Ursack on again, off again

[hikerduane]

I read about the Ursack not making the approved list where bear resistant canisters are required for this coming season in the Sierra. I verified it myself. However, on the Ursack website they are still saying they are trying for approval on the older green Spectra TKO bags and new bags made with Spectra. They may know more in March. The new "green" bags will be more expensive too. They do note that the regular yellow Ursack bags are more small rodent proof than the green Spectra bags. I'm not so worried about the little guys as I am of bears getting my food, although the small critters have caused more damage to gear than any bear has. Yet.

I tried unsuccessfully last Fall to get a refund on my aluminum insert upgrade for my old TKO but the spokesperson who emailed me back had not heard yet about the bags not making the cut and wanted to know where I got my info. I told him of course. I will be asking again this Spring if my upgraded bag doesn't make the cut. Wanderer, are you out there?

[wingding]

I also asked if they would replace the fabric bag they sold me last spring, which hasn't done so well with the new spectra bag and was told that they would not.

[hikerduane]

This got me thinking, kinda like buying a ski area lift ticket, they aren't responsible if they shut down due to weather conditions. In this case, loss of approval.

[Oubliet]

Bummer.

I bought one of those yellow Vectran bags last summer, too.

I should've waited a bit longer before going retail-crazy.

Grump.

[hikerduane]

Oubliet, use it where canisters aren't required, but when you want some peace of mind at night where you know some bears are about. They are supposed to be better against the little critters. Just be sure to cinch it up really, really tight as some mice can get into a hole smaller than the tip of your little pinkie. Might want to put your stove wind screen inside before cinching up if you haven't thought of that yet.

[Wanderer]

Hi Duane, yep, I'm out here , I missed this thread until now! Like everybody else, I'm just waiting for some good news! The latest from their website...

"Pending further testing, the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group (SIBBG) has not approved the use of Ursack Hybrids in the restricted ares of the National Parks and Forests in the Sierra: Yosemite, SEKI, Inyo, Devil's Postpile, Stanislaus."

[hikerduane]

I saw that. I won't be able to carry a 30 lb. pack for 8 days like last year now. 31 lbs. with the Garcia Machine along.

[hikerduane]

Dead in the water for areas affected by SIBB. http://www.sierrawildbear.gov/foodstora ... ainers.htm