Storing food safely in the wilderness is crucial for a successful and enjoyable outdoor adventure. Improper food storage can lead to spoilage, attract unwanted wildlife (including potentially dangerous animals like bears, raccoons, and rodents), and result in illness, cutting your trip short and potentially putting you in harm’s way. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods of wilderness food storage, providing detailed steps and instructions to ensure your provisions remain safe and secure throughout your journey.
**Why Proper Food Storage Matters**
Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand *why* proper food storage is so important.
* **Preventing Spoilage:** Warm temperatures and humidity can accelerate the growth of bacteria and mold, leading to food spoilage. Spoiled food is not only unappetizing but can also cause food poisoning, which can be debilitating in the wilderness.
* **Wildlife Deterrence:** Animals have an incredibly keen sense of smell. Food odors can attract them from considerable distances. Bears, in particular, are notorious for their ability to locate food sources, and once they associate humans with food, they can become a significant threat. Raccoons, rodents, and other smaller animals can also raid poorly stored food, leaving you with nothing to eat.
* **Protecting the Environment:** Leaving food scraps or improperly disposed of food packaging can have a negative impact on the environment. Animals may become habituated to human food sources, altering their natural foraging behaviors and potentially disrupting the ecosystem. Additionally, improperly discarded food wrappers can pollute the landscape.
* **Personal Safety:** A fed bear is a dead bear, as the saying goes. When bears become accustomed to human food, they become bolder and more likely to approach campsites, increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflict. In some cases, this can lead to the bear being euthanized. By properly storing your food, you are not only protecting yourself but also contributing to the conservation of wildlife.
**Understanding the Risks**
The specific risks you face will depend on the region you are in. Researching the local wildlife is a critical first step. Ask yourself:
* Are bears present (black bears, brown bears/grizzly bears)?
* Are there smaller scavengers like raccoons, foxes, coyotes, or rodents?
* What are the typical temperatures and humidity levels?
* Are there any specific regulations or guidelines regarding food storage in the area?
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you choose the most appropriate food storage method for your trip.
**Food Storage Methods: A Detailed Breakdown**
Here are several methods of food storage commonly used in the wilderness, along with detailed instructions for each:
**1. Bear-Resistant Canisters:**
Bear-resistant canisters are arguably the most reliable and widely recommended method for storing food in bear country. These canisters are constructed from durable, impact-resistant plastic and are designed to withstand the efforts of a bear trying to access the food inside. They are generally required in many national parks and wilderness areas known to have bear populations.
* **How to Use a Bear-Resistant Canister:**
* **Choose the Right Size:** Canisters come in various sizes, so select one that is large enough to hold all of your food and scented items (toiletries, toothpaste, sunscreen, etc.). A good rule of thumb is to estimate about 500 cubic inches of space per person per day. It’s better to err on the side of caution and choose a slightly larger canister than you think you’ll need.
* **Pack Carefully:** Pack your food tightly into the canister to maximize space. Consider using compression sacks or reusable containers to organize your food and prevent crushing.
* **Close Securely:** Ensure the lid is properly aligned and securely fastened according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some canisters have a locking mechanism that requires a coin or tool to open. Practice opening and closing the canister before your trip to familiarize yourself with the process.
* **Placement is Key:** Place the canister at least 200 feet (60 meters) away from your campsite, sleeping area, and cooking area. Choose a location that is relatively flat and free of cliffs or water sources. Avoid placing the canister near trails or other areas frequented by hikers.
* **Consider Camouflage:** While the canister is bear-resistant, it’s still a good idea to camouflage it by placing it behind a tree, bush, or rock. This will help to deter other animals from investigating it.
* **Don’t Store Canisters Together:** If you are traveling with a group, do not store all of the canisters in the same location. If a bear does manage to find one canister, it will be less likely to find the others.
* **Be Mindful of Odors:** While the canister is designed to contain odors, it’s still a good idea to minimize them as much as possible. Avoid storing smelly foods like bacon or fish in the canister.
* **Check for Damage:** Before each trip, inspect the canister for any cracks, dents, or other signs of damage. If the canister is damaged, replace it immediately.
**2. Bear Bags (Hanging Food):**
Hanging food in a bear bag is a traditional method of food storage that involves suspending your food in a bag high off the ground and away from the trunk of a tree. While effective when done correctly, it requires more skill and effort than using a bear canister, and its effectiveness depends heavily on finding a suitable tree and executing the hanging technique properly. Many parks and areas where bears frequent no longer allow this method and require use of a canister instead.
* **Materials Needed:**
* **Durable Bag:** Use a sturdy, waterproof bag specifically designed for hanging food. A dry bag or a stuff sack made from durable material will work well. Avoid using plastic grocery bags, as they are easily torn.
* **Rope or Cord:** You will need at least 50-100 feet (15-30 meters) of strong rope or cord. Paracord (550 cord) is a good choice because it is lightweight, strong, and versatile.
* **Throwing Bag (Optional):** A small bag filled with rocks or dirt can be helpful for throwing the rope over a high branch.
* **Choosing a Suitable Tree:**
* **Height:** Select a tree that is at least 20 feet (6 meters) tall.
* **Branch:** Choose a branch that is at least 12 feet (3.7 meters) off the ground and at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) away from the trunk of the tree. The branch should be strong enough to support the weight of your food bag.
* **Location:** The tree should be located at least 200 feet (60 meters) away from your campsite, sleeping area, and cooking area.
* **Hanging the Food Bag (The PCT Method):** The PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) method is a popular and effective technique for hanging food bags.
1. **Throw the Rope:** Attach the throwing bag (if using) to one end of the rope. Throw the rope over the chosen branch. If you don’t have a throwing bag, you can try tying a small rock to the end of the rope.
2. **Retrieve the Rope:** Once the rope is over the branch, detach the throwing bag. You should now have two ends of the rope hanging down.
3. **Attach the Food Bag:** Tie one end of the rope to the top of your food bag using a secure knot, such as a bowline or a figure-eight knot. Ensure the knot is tight and will not slip.
4. **Haul Up the Food Bag:** Pull on the other end of the rope to lift the food bag into the air. Raise the bag until it is at least 12 feet (3.7 meters) off the ground and 4 feet (1.2 meters) away from the trunk of the tree.
5. **Secure the Rope:** Once the food bag is in the desired position, tie off the remaining end of the rope to another tree or a sturdy object. The rope should be taut enough to keep the food bag suspended but not so tight that it puts excessive strain on the branch.
6. **The Counterbalance Method (Alternative):** An alternative is the counterbalance method. In this method, divide your food into two bags. Tie one bag to each end of the rope. Throw the rope over the branch. Hoist one bag to the desired height, then haul the other bag up until both are suspended equally and far from the tree trunk. Tie off the rope.
* **Important Considerations:**
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** Practice hanging your food bag before your trip to ensure you are comfortable with the technique.
* **Check the Knot:** Regularly check the knot that is attaching the food bag to the rope to make sure it is still secure.
* **Be Aware of Rodents:** Even when hung properly, food bags can still be vulnerable to rodents. Consider using a wire mesh or a rodent-resistant bag to protect your food.
**3. Ursacks (Bear-Resistant Bags):**
Ursacks are flexible bags made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a highly cut-resistant material. They are designed to protect your food from bears and other animals by preventing them from tearing into the bag. While not as foolproof as a hard-sided canister, they offer a lighter and more packable alternative.
* **How to Use an Ursack:**
* **Choose the Right Model:** Ursacks come in different models designed for different types of animals. Select the appropriate model for the region you will be traveling in (e.g., Ursack AllMitey for rodents, Ursack Major for bears).
* **Pack Your Food:** Pack your food and scented items into the Ursack. Be sure to remove any excess air to maximize space.
* **Tie the Knot:** Ursacks come with a cord that is used to tie the bag securely shut. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for tying the knot. The knot is crucial for preventing animals from opening the bag.
* **Attach to a Tree:** Attach the Ursack to a tree using the cord. Choose a tree that is at least 200 feet (60 meters) away from your campsite. The tree should be at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter. Wrap the cord tightly around the tree and tie it securely.
* **Placement:** Ideally, suspend the bag between two trees if possible, keeping it off the ground. If this isn’t possible, place the Ursack on the ground at least 200 feet from your campsite and away from cliffs or water sources.
* **Consider Odor:** While Ursacks are designed to contain odors, it’s still a good idea to minimize them. Consider using odor-proof bags inside the Ursack for particularly smelly foods.
* **Check for Damage:** Regularly inspect the Ursack for any signs of damage, such as cuts or tears. If the bag is damaged, replace it immediately.
**4. Food Lockers (Where Available):**
Some campgrounds and wilderness areas provide food lockers for storing food. These lockers are typically bear-resistant and offer a convenient and secure way to protect your food. However, they are not always available, so it’s important to check ahead of time.
* **How to Use a Food Locker:**
* **Locate the Locker:** Find the food locker that is assigned to your campsite. If you are unsure which locker is yours, ask the campground host or park ranger.
* **Pack Your Food:** Pack your food and scented items into the locker. Be sure to close the locker door securely and latch it properly.
* **Don’t Overload the Locker:** Avoid overloading the locker, as this can make it difficult to close and latch properly.
* **Keep it Clean:** Keep the locker clean and free of food scraps. This will help to deter animals from investigating it.
**5. Vehicle Storage (When Appropriate):**
If you are car camping, you can store your food in your vehicle. However, this is only a safe option if your vehicle is hard-sided and the windows are closed. Bears have been known to break into vehicles to access food, so it’s important to take precautions. Never leave food visible inside the vehicle, and consider covering your windows to prevent bears from being attracted to the scent of food.
* **Important Considerations:**
* **Bear-Resistant Containers:** It’s still a good idea to store your food in bear-resistant containers inside your vehicle, even if it is hard-sided. This will provide an extra layer of protection.
* **Clean Your Vehicle:** Regularly clean your vehicle to remove any food scraps or odors that might attract animals.
* **Park Strategically:** Park your vehicle in a location where it is visible and away from dense vegetation. This will make it less appealing to bears.
**General Food Storage Tips:**
Regardless of the food storage method you choose, here are some general tips to keep in mind:
* **Plan Your Meals:** Carefully plan your meals before your trip to minimize the amount of food you need to carry. This will also reduce the amount of food waste you generate.
* **Repackage Food:** Repackage food into lightweight, airtight containers or bags. This will save space and reduce the risk of spoilage.
* **Store Food Properly:** Store food at the appropriate temperature. Perishable items should be kept cool, while non-perishable items can be stored at room temperature.
* **Cook Away From Your Campsite:** Cook your meals at least 200 feet (60 meters) away from your campsite and sleeping area. This will help to prevent animals from being attracted to the scent of food.
* **Clean Up After Cooking:** Thoroughly clean up after cooking. Dispose of all food scraps and wash your dishes with biodegradable soap. Pack out all trash.
* **Don’t Bury Food:** Burying food is not an effective way to store it. Animals can easily dig up buried food, and it can also contaminate the soil.
* **Pack Out All Trash:** Pack out all trash, including food wrappers, cans, and bottles. Do not burn trash, as this can create toxic fumes and attract animals.
* **Be Aware of Your Surroundings:** Be aware of your surroundings and watch for signs of animal activity. If you see a bear or other animal, stay calm and do not approach it. Make noise to scare it away.
* **Educate Yourself:** Learn about the specific food storage requirements and regulations for the area you will be visiting. Contact the local park ranger or land management agency for more information.
* **Consider Odor-Proof Bags:** Utilize odor-proof bags for particularly smelly foods (bacon, tuna, etc.) to minimize attraction.
* **Don’t Store Food in Your Tent:** This is a crucial rule. Never, under any circumstances, store food inside your tent. This is a major attractant for animals.
* **Sunscreen and Toiletries:** Don’t forget that bears and other animals are attracted to scented toiletries as well. Store these with your food.
**Dealing with a Bear Encounter:**
Even with the best food storage practices, there is always a chance of encountering a bear. Here’s what to do if you see one:
* **Stay Calm:** Do not panic. Bears are often more afraid of humans than humans are of them.
* **Identify Yourself:** Speak in a calm, firm voice. Let the bear know you are human and not a threat.
* **Make Yourself Look Big:** Stand tall and wave your arms slowly. This will make you appear larger and more intimidating.
* **Back Away Slowly:** Slowly back away from the bear, keeping your eyes on it. Do not run, as this may trigger the bear’s predatory instincts.
* **Carry Bear Spray:** Consider carrying bear spray, a powerful deterrent that can be effective in deterring aggressive bears. Know how to use it properly.
* **Know When to Play Dead:** If a bear attacks you, and you don’t have bear spray, play dead. Lie flat on your stomach with your hands covering your neck. Spread your legs apart to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain still until the bear leaves.
**Conclusion:**
Proper food storage is an essential skill for anyone venturing into the wilderness. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can protect your food from spoilage, deter wildlife, and ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. Remember to research the specific risks in your area, choose the appropriate food storage method, and always practice Leave No Trace principles. Happy trails!