*****READ THIS COMMENT****Hey everyone, I wanted to clear up a couple of things about how I demo'd how to tie the Larks Head and Clove Hitch. This was the way that I learned on the Trail, and although it worked for me, these demo's are not the actual way you tie these knots. There are a lot of resources that great knowledgeable KZfaqrs linked in comments below, but I will share it here. Larks Head:www.northwoodsguides.com/larks_head.phpClove Hitch:www.animatedknots.com/clove/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.png&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPointSorry for any confusion.

Good instructional video, one mod if I may? ... Just as a final precaution, when you're done with the hang, never pull the loop end of the cord back up over the limb, it doesn't take much to snag the loop on the tiniest of nubs or pinch it in a v slot of the branch, just takes a second to untie the loop or pull up the untied end ... thanks

I learned the bowline this way - The Rabbit comes out of the hole, runs around the tree, and jumps back into the hole. We had to tie these knots behind our backs in Boy Scouts back in the '80's. Shout out to Mr Moore and Mr Turner (who is now my CPA 30 years later). Great instructional videos - I've been using the PCT method, unknowingly, here in NC. It is quicker and easier and you have less hang ups - and easy to get back into when you forget to put something in the bag or want a quick snack.

as a 46 year old mother of four, I just want to say how much I appreciate all the tips and info on long distance trail hiking. I will do this someday!

Hi Bigfoot.... I'm a career firefighter and Fire Service Instructor. So I have tied more than my share of knots... Your videos are excellent and educational. Ill be starting my AT thru Hike in February 2018. One month after retiring from the fire service after 36 years service. Knots can be difficult to demonstrate I feel you did an excellent job.

Thank you for the demo. Also, I have always put everything in my food bag, and your use of a dirty bag is something that makes the whole process better. Thank you for the tip!

Can’t teach the PCT method without teaching the knot needed. Good job

This a very good demonstration on how to properly hang your food bag. I would add if you're a knucklehead like me and struggle tying the clove hitch after grinding on the trail for hours in the dark there is a device you can purchase from DutchWare called a PCT stick. It cost about 4 dollars and weighs a few grams at most and you no longer have to tie any knots. It only works with 1.7 mm line but it's awesome. Buy this device and their throw kit and your all set. Great video.

How is it that I've been fooling around in the woods for 40 years and never saw this method?!! Seems much simpler than the tie off to a tree version, THANKS!

Never seen the PCT bear bag hang before. Thanks for another awesome tutorial, and, for the updates on the knots.

I have watched many videos on hanging a bear bag. This one is by far the most coherent. Your presentation is easy to understand and your style of speaking articulate. The ditty bag idea is fantastic. Valuable information. Thanks!

That was amazing. Thank you for showing how to tie the knots and why you use them.

I like the "extra" part of the ditty bag addition. First time I have seen the "extra". Can't wait to try it out.

Excellent explanation, I’ve seen too many people make it complicated. Great Job

THANK YOU!!! Great video!! I was so excited you answered my question that I called my whole family in to watch it!! I'm going to practice this later. I'll comment back about how it goes! Thank you again!

I utilize this style of bear bagging. A slightly different twist to what you do. I use a forward motion with the rock bag. Almost like a lasso. I build up momentum with several rotations & then release the cord & hopefully the rock bag will go over the designated branch (tie the loose end to your belt loop so everything doesn't get hung up in the tree without means of retrieving it). With the stopper stick (stake; chop sticks; whatever), I pull the bear bag up to the branch & place the stick against the cord. I wrap the cord around the stick one turn. I then twist a loop w/ my hand and place the loop around the opposite end of the stick. If done properly, you have a clove hitch tied without releasing the cord at all. It makes more sense when I do it rather than when I try to explain in with words. I pull down the non-bowline knot end down instead of vice-versa. Nothing to catch on that way. Zman AT 2013; 3/21 to 8/19

Loved this. Well done. I feel 1000% more informed/comfortable with the concept of Bear-bagging. Thanks!! 🐻🥩

Hi Bigfoot! Thank you so much for this tutorial! I'm heading out for my AT hike in 2 weeks and was a little worried I still didn't have my knot game down yet. This was very easy to follow, definitely will keep on practicing. Love watching your videos!

Great video! I'm already preparing for a thru hike for next year and I'm going to practice this a ton until I have it down cold. Thanks for the info!

Thank you for the great video. You are correct that the knots you tied were not what you said they were. I do agree that if they work for you then they are a good knit or hitch. I learned to tie many knots and his in the Boy Scouts and REALLY learned in the fire department wearing 2 layer gloves and in the dark. Thanks again for a great video. I try to learn something new everyday.

Great feature for ditty bag. I generally do PCT style hang but the funny thing is on one on my section hikes in PA I had trouble finding stones for my rock bag. LOL Thanks a lot

First time I’d seen adding the second ditty bag. That’ll save a lot of time. Thanks for the content!

Thanks for another great video, we were wondering how to do this. Going to practice. thanks shannon and jojo.

Another great video, thanks. Here's an easy way to remember how to tie a bowline knot. "The rabbit comes up out of the hole, goes around the tree, then goes back down the hole. The tree being the rope over top of your hand. This was how the Seattle Mountaineers teach it in their climbing class.

Wow! Great explanation! Will be using that method from now on. Thanks

Absolute best video explanation. Love your vids man. I'm doing a PCT thru hike in 2018 but I'm doing some CO backpacking next week and some Gila wilderness in the next couple months so this was perfect. Ty.

Excellent demonstration, thank you!

Wow... Thanks!.... Tons better than the way I was doing it! Best.... Roger

Nicely done as always, the biggest thing for me is the knots, I rank this. Vid a 10+ !!

Thank you for this. I've been wondering how the hell to do this and your video was the simplest one I've seen. Can't wait to practice before my hike lol 2017 AT thru hiker here

I enjoyed the video.A lot of very good points.Thanks Big Foot!

Awesome, got to practice those knots. Does look much better than the vids I’ve seen on the traditional methods

Love it. Super easy to follow.

How the heck have I hiked for so long and not heard of this trick!? Thanks so much. I will get out and practice this one this weekend. Thanks Bigfoot!

best bowline tutorial I've seen yet.

Thank you Bigfoot for this!!!! This is an awesome tutorial.

Well done...clear and concise. Can you do a video, just like this one, on the way you filtered your water? Thx.

Best video for hanging thanks for sharing Peach

I actually do this with two differently sized carabiners that just live tied to my cord. The carabiner that I use as my "stick" is large enough that it cannot pass through the one at the end. No more knots!

Thanks for the link. I think i need to watch this a few times and practice before i do the AT next year.

awesome video and tip!

That is such a better way to hang a bear bag! I'm just getting started in backpacking and this video was great for cluing me in on the proper technique. Thanks Bigfoot!

Good video. I wasn't sure how it was done, but you answered the question. Thank you March 15th 2018 A.T.

Thanks for that! I'm glad I checked that out.

That was very cool! I actually ran into Happy Hikers on my SOBO Neels Gap to Springer hike this weekend. BTW, you are a rock star. I talked to several people who have been following your videos. :)

ive used in stead of clove hitch the "marlin spike hitch" - not sure if that is a problem or not...has worked for me and its less figity I feel...can do it almost one handed...good video bigfoot..I did my first PCT style bear bag hang last year...took me like 10 tries to throw the bag/line and get it lol....

You can substitute a Marlin Spike hitch for a clove hitch.. it's a little easier since the line is under weight

Great tip on diddy bag! I have Toothpaste, Lip Balm, Sunscreen and a few other odor items in a sac that I had attached to the Bear Bag. Now I will separate that bag and use your method to attach it to the stick. I use a different method for the over head Clove Hitch but may give yours a try. My method is to loop over the stick and the create a loop and reverse it on the opposite end of the stick. Great Video.

I'm a bear in real life, but I work for the gov't disguised as a human and I can tell you this method has made me go hungry many nights!

Thanks Follow Bigfoot for ANOTHER very helpful video that will make me more prepared for my next hike.

Neat trick! Thanks!

I've found that instead of making the clove hitch before passing the stick through, it's easier if you wrap the line around the stick and then slide a reverse loop on the other side of it, that way, you can keep more tension on the first loop/winding than you can with your fingers. Either way, your videos have helped bolster my confidence that I'll be able to successfully thru hike. Keep it up!

Great video thanks man!

Great video

Thank you very much. I have a snack bag I carry on my hip. I used it instead of rock bag.

First time I've seen that method, thanks?

Great video. this is probably the backpacking skill most beginners are least familiar with.

Hey I have a question for you what do you rather take one of those Cuban fiber bear bags or a bear canister what is the difference of both of them and which one do you prefer and I have another question for you if I was going on the Appalachian Trail how many days of food will I keep in one of the bear canisters and how much does it usually way

Love the ditty bag tip! Watch a few other videos and you’ll probably come across a much simpler way to tie the clove hitch directly on the stick.

Great video with lots of good information. I'm looking for a good pair of hiking pants and notice the ones you have on in the video. Can you tell me the brand and model. Thank you.

Having grown up in SOUTH CAROLINA and Virginia, and doing a lit of camping we never hung a bear bag. I took about 8 people with me once to the Shenandoah valley. By the time we got there and found a suitable location it was getting dark. We were rushing to get set up when a ranger came and told us that we needed to relocate because there had been an aggressive bear in the area. He told us it was too dangerous but I told him that what would be dangerous would be to take down what was set up and relocate as it was almost dark by then. I assured him that we could handle a bear if necessary and he let us stay. Fortunately we had no problems. There was a time though when I was in the Boy Scouts that one of the scoutmasters sons was literally pulled out of his tent by a bear. He was in a mummy bag with his head covered and thought someone was messing with him. What a shock when he looked and realized it was a bear. The boy was terrified and screaming, and the scoutmaster told us to get sticks, bang on trees, and tell. Fortunately the bear did leave. The cause of this altercation was that he had been eating candy and had some in the sleeping bag with him. One of the things I learned from that experience was dont sleep with food in your tent, let alone sleeping bag. My current food system is packed to where I can easily hang it. We have some bear in this area but a bigger concern to me are the large numbers of large wild boar. I even have a video about a matriarch that came up to me because she was with two other females and a bunch of babies. You can see the pictures in the video. I do most highly recommend that you put your food high and away from your camp, not in the middle of it, and by no means leave your food supplies on the ground, and not near or in your tent. Thanks for the vid I am sure it will be beneficial to some, and I hope that my experience just helps reinforce your vid.

Great video on an excellent way to hang a bag. I'm a bit of a knot nerd and watching on a cell phone so forgive me if I'm mistaken, but I'm pretty sure that your lark's head isn't a lark's head and your clove hitch isn't tied properly. Just would hate to see guys use an improperly tied knot in some other application where it might fail. Hope this doesn't come across as being a jerk. ;)

You're a great teacher. I'm planning a john muir run this year. I like the pack you have from zpacks. Can you fit the BearVault BV500 in that pack? What bear canister will you use on the PCT?

I have now used this method the past season. I used to do a bear hang using a stake in the ground. Never tied it to a tree...

Nice!

Ok , I see you found your mistake. Thanks anyway. I really enjoy your videos. Please keep up the great work. Dave Beal

Love that,, That's a new trick for me

Bigfoot, reading WhiteBlaze, I hear that many thru-hikers on the AT start by hanging their foodbag, but by midway end up just bringing it into their tent. Obviously a lot easier at the end of a long day. I would be very interested in your thoughts on this issue. On another note, would a bearikade @ 23ounces be worth it just to not have to hang your food? Also, their are parts of the AT, like in New Hampshire where there is nothing but pine scrub. What did you do with your food bag there? Jeff Philadelphia, PA

whoa! serious jedi mind tricks Bigfoot...[holding pen] "pretend this is a pen right now". Thank you for the great step by step vid.

What kind of line do you use? Looks a little lighter than 550 paracord.

Check your clove hitch. Great video man!

if individuals choose to use the ursack and opsack, what would you do in the areas that require you to us a bear barrel?

Bigfoot, always useful information. I am planning 2018 thru hike. Curious, did you hang your food all the time while on the trail?

Bigfoot, thanks and enjoyed a bunch of your videos over the last couple of months as I prep for a couple of weeks on AT. Question - using this method, do you find mice or squirrels getting to your bag? Wondering if I need to spring for the critter proof bag or if it's not really a factor.

Can you comment on how far to hang a BB from your tent? Of course as far away as reasonably possible, but how far? How far are bear bag cables typically placed away from shelters on the AT? That might serve as a good guideline. Thanks

I am with a4t5fan, with one addition. The first bowline you tied was not a bowline, the second one you tied looked great. Not meaning to be picky, but an incorrectly tied knot could cause the technique not to work. Now, off to my Boy Scout meeting tonight. We are working on knots!!!! By the way, the clove hitch you did outside looked ok, but it was hard to see.

Is there any reason not to hang two food bags on the same line provided the branch and chord are strong enough to hold the weight?

thanks!

For ultalight, what type of rope do you recommend?

Nice

Cool

Great video; neat trick with the stick and ditty bag. :D Bigfoot, you speak clearly, with enthusiasm, and have a natural charisma that comes through on camera. That's in addition to providing interesting, relevant content of your subject matter. My teeny, tiny suggestion would be to lower the music that goes with your opening graphic (which is awesome btw) as you speak softly, so I turn the volume way up to hear you speaking. Then I immediately watch another of your videos and blam! The difference in volume of your intro music, plus me forgetting to lower the volume, makes me wince every time. Thank you otherwise and please keep the videos coming.

2CR method is the way to go folks. Look it up.

thanks

An easier way. Tying off a stick with 20# (group of 3 or 4) of food and 'cosmetics,' I didn't think so. So I thought about it and came up with the following: Throw the line. With just the throw bag on the line, find the ideal tie off point as per this and other videos. At that point tie an Alpine Loop Knot; Alpine Butterfly; Lineman's Rider; Lineman's Loop Knot (all different names for the same knot). There are three ways of tying this knot. Practice it and choose your method. Practice a few more times. It will become easy. Lower your line and clip your bear bags to the carabiner (I used to just tie a bowline but this method requires a biner). Then I pull the line until I can reach the loop I tied and clip a bigger carabiner that won't go through the carabiner at the bag end of the line into the loop and let it slide into place. It may sound complicated but it's easier by far and no more complicated than the stick method. The butterfly knot is essential: do not use other in-line (on a bight) loop knots. This one is stable, strong, and very easy to untie, even in thin line. Easy to untie is key because easy bear bagging will have a different tie off point and although the loop(s) slide easily through the first carabiner, how many loops do you want in your line? (I have so special thin, reflective and especially slippery line I bought for bear-bagging. I love it.)

Did you hang the bear bag the whole way from Georgia to Maine, when you were overnight outside? Or only when in "bear country"?

Knot fail! Outdoorsmen screaming at video screen worldwide.

What size cord did you use?

I snuggle with my foodbag.

Technically, that doesn't look like a clove hitch, since you gave the first loop on the left a twist, but it looks like it will work better than a clove hitch. I'm not sure what that hitch is, however.

This is an older video, but its a great system. HOWEVER... if you're watching to learn, here are 2 important points: 1. he's not joking about needing a SMOOTH stick, the clove hitch can tighten up overnight and can be very hard to get loosened up In the morning. Titanium toggles are a great way to have a smooth item always at hand. And 2. CAUTION, if the rope below your toggle comes back through the gate of the carabiner for some strange reason (so both ends of the rope are going in and out of the same side of the carabiner, with the stick on the other side), you won't be able to get your bag back down, there's no way to pull the stick back to you. I use a ring, rather than a carabiner. You have to feed the rope all the way through every time, but there's no chance of the loose end of the rope going back through the gate. A locking carabiner would also work, but is much heavier in your gear than a ring. Hope that helps. Happy hiking.

Use aircraft cable! Bears have figured out that they need to chew the ropes to get food.

what's PCT stand for?

Just make sure you use a locking carabiner on your food bag😉

Dilly Dilly! 😁

5 bears got on YT and unliked your vid

Edit: Wow! Great system. Will try it this weekend for sure! Also, instead of tying a knot around a tree, you can wrap the rope around the tree trunk two or three times. Then gather the excess in a coil and stuff the coil into the rope where it extends upward to where the bear bag hangs. You can hang the bag in the middle of the rope and tie it off in two places for added security as they do at Philmont: (I forgot how corny these Philmont videos are): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/erRirJhh1LvHg2w.html

You can just use a slip knot for the stick.

For us in the Sierra, "traditional way" is to counterballance two food sacks. I do like this method, though leaving the rope down is worrisome for experienced bears in the old days. Maybe bears are better behaved these days...

Your hat is on backwards. What could you possibly know? lol...good stuff, Bigfoot. Thanks.