>>> ... and to keep all food stashed away from my sleepsite.<<<<br><br>Another goof use for the cord or twine in one's survivial kit is to put any food in a bear bag and suspend above the ground. Traditional technique is to string a horizontal line between two trees as high as one can get it. Then toss a second line over the first to secure the bag and hoist it up out of reach of any intruders. Such a configuration will likely take more line than on carries in a PSK, so you may have to improvise. The problem with hoisting a line over a branch is that there are other critters to woory about other than just bears. Squirrels are truly acrobatic when it comes to forraging for food. I've seen one walk the tight-rope of the horizontal line and then scurry down the second line to the bag to help himself to our goodies. <br><br>On South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan, the threat was Micro-Bears, A.K.A., chipmonks. Although not as airially tallented as Squirrels, these little vermin can do a number on any food items left within their reach. They will chew through anything to get at food. <br><br>Of course, in most short-term survivial situations, food will not be the most critical item. So the lose of food, although morally depressing, is secondary in concern over safety if you are in bear country. Also, make sure that if you do catch fish and game, clean and dress away from your shelter and discard of the entrails away from your camp.<br><br>Willie Vannerson<br>McHenry, IL