Smellyproof Baggage Overview | CleverHiker

Backside Line

Smellyproof luggage aren’t a major meals storage methodology however enhance your setup when used with a canister, Ursack, or bear grasp. Though they barely cut back the packable house in a bear canister, their large opening and zipper-seal make it straightforward to pack and comprise odors.

We’ve relied on Smellyproof Baggage as supplemental meals safety for years, together with on thru-hikes of the Colorado Path, Wonderland Path, and Lengthy Path – all areas with excessive black bear populations. This added safety has given us the peace of thoughts to sleep soundly in bear territory.

Smellyproof Baggage are light-weight, inexpensive, and versatile, obtainable in a variety of sizes to satisfy any want. They’re made with sturdy plastic that includes a zipper seal backed by a lifetime guarantee.

These meals storage equipment will not be crushproof, gnawproof, or tear-resistant, so use them along with a hard-sided bear canister for the very best outcomes.  Learn our information to the very best bear canisters for different choices.

How We Examined

Smellyproof Baggage have been a staple in our backpacking package for hundreds of miles, together with thru-hikes of the Colorado Path, Wonderland Path, Lengthy Path, and lots of extra. We are able to personally attest to how they maintain up over time and deter critters each small and enormous.

Weight & Packability

Weighing about 1.4 ounces every for the extra-large, heavy-duty ones, Smellyproof Baggage will nonetheless maintain your pack weight in ultralight territory. Smellyproof makes different choices which might be smaller and made with thinner plastic – all lighter than 1.4 ounces. The most important measurement measures 16 inches by 12 inches.

On their very own, the Smellyproof Baggage are versatile and straightforward to pack (the heavy-duty ones are a bit much less pliable), however you’ll must account for the additional bulk they add to a bear canister. In some instances, the additional materials can trim a day or two out of your meals provide. 

Smellyproof luggage work greatest when used with one other meals storage methodology, equivalent to an Ursack or a hangable meals bag.

Ease of Use

If you happen to’ve ever packed a lunch, utilizing Smellyproof luggage will probably be straightforward for you. The opening options the identical acquainted zipper seal discovered on frequent sandwich baggies, however it’s noticeably extra sturdy. The additional-large measurement opens up large for straightforward entry inside. We suggest dealing with the seal with care, as it may possibly typically grip too tightly, inflicting the plastic layers to separate. Through the years, we’ve ripped our fair proportion from ripping open the bag with hunger-driven pressure. Fortunately, the zipper comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Smellyproof luggage aren’t only for meals storage. They’re additionally helpful for toiletries, sunscreen, or anything with a scent.

For added comfort, Smellyproof makes a “stand and fill” model that… properly, stands upright when you fill it.   

Safety

Smellyproof Baggage are NOT an alternative choice to licensed bear canisters. Once more, for these within the again – they’re NOT a substitute for bear canisters. They do, nonetheless, present further safety and peace of thoughts in your principal meals storage methodology. Whether or not that’s an Ursack, bear canister, or a bear grasp, Smellyproof luggage vastly decrease the possibilities {that a} critter will discover your meals within the first place. Even when they do determine to attempt to get into your bear canister, they may rethink whether or not it’s definitely worth the effort. 

Smellyproof additionally makes their luggage in an opaque black choice to cover your meals from plain sight.

Given the additional degree of safety they supply, incorporating a Smellyproof Bag into your meals storage technique is a no brainer.

Allow CompatibiLity

In case we didn’t point out it but, Smellyproof Baggage aren’t any substitute for bear canisters and will solely be a secondary layer of protection. If you happen to run right into a backcountry ranger in Yosemite, don’t anticipate him to simply accept a Smellyproof Bag as your meals storage methodology.

Smellyproof luggage lack any certifications from testing companies; they don’t seem to be crushproof, knawproof, or tear-resistant. Smellyproof Baggage maintain critters from figuring out there’s meals round, not OUT of the meals itself.

Capability

Smellyproof Baggage are available in a variety of sizes, from 3-milliliter micro luggage to extra-large 2-gallon luggage. We like utilizing the 2-gallon luggage for meals and the smaller ones for different smelly gadgets, like toiletries. 

We’ve discovered that the 2-gallon luggage can maintain about 3 to 4 days of meals (or about 14 dehydrated meals) on common. The benefit of Smellyproof luggage, although, is that they’re so low cost and light-weight you could simply pack as many as are wanted for every journey.

One factor to notice is {that a} Smellyproof bag will barely cut back the capability of a bear canister.

Ought to You Purchase Smellyproof Baggage?

Smellyproof Baggage are a sensible addition to any backcountry meals storage setup, however they’re not a substitute for a licensed bear canister. Light-weight, versatile, and obtainable in a wide range of sizes—together with a 2-gallon extra-large choice—they supply an additional layer of safety by decreasing meals odors and preserving curious critters from sniffing out your stash. They’re straightforward to make use of, with a well-known zipper-seal design, and the wide-mouth luggage make packing and unpacking easy.

These luggage work greatest when paired with one other storage methodology, equivalent to an Ursack, bear grasp, or canister. Whereas they barely cut back packable house inside a canister, the tradeoff is definitely worth the added peace of thoughts. Their versatility extends past meals: toiletries, sunscreen, or different smelly gadgets.

If you need a light-weight, cheap method to enhance your backcountry meals safety, Smellyproof Baggage are a no brainer.

What Different Bear Canisters and Backpacking Meals Storage Ought to You Contemplate?

Our full information to meals storage choices has bear canisters to pair with Smellyproof luggage.

Ursack Main Overview: Combining a Smellyproof Bag with an Ursack is right for 2 causes: the Ursack isn’t totally bearproof by itself, and its delicate sides pair properly with the flexibleness of a plastic bag. 

Adotec Ultralight Bear Locker: This ultralight bear canister various is one other soft-sided storage methodology. Just like the Ursack, the Bear Locker advantages from the added safety of Smellyproof Baggage and straightforward packability.

BearVault BV500 Journey Overview: Smellyproof Baggage add an additional layer of safety to clear bear canisters. In addition they match higher in tall containers like this one than in smaller ones just like the BV450.