How Do You Store Food on a Backpacking Trip?

By Alice Nichols

Backpacking trips are a great way to experience the outdoors and explore new places, but they can also be quite challenging. One of the most important aspects of backpacking is knowing how to store food properly.

Proper food storage is essential for preventing food spoilage, as well as keeping animals away from your campsite. Here are some tips for storing food on a backpacking trip.

Cooler or Dry Bag

If you’re going to be out in the wilderness for more than a few days, it’s best to bring a cooler or dry bag with you. This will keep your food cold and safe from spoilage.

Make sure that you pack your cooler with plenty of ice packs and keep it as cold as possible. Additionally, make sure that any perishable items like meat or dairy products are kept separate from other food items.

Bear Canister

If you will be camping in bear country, then it’s best to invest in a bear-resistant canister. These canisters are specially designed to keep bears out of your food and other scented items like toothpaste and toiletries. Before investing in one, make sure that you know the size restrictions for canisters in your area.

Hang Your Food

Another way to store food on a backpacking trip is by hanging it in a tree or rock crevice away from your campsite. This will keep animals away from your food and help prevent them from getting into it while you sleep. It’s important to use an odor-proof bag when hanging your food so that animals aren’t attracted by its scent.

Conclusion

Storing food on a backpacking trip doesn’t have to be difficult if you take the proper precautions. By using a cooler, dry bag, bear-resistant canister, or hanging your food away from your campsite, you can ensure that all of your edibles stay safe and fresh throughout the duration of your trip.