Backcountry Food Storage

Backcountry Food Storage Lockers are provided at all primitive roadside and Chisos backpacking sites. All food, water, and aromatic items must be stored in these.

 

Black bears, javelinas, skunks, rodents and other animals may explore your campsite looking for food scraps. Do your part to properly store food, water, and edible items from animals whether backpacking in the Chisos Mountains or camping at a primitive roadside campsite.

 

Water Storage

The Homer Wilson storage boxes are for WATER STORAGE ONLY. Water must be marked with a name and a predicted date out. Food left in the boxes is subject to removal.

Food Storage

At all campsites: All food products and trash, unclean cooking utensils, water, and other aromatic items (sunscreen, toothpaste, deoderant, etc.) MUST be stored in a hard-sided vehicle, or in the provided bear resistant storage locker. Bear lockers are provided at all Chisos backpacking sites and primitive roadside sites. Never leave food unattended. If backpacking in the open desert, attend your food, water, and aromatic items by keeping them packed up and within immediate reach. Prepare meals and eat food a distance from your sleeping area. Keep your campsite clean at all times.

The caching of food and water is prohibited unless items are stored within a bear resistant storage container that has been certified and approved by the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group (SIBBG) or the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC).

Allowed Canisters

ADOTEC

Ultralight Food Locker, Grizzly Bear Model – IGBC Certification No. 245493 (Approved 08-13-24) 226-456-3316 www.adotecgear.com

ALUBOX.COM

Metal Storage Case, Model A042 - IGBC Certification No. 5411 (Approved 8-10-21) [phone] www.alubox.com

BearVault

BV425 - IGBC Certification No. 5422 (Approved 6/13/22)
BV450 - IGBC Certification No. 5339
BV475 - IGBC Certification No. 5423 (Approved 6/13/22)
BV500- IGBC Certification No. 5340 866-301-3442 http://www.bearvault.com

Grub Can

Wave 6.6 - IGBC Certification No. 5414 (Approved 10-11-21) NOT CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION
Wave 10.0 - IGBC Certification No. 5415 (Approved 10-11-21) NOT CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION
Carbon 6.6 - IGBC Certification No. 5427 (Approved 6-23-22)
Carbon 4.5 - IGBC Certification No. 235484 (Approved 10-25-23) 928-853-8070 www.grubcan.com

REI

Traverse Bear Can, Model 25200 – IGBC Certification No. 245491 (Approved June 27, 2024) www.rei.com

Ursack (Bear Saga, LLC)

Food Storage Bag – Model: Ursack Major (Previously the S29 AllWhite) – IGBC Certification No. 3738
Food Storage Bag – Model: AllMitey – IGBC Certification No. 5135 (Approved 4-24-17) 440-570-1503 www.ursack.co

 

Keep a Clean Camp

Cook away from your sleeping area. Dispose of cooking water in camper sinks in the Chisos Basin campground or well away from camp in the backcountry. Strain water to insure food scraps aren't dumped on the ground.

Break Down Your Tent When Not In Use

Wildlife can be curious or attracted by food smells and may explore your tent. Consider leaving backpacks open at night, too.

Pack Out All Trash, Including Food Scraps and Grease

Don't leave food or trash in the storage locker.