FSM 388: Coolers, Cars, and Bear Boxes: What Goes Where in Your Campground

Transcript [Music] Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute. In Washington State, we live in bear country. During the day, REI co-op recommends stashing all food in a closed cooler or hard sided vehicle—even for quick bathroom breaks—and whenever you leave camp for a hike. At night, place food and your cooler in a campground bear box when available. Some parks allow storing food in a car; in others it’s prohibited because bears have learned to break into vehicles. Always follow local rules. Never leave a cooler out; raccoons and bears can open latches. “Bear resistant” coolers work only when properly locked with padlocks. If no bear boxes exist, use a bear canister or hang a food bag high, well away from trunks and sleeping areas. From Washington State University Extension, I’m Susie Craig. [Music] Resources REI co-op Expert Advice. Food Storage and Handling for Campers and Backpackers. https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/food-handling-storage.html. Accessed online 3/1/26.