In bear country, keep food, trash, and anything scented away from where you sleep, using a bear-resistant canister, a food locker, or a proper hang where allowed. Cook and store food at least 200 feet from your tent, carry bear spray where bears are present, and follow the specific storage rules of the park or forest you are visiting.
- Scented items count as food: toothpaste, sunscreen, and trash included.
- Sleep, cook, and store food in three separate spots.
- Many areas require approved bear canisters; check before you go.
- Carry bear spray where it is legal and keep it within reach.
Why food storage matters
Bears that get human food learn to seek it out, which puts people at risk and often ends badly for the bear. Good storage protects both. It also keeps smaller animals such as raccoons, rodents, and birds out of your supplies.
Set up a camp triangle
Separate your sleeping area, your cooking area, and your food storage, ideally about 200 feet apart from each other, with the cooking area downwind of your tent. Change out of clothes you cooked in before bed if you can.
Field tipPick the storage spot before dark. Finding a good hang tree or a level spot for a canister is much harder by headlamp.
Canister, locker, or hang?
| Method | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bear-resistant canister | Backcountry where required; above treeline | Many parks require approved models; place on level ground away from cliffs and water |
| Food locker or bear box | Developed campgrounds | Use it every time and latch it; never leave a cooler out |
| Hard-sided vehicle | Some car campgrounds | Only where rules allow; some parks prohibit storing food in cars |
| Food hang | Forests with suitable trees, where allowed | Commonly at least 10 to 12 feet up and several feet from the trunk; less effective against habituated bears |
What counts as food
- All food and drinks, including sealed packages.
- Trash and food scraps.
- Cooking gear and stoves that smell of food.
- Toiletries: toothpaste, sunscreen, lip balm, deodorant, and insect repellent.
- Pet food and bowls.
If you meet a bear
- Stay calm and do not run. Running can trigger a chase.
- Make yourself known. Speak in a calm, firm voice so the bear knows you are human.
- Back away slowly. Give the bear space and an escape route.
- Have bear spray ready. Know how to remove the safety and use it at close range.
- Follow local guidance. Responses differ by bear species and situation; read the park's advice before your trip.
Safety firstBear spray rules and the right response to an encounter vary by region. Check the guidance from the agency that manages the land you are visiting.
A few good questions.
How far from my tent should I store food in bear country?
Common guidance is about 200 feet, in a canister, locker, or hang, with your cooking area also well away from your tent.
Do I need a bear canister?
Many parks and forests require approved bear-resistant canisters in certain areas. Check the rules for your destination before you go.
Can I keep food in my car while camping?
Only where the campground allows it. Some parks prohibit it because bears break into vehicles; use the provided food lockers instead.
Is toothpaste a bear attractant?
Yes. Store toothpaste, sunscreen, and other scented toiletries with your food, not in your tent.
Gear that helps.
Caravan & Camping Cookware Forgecore Stainless Series
Best forCaravanners and campers who want uncoated stainless cookware across several heat sources
Four stainless vessels, three lids, two removable handles, and a zip-up bag in a maker-listed 5-ply 304 stainless set. Caravan & Camping Cookware lists induction, gas, BBQ, and open-campfire compatibility.
Save about A$13.45 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 25, 2026 · Caravan & Camping Cookware store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
Caravan & Camping Cookware 6 Piece Campstone Series – Cream Edition
Best forSolo campers and couples who want a compact set of nonstick cookware for a caravan or vehicle kitchen
We recommend the Campstone Cream set for solo campers and couples who want three useful cooking vessels that nest into an included carry bag. Its cast-aluminium bodies, stainless-steel base, and detachable handle suit a compact camp kitchen; the one-handle, one-lid setup is the tradeoff.
Save about A$9.45 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 16, 2026 · Australian store · Current sale price; tax included and free standard shipping listed.
UltraFire UF3 PRO Tactical Flashlight
Best forHikers and campers who want a bright rechargeable handheld with quick tail-switch activation and an included holster
We recommend the UltraFire UF3 PRO for hikers and campers who want a quick-on handheld beam and a rechargeable battery in the box. Its dual-switch controls and included holster are the practical draw; the 1,800-lumen high mode automatically steps down after three minutes.
Save about $3.20 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 16, 2026 · UltraFire US store · Current store sale price; final tax and shipping are determined at checkout.
Our approach
Written by Outdoor Gear Verdict Editorial. Grounded in US national park and forest food-storage guidance. Always follow local regulations and the manufacturer instructions for your equipment. Read our editorial standards.