Essential Stowable Food Bags/Canisters for Car Camping: Keeping Your Meals Secure and Portable

When embarking on a car camping adventure, having reliable stowable food bags or canisters is crucial for storing and protecting your food supplies. These containers not only keep your meals organized but also safeguard them from wildlife and weather elements, ensuring your camping trip remains hassle-free and enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best options available, highlighting their features, pros, and cons to help you choose the perfect companion for your next outdoor excursion.

1. BearVault BV500

Pros:

Bear-Resistant: Certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) for use in bear country, providing peace of mind.
Durable Construction: Made from polycarbonate material that is strong and resistant to impacts.
Large Capacity: Holds up to 700 cubic inches (11.5 liters) of food, sufficient for several days of camping.
Transparent Design: Allows you to easily see contents inside without opening.
Easy to Use: Lid screws on securely and can be opened without tools.

Cons:

Weight: At 2 pounds 9 ounces (1.16 kg), it is relatively heavy compared to other options.
Bulkiness: Its cylindrical shape can be challenging to pack efficiently in smaller car trunks or backpacks.
Price: One of the more expensive options on the market.

The BearVault BV500 is an excellent choice for campers heading into bear country who need a secure and sturdy food container. Its design meets rigorous bear-resistance standards while offering ample space for storing all your camping food essentials.

2. Ursack Major

Pros:

Lightweight: Weighs only 7.6 ounces (0.22 kg), making it one of the lightest options available.
Flexible: Made from tear-resistant fabric with a patented design that can be tied to a tree trunk, offering versatility in storage.
Compact: Rolls up when empty, saving space in your pack or car trunk.
Simple Closure: Uses an integrated aluminum liner and Velcro closure system for easy access.

Cons:

Not Bear-Proof: While it can deter smaller animals, it does not have official certification for bear resistance in all areas.
Capacity Limitation: Holds up to approximately 10 liters, which may be insufficient for longer camping trips with larger groups.
Requires Hanging: Needs to be suspended properly to prevent animals from accessing the contents.

The Ursack Major is ideal for campers looking for a lightweight and compact solution that offers more flexibility in packing and storing food, especially in areas with smaller wildlife threats.

3. REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube

Pros:

Versatile: Doubles as a packing organizer and food bag, maximizing space efficiency in your gear.
Expandable: Allows you to adjust its volume from 6.5 to 8.5 liters, accommodating varying amounts of food.
Mesh Top: Provides ventilation and allows you to see contents easily.
Lightweight: Weighs only 4.8 ounces (0.14 kg), making it easy to transport.

Cons:

Limited Protection: Offers minimal protection against wildlife compared to bear-resistant canisters.
Not Waterproof: While it helps organize food, it may not protect well against moisture or rain.
Requires Careful Packing: Contents should be packed tightly to prevent crushing or shifting during transport.

The REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube is a practical choice for campers who prioritize organization and versatility, serving dual purposes as both a food bag and gear organizer.

4. Light My Fire Stackable Pack-Up-Cup

Pros:

Compact: Collapses into a small disc when not in use, saving space in your camping gear.
Lightweight: Weighs only 2.8 ounces (0.08 kg), making it easy to carry.
Durable Construction: Made from BPA-free material that is dishwasher safe and withstands outdoor conditions.
Versatile: Can be used for both food storage and drinking.

Cons:

Limited Capacity: Holds only up to 260 cubic inches (4.25 liters), suitable for small amounts of food.
Minimal Protection: Offers little to no protection against wildlife or larger animals.
Not Sealable: Does not have a secure seal like traditional food canisters, potentially allowing odors to escape.

The Light My Fire Stackable Pack-Up-Cup is best suited for campers who need a compact and lightweight solution for storing smaller quantities of food or snacks during short trips.

5. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack

Pros:

Waterproof: Provides excellent protection against moisture and rain, keeping food dry.
Ultra-Light: Weighs as little as 1.6 ounces (0.05 kg) depending on size, ideal for backpackers or minimalist campers.
Durable: Made from siliconized Cordura fabric that is strong and tear-resistant.
Packable: Packs down to a small size when empty, saving space in your camping gear.

Cons:

Limited Protection: Offers minimal protection against wildlife or animals looking for food.
Not Puncture-Proof: Requires careful handling to avoid punctures from sharp objects.
Single Opening: Has a single roll-top closure, which may limit access and organization compared to zippered options.

The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack is perfect for campers who prioritize keeping their food dry and organized, especially in wet or rainy conditions, although it lacks the wildlife protection of traditional canisters.

Choosing the right stowable food bag or canister depends on factors such as your camping destination, duration of the trip, and wildlife concerns. Each option offers unique advantages in terms of weight, capacity, durability, and protection, allowing you to tailor your choice to fit your specific camping needs. By investing in reliable food storage solutions, you not only ensure the safety of your provisions but also contribute to a more organized and enjoyable outdoor experience.