Barco Products, a leading manufacturer of outdoor site furnishings and recreational amenities, has announced the expansion of its wildlife-resistant product portfolio with the introduction of new Bear-Proof Food Storage Containers and Personalized Bear-Proof Food Storage Containers. The latest additions are designed to help campgrounds, RV parks, national parks, resorts, and other outdoor recreation destinations improve visitor safety while supporting wildlife conservation efforts.
As outdoor tourism continues to grow across North America, the need for effective food storage solutions has become increasingly important. Improperly stored food and scented items can attract bears and other wildlife into campsites and recreational areas, creating potentially dangerous situations for both visitors and animals. Barco Products’ newest storage containers are intended to address these challenges by providing secure, durable, and user-friendly storage systems that prevent wildlife access to food and supplies.
The newly launched containers have earned certification from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), a widely recognized organization that evaluates and certifies products capable of resisting bear intrusion. This certification demonstrates that the containers have successfully undergone rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand attempts by bears to gain access to stored contents. The containers are specifically engineered to endure repeated clawing, chewing, pushing, and tampering from bears, helping campground operators reduce wildlife-related incidents and maintain safer outdoor environments.
Barco’s latest offering includes both standard and customizable models, allowing recreation destinations to choose solutions that best meet their operational and branding needs. While the standard containers focus on security and durability, the personalized versions provide an opportunity for parks and hospitality operators to incorporate unique visual elements into their facilities. These custom options can include laser-cut logos, campground names, destination branding, safety messages, or decorative artwork, enabling organizations to create a more cohesive and visually appealing outdoor environment.
The introduction of customizable bear-proof storage solutions reflects a growing trend among campground operators and outdoor hospitality providers seeking products that combine functionality with aesthetic value. In addition to protecting food and supplies, the personalized containers can enhance a property’s identity and reinforce branding efforts throughout campgrounds and recreation sites.
Designed specifically for outdoor hospitality settings, the containers are suitable for a wide range of applications. They can be installed at campgrounds, RV resorts, national and state parks, hiking trailheads, picnic areas, wilderness recreation sites, and other locations where food storage is critical for minimizing wildlife encounters. By providing visitors with secure storage options, facility managers can help reduce the likelihood of animals associating humans with food sources, an important factor in long-term wildlife management and conservation.
The containers are available in two storage capacities—24 cubic feet and 30 cubic feet—offering flexibility for different site requirements. These spacious designs provide ample room for storing multiple coolers, food containers, cooking supplies, camping gear, and other scented items that could attract wildlife. Despite their large storage capacities, the containers are designed to remain easy to access and operate for campers and visitors.
Durability was a primary focus during the development of the new product line. Manufactured in the United States, the containers are constructed from 12-gauge steel that contains approximately 70% recycled material, reflecting Barco Products’ commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. The steel components are precision laser-cut to ensure consistent quality and structural integrity.
To further enhance longevity, each container is finished with a dual-layer protective coating system designed to withstand the harsh conditions often encountered in outdoor environments. The coating helps protect against corrosion, fading, chalking, and other forms of weather-related deterioration caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations. This rugged construction allows the containers to maintain their appearance and performance over many years of use.
Additional design features contribute to both durability and accessibility. Heavy-duty stainless-steel hinges provide reliable operation and resistance to rust, while ADA-compliant design considerations help ensure accessibility for a broad range of users. Surface-mount installation capabilities allow facility managers to securely position the containers in strategic locations throughout parks and recreation areas.
The animal-resistant design incorporates several specialized security features intended to prevent wildlife intrusion. Reinforced access points, tamper-resistant hardware, heavy-gauge steel construction, and secure latching mechanisms work together to create a formidable barrier against bears and other animals. These protective elements make it significantly more difficult for wildlife to pry open, chew through, or otherwise compromise the container.
While bears are the primary focus of the design, the containers also provide protection against numerous other nuisance species commonly encountered in outdoor recreation settings. Raccoons, rodents, coyotes, foxes, ravens, insects, and other wildlife can often gain access to improperly stored food, leading to sanitation concerns, property damage, and negative visitor experiences. By limiting access to food sources, the containers help support cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable campground environments.
According to Haihan Zhao, Product Development Manager for Barco Products, the company developed the new containers in response to increasing demand for solutions that support both guest safety and wildlife protection.
“Campgrounds and outdoor recreation destinations are increasingly prioritizing solutions that improve both guest safety and wildlife protection,” Zhao said. “These bear-proof food storage containers deliver the rugged durability operators need while offering customization options that enhance the overall appearance and branding of a property.”
The launch also represents part of Barco Products’ broader strategy to expand its portfolio of wildlife-resistant outdoor amenities. In recent years, the company has introduced additional bear-resistant products, including waste receptacles and other park furnishings designed to help public lands managers and hospitality operators mitigate wildlife interactions. Together, these products create a more comprehensive approach to managing food attractants and maintaining responsible outdoor recreation environments.
As wildlife management remains a growing priority across parks and recreation destinations, demand for certified bear-resistant infrastructure is expected to increase. Products that help reduce human-wildlife conflicts can play a crucial role in protecting visitors, preserving natural ecosystems, and reducing the need for wildlife intervention measures.
The new Bear-Proof Food Storage Containers and Personalized Bear-Proof Food Storage Containers are available in four nature-inspired colors—black, tan, brown, and green—allowing operators to select finishes that blend seamlessly with surrounding landscapes and facility aesthetics. To simplify deployment, the units ship fully assembled, reducing installation time and enabling recreation destinations to quickly implement enhanced food storage solutions.
With their combination of IGBC-certified protection, durable construction, customizable design options, and environmentally conscious manufacturing, Barco Products’ latest storage containers offer campground operators and outdoor recreation managers a practical solution for improving safety, protecting wildlife, and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
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