Calling all campers! After you've planned out dishes and snacksfor your approaching camping journey, the next action is ensuring you have the appropriate kinds of outdoor camping food storage to maintain everything secure and safe and secure. Whether you'll be pitching a camping tent at neighborhood camping sites, at a national forest, or somewhere deep in backcountry, continue reading for our lasting food safety and storage ideas that help in reducing single-use plastic.
General camp kitchen area food storage space suggestions. Below are our do's and do n'ts for food storage while outdoor camping:
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Don't leave food or garbage unattended, also for simply a minute. Neglected food resembles the chipmunk's and raccoon's siren phone call-- don't lure them!
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Don't leave food or garbage inside your outdoor tents (unless you wish to get up with all type of various critters as your brand-new tent-mates).
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Do not leave food in the automobile if you have access to metal food storage lockers at your camping site. While saving food in the car is definitely much better than leaving it exposed, bears have been understood to get into automobiles even in broad daylight!
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Don't utilize single-use plastics or disposable foil packets when you can store your food and treats in endlessly recyclable, earth-loving Durbl bags!
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Do maintain perishables cold in a cooler. Incorrect food storage does not just indicate leaving food out for the wild pets-- it likewise relates to improperly saving and packing perishable foods like meat and milk.
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Do pack raw meat in watertight Stasher bags to avoid it leaking into various other foods. Also much better, freeze your meat prior to the journey, and maintain it at the very bottom of the cooler.
Food storage for backcountry camping
Bear containers
Bear canisters are crucial equipment for camping and hiking, especially in areas with frequent wildlife activity. Despite their drawbacks, such as being bulky, heavy, and costly, they play a vital role in protecting food, enhancing safety, and conserving the environment.
Bear bags
Bear Bag is a lightweight sack designed for safely storing food and items that may attract bears or other wildlife during camping and hiking trips. Typically made from durable materials like nylon with a waterproof coating to resist tears from bears or other animals. The bear bag should be hung with a rope from a tree branch, high enough off the ground and away from the trunk to prevent wildlife access.
Food storage lockers
Food storage lockers are sturdy metal containers designed for outdoor camping sites to safely store food, cookware, and other items that may attract wildlife, especially bears. Typically installed at campgrounds, national parks, or nature reserves where wildlife activity is frequent, these lockers prevent bears and other animals from accessing campers' food, thereby reducing human-wildlife conflicts, protecting wildlife from the harm caused by human food attraction, and enhancing camper safety.
Camping site food storage space
Having the right food storage space and preparation gear is crucial for a safe and efficient camp kitchen. Our preferred options are the Durbl Sandwich Bag and Half Gallon Bag, as their sizes are perfect for accommodating a variety of items. For storing even more pre-prepared food, Durbl Containers are also a great choice, offering easy cleaning, reusability, and waste reduction.
How to keep food cold while outdoor camping
Choose the Right Cooler: Investing in a high-quality insulated cooler can significantly extend the cooling time for ice packs or blocks.
Use Ice Packs or Blocks: Opt for ice packs or blocks over crushed ice, as they melt slower and have less moisture, reducing the risk of waterlogging your food.
Layer Your Food: Place the items that need to stay coldest, like meats and dairy, at the bottom of the cooler. Store less perishable foods, such as fruits and vegetables, on top. Minimize Air Flow: Fill the cooler space completely to reduce air flow, which helps food stay cooler longer. Use air-filled plastic bags to fill any gaps. Seal Your Food: Use airtight containers or reusable sealing bags (like Durbl bags) to package food, preventing cross-contamination and keeping food fresh.
Food security and hygiene while outdoor camping.
Selecting appropriate food: Choose easily preserved and portable food items such as canned goods, dry goods, and ready-to-eat meals. Ensure selected food can be safely stored in outdoor environments and is easy to prepare and consume.
Maintaining food cleanliness: Before handling food, ensure hands are clean and use clean utensils and surfaces. Avoid food contact with contaminants such as soil and insects.
Handling fresh food properly: If carrying fresh food items such as vegetables and meats, ensure they are kept at safe temperatures and consumed promptly or properly stored.
Storing food correctly: Store food in sealed containers to prevent pest and wildlife intrusion. If refrigeration is needed, use ice packs or coolers to maintain temperature.
Proper waste disposal: Garbage and food leftovers may attract wildlife and cause environmental pollution. Use garbage bags to dispose of waste properly and take it with you when leaving the camping site.
Effective food storage measures can make the journey safer and more enjoyable.
