Ursack AllMitey Bear Bag Review
JUMP TO: SPECS | PROS & CONS | WHERE WE TESTED | HOW IT PERFORMED | FEATURES | ACCESSORIES | SUMMARY
Author: Steve Edgerton | Updated: Oct 10, 2023
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Bear bags are a great way to combine the reliable protection of hard-sided bear canisters with the lightweight packability of traditional bear hang systems. They are, inevitably, not as protective as canisters or as light as bear hang kits, but the Ursack AllMitey comes pretty close.
Unlike most soft-sided bags or dry sacks, the AllMitey is also critter-proof: it is not susceptible to tiny punctures and tears in the way even other certified bear bags are. That is one of the reasons it made our list of the best bear bags. It is heavy for a bear bag, but far more protective and weather-resistant, while still several pounds lighter than a canister.
The AllMitey is one of the most expensive bear-resistant containers and may be too steep a price tag for backpackers who only occasionally camp in bear country at sites without food lockers or poles. But for dedicated backpackers, the unmatched protection-to-weight ratio, durability, and convenience of the AllMitey make it a worthy “buy-it-for-life” investment.
SPECS
CAPACITY: 10.65 L (20 L and 30 L options available)
WEIGHT: 13 oz / 368.5 g
IGBC CERTIFIED BEAR-RESISTANT: Yes
MATERIALS: UHMWP and Kevlar fabric
PROS
Lightweight and packable bear-resistant storage
The best critter-proof bear bag
More reliable and easier to set up than traditional bear hangs
CONS
One of the most expensive bear-resistant containers
Cord is too short to secure around larger trees
Not widely approved or reliable as hard-sided bear canisters
WHERE WE TESTED
The Ursack AllMitey was put through its paces in the backcountry surrounding Banff National Park — home to some of the biggest remaining black and grizzly bear populations on the planet. Bear safety is not taken lightly here.
Bear awareness and stringent backcountry food storage requirements come with the territory in the Canadian Rockies.
HOW IT PERFORMED
BEAR RESISTANCE: I’ve fortunately not tested the AllMitey’s bear resistance to its limits, as that involves, well, a bear. Fortunately, Ursack has done thorough product testing, bears and all, both internally and through third parties like the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC).
Like all Ursack Bear Bags, the AllMitey is IGBC Certified Bear-Resistant — the industry gold standard. When sealed correctly, the bag will reliably stand between grizzly paws and your food.
CRITTER RESISTANCE: You would think that “bear resistance” naturally implies resistance to less imposing creatures further down the food chain, but that is not necessarily the case. Small critters like mice and squirrels can weasel their way into many bear bags — even IGBC-certified ones — through tiny punctures or tears in the fabric weave.
To be both critter-proof and bear-resistant, the AllMitey is reinforced with laminated UHMWP and Kevlar fabric (the stuff bulletproof vests are made from). The AllMitey is heavier and more expensive than non-critter-proof alternatives, like the Ursa Major Bear Bags, but far more impervious to bears and mini-bears alike.
Finding a tree to provide optimal placement can be challenging. But this is less of a concern with the AllMitey thanks to its critter-proof design.
EASE OF USE: More often than not, user error is the reason bear bags fail. Overfilling the bag, not tying it shut correctly, and improperly securing it are the most common mistakes. The AllMitey is easy to use, but it is critically important that you take some extra time to ensure you’re adhering to Ursack’s use guidelines.
The only significant issue I ran into was the cord length. I first tested the AllMitey while camped in a forest of old and thick white spruce trees, where I struggled to find a trunk small enough or a branch sturdy and low enough to easily secure my AllMitey around. I made it work eventually, but I did not have the cord needed to feel 100% confident about my placement. It is helpful to keep this limitation in mind when selecting campgrounds for the night.
The closure process is easy, but important to follow properly. Turns out that bears are no match for a simple double overhand knot.
WEIGHT: A Standard (10.65-liter capacity) AllMitey Bear Bag weighs 13 ounces. That is nearly double the weight of a Standard Ursa Major Bear Bag, but still ultralight compared to a similarly sized hard-sided canister like the Bear Vault BV500. All told, I think the AllMitey balances weight and protection better than any other IGBC-certified storage option.
VOLUME: I can comfortably pack 3-4 days of supplies in my Standard (10.65-liter) AllMitey, and could probably do 5 or even 6 if I really dialed in my nutrition and packing list. For two people, the Standard bag is sufficient for 2 or 3 days.
It is important not to overfill the bag though. You need the burly velcro strap to be completely secured or the integrity of the bag is at risk in the claws of a curious and hungry bear. If in doubt about your capacity demands, just size up to the Grizzly (20 liters) or Kodiak (30 liters) versions. Saving weight by going with the smallest possible option is not worth the stress and limited versatility.
The Standard (10-liter) AllMitey can fit 4-5 days of supplies for one person. Be careful not to overfill it and prevent the velcro strap from fully closing.
DURABILITY: The AllMitey was only deemed market-ready after thorough product testing involving actual bears. So max durability is kind of implied — it is the bag’s key selling point. The critter-proof fabrics provide more durability than any other soft-sided bear bag, resulting in a true “buy it for life” item.
NOTABLE FEATURES
IGBC CERTIFIED BEAR-RESISTANT: The AllMitey is IGBC Certified Bear-Resistant. This means the bag passed rigorous testing involving captive grizzly bears. With IGBC certification, the AllMitey is approved for use in most, but not all, backcountry areas. Some parks, like Yosemite, still require the use of hard-sided canisters anywhere in the backcountry. This map is a helpful guide to the approval status of bear bags in US national parks.
PUNCTURE-PROOF FABRICS: Many bear bags can still incur tiny punctures while remaining bear-resistant. The AllMitey is constructed from laminated UHMWP and Kevlar fabric to eliminate the risk of punctures that small rodents can exploit. The result is a bag that is reliably critter-proof, durable, and weather-resistant to a degree that no other soft-sided food storage products compare to.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
ODOR-RESISTANT LINERS: The best bear-resistant food storage system is the one that never attracts bears in the first place. Pairing a bear bag with an odor-resistant liner is the best way to do that, as the AllMitey is not odor-resistant on its own. I like LOKSAK OPSAK liners: they are lightweight, reusable, and effective. An odor-resistant liner will also help keep your food safe and dry in rainy weather.
ALUMINUM LINER: The AllMitey will effectively prevent bears from getting into your food stash, but they can still smash your snacks into inedible mush. You can add a thin aluminum liner to ensure your sustenance stays intact in a worst-case scenario. In some national and state parks, bear bags are only approved for use if accompanied by an aluminum liner.
SUMMARY
Deciding on a bear-resistant food storage system is about compromise. Bear canisters sit at one extreme, prioritizing bear resistance while compromising weight and packability. Traditional, PCT-Style bear hang systems, like the Zpacks Bear Bagging Kit, are the other extreme. They prioritize weight and packability, but compromise protection and convenience.
Bear bags sit in the middle of this spectrum. Of all the bear bags currently on the market, I think the Ursack AllMitey is the least compromising option. Its extra rugged construction means that it is heavier than most other IGBC-certified bear bags. But as a result, it is critter-proof and more durable, meaning you don’t have to be as exacting in your setup location.
For me, eliminating the stress and frustration of perfecting a proper bear hang every night in the backcountry is more than enough to justify the AllMitey’s extra ounces. It is still 2+ pounds lighter than equivalently sized canisters. For any trip into bear country where hard-sided canisters are not mandatory, the AllMitey is arguably the most well-rounded and reliable option out there.
DISCLOSURE
Ursack provided me with a free sample for this review – but the views expressed here are all my own. The review might also contain affiliate links, which help us keep churning out more content.
MORE INFORMATION
If you are interested in how the Ursack AllMitey compares to other options, then check out our review of the best bear bags.
Looking for more information on hiking and backpacking? Be sure to check out some of our other tips and gear reviews:
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Happy hiking and take care out there in the wild!