The Oops Bag is a small bag reserved for last-minute smellables that were accidentally overlooked. This system ensures that even forgotten items are kept safely out of a bear’s reach without requiring the entire crew to rehang the bear bags. To use the Oops Bag effectively, your crew will need a weight-bearing carabiner.

Choosing the Right Carabiner for Philmont

When selecting a carabiner for your Oops Bag, you won’t need anything overly fancy or expensive, but it does need to meet certain specifications:

Weight Capacity: The carabiner should be able to support 100 to 150 pounds or at least 1 kN (kiloNewton). For reference, 1 kN is roughly equivalent to 220 pounds of force, which is more than sufficient for securing smellables.
Screw Lock Feature: A carabiner with a screw-lock mechanism is highly recommended. This feature adds an extra layer of security by preventing the gate from accidentally opening, ensuring the Oops Bag stays secure.
Durability: Look for a carabiner made of aluminum or steel, which are lightweight yet strong materials perfect for backcountry use.

You’ll only need one carabiner for your crew’s Oops Bag, as the rest of the bear bags will be secured using Philmont’s provided equipment. Keep in mind that this carabiner will not be used for climbing or other high-stress activities; its sole purpose is to support the Oops Bag and keep smellables safely out of reach of bears.

Why the Oops Bag is Important

The Oops Bag isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety. Bears are naturally curious and have an extraordinary sense of smell. Even a small, overlooked item like lip balm or hand sanitizer can attract a bear into your campsite if left unsecured. By utilizing an Oops Bag, your crew minimizes the risk of attracting wildlife, helping to keep both campers and bears safe. Additionally, using an Oops Bag allows you to avoid the hassle of re-hoisting all of your bear bags, saving time and energy after a long day on the trail.

Pro Tips for Bear Bag Management

Be Thorough: During your nightly bear bag routine, double-check pockets and packs for smellables before hoisting the bags.
Educate Your Crew: Make sure everyone in the crew understands what qualifies as a smellable and why proper storage is so important.
Inspect Your Carabiner: Regularly check the carabiner for wear or damage to ensure it remains reliable throughout your trek.

By taking the time to prepare and use tools like the Oops Bag and a sturdy carabiner, your crew will be better equipped to handle Philmont’s bear safety protocols. This small piece of equipment plays a big role in ensuring your trek is both safe and enjoyable.

Gear Category: CrewRecommended Quantity: 1

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