How to Store Food Safely on Backpacking Trips in the Southwest

When it comes to backpacking in the Southwest, the landscapes may feel like they belong to another world, but the need for proper food storage is universal. From rugged desert canyons to alpine forests, good food storage isn’t just about protecting your snacks—it’s about preserving wildlife, following Leave No Trace principles, and ensuring your safety in the backcountry. In this guide, we’ll explore the best tools for keeping your food safe: bear bags, bear canisters, scent-proof bags, and Ursacks.

Why Food Storage Matters

Good food storage is a cornerstone of Leave No Trace ethics. Improperly stored food can attract wildlife, leading to dangerous encounters for both humans and animals. In the Southwest, you’re not just dealing with black bears; curious raccoons, foxes, rodents, and even ravens can raid your supplies. Feeding wildlife, even accidentally, alters their natural behaviors and endangers their survival. Let’s dive into the options to keep your food (and the animals) safe.

Bear Bags: Lightweight and Effective

Bear bags are a classic choice for backpackers who want to keep their packs light. These durable, lightweight sacks are designed to hang your food out of reach from wildlife. In the Southwest, where trees may be sparse in some areas, hanging a bear bag can take a little creativity.

How to Use a Bear Bag:

1. Choose a sturdy branch that’s at least 12 feet high and 6 feet away from the trunk.
2. Use a rope to hoist the bag into place, ensuring it’s at least 8 feet off the ground.
3. Double-check your knots—critters are surprisingly clever!

Bear bags are ideal for forested areas like the Sangre de Cristo Mountains but might not work as well in treeless desert regions.

Bear Canisters: Your Bulletproof Option

Bear canisters are often required in areas with high black bear activity, and for a good reason—they work. These hard-sided containers are nearly impossible for bears and other wildlife to open, making them one of the most secure options.

Bear Canister Tips:

• Place the canister at least 100 feet away from your campsite.
• Choose a flat, secure spot where it won’t roll away.
• Always seal the lid tightly, even if you’re only stepping away for a minute.

While bear canisters are bulkier and heavier than other options, they’re a must in places where regulations require them, like some parts of Colorado’s backcountry. Bonus: they double as a camp stool!

Scent-Proof Bags: Stealth Storage

Scent-proof bags, such as LOKSAKs, are a great addition to any food storage system. These resealable, odor-blocking bags are perfect for storing everything from snacks to toiletries, minimizing the scent trail that could attract animals.

When to Use Scent-Proof Bags:

• Inside your bear canister for double protection.
• As an extra layer in your backpack when bear bags or canisters aren’t required.
• For storing trash—don’t forget to pack out everything you pack in!

While these bags alone won’t protect your food from determined wildlife, they’re an excellent first line of defense and help reduce temptation.

Ursacks: The Best of Both Worlds

If you’re looking for something lightweight but more robust than a traditional bear bag, Ursacks are a fantastic option. Made from bear-resistant fabric, Ursacks can withstand a lot of abuse, keeping your food safe from teeth and claws.

Ursack Benefits:

• Easier to secure in areas without good tree coverage.
• Lighter and more compact than a bear canister.
• Perfect for desert environments where hanging isn’t feasible.

To maximize their effectiveness, use an odor-proof liner inside the Ursack and tie it securely to a sturdy object, such as a rock or cactus base (just watch for thorns!).

Leave No Trace and Keeping Wildlife Wild

Every method of food storage comes back to one guiding principle: Leave No Trace. When you store food properly, you protect wildlife from becoming dependent on human food, a behavior that can ultimately harm or kill them. A bear that becomes habituated to human food often faces euthanasia as a “problem bear.” Smaller animals, too, can suffer when their natural diets are disrupted.

By following these guidelines:

• Store all scented items, including toiletries and trash, with the same care as your food.
• Never leave food unattended or unsecured.
• Clean up thoroughly after cooking to remove crumbs and spills.

You’re helping to ensure that wild animals stay wild and natural ecosystems remain undisturbed.

Which Method Is Right for You?

The best food storage solution depends on where you’re hiking and the wildlife you’re likely to encounter. For high-alpine treks in Colorado, a bear canister or Ursack is often the safest bet. In desert areas with fewer large predators, a scent-proof bag combined with an Ursack can work beautifully. Research the regulations for your destination and plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Food storage might not be the most fun part of backpacking, but it’s one of the most important. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can keep your food safe, protect wildlife, and enjoy your Southwest adventures with peace of mind. Remember: a well-fed hiker is a happy hiker, and a fed wild animal is often a doomed one. Let’s all do our part to keep the Southwest’s incredible wilderness safe and thriving.

Photographs in this article are property of SouthwestHikes or the respective brands being represented.