What type of food should I take camping? Food storage is close to tent spot and I don't want to attract bears.?
Posted: May 23rd, 2010 | Author: Mitch | Filed under: Camping Recipes | Tags: camping, Campsite, canned foods, eggs, metal boxes, proof, type of food | 5 Comments »The campsite has metal boxes that are bear proof. I usually take canned foods to limit the smell of the food while stored. However, I am taking my family and friend camping and need to take 4 day supply for 8 people and was hoping to take a cooler full of food such as: beacon, eggs, bread, etc… I’ve never taken foods other than canned ones so I’m wondering what advice anyone ight have when it comes to this type of food.
What are you using to store the food?…Google Bear Bag, its how you should store any smellables, not just food on any camping trip. Even if you arent in bear country raccoons and mice can still ruin your food. It doesnt matter what kind of food it is, it doesnt even have to be food, to attract bears. Film, creams/lotions, deodorants, containers that held juice at one time or another, toothpaste etc all can attract bears and animals into your site.
If you are car camping and weight isn’t a big deal, you can usually buy or rent bear canisters. Also a lot of camp grounds will have bear containers you can put your food in. If you have to hike, then a bear bag is good and make sure you have some rope, try and hang it in a tree at least 12 ft up. You can also put it between large rocks and cover it, not the best option though.
Bears go after all food and even things like shampoo or deodorant. So, put everything in the metal box, and I mean everything! If this is not possible, then you can buy or rent a Bear proof canister. BTW, bears can even smell canned foods.
Use an ice chest that fits inside the bear box.
Good food to bring camping are mainly non-perishable items like military style rations, bannock, bread, grannola bars, chips ect. If you have no way of refrigerating your bacon and eggs they will spoil very quickly. I will sometimes pack a cooler with ice and it will last a couple days if you keep it in the shade. Make sure to bring some fruits and vegetables as well, they will last a long time and help keep energy levels up!
If you are worried about bears be sure to keep your garbage far away from your campsite. Burn any unwanted food so bears won’t be attracted to it. Bear proof boxes are great, but make sure you don’t gain a sense of false security, if you have open food wrappers in and around your tent it you still may attract bears. Tell your kids about keeping open food in the tent.
I recommend you buy some bear mace, its always useful to bring out into bear country.. just to be safe, espically when you are with your family. Its non-lethal and works very effectively as a bear repellant.
Best regards,
-grizzly4000