Nature is beautiful, but it can also endanger your life. If you’re planning a trip to a place where scavenging animals roam, we suggest taking an extra safety measure for your food supply. Getting the best bear bags would be a wise decision since they’re lightweight and easier to carry. You can also hang them in the trees for even better protection. Don’t know which one to pick? Well sit down and fasten your belt. Join us on a journey to discover some of the best bear proof bags available on the market!
How to Choose The Best Bear Bags
Since they’ll be crucial in determining your chances of survival in the wilderness, you’re gonna need to take some serious consideration while choosing the best bear bags. We talk about materials, construction, design, and capacity here. And don’t ever be tempted by tantalizing offers with no clear origin and quality standards. You obviously don’t want to put your life at risk by wearing some bags of questionable grade.
So, with all that in mind, we’ve come up with some crucial factors to think about when you’re choosing the best bear proof bags. Think of this as some kind of a brief buying guide. And without much further ado, let’s get started!
Size
First of all, think about how big the best bear bags you need. This will depend entirely on your travel plans and habits. For example, most people will find that a 20L bag is more than enough to hold a five-day trip equivalent of a supply. But if you’re bringing some extra gear or bulkier items, you might want to go with the 30L or even the 50L model instead.
Use
Next, think about how you plan to use the best bear proof bags. Want to hang them in the trees for three or five days straight? Then make sure you get a bag with robust construction. See if it has quality seams and tight closure. Remember, even the best bear bags will wear off after hanging up under heavy loads for a while.
As additional information, each bag is designed for different purposes. For example, sensitive equipment such as cameras and laptops will require special care when taken out into the wild. If this is your case, you can check out our list of the 13 best dry bags for camping.
Resistance
Since we’re looking for the best bear bags, it makes perfect sense if we need to know how strong they’re against a bear attack. However, there aren’t many manufacturers who are brave enough to claim that their products are “bear proof”. So again, you need to read product specifications carefully and make serious considerations before deciding on anything.
Are Bear Bags Effective?
This question has been debated for quite some time, as no test or study can provide a valid conclusion. However, bear bags are believed to work more optimally in areas where bear populations are less dense. So, the decision is yours. But if you ask us, taking some extra safety measures is never a bad thing.
The same is true when you’re dealing with electronic equipment. They’re more susceptible to damage, especially when out in the open. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you drone pilots check out our 13 best Phantom 4 Pro cases. Find out how you can safely transport your precious birds.
How Big Should a Bear Bag Be?
This depends entirely on how many items you plan to carry. A regular bear bag generally has 10-20L compartments, which is enough to hold 5-10 days’ worth of supplies. So if you’re planning on going on an extensive adventure, we’d suggest picking up a bigger bag.
Do I Have to Hang a Bear Bag?
It’s not mandatory, but hanging the bear bag is highly recommended. Doing so will make your supplies and food more difficult to reach, which in turn will make it relatively safer from wild animals. But please note that there are some bear bags with a weaker construction. They’re not recommended for hanging.
Liberty Mountain Stuff Sack
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Let’s start this list with something that won’t hurt your wallet. Liberty Mountain Stuff Sack is quite well known among the International camping community, thanks to its affordability and quality. Regardless of the price tag, this thing can take a lot of beating and perform very well.
OK, Liberty Stuff Sack doesn’t have a “bear-proof” label slapped on it. However, you’ll get more than adequate protection for your food supplies and belongings while you’re out in the wild. The nylon and the included drawstring are tough enough. And if you’re willing to invest a little of your time, a few extra stitches will make this one of your best bear bags.
What We Love
Budget friendly, comes with nylon material and a sturdy drawstring
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Available in various sizes
- Nylon material
- Round bottom with webbing grab handle
Cons:
- There are other bags with a more durable construction
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Sea to Summit eVAC
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Sea to Summit has been known for some of its quality outdoor gears. And it looks like that reputation has really taken off with the Sea to Summit eVAC Dry Sack series. These are the best bear proof bags available in various capacities. You can choose from the lightweight 3L model to the bulky 65L. Whether it’s casual camping or a lengthy hunting session, you’re gonna find exactly what you need!
Sea to Summit eVAC Dry Sack is carefully crafted using breathable eVent fabric. It does a great job at keeping all of your stuff dry and preventing the bag from accidentally getting bulky. Plus, the fabric also makes unloading simpler and smoother. If you’ve ever worn roll-top dry bags, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about!
And speaking of practical design, we’ve got a great list of the 13 best foldable travel bags here. Definitely check them out if you need a simple solution to carrying all your essentials around.
What We Love
Available in a variety of sizes, great for different kinds of outdoor activities
Pros:
- Multi-purpose
- PU-coated 70D nylon material
- Breathable
- Reinforced waterproof seams
Cons:
- You might want to give it a few extra seams
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Ursack Major
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Coming with an extremely tough Spectra fabric, the Ursack Major is one of the few best bear bags that boast a “bear-proof” capability. On other similar products, you’ll find that they’re simply designed to hang your food supply high above the ground. But with Ursack, you’re guaranteed complete protection against bear attacks. Heck, you don’t even have to bother hanging the bag on a branch. Just tie it to your trunk and not a single bear will be able to get onto your stuff!
Most users say that Ursack Major is ideal for hiking trips. However, you need to make sure whether it meets the standards applied in your area. For this, we highly recommend consulting local park rangers.
What We Love
Designed with Spectra’s extremely tough fabric, making it nearly immune to bear attacks
Pros:
- Critter resistant
- Lightweight and spacious
- Made of bulletproof UHMWP fabric
- Strong and durable
Cons:
- It’s quite pricey
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KastKing DryBags
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Carrying waterproof capabilities, the KastKing Dry Bag will be great for those who are traveling somewhere wet. Of course, we have no guarantee of bear resistance here. However, you’ll find that KastKing works really well with most bear hangs. Apart from that, it’s made of tough 500D PVC nylon material. It’s almost indestructible and resilient to water, as well as other moisture. And most importantly, the bags are available at an affordable price!
So if you’re on the market for the best bear bags, the KastKing Dry Bag will certainly be an excellent choice. With three models available (10L, 20L, and 30L), there’s something for everyone. Check out these products while you can!
What We Love
Great when you plan to travel somewhere wet
Pros:
- Innovative transparent window design
- Double layer for extra security
- Durable 500D PVC material
- Waterproof, snowproof, sand proof, and dustproof
Cons:
- Need to be extra careful with the sizing
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Sea to Summit Ultra SIL
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For those who prefer something lighter, the Sea to Summit Ultra SIL is a great option to consider. Thanks to its solid Cordura construction, this bag won’t slow you down a bit. Plus, there’s a polyurethane silicone coating, which gives you a more than decent waterproof capability. And as a side note, these bags are popular among hikers. That’s because they have a thin fabric, making it easier when you need to reach for a specific item.
But remember, these best bear-proof bags aren’t as strong as other offerings on the market. As such, you need to be careful with how many items you plan to stuff into this thing. Just in case, you may want to split your food supply into several different bags.
What We Love
A great option for those who prefer a lightweight bag
Pros:
- Ultralight
- Manufactured from 30D Ultra-Sil Cordura
- Smooth finish for easy packing
- Reinforced waterproof seams
Cons:
- Not as tough as most of the best bear bags
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Osprey UltraLight
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Spoiler alert! The Osprey UltraLight isn’t made specifically as the best bear proof bag. But don’t let that put you off, because this product has some cool advanced features. First of all, it’s versatile. You can wear it for other applications and the Osprey UltraLight will work as fine. All you need to do is hang the bag high enough and your food supply should be relatively safe from any bear attack.
Another thing to love about the Osprey UltraLight is its after-sales service. As some of you may already know, Osprey is one of the most well-known names in the outdoor gear industry. They have quite high standards for each of their products. And for every purchase, you’ll get a lifetime warranty and free repairs, in case of damage or defects.
What We Love
A versatile sack with adequate protection for your food supply
Pros:
- Nylon material
- Waterproof roll top closure
- Rectangular shape
- Made from durable 40D ripstop fabric
Cons:
- It’s not specifically designed as one of the best bear bags
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Ursak Major XL
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Dubbed by many as one of the best bear bags, the Ursak Major XL is a sturdy beast that provides utter protection to all your belongings and supplies. It’s crafted using one of the most vigorous materials available. No wonder that the bag then received the seal of approval from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. If you’re planning on going solo, the Ursak Major has more than enough compartments to accommodate up to a week of rations. However, it’ll really depend on the type of food and packaging you bring.
Hanging Ursak Major on a tree branch won’t be a hassle, thanks to the integrated cord. Some of you may complain about the hefty price tag. But considering how robust and reliable the bag is, we think it’s safe to say that it would be a very wise investment.
And in case you need extra space for your other essentials, you can always check out our list of the 13 best ultralight backpacks. It contains some of the greatest solutions for transporting some of your belongings, without putting any significant extra weight on your shoulders.
What We Love
Boasts of vigorous construction, backed by the seal of approval from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee
Pros:
- Passed IGBC test
- 15L capacity
- Come with an integrated cord
- Robust
Cons:
- It might cost you some fortune
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Skog A Kust LiteSak
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With a total capacity of around three liters, the Skog A Kust LiteSak will be a remarkable choice for short camping trips or hikes. And since the construction is waterproof, you don’t have to worry about your supplies getting wet when the weather is unfavorable. Another great thing about this bag is that it comes in a variety of sizes. Depending on your needs, you can choose between the 5L, 10L, or even 20L models.
Just like the other best bear bags on this list, the Skog A Kust LiteSak boasts a well-built construction. It’s made of tough silicon-coated nylon material. And in case you’re wondering, no, it’s not bear-proof. However, don’t let that put you off because this bag is really reliable for a variety of outdoor activities. Just don’t expect it to hang well on tree branches, as the rip-stop fabric will prevent the bag from snagging.
What We Love
Made from waterproof fabric and carries a medium capacity, perfect for short trips
Pros:
- Silicon-coated nylon
- IPX-6 protection
- Easy to close and seal
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Doesn’t hang well on the tree
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Ursack AllMitey Bear Bag
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By the time you reach this point, you should know a thing or two about how sturdy Ursack’s best bear bags are. And that’s why we don’t hesitate to include a couple of their products on this list. With Ursack AllMitey, you’ll get an impressive construction made from a combination of Kevlar and Spectra. Not only is it strong, but it also works effectively at repelling water. Some did report that the bag was a little prone to minor punctures. But don’t let that upset you, because this beast has passed the test under IGBF supervision.
As for the compartments, the Ursack AllMitey is a little on the medium side. You’ll get more than enough room to hold no less than five day-worth of food. If you haven’t decided which best bear bags to get, this one is definitely worth considering.
What We Love
Features an impressive construction made from a combination of Spectra and Kevlar
Pros:
- Bear and critter resistant
- Kevlar and Spectra construction
- Passes IGBF standards
- Massive compartment
Cons:
- Slightly prone to small punctures
Loctote Industrial Bag Flak Sack
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Crafted with the highest safety in mind, Loctote Flak Sack is one of the best options when you need to carry a couple of valuables with you during your adventures. This is basically a lockable backpack that’s hard to penetrate. But since it has also received the IGBC seal of approval, you can also use it to store your supplies.
Being one of the best bear bags, the Loctote Flak Sack features a medium-sized compartment. Thanks to its drawstring backpack-inspired design, you can use this sack on a variety of occasions. It’s great for brief backpacking or even an everyday backpack. On the downside, this bag can get quite heavy. Especially when it’s fully loaded. So if you prefer to pack lightly, we suggest looking at other alternatives.
What We Love
A multi-function pack with IGBC standards and a medium-sized main compartment
Pros:
- Drawstring closure
- Flaknit slash-proof fabric
- Double steel locking strap
- Reflective cut
Cons:
- It can be quite heavy
Bear Outdoor Dry Sack
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We always appreciate the sacks that come in a variety of sizes. You can pick the one that really suits your needs and pack it more efficiently. That’s why we fell in love with Bear Outdoor Dry Sack. It’s available in five different models, including 2L, 5L, 10L, 20L, and 30L. Furthermore, this backpack is made of lightweight materials, so you shouldn’t have any problems carrying it around. It’s also 100 percent waterproof, which makes it great when you’re camping during the rainy season.
Although considered by many to be one of the best bear bags, the Bear Outdoor Dry Sack isn’t immune to bear bites or scratches. However, that doesn’t mean that this bag cannot provide any resistance at all. The outer fabric uses an ultra-tough non-rip material with double stitching. Apart from that, there are integrated clasps to completely close the compartment.
And in case you need extra bear protection, you might want to check out our list of the 13 best bear sprays for camping. With just a couple of sprays, you can have a comfortable and quiet camping site, free of any furry giants!
What We Love
Available in a wide variety of styles, there’s sure to be something for everyone
Pros:
- Super lightweight
- Rugged roll-top closure
- Snap hook on the quick-release buckle
- Multifunction
Cons:
- It’s not bear proof
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Loctote Flak Sack Coalition
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Loctote Flak Sack Coalition is basically the same as Flak Sack, but with better protection. For the fabric, Loctote decided to use materials that have been certified ANSI/ISEA 105-cut level A9. As a result, you get a tough backpack that’s nearly impossible to penetrate by punctures, scratches, and abrasions. Design-wise, this isn’t the bag one would expect to go backpacking with. But since it’s IGBC certified, you can also use it as a food container.
Just like the Flak Sack, Coalition also comes with a medium-sized compartment and weighs around 32oz. Compared to other similar products, this backpack is a bit pricey. But in exchange, you’ll get an unmatched level of protection and durability.
What We Love
Takes all the advantages of Flak Sack and adds some better protection
Pros:
- Drawstring closure
- Proprietary FLAKnit fabric
- Patent-pending steel reinforced locking strap
- Large water resistant internal pocket
Cons:
- It’s a little pricey compared to the competition
Marchway Floating Dry Bag
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To say that the Marchway Floating Dry Bag is such a fine product is clearly an understatement. Seriously, this bag is really impressive. It’s robust, has high visibility, and is approachable. Furthermore, you can choose between a variety of sizes. The 10L model will suffice for short trips, while the 20L model can carry up to five days’ worth of supplies.
Being one of the best bear bags, Marchway Floating Dry Bag is equipped with waterproof capabilities. But to optimize it, you need to fold the bag between three to four times. This will reduce the height of the bag a little, but shouldn’t be a big deal. Our pro tip: leave some air inside. It’ll make the bag float better!
What We Love
An approachable bag with great color and size options
Pros:
- Lightweight, compact and durable
- Waterproof guarantee
- Approachable
- Multiple sizes
Cons:
- Folding the bag will eliminate some space
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