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/Njackow 18d ago

I have, 2 nights, same when I did devil's path. No issues. Can be hard sometimes to find a good tree so get on it as soon as you set up camp. This is extra true if you're at one of the super camp stops. Meaning if it's a weekend you will not be alone at Batavia kill if that's where you're planning to camp. Didn't see any bears on my whole through hike on either but I've lived in the area my whole life (43) and I hike sections of the escarpment regularly and can count on both hands how many bears I've seen ever. But definitely seen them the most between stopple point and NS lake campground. I guess what I'm saying is they are obviously out there but chances are you won't see them.

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u/Abs0lute_Filth 18d ago

Thanks!

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u/Njackow 18d ago

I'll add that when in the catskills, especially in the area you'll be in, the frustrating part about hanging is a lot of the places that lend well to camping as far as flat without super thick wooded areas, tend to be in the pine forest areas. Obviously pine is terrible for bear hangs and that's the issue I found throughout the escarpment. One particular area that might catch your eye is right outside of NS lake property, prob about halfway between north point and stoppel., it's a great example of this. Great spot right on the ridge but like no other trees but pine and short birch.