Bear-Proof Bags & Food Sacks

Short answer: yes, some bear-proof bags are certified. Two Ursack models, the Ursack Major and the Ursack AllMitey, appear on the IGBC's current certified-products list, where the IGBC files them under "Food Storage Bag." That means each one passed a live-bear test, which is the only thing that separates a bear-proof bag from a bag that just says so on the label. Ursack is the only bag manufacturer we have verified on the lists.

Certified Bear-Proof Bags

Certification numbers and dates are copied from the IGBC list dated October 22, 2026. Both models are on the main confirmed list, not the unconfirmed one.

Only these two Ursack models appear on either IGBC list. Anything else Ursack sells would need separate verification before we would call it certified.

Bear-Proof Bags vs. Bear Canisters

A bag is soft-sided and a canister is a hard container, and the IGBC certifies them as separate products. Which one you are allowed to use depends on where you are going: land managers set their own food-storage rules, and some accept only specific products. Check with the park, forest, or wilderness office before you go. For hard-sided options, see our certified bear-proof canisters and bear-proof coolers.

What About Odor-Proof and Scent-Proof Bear Bags?

Odor-proof (or scent-proof, or smell-proof) bags are sold as liners that contain food smells. They are a different product from the certified Ursack bags above. We list only products with a certification number we can check, and we have not verified a certification for any odor-proof liner, so we do not list one as certified.

Quick Answers