Keeping Animals Out of Food When Camping

When camping or backpacking, there are a number of situations you’ll have to prepare for. After all, going off the grid means bringing your own food, water, shelter and emergency supplies.

Don’t overlook the possibility critters will be interested in your food, whether you’ve just cooked a meal or packed up your provisions for the night. It’s important to take steps to keep animals big and small out of your food, both for your own convenience and safety as well as for their health.

First, don’t store food in your tent or your car. In fact, don’t store anything with a scent, including deodorant and toothpaste, in your tent or any gear left outside your tent. You should also store food wrappers and containers as well as any wipes or cleaning materials similarly.

Pack all of that away in a bear-proof canister or animal-proof sack like the Ursack. REI and other outdoor retailers offer a number of food storage solutions for rental as well as purchase. You’ll have to familiarize yourself with the tactics of hiding/securing these items, which REI outlines nicely here.