Ursack Major Bear-Resistant Bag

Specs

• Weight: 7.6 oz (Ursack); REI lists 7.6 oz in specs and 7.8 oz in its feature text
• Capacity: about 10.65 L (Ursack); 650 cu in / 10.7 L (REI); maker says roughly 5 days of food for one person
• Dimensions: 12.5 x 18 in flat (Ursack); about 8 x 14 in cinched closed, 9.8 x 6.7 x 2.2 in folded (REI)
• Material: UHMWPE fabric (Ursack); REI lists Spectra
• Cord: integrated 6 ft high-tensile cord with reflective tracer; REI states 2,500 lb tensile strength
• Certification: maker states "Certified Bear Resistant" (IGBC)
• Price: $124.95 (Ursack and REI, Oct 2026)
• Larger sizes: Major XL (8.8 oz, about 15 L) sold separately
• REI notes the current version uses a tighter weave with more than double the tear strength of earlier models

What reviewers say

Long-term users like it as a middle ground between a hard canister and a classic bear hang: lighter and easier to pack than a canister, and faster than throwing a line every night. TrailGroove's reviewer has used one for about ten years and reports a black bear investigated his bag without getting the food. The common complaints are that food inside gets crushed because the bag is soft, and that the plastic odor-barrier liners wear out after a trip or two. Some REI buyers report bears or rodents chewing through, which reviewers tie to poor tying technique; the standard Major is not meant to stop rodents. REI's average rating (3.7 of 5) is lower than the maker's, which reflects those failure reports.

Good

• Much lighter and more packable than a hard canister
• No need to find a good hanging branch
• Long cord included; ties to a tree trunk
• Updated fabric is tougher than earlier versions

Not so good

• Food can get crushed; some people add a liner or rigid insert
• Odor-barrier bags are a separate purchase and wear out
• Not rodent-proof
• Must be tied exactly as instructed to work
• Check the food-storage rules for your area before you rely on it

Who it's for

Backpackers in black bear country who want something lighter than a canister and are willing to learn the tie-off. Skip it if your area's rules call for a hard canister or you won't follow the closure instructions.

Sources

• Maker product page
• REI product page
• Ursack Major Bear Resistant Food Bag Review — TrailGroove Magazine