Protecting gear from rodents

C

Chignecto Woodsman

Joined
Aug 2, 2014
Messages
746
Similar to the bear bag thread, what is the best way to protect your gear from rodents? I find wrapping everything in a good tarp works, but I definitely like to hang up my pack and anything else valuable that could be chewed on.

http://sectionhiker.com/mouse-mobiles/

As well, squirrels can climb on your clothesline and may damage gear left out. So it's worth having a trap or some other defense.
 
From what I've been taught the best practice is to keep food contained in either a dry bag or bear canister depending on your local requirements. By this I mean all food except water. The most common issue I've seen/heard about is a granola or power bar left in a hip belt pocket. Generally I keep all of my food in a separate bag and hang it a little ways outside of camp when not in use. I've started using a dry bag like many as it helps to lock in the sent of food. Keeping it from attracting animals from a distance and from transferring the sent to your clothing. I've also heard that shelters, and bear poles can be targeted just because animals have learned that there is generally food in these places. You can avoid using them for storing your gear or follow the advice in the link you posted.
 
At least three companies make steel mesh pouches designed to prevent rodents, raccoons, etc. from what's inside.

It's both funny and sad that these things exist and are necessary. :cool:

An improvised "alarm" is a good idea.
 
Another issue is salt from sweat getting on your clothing and pack, some animals will chew on it to get the salt. So I guess wipedowns are another good idea.
 
If its your gear you're worried about and you're putting food in there like a hipbelt but you've removed the food from the hip belt just leave the pockets open. They will look for the least path of resistance so leave the pockets open and if there is food or crumbs or just the smell, they won't destroy your pack or gear by trying to get to it.
 
Against rodents, I used to hang my food bag from a branch
BUT
Mice have no problem going down 550 cord

So
I use an aluminum windscreen from my MSR stove
I wrapped it as a cone with a paper clip round the cord and over the food bag
They could get down the cord but could not get thru the foil windscreen into the bag
 
neeman said:
Against rodents, I used to hang my food bag from a branch
BUT
Mice have no problem going down 550 cord

So
I use an aluminum windscreen from my MSR stove
I wrapped it as a cone with a paper clip round the cord and over the food bag
They could get down the cord but could not get thru the foil windscreen into the bag
Click to expand...

Cool!

That's a great variation of the tuna, etc. lid in the middle of the string, but you already have it for its primary purpose. :thumbup:
 
Well it definitely isn't putting it in a Rubbermaid Action container! My wife and I were camping a few years ago and we left camp to go for a quick hike. When we got back a squirrel had gnawed a hole through the corner of the container to get to a Hershey's chocolate bar we had for making S'mores. Those suckers can get in anything if they decide they want to.
 
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