Odor-proof bags are perfect for when you go camping or backpacking, as odor is the #1 thing that draws in wild animals. And today, I am here to share the best odor-proof bags to stay fresh on the trail.
Wild animals have a sense of smell that puts humans to shame. When you’re deep in the backcountry, odor is the #1 thing that draws in bears, rodents, and chipmunks to your campsite. If they smell it, they will come for it. Using the right odor-proof bags is the most effective way to stay fresh on the trail and keep your sleep undisturbed.
Check out the best options below – with the note that I’m going more in-depth with each model afterward.
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| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| OPSAK | Best Odor Proof Plastic Bags 2 bags per package 28″ x 20″ per bag Double zipper design for ideal odor free use Click to check price |
| BOS Disposable Bags | Best Budget Option Single use large bags 13.8″x19.7″ 60 bags in a box No zipper, you need to tie a knot to close them Check price at Amazon |
| Smelly Proof | Best Small Odor Proof Bags Size 4″x3″ to 8.5″x10″ 10 bags per pack Single zipper, not transparent Check price at Amazon |
| XXXL Smell Proof Duffle Bag | Best Large Smell Proof Bag Massive-size duffle bag 40″ x 20” x 20″ Dual-layered zippered compartments Waterproof Check price at Amazon |
| True Liberty Bags | Best Pro Liner Heavy-duty Nylon film 10-pack Modern, multi use Check price at Amazon |
Before we look at the bags, we need to talk about safety. I see many hikers make the mistake of thinking an odor-proof bag is a “bear-proof” bag. It isn’t. An odor-proof bag is designed to stop the scent from traveling. It does not have the structural integrity to stop a bear’s teeth or claws if they do happen to find your stash.
Today, many National Parks require a hard-sided bear canister or an Ursack. Think of these bags as a layer of protection. You should use them as liners inside your bear-resistant container. This “double-bagging” method is the gold standard for stealth camping because it prevents the smell from leaking out and attracting animals to your gear in the first place.
With these in mind, let’s get more in-depth now and see what options are available for you.
OPSAK Bags – Editor’s Choice
Dimensions: 28 x 20 inches (smaller options available).
Impressions: These two large bags (or smaller ones if you buy a different size) are perfect for backpacking and offer a variety of uses.
They are odor proof (tested with dirty diaper inside and no smell whatsoever!) but also waterproof, humidity proof and leak proof.
In other words, nothing gets in or out of that bag after properly sealing it – not even the slightest smell.
Each is basically a large, transparent plastic bag with a double seal that increases efficiency and durability.
We still found them to start “leaking” smells after several uses but despite these, they are our favorite products on the market so far. They last a lot longer than most similar products and with proper care, they can last even longer.
But even so, you’re getting two bags in a package and you’re getting a great deal. Depending on how often you go backpacking, these could easily last a season (or more). Strongly recommended as the top odor-proof bags for backpacking!
BOS Disposable Bags – Best Budget
Dimensions: 13.8 x 19.7 (smaller sizes available)
Impressions: A pack contains 60 bags and they are dirt cheap! However, you can only use a bag once, so you’ll appreciate the higher capacity of the pack.
These odor-free plastic bags are actually created as disposable bags for diapers, pet waste or similar stuff, but in reality there is nothing preventing you to use them for when you go backpacking!
I recommend doing so, because if there’s a bag capable of keeping a diaper’s smell away, it can definitely work well on the trail!
Their biggest con is the fact that they don’t have a zipper of sorts for easy sealing, but instead, you have to tie a knot. You also have to squeeze as hard as possible to make sure that no odor escapes through that area.
This means that once closed like this, it’s difficult (if not impossible) to untie the knot, so you will have to cut the bag if you need access to anything that’s inside.
But with a bit of planning, or at least for storing trash only, this shouldn’t be a problem since the actual bags do manage to keep all odors inside, like a BOS(s).
Smelly Proof Bags – Best Small Odor Proof Bags
Dimensions: 8.5″ x 10″ (smaller bags available).
Impressions: If you only need smaller odor-proof bags for storing smaller items such as sandwiches, spices or anything of reduced dimensions, these are ideal for you.
While we usually prefer the larger bags, there’s no point in going overboard if you don’t really need one.
Each pack contains 15 bags which are reusable and resealable, but also tear-resistant as well as puncture- and leak-proof. And even though they only have a singly heavy duty zipper, once sealed properly, it won’t allow any odor to pass.
BPA-free and made in USA, these small bags do get the job done and give you no reasons to be unhappy. Due to their reduced size will also last a bit longer than most since they’re not as prone to bending or improper storage. So unless you necessarily need larger bags, these will do a pretty good job at keeping the odors inside.
XXXL Smell Proof Duffle Bag – Best Large Odor-Proof Bag
Dimensions: 40″ x 20” x 20″
Impressions: Now we’re moving to the other extreme with a really large option – an actual duffle bag that’s odor proof and perfect for carrying large quantities of items whose odor you need to keep sealed.
The main body features the area that is smell-proof thanks to the dual layered zippered compartments that are reinforced with a carbon lining and protective mesh.
The zippers themselves feature a double seal (that’s also water resistant) to make sure that no smell escapes.
And despite the fact that you are actually getting a duffel bag which is really big and makes you doubt that it actually has any odor-blocking characteristics, it actually works just fine, surprisingly so I would say.
So for larger groups or simply larger quantities of food or items that you need to carry around and whose smell you want trapped inside, this one is ideal – although not cheap at all. But totally worth it!
And if you consider that this size is way too big for you, there are slightly smaller models available as well.
True Liberty All-Purpose Bags – The Pro’s Choice
Dimensions: 18 x 20 inches (various sizes available).
If you’ve heard of “Nylofume” bags in the ultralight community, these are the closest high-quality alternative you can get on Amazon.
These bags are made of a clinical-grade Nylon polymer film. Unlike standard plastic, this material is a true gas barrier.
I recommend these for anyone using a bear canister. They are incredibly light and act as the perfect liner. Because they are designed for high-heat cooking, they are puncture-resistant and 100% food-safe (BPA-free).
They don’t have a zipper, so you’ll want to use a “goose-neck” fold and a rubber band or clip to seal them. They are more durable than OPSAKs when it comes to long-term “scent-blocking” because the material itself is less permeable.
How to Use These Bags (So They Work Well)
Even the best bag will fail if you don’t follow these three rules:
- The Cross-Contamination Rule: This is where most hikers fail. If you eat beef jerky and then touch the outside of your odor-proof bag, the bag is now a bear magnet. The scent is on the exterior. Always wash your hands or use a clean utensil before handling your storage bags.
- The “Gooseneck” Seal: For bags without zippers (like the True Liberty or BOS bags), use the gooseneck method. Twist the top of the bag tightly, fold the twisted end over itself (like a candy cane), and secure it with a rubber band or clip. This creates a much more effective gas barrier than a simple knot.
- The Spices Trap: Spices like garlic and curry are “offenders” – their scent is so strong it can seep through almost anything over a long trip. Double-bag your spices in a small Smelly Proof bag before putting them into your main OPSAK or True Liberty liner.
How to choose odor proof bags for backpacking
The common shortfalls of odor-free bags tend not only to be their odor-stopping abilities, but also their tendency to burst at the seams, and their closing mechanisms to break.
This is unfortunately something that happens relatively often and especially if we try yo squeeze inside the bag too many items or things that are just too large.
Related reading: Protect your head and face with one of my recommended Boonie hats!
Here are some things to consider when deciding which of the recommended odor-blocking bags above you should get.
Odor
A great feature to look for when choosing an odor-free bag is something made out of durable material, such as nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which will safely seal in the air and moisture contained in the bag, without transferring any dangerous chemicals into its contents, ensuring that the bad can be used for food storage too.
All my recommendations above tick this box!
Products that are marketed as odor proof but are made from polyethylene (PE) will be mostly ineffective, as they do not prohibit air and moisture from escaping, which will not prohibit odors from escaping either.
Insulation
Good quality bags will also be water and moisture proof, air-transference proof and also completely sealable.
These traits are what will make a bag hold its odor inside. If air or water molecules are able to pass through an item, they will carry the odor with them – it’s that simple!
Durability
They should be reusable, durable, and puncture resistant.
Reusable products will ensure that you only need to purchase them once, and after each use they can be cleaned and should hold no odor relating to the contents previously held inside.
A puncture will allow for air and moisture to travel, which will mean odors are also able to travel, ensuring that your odor proof bags are durable will help to prevent punctures and tears.
If you choose one-time use bags, make sure that you get some that are cheaper than the reusable ones (but just as good).
Lining
There is a great variety of different odor-proof bags available, some of them even come in backpack models that are lined with aluminum.
Aluminum is effective in controlling the movement of air and moisture, and these are carriers of odor. If a sealant is able to prevent air and moisture from moving, it will prevent odors from traveling.
Variety
Different shapes and types of bags or canisters and boxes will suit various uses. Some bags are similar to Ziploc freezer bags, and can be disposed of fairly easily.
Some bags are more like toiletry bags or duffel bags, with zips, and can be washed and reused for years to come.
FDA approved
Bags made using plastic, should be made using medical grade material that is FDA approved. Often times these bags are great for storing food.
To avoid a toxic or harmful substance from being shed onto the food, the FDA can examine and approve of the materials used in manufacturing the odor proof bag. You also want them to be BPA free.
Also read: How to avoid wild animal attacks.
Are Ziploc bags odor proof?
Ziploc bags are not odor proof, even though they do seal up really well. However, the material they are made of is not created specifically for blocking odors from exiting the bag and you can easily test this by putting something with a strong smell (like gorgonzola) inside and smelling the bag after sealing.
However, don’t mistake Ziploc bags with odor proof bags that have a similar locking mechanism. The latter are built with a different material and specifically for blocking odors, so they will work.
Conclusion
All of these products promise a similar outcome: the ability to store items without their odor escaping the bag.
Some of the bags are cheaper and lighter, which makes them great to use a few times and then replace, while others are very pricey, but should last you at least a few years.
Even if all of your food items are safely stored and sealed in an odor proof bag, it is still highly recommended to keep this bag out of the reach of bears at night.
Want to keep reading about the great outdoors? I recommend continuing with my article sharing the Best Bowie Knives to have on you.
Which bags will you try, if you have never used one of these odor-free backpacking bags? And if you have tried one or two, which bags have you found to be most effective at keeping odors locked away? Let us know by sharing your comments below.
Daniel is a gear freak when it comes to hiking, climbing and camping. He went to REI Outdoor School to meet new people and learn best practices. Don’t even try to argue with him about the latest backpack or ice axe, he tried most of them. Daniel’s dream is to climb Mount Everest.