Smellyproof Baggage Assessment

Backside Line

Smellyproof luggage aren’t a major meals storage technique however enhance your setup when used with a canister, Ursack, or bear grasp. Though they barely cut back the packable area in a bear canister, their large opening and zipper-seal make it simple 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 fulfill any want. They’re made with sturdy plastic that includes a zipper seal backed by a lifetime guarantee.

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

How We Examined

Smellyproof Baggage have been a staple in our backpacking equipment for 1000’s 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 hold your pack weight in ultralight territory. Smellyproof makes different choices which are smaller and made with thinner plastic – all lighter than 1.4 ounces. The biggest dimension measures 16 inches by 12 inches.

On their very own, the Smellyproof Baggage are versatile and simple to pack (the heavy-duty ones are a bit much less pliable), however you’ll have to 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 technique, equivalent to an Ursack or a hangable meals bag.

Ease of Use

Should you’ve ever packed a lunch, utilizing Smellyproof luggage might be simple for you. The opening options the identical acquainted zipper seal discovered on frequent sandwich baggies, however it’s noticeably extra sturdy. The additional-large dimension opens up large for simple entry inside. We advocate dealing with the seal with care, as it will probably generally grip too tightly, inflicting the plastic layers to separate. Over time, we’ve ripped our justifiable share from ripping open the bag with hunger-driven power. 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 alternative for bear canisters. They do, nevertheless, present further safety and peace of thoughts in your most important meals storage technique. Whether or not that’s an Ursack, bear canister, or a bear grasp, Smellyproof luggage tremendously 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 could rethink whether or not it’s definitely worth the effort. 

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

Given the additional stage 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. Should you run right into a backcountry ranger in Yosemite, don’t count on him to simply accept a Smellyproof Bag as your meals storage technique.

Smellyproof luggage lack any certifications from testing companies; they aren’t crushproof, knawproof, or tear-resistant. Smellyproof Baggage hold 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 that 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 wise addition to any backcountry meals storage setup, however they’re not a alternative for an authorized bear canister. Light-weight, versatile, and obtainable in a wide range of sizes—together with a 2-gallon extra-large possibility—they supply an additional layer of safety by decreasing meals odors and maintaining curious critters from sniffing out your stash. They’re simple to make use of, with a well-recognized zipper-seal design, and the wide-mouth luggage make packing and unpacking easy.

These luggage work greatest when paired with one other storage technique, equivalent to an Ursack, bear grasp, or canister. Whereas they barely cut back packable area 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’d like a light-weight, cheap means to enhance your backcountry meals safety, Smellyproof Baggage are a no brainer.

What Different Bear Canisters and Backpacking Meals Storage Ought to You Take into account?

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

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

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

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