How Do I Protect My Food While Backpacking?

By Michael Ferguson

When you go backpacking, it’s important to make sure that you’re protecting your food from animals, the weather and other elements. Food safety is paramount when you’re out camping, so it’s important to take necessary precautions to ensure your food is kept safe and secure. Here are some tips on how to protect your food while backpacking:

Choose the Right Place for Food Storage

When camping, it’s important to choose the right place for storing your food. Avoid areas with high levels of animal activity like near water sources or where animals may be living. It’s also best to store your food away from camp, at least 200 feet away, as this will make it harder for animals to smell and access it.

Keep Your Food Dry

When packing food for backpacking trips, make sure that everything is stored in waterproof containers. This will help keep your food dry and safe from any potential damage caused by rain or moisture. Additionally, if you’re planning on fishing during your trip, don’t store fish in the same bag as your other foods as this could attract animals.

Use Bear Bags

If you are in an area where there are bears or other large predators, it’s important to take extra precautions with storing your food. One way of doing this is by using a bear bag – a bag made of thick fabric that is designed specifically for hanging food out of reach of animals. This will help protect against any potential bear attacks and keep all of your food safe.

Keep Your Cooking Area Clean

It’s also important to keep your cooking area clean while backpacking as this will help deter animals looking for a snack. Make sure all leftovers are properly disposed of and stored away in a sealed container far away from camp. Additionally, try not to leave any scented items such as garbage or cans lying around as these can attract unwanted visitors.

Conclusion

By following these tips on how to protect your food while backpacking, you can ensure that all of your meals stay safe and secure throughout the duration of your trip.