Watch Every Ounce

• Backpacking is an inherently strenuous activity that burns a lot of calories. The Mayo clinic estimates that a 200-lb. person burns an average of 637 calories per hour backpacking, the same amount as an hour of high-impact aerobics. Moreover, backpackers carry all of their food and equipment over many miles. When every calorie consumed and every ounce carried counts, it does not make sense to waste any food. In the worst-case scenario, a bear could get into a party’s food supply and leave them with nothing to eat during the hike back to civilization.
  
  

Bear Behavior

• State and national parks have strict rules against feeding bears. The National Park Service explains that feeding bears creates several problems. First, bears lose their instinctive fear of humans, turning them into beggars and scavengers. Beggar bears tend to live shorter lives. Many get killed by automobiles and poachers find them easier to kill. At their worst, such beggar bears can get aggressive and attack humans. They may even stray into populated areas, prompting wildlife officers to trap and relocate them.
  
  

Bear Encounters

• Unfortunately, even the most experienced and conscientious backpackers may encounter a beggar bear. The park service recommends slowly backing away while keeping eye contact with the animal. Do not run. The bear will likely do the same. If a bear follows a party, the park service suggests talking loudly, making a lot of noise and even throwing non-food items at the bear. If a bear attacks, the park service recommends giving up any food, but this should be a last resort. Report all such incidents to a park ranger.
  
  

Protecting Food Supplies

• Bears are largely nocturnal animals, so backpackers need to be particularly careful about protecting their food at night. In most environments, a lightweight bear bag is sufficient for discouraging bears from raiding a food supply. Backpacking parties can place all of their food in a bag and hang it from a tree branch at least 15 feet off the ground. "Backpacker Magazine" suggests that a tent bag works fine, though outdoor supply shops offer them in other materials like Kevlar. Some areas like Yosemite National Park and the Adirondack Mountains have a large number of habitual beggar bears and backpackers may want to consider slightly heavier hard-shell food containers.
  
  

Carry In, Carry Out

• Backpackers should carry out all uneaten food and food waste rather than dumping it in the woods. Discarded food will attract bears, mice, insects and other scavengers. Use a separate trash bag for things like food wrappers, peanut shells and banana peels. Wash any dishes outside of the camping area with a little biodegradable soap at least 200 feet from water sources and scatter used water.