How Do You Secure Food While Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

Whether you’re backpacking solo or with friends, one of the most important items to consider is how to secure and store your food. A few simple measures will help ensure that your food doesn’t become a Target for animals, or worse, thieves. Here are a few tips on how to secure your food while backpacking:

1. Choose a Bear Canister

If you’re backpacking in bear country, it’s essential to have some form of bear-resistant container.

Bear canisters are airtight containers that have been tested and proven to protect your food from bears and other wild animals. Most bear canisters are lightweight and easy to transport, so they won’t add too much bulk or weight to your pack.

2. Hang Your Food Out of Reach

Hanging your food out of reach is a great way to deter wildlife from getting at it.

The most common method is called “bear bagging,” where you hang a bag filled with food from a tree branch using rope or paracord. Make sure the rope is long enough so the bag is more than 10 feet off the ground and 5 feet away from any tree trunk or branches.

3. Use an Animal-Proof Container

If you don’t want to use a bear canister or hang your food, then consider using an animal-proof container such as an Ursack sack or an animal-proof box like the BearVault BV500. These containers are designed with special latches and locks that make them difficult for animals to open.

Conclusion:

By taking these steps to secure your food while backpacking, you can rest easy knowing that it will be safe from both wildlife and thieves. Bear canisters, hanging your food out of reach, and using animal-proof containers are all great ways to keep your food safe while enjoying nature.