When you or I go Camping, it is often times a great idea to use a Bear Box If one is available. Otherwise known as Bear Lockers or Bear-proof food storage lockers. Below we will go through just one out of the many ways to store your food, so bears and other wildlife can’t get to it. That way is: You Guessed it Bear Boxes / Bear Lockers.
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So what is a Bear Box, or Bear Proof Food Storage Locker???
A Bear Proof food storage locker is a large box typically made of steel. With a Door or 2, on the front, or top of the box, Usually with some sort of locking mechanism to keep any hungry, curious animals out (Usually Bears). The Bear Locker is for you to store all of your odorous items in. Such as food, toiletries, Garbage (if no garbage-can is nearby), Hygiene products… Anything that gives off a scent and is likely to attract unwanted guests (Bears) should go inside the bear Box.
Often times you will see Bear Lockers In State and National parks. They are there for campers, such as yourself and I, to store food and other odorous items in. We all know bears can smell food from a great distance away, so in order to keep your food away from those curious and hungry bears as well as other wildlife that may be attracted to it. you should use a Bear box, otherwise known as a Bear-proof food storage locker, or bear locker.
How Big is a bear Box
Typically the Food Storage lockers you will see in State, and National parks in the campsites are between 10 cubic feet to 30 cubic feet. Some may be bigger, some smaller, though this is the average size range I had found. Though often times these State and national parks will have other storage lockers located at Trail Heads, and near bathrooms or rest areas that can range from 1 – 5 Cubic feet, Plus or minus some…
Often times the larger Bear boxes are located in or nearby campgrounds. These are the main ones we are talking about Here.
How Does a Bear Box work
Using a bear box is quite straightforward. You simply put all of your scented items in the box. This includes anything you think will or could attract wildlife.
Yes”That shirt you spilled food on earlier” Should go in the bear box.
Is a Food Locker Odor proof?
Not Usually. Bear-proof food storage lockers don’t typically conceal the smell of your scented items inside. Though the box will keep any and all animals out of reach of your food. Which is exactly what it was designed for. Nonetheless, I think it would be a brilliant idea to make food storage lockers “Odor proof”. As well as any Food storage unit, meant to keep your scented items away from wildlife
Here is a video made by RockyNPS that will give you a better understanding, of what Bear-proof food storage lockers are, and how to use them.
What if You won’t have access to a Bear Box Near Your Camp???
Obviously, Bear Proof Food Storage lockers are quite large and heavy. Because of this, you likely won’t see Bear boxes high up in the backcountry. So if you haven’t got access to a Bear locker, Some great Alternative Food storage techniques, and containers include Bear Canisters, Bear Bags, Bear proof Coolers…Etc. Basically, anything that is IGBC-certified
What is a Bear Canister: A Bear Canister is the same idea as the Bear Box, thought bear canisters are much smaller, lighter, and most importantly Transportable! Typically you would use a bear canister if you were heading out on a Backpacking trip, or an overnight / Multi-day Thur hiking.
I believe the closest option related to a Bear locker is the Bear Canister. The Canister requires less work to prepare for the night when compared to the bear bag. With the Canister, you simply leave it on the ground, whereas the Bag must be hung in order to keep bears out of it. If you’d like to know more about bear Canisters Checkout this write-up on Bear Canisters.
What is a Bear Bag: A Bear Bag is really any bag that you store your food and other odorous items in. However, when using a bear bag you MUST hang the bag in a tree in order to keep your scented items away from bears and other wildlife.
This technique is ideal for backpacking because bear bags are much more flexible and easier to carry in your pack, whereas a canister is structurally solid, which is great for keeping your food away from wildlife though makes it more of a struggle to carry with you.
If you’d like to learn more about Bear Bags, Checkout this write-up that dives much deeper on the topic.
What is a Bear Proof Cooler: The Bear proof cooler. Quite Self-explanatory. It is a Cooler, otherwise known as an Ice Chest. That is built with locking mechanisms, and out of structurally sound materials that are able to withstand a hungry and curious bear in search of your food. For example here is one of many Bear Resistant coolers: YETI Tundra 35 Cooler
Can you Buy A Bear Proof Food Storage box?
If you own some land out in bear country that you use as a getaway for yourself and your family (Your own personal Campground)? It may be a great idea to purchase your own bear locker to store all your food items in whenever you go Camping! This section is for those looking to purchase a bear box. While doing some digging on the topic of bear boxes, and just food storage in general. I came across a website that is devoted to selling Bear Resistant Food storage containers (Bear Boxes)!
Now they aren’t the cheapest option for food storage when camping, though they are probably the most secure option available at the time of writing this. I mean, why do you think the state and national parks use Food Lockers, instead of having campers bring their own means of food storage such as Bear canisters, or Bear Bags?? Well, because lockers are the most reliable!
What do Bear Lockers Cost?
Well, The cost of a bear box can vary a lot depending on Branding, Materials used, Build quality, Size of your chosen Box and so on… However, the average cost I was able to find was in that $700 – $1200 Dollar range. “Here” is a Website I stumbled across that sells Bear Boxes, I’m sure there are other suppliers out there. However, this is one I came upon that looks to specialize in Bear Resistant Food storage lockers. And makes some quality products
Now, Depending on your budget this can seem like a steep price to pay, or seem perfectly reasonable. Nonetheless, I have come to realize with many of the things I have purchased over the years that saying “You get what you pay for” Is typically true for the most part.
What if you purchase a used one?
If A new Bear-proof food locker Is to pricey for your budget, I’d recommend you check your local classifieds listing to see If anyone in your area is selling one. This can very likely be a much cheaper option, and if you look hard enough, and long enough you likely could stumble across a deal that is much worth the wait!
As an Example: My whole life up to this point I have had much to do with Dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, and side by sides, and I can honestly say when it comes to buying used things “Good things come to those who wait, know what they are looking for, And are ready to attack a great deal when they see it”. Basically what I’m trying to say is stay patient, but know what you’re looking for and eventually, you will find a great deal, And when you do Be ready to pounce.
Conclusion
I Assume most of you that will be reading this won’t be going backpacking, or thru-hiking. But rather going camping with your family and / or friends, And you likely won’t have to, or be hike far to get to your campsite. For those of you, I’d suggest you use a Bear Canister or something similar if you don’t have access to a Bear Box, however, if you do, Perfect!
For more Great Food storage options Check out the Write-ups below:
- What Is A Bear Canister & How To Use IT?
- What is a Bear Bag? Is it Necessary?
- Bear Bag VS Bear Canister? Which Is BEST?
- HIGHLY Effective Ways To Pack & Carry a Bear Canister!