Disclosure: Some links on TrailCraft are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our reviews are always our own honest opinion — no one pays to get ranked. Learn more.

Ursack Major
#3 — Best Lightweight

Ursack Major Review (2026)

7.6oz vs 39oz for a BearVault — the ultralight bear bag that bears cannot bite through

★★★★★
8.6/10
Reviewed by William • May 2026$90

The Ursack Major weighs 7.6oz — 31oz less than the BearVault BV500. That is nearly 2 pounds saved on one item. The UHMWPE material cannot be bitten through by bears. The catch: food can still be crushed and the Ursack is not accepted in GSMNP or other areas requiring hard canisters. For AT sections outside the Smokies where you want bear protection without canister weight, it is the best option.

Check price at Ursack →
$90 retail
8.6
/10
TrailCraft Score

What I Liked

  • 7.6oz — 31oz lighter than hard canisters
  • IGBC certified (accepted in most areas)
  • Bears cannot bite through UHMWPE
  • Rolls and packs like a stuff sack
  • $90 — comparable to hard canisters for much less weight

Limitations

  • Not accepted in GSMNP or areas requiring hard canisters
  • Bears can crush food without accessing it
  • Must be tied to a tree — not standalone
  • Food can be damaged even though it is protected

Specifications

Weight7.6 oz / 215g
Capacity650 cu in
MaterialUHMWPE (Spectra fiber)
CertificationIGBC certified
ClosureRoll-top with cord
NoteNot accepted in GSMNP
WarrantyUrsack limited warranty

Score Breakdown

Bear Resistance
9.2
Weight
10.0
GSMNP Acceptance
N/A
Ease of Use
8.8
Value for Money
8.6

Field Notes

Used on a 3-night AT section in Virginia where bear canisters are not required. Tied to a tree at camp each night. No bear activity, but knowing the material is bear-bite-proof provided genuine peace of mind. The 7.6oz weight compared to 39oz for a hard canister makes an enormous difference over a week.

7.6oz, UHMWPE, IGBC certified — the ultralight bear protection for everywhere except the Smokies

Who This Is For

The Ursack Major is right for: ultralight AT hikers on sections that do not require hard canisters, long-distance hikers resupplying frequently who need to manage carry weight, and anyone who finds hard canisters prohibitively heavy.

Note: Prices are current as of May 2026. Some links are affiliate links.

How It Compares

Full category comparison

View All Options →

Common Questions

Is the Ursack allowed in GSMNP?
No — Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires hard-sided IGBC or NSS certified canisters for all backcountry overnight camping. The Ursack Major is IGBC certified but is a soft-sided bag, which GSMNP does not accept. In GSMNP, use the BearVault BV500 or Lighter1 Bear Keg.
Can bears damage food in an Ursack?
Bears cannot bite through the UHMWPE material and cannot access the food. However, bears can crush an Ursack against a tree or rock, destroying food without accessing it. Hard-sided canisters prevent crushing. For sensitive food items (crackers, chips), hard canisters are more practical.
How do you use an Ursack?
Pack food in the Ursack, roll the top down, tighten the closure cord, and tie the Ursack to a solid tree trunk at least 3 feet off the ground and away from low branches. The tree tie-off must be done correctly — a bear cannot bite through the bag but can drag it away if it is not secured.
What is UHMWPE?
Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene is the same material used in bulletproof vests and cut-resistant gloves. When woven into the Spectra fiber used in the Ursack Major, it creates a fabric that no bear can bite through. It is stronger per weight than steel.
#1 BearVault BV500
#1 BearVault BV500
$80
#2 Lighter1 Bear Keg
#2 Lighter1 Bear Keg
$100
#4 Counter Assault Keg
#4 Counter Assault Keg
$75