How to Store Food Securely When Backpacking

Your backpacking trip will be ruined if you can't keep your food secure from animals. Here are some steps that can guarantee your food will be available when you want it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Food
• Food containers
• Nylon rope

1. Research the types of regulations and warnings that are in effect for the trail you'll be backpacking. Many areas have specifications about how you must secure your food when leaving it unattended. Investigate the types of animals indigent to the area you'll be backpacking.
2. Bring food containers. Plastic, sealable containers are best. Many are designed to be bear-proof. The only disadvantage to these containers is that they increase the weight of your pack. Other containers include stow bags made of Kevlar or Spectra.
3. Hang food. You can hang your food over the limb of a tall tree. Stow your food in your stow bags and tie them to a nylon camping rope. Toss one end over the limb. Tie the other end to one of your bags of food. Tie the other bag of food to the remaining end of the rope and position them well above your head and beyond reach. You can use a long stick to reach these bags when you want to get them down.