Question about Appalatian Trail shelters

[Gossman Knives]

I posted a thread in the blade discussion forum after we hiked a couple of miles on the Appalatian Trail in PA. My question is does anyone know what the cans are for that hang in front of the opening of the shelters along the trail? What they are is a piece of string going through the center of a large tin can (like a pork and bean can) with a stick tied horizontially at the end of it. I took a pic but it didn't show up very good. You guys that have walked the trail may know what I'm talking about. Any ideas of what they're for would be appreciated. Thanks
Scott

 

[bishop85gt]

I have walked the trail all over NJ and have not seen any of those. Maybe someone was just messin around. I hope to go from my end here in NJ through PA this summer.

 

[x39]

Sounds like a toilet paper holder to me. Slip the string and stick through the TP tube, turn the stick sideways so it can't pull out, then slide the can over the TP, and hang it up to keep it dry and clean.

 

[bishop85gt]

You might be right!! I never made one like that. I always have it in a baggie and put it back after.

 

[Gossman Knives]

I have walked the trail all over NJ and have not seen any of those. Maybe someone was just messin around. I hope to go from my end here in NJ through PA this summer.

My friend Ed goes hiking the trail quite often and still hasn't figure out what they're for. They are on most of the shelters around the Michaux State forest in Adams county. PA. We were curious and I thought this would be a good place to ask. Thanks
Scott

 

[x39]

My friend Ed goes hiking the trail quite often and still hasn't figure out what they're for. They are on most of the shelters around the Michaux State forest in Adams county. PA. We were curious and I thought this would be a good place to ask. Thanks
Scott

So, you don't go for the toilet paper theory?

 

[Gossman Knives]

So, you don't go for the toilet paper theory?

Actually it's funny you mention that because we did discuss this as a possibility. It would make sense but where this is placed on the building it would be possible for toilet paper to get wet if you were staying over night during bad weather. They are in the front left side of the opening.
Scott

 

[cgar8ne1]

Could a person loop their food bag tie-string over the stick? If so, a rat (very common in the shelters) can climb down the string toward the food bag, but would be stopped by the can.

 

[Ghost93]

The string and can are for hanging small smellable bags. The can is to keep mice, rodents, and such from getting to the bag. Although I would bear bag your smellables into a tree 25 ft into the air, 4 ft down, and 4 feet away from the trunk of the tree.
Any other questions i would recomend going to www.backpacker.com into the community area and into the forums to ask about hiking, mountaineering, and backpacking. There are trail reports, gear reviews, all sorts of stuff.

 

[Gossman Knives]

Thank you cgar8ne1 and Ghost93, that would make sense. In bear country I would be hanging smellables in a tree. Hanging them in front of where your sleeping is only asking for trouble.
Scott