Store Food Safely
While Camping in the Great Outdoors
In Canada, proper food storage is crucial not just for keeping your meals fresh during your trip, but also for ensuring the safety of yourself, your fellow campers, and the wildlife.
If you're reading this, you likely share our passion for enjoying nature and spending quality time with family and friends. Camping provides the perfect opportunity to do just that. The fresh air, scenic landscapes, and break from daily routines make camping a rewarding adventure. However, with the thrill of experiencing the outdoors comes the responsibility of safely storing your food.
Let's delve into the essential guidelines for storing food while camping and following the Camper's Code.
RV in Bare Campsite - Alice lake Provincial Park- PoMoDee
Know The Risks
When you're out in the wilderness or even camping in an urban area, you're in the backyard of wild animals. All kinds of animals and insects can get into your food wherever you camp. From tiny insects and birds to rodents and large predators, the smell of food can attract a variety of creatures from afar.
Improper food storage can lead to unwanted wildlife encounters with bears, raccoons, and other animals that have a keen sense of smell. It can be very dangerous if they associate your campsite with food, as this association keeps them coming back for a known food source. This phenomenon is known as Environmental Damage, where animals that get accustomed to human food may become dependent on it, disrupting local ecosystems.
Campers also need to consider the type of food they have on their menus and how to store it over several days to prevent spoilage. Exposure to heat and moisture can spoil food quickly, leading to waste and potential health risks.
Choose the Right Storage Method
The method of storing food safely while camping depends on your location - backcountry or frontcountry, the wildlife in the area, and of course the duration of your trip. The first line of defense is odor proof bags. These are a great addition to any food storage method. Odor-proof bags minimize the scent of your food, reducing the likelihood of attracting animals.
Frontcountry
During the day, keep all your food secured in your cooler or vehicle, (closed doors and windows) even if you're sitting nearby or on a short jaunt to the washroom, and especially if you're away on a hike.
At night, place any loose food, plus a cooler if you have one, inside your vehicle or trailer, (closed doors and windows). Raccoons and bears are capable of opening coolers left in the open. Some campgrounds may have stricter rules and provide bear storage bins or practice a bare campsite methodology developed by WildsafeBC.
Backcountry
Bear Safe Storage Bins: These are essential in bear country. Bear canisters are sturdy, airtight containers that prevent bears from accessing your food. They are often required by park regulations in bear-populated areas.
Bear Bags and Hanging Method: In the absence of bear canisters, you can use a bear bag. The bag should be hung at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet away from the trunk of a tree. This method keeps the food out of reach of bears and other animals.
Lockable Food Lockers: Many established campsites provide food lockers or bear boxes. Use these whenever available to securely store your food.
BC Parks Cooler Sign - PoMoDee
Practice the Leave No Trace Principles
The Camper's Code incorporates some of the Leave No Trace Canada principles, which emphasize minimizing your impact on the environment. Regarding food storage, this means:
Do Not Litter: Never put food scraps, wrappers, or general trash in your campfire. Animals will investigate even the smallest crumbs, so dispose of litter in a lidded garbage can or the dumpsters provided.
Avoid Strong-Smelling Foods: Foods like fish, bacon, and cheese have strong odors that are particularly attractive to wildlife. If you bring these items, be extra diligent in storing them.
Cook and Store Food Away from Sleeping Areas: Set up your cooking area at least 100 feet away from your sleeping area. This distance minimizes the risk of attracting animals to your tent or camp.
Raccoon Approaching - Shelby A - Port Moody
Keep Your Food Fresh and Safe
In addition to protecting your food from wildlife, you also need to ensure it remains fresh and safe to eat throughout your trip.
Coolers for Short Trips: Coolers are a great way to keep perishable food fresh for the first few days. Use ice packs or block ice for longer-lasting cooling.
How to Pack a Cooler:
1. Pre-Chill Your Cooler: Begin by placing ice in your cooler 2-3 days before your trip to get it prepped. A warm cooler won’t keep your food cold for the advertised duration.
2. Dry Out Your Cooler: Once the initial ice has done its job, remove it and dry out the cooler completely.
3. Pack a Layer of Sacrificial Ice: This layer of ice will act as a barrier between your cooler and the ground it rests on, you can even put it in zip loc bags and use the water once the ice has melted.
4. Layer Your Frozen Foods: Start by packing frozen foods you plan to eat on the last day at the bottom and continue layering upwards with items you’ll use earlier. You can also store milk in a jug within the cooler.
TIP: We recommend using a smaller 5-day cooler for frozen foods, another for fresh vegetables, and a Rubbermaid tote with ice placed in upon arrival for drinks. This organization helps keep your items cold and accessible.
Dehydrated and Non-Perishable Foods: For longer trips, opt for dehydrated meals and non-perishable items. These require no refrigeration and are lightweight, making them ideal for backpacking.
Proper Food Packaging: Store food in airtight containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags to prevent contamination and spoilage.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Always have a plan in case animals, insects, or birds get into your food. It's wise to maintain a secondary emergency food supply—a small, separate stash of food that you can rely on if your main supply is compromised. Keep this stash well hidden and stored in a secure container.
First Aid for Food Poisoning: Be familiar with the symptoms of food poisoning and have a basic first aid kit that includes treatments for nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration. Ensure you have some Gravol, Pepto Bismol, Imodium, and Hydra Lyte Electrolytes (or Pedialyte for kids) in your kit to manage these symptoms effectively.
Having Fun and Being Responsible
With some thoughtful planning and attention to detail, you can keep your food fresh and your campsite safe. Remember, a responsible camper is a happy camper. Follow the Camper’s Code. and enjoy your wilderness adventures with peace of mind!
Published: January 20, 2025
Last Updated: January 22, 2025
