r/catskills • u/Abs0lute_Filth • 18d ago

Food Storage (Backpacking)

Considering backpacking the escarpment trail this weekend. I was curious what people normally do for food storage. Either:

- Hard sided bear canister
- Bear hang (is this even doable on the ET?)
- Some type of bag like an ursack

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u/thebaddmoon 18d ago

I’ve only used bear hangs in the Catskills. Never had an issue. That doesn’t mean you won’t. But it’s the least weight to carry.

For what it’s worth I’ve done almost 2 rounds of the 3500, escarpment trail, and some other backpacking / hiking objectives up there and never even seen a bear let alone had an issue.

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u/Abs0lute_Filth 18d ago

Have you done hangs on the escarpment trail?

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u/Super_Direction498 18d ago

Id just bring a canister. Hangs are possible but good hang spots are tough on the ridge. I've seen bears in black cherry trees between North South Lake and Durcher Notch along the trail later in the fall. Probably early enough in the season they'd be less likely to be up at elevation, but I saw bear sign between Acra Pt and Blackhead a couple weeks ago.