Smellyproof Bags Review

Bottom Line

Smellyproof bags aren’t a primary food storage method but improve your setup when used with a canister, Ursack, or bear hang. Although they slightly reduce the packable space in a bear canister, their wide opening and zipper-seal make it easy to pack and contain odors.

We’ve relied on Smellyproof Bags as supplemental food security for years, including on thru-hikes of the Colorado Trail, Wonderland Trail, and Long Trail – all areas with high black bear populations. This added security has given us the peace of mind to sleep soundly in bear territory.

Smellyproof Bags are lightweight, affordable, and versatile, available in a wide range of sizes to meet any need. They are made with durable plastic featuring a zipper seal backed by a lifetime warranty.

These food storage accessories are not crushproof, gnawproof, or tear-resistant, so use them together with a hard-sided bear canister for the best results.  Read our guide to the best bear canisters for other options.

How We Tested

Smellyproof Bags have been a staple in our backpacking kit for thousands of miles, including thru-hikes of the Colorado Trail, Wonderland Trail, Long Trail, and many more. We can personally attest to how they hold up over time and deter critters both small and large.

Weight & Packability

Weighing about 1.4 ounces each for the extra-large, heavy-duty ones, Smellyproof Bags will still keep your pack weight in ultralight territory. Smellyproof makes other options that are smaller and made with thinner plastic – all lighter than 1.4 ounces. The largest size measures 16 inches by 12 inches.

On their own, the Smellyproof Bags are flexible and easy to pack (the heavy-duty ones are a bit less pliable), but you’ll need to account for the extra bulk they add to a bear canister. In some cases, the extra material can trim a day or two from your food supply. 

Smellyproof bags work best when used with another food storage method, such as an Ursack or a hangable food bag.

Ease of Use

If you’ve ever packed a lunch, using Smellyproof bags will be easy for you. The opening features the same familiar zipper seal found on common sandwich baggies, but it is noticeably more durable. The extra-large size opens up wide for easy access inside. We recommend handling the seal with care, as it can sometimes grip too tightly, causing the plastic layers to separate. Over the years, we’ve ripped our fair share from ripping open the bag with hunger-driven force. Thankfully, the zipper comes with a lifetime warranty.

Smellyproof bags aren’t just for food storage. They’re also useful for toiletries, sunscreen, or anything else with a scent.

For added convenience, Smellyproof makes a “stand and fill” version that… well, stands upright while you fill it.   

Security

Smellyproof Bags are NOT a substitute for certified bear canisters. Again, for those in the back – they are NOT a replacement for bear canisters. They do, however, provide additional security and peace of mind for your main food storage method. Whether that’s an Ursack, bear canister, or a bear hang, Smellyproof bags greatly lower the chances that a critter will find your food in the first place. Even if they do decide to try to get into your bear canister, they might reconsider whether it’s worth the effort. 

Smellyproof also makes their bags in an opaque black option to hide your food from plain sight.

Given the extra level of security they provide, incorporating a Smellyproof Bag into your food storage strategy is a no-brainer.

Permit CompatibiLity

In case we didn’t mention it yet, Smellyproof Bags are no substitute for bear canisters and should only be a secondary layer of defense. If you run into a backcountry ranger in Yosemite, don’t expect him to accept a Smellyproof Bag as your food storage method.

Smellyproof bags lack any certifications from testing agencies; they are not crushproof, knawproof, or tear-resistant. Smellyproof Bags keep critters from knowing there’s food around, not OUT of the food itself.

Capacity

Smellyproof Bags come in a wide range of sizes, from 3-milliliter micro bags to extra-large 2-gallon bags. We like using the 2-gallon bags for food and the smaller ones for other smelly items, like toiletries. 

We’ve found that the 2-gallon bags can hold about 3 to 4 days of food (or about 14 dehydrated meals) on average. The good thing about Smellyproof bags, though, is that they are so cheap and light that you can just pack as many as are needed for each trip.

One thing to note is that a Smellyproof bag will slightly reduce the capacity of a bear canister.

Should You Buy Smellyproof Bags?

Smellyproof Bags are a smart addition to any backcountry food storage setup, but they’re not a replacement for a certified bear canister. Lightweight, flexible, and available in a variety of sizes—including a 2-gallon extra-large option—they provide an extra layer of protection by reducing food odors and keeping curious critters from sniffing out your stash. They’re easy to use, with a familiar zipper-seal design, and the wide-mouth bags make packing and unpacking simple.

These bags work best when paired with another storage method, such as an Ursack, bear hang, or canister. While they slightly reduce packable space inside a canister, the tradeoff is worth the added peace of mind. Their versatility extends beyond food: toiletries, sunscreen, or other smelly items.

If you want a lightweight, inexpensive way to improve your backcountry food security, Smellyproof Bags are a no-brainer.

What Other Bear Canisters and Backpacking Food Storage Should You Consider?

Our full guide to food storage options has bear canisters to pair with Smellyproof bags.

Ursack Major Review: Combining a Smellyproof Bag with an Ursack is ideal for two reasons: the Ursack isn’t fully bearproof on its own, and its soft sides pair well with the flexibility of a plastic bag. 

Adotec Ultralight Bear Locker: This ultralight bear canister alternative is another soft-sided storage method. Like the Ursack, the Bear Locker benefits from the added security of Smellyproof Bags and easy packability.

BearVault BV500 Journey Review: Smellyproof Bags add an extra layer of security to clear bear canisters. They also fit better in tall containers like this one than in smaller ones like the BV450.