Plastic open head drum for food storage

cup-o-coffee's picture

Has anybody used one of the poly/plastic OH drums to transport and store food on your BWCA trip? Are they really "bear proof" or do you still need to hang them from a tree. I talked to one paddler and he said as long as the food smells are locked inside, there should be no problems with animals. Famous last words before he goes hungry, or are they a blessing in the blow down area where quality food hanging trees can be scarce?

barbhalve's picture
barbhalve

plastic barrels for food

we have used the barrels on our last 5 trips and we like them so much we got our own. put a good harness on and they aren't worse to carry than a pack. remember to just get out what you need then put the lid back on. squirrels and chipmunks can't chew into them nor do they soak up water. we lay them down in our canoes and usually clip or tie to a thwart. we have also found it handy to put a label on the outside indicating what is inside-i.e. breakfasts. happy paddleing!!

cup-o-coffee's picture
cup-o-coffee

Plastic barrels for food

Thanks for the real life usage report. It sounds like this system can make camp life alot more simple. I have seen them advertised in 30 liter and 60 liter sizes. Would you recomend the smaller 30 liter (possibly 2 of them) or one 60 liter size? I am thinking about 2 of the smaller systems to help keep meals seperated (breakfast, dinner, etc.) and also to use just one of them on a solo trip, when the large capacity just isn't needed. Thanks for your help.

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