“Thanks,” said the bear.

If you’re ever camping or find yourself in a wilderness situation, it would be good to be familiar with at least one form of “caching” your provisions from animals with no conscience – we’re talking bears, raccoons, foxes, dogs, porcupines, squirrels, rats, snakes, etc.

You probably don’t want to hump all your supplies everywhere you go, so leave them where you can come back later when they’re needed. The simplest type of cache is called a “prospector’s cache”, and is nothing more than a long pole nailed or wedged high up between two trees, with the provision bag tied in the center with a couple of strings. Sort of like a hammock.

In case you’re wondering, the National Park Service recommends the goods be at least ten feet in the air and four feet from the nearest tree trunk to qualify as “secure” from bears. If you have an automobile, put the food in the trunk but don’t sleep in the car! And don’t keep the food inside a flimsy tent with you. A hungry bear is going to think you’re nothing but an appetizer in the way of the main course.

What should you include in your cache? Depends on whether you’re just going for a day walk or spending a few weeks. Some items to consider are blankets, cooking utensils, knives, ammunition, fuel for heaters or stoves, matches, dry clothing, compass, and the ever-popular – toilet paper!

The Holistic Survival Team

Flickr / BlackburnPhoto