Are scented trash compactor bags a problem?

[kattt]

I know to use unscented products to avoid attracting bears looking for food, but what about using trash compactor bags as bag liners? I like that they are so sturdy, but they do have a noticeable scent. Is it a problem, and should I go with flimsier but unscented trash bags? Or are bears not attracted to fake overly perfumed scents? Thanks!

[Wise Old Owl]

Interesting topic - I think only the folk hiking behind you will enjoy it.

[Red Hat]

my trash compactor bag doesn't have a scent... of course it is at least 5 years old and not a single hole yet...

[Snowleopard]

When I bought trash compactor bags to try out, they were so strongly scented that it triggered my asthma. I couldn't even have them in the house.

My guess is that the scented bags will either repel bears (and definitely repels snowleopards) or will attract every bear within 20 miles.

There are plastic bags that don't transmit odors. They are apparently used to store household goods when your house is fumigated for insects. BPL had a group buy last year. Any thoughts on these WOO?

[Wise Old Owl]

Honest I use odor neutralizer at work and on the trail. The whole point is to see more wildlife... I know it works when Coyote's run into me on the AT and Hawk Mountain unaware of my presence.

[DeerPath]

my trash compactor bag doesn't have a scent... of course it is at least 5 years old and not a single hole yet...

Ditto...
My compactor bag is Glad 18 gallon.

[Cosmo]

The stink of the bag will be on all of your gear. Your sense of smell is heightened after you are out for a while--remember what it's like when you meet a day hiker when you've been out for a couple of days?

Anyway, you really can't cover up hiker funk with another scent. Do everyone a favor and get the unscented compactor bags.

Cosmo

[rocketsocks]

I know to use unscented products to avoid attracting bears looking for food, but what about using trash compactor bags as bag liners? I like that they are so sturdy, but they do have a noticeable scent. Is it a problem, and should I go with flimsier but unscented trash bags? Or are bears not attracted to fake overly perfumed scents? Thanks!

Kinda wondering the same thing, but different. I've be saving large dog food bags with a zipper in hopes I'd use these, but the dog food smell and residue I think would attract every mouse in the county....so I'll bite the bullet and buy something else.

[Wise Old Owl]

The stink of the bag will be on all of your gear. Your sense of smell is heightened after you are out for a while--remember what it's like when you meet a day hiker when you've been out for a couple of days?

Anyway, you really can't cover up hiker funk with another scent. Do everyone a favor and get the unscented compactor bags.

Cosmo

Not to argue but if you wash in this Hunters Scent a way.. all smell is neutralized.
2804-DEFAULT-l.jpg

[rocketsocks]

Didn't think of that Woo, there may be hope for my recycled dog food bags after all.....Honey wait, don't throw those out yet! I still got plans for them!

[atraildreamer]

Why spend a lot of money on fancy trash bags? You are just going to throw them away, anyhow!

[Nooga]

Why spend a lot of money on fancy trash bags? You are just going to throw them away, anyhow!

I looked at Walmart today and the only compactor bags that I could find were the scented variety. I'll have to keep looking.

[thebrewguy]

The bags I got are scented. I thought it would be good for covering general funk smell after a few days of being out. So far I haven't had any animal problems. I'm about to hike through GSMNP with one, so ill let you know if I get any visitors

[Nooga]

If you are interested in the unscented variety, I found them at Ace Hardware. Box of 5.

[jbwood5]

If you are interested in the unscented variety, I found them at Ace Hardware. Box of 5.

I've also purchased unscented bags at Sears, although it was a few years ago.

[wornoutboots]

Some people like scented because it keeps everything inside your pack smelling fresh, damp sleep system, damp gloves, hat extra clothes, camp clothes. Do what you wish. Doubt the animals will care

[k2basecamp]

What really scares bears more than anything else are those urinal cakes. Put one of those in the bottom of your pack and you will never have to worry about a bear again either on the trail or in camp!! I know some guys who carry two sometimes three but 1 has been proven fully effective.

[Swordpen]

I heard if you carry a few scented dryer sheets, it repels mosquitos. Actually, I've been doing this for 5 years or so, have even slept with 1 near my face in my sleeping bag, & I think it helps a bit.

[Chair-man]

I know to use unscented products to avoid attracting bears looking for food, but what about using trash compactor bags as bag liners? I like that they are so sturdy, but they do have a noticeable scent. Is it a problem, and should I go with flimsier but unscented trash bags? Or are bears not attracted to fake overly perfumed scents? Thanks!

Actually, if you just hang the bags up for a few days they loose their scent. Kinda like deodorant.

[brian039]

I've always used the scented bags because that is all I can ever find. Never had a problem with animals. The bags lose their scent after a while.