[pct-l] OPsaks - was Re: Section L anyone?

[Edward Anderson]

Hi Jeffrey, 

I used OP-SAKS for all of my food during my nearly 6 months living on the PCT in 
2008 & 2009.  I used them in all of my many caches and in camps.  Rodents never 
got into my food even once. (and I never "double sacked")  So - - - I have a 
hard time understanding why you had a problem.  But I do have a theory.  The 
manufacturer cautions about just two things:  First, you must be very careful 
that you get no food smells on the OUTSIDE of the bags.  Second, you must be 
absolutely certain that you have sealed the bag.  It is similar to sealing a 
Zip-Lock bag.. I made a practice of running my thumb and forefinger across the 
seal three times. Once sealed those bags are absolutely odor-proof.

The most convincing incident was at my cache 1/2 mile south of Beldon Town.  I 
had cached about 25 pounds of processed horse feed along with my food - all 
together under several inches of leaves. When I arrived about 8 days later 
rodents had shreaded the bags and eaten ALL of the horse feed - every single 
grain. I had packed the horse feed sealed in several Food-Saver bags. My food 
was untouched in a large OpSak.

Happy trails,

MendoRider



________________________________
From: Jeffrey Olson <jolson at olc.edu>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Thu, August 19, 2010 9:43:36 PM
Subject: [pct-l] OPsaks - was Re: Section L anyone?

I double opsaked food in the trunk of my  car and rodents ate through 
them.  I wouldn't trust them for anything important...

Jeffrey Olson
Martin, SD

On 8/19/2010 10:10 PM, Edward Anderson wrote:
> Hi Lucy,
>
> I rode my Arabian horse through that section while compleating my solo ride 
>from
> Mexico to Monument 78 last year.  After reaching the border I turned around 
and
> rode back to Mazama, where I had last parked my rig.  I saw lots of bear sign 
>in
> some areas - especially near my camp next to a meadow east of Hopkins Pass.
> There are some Grizzleys in that area that have found thier way down from
> Canada.  I had no problems.  I stored all of my food and my horses food in
> OP-SAKS. They are very effective in containing food smells.  I also kept a 
>clean
> camp and used "bear charms" (moth balls in cotton tobacco sacks) as a 
>repellent.
> I have used mothballs in bear country for over 20 years now. I am confident
> that  bears dislike that smell and stay away from it.. I noticed hikers 
hanging
> thier food sacks high in trees.  I just leaned my OP-SAKS against the base of
> trees and surrounded them with the mothball sacks. I also surrounded my tent.
>
> Hope you found someone to hike with and were able to complete your hike. 
>
> MendoRider  
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Lucy Jayne<lalenyajayne at aim.com>
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Sent: Wed, August 4, 2010 3:15:42 PM
> Subject: [pct-l] Section L anyone?
>
> Bailed after short solo between Manning Park and Hart's Pass. Halfway through
> hike, encountered bear near Rocky Pass. Northern third of section covered in
> bear scat and treks with a night time visit at Castle Pass camp. Looking for
> fellow sobo to join after bear scare. Wishing to continue south with another
> heading through soon. Thanks for updates ahead too. Lucy
>
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