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Bear-Safe Food Storage Guide

A fed bear is a dead bear — and sloppy food storage is the fastest way to get a campsite closed. Pick your bear region and the storage method you have, and get a step-by-step checklist for doing it right tonight.

Your situation

Bear region

Grizzly country: much of the Rockies, Yellowstone, Glacier, Alaska. "No bears" still means raccoons, mice, and skunks want your food.

Storage method you have

A hard-sided bear canister is the gold standard. Hangs are skill-dependent; lockers only exist at developed campgrounds.

The bear triangle (applies to every method)

Sleep, cook, and store food in three separate spots, each roughly 70–100 yards apart. Bears investigate the kitchen smell — your tent should never be part of that triangle. And "food" means everything scented: sunscreen, toothpaste, lip balm, and that granola bar in your pocket.