Answers to Our Frequently Asked Questions

Simple Outdoor Solutions

Our Store

Q. Who owns the SimpleOutdoorStore?
- A.
- The SimpleOutdoorStore is owned by Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC.
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Q. Does Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC offer discounts?
- A.
- We do offer discounts, Contact Us for more information.
  
  Some of the groups we discount:
  - Individuals belonging to a fee-based Hiking Club
  - Individuals that are currently active Military, Police, Fire Department, and Search and Rescue
  - Any of the above individuals or groups may order multiple products for larger discounts
  - Wholesale pricing is available
  - Tour Companies and Outfitters may be entitled to a discount
  - Ask us about our Pro Deals
  - Please Contact Us for complete details
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Q. How do I use a Coupon Code for a discount?
- A.
- Enter the Coupon Code during the checkout process. That is, while you are in Google Checkout, there is a box where you can enter the Coupon Code, then "apply". You should immediately see the discount applied. Contact Us with any questions.
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Q. How do you become a Gear Tester for Simple Outdoor Solutions?
- A.
- We periodically need qualified Gear Testers. Be sure to Contact Us indicating your interest to be included in on future gear tests
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Q. How do I contact the SimpleOutdoorStore?
- A.
- Our Contact Us page has all of our contact information
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Our Policies

Q. What is the Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC Disclaimer of Liability?
- A.
- Simple Outdoor Solutions Disclaimer of Liability can be found Here
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Q. What is the Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC Domestic Shipping and Processing Policy?
- A.
- The Simple Outdoor Solutions Domestic Shipping and Processing Policy can be found Here
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Q. What is the Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC International Shipping and Processing Policy?
- A.
- The Simple Outdoor Solutions International Shipping and Processing Policy can be found Here
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Q. What is the Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC Shipping and Processing Policy for BackOrder Items?
- A.
- The Simple Outdoor Solutions Shipping and Processing Policy for BackOrder Items can be found Here
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Q. What is the Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC Warranty, Refund, Return, or Cancellation Policy?
- A.
- The Simple Outdoor Solutions Return/Refund/Cancellation/Warranty Policy can be found Here
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Q. What is the Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC Privacy Policy?
- A.
- The Simple Outdoor Solutions Privacy Policy can be found Here
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Q. What are the SimpleOutdoorStore Terms Of Use?
- A.
- The Simple Outdoor Solutions Terms of Use can be found Here
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Our Company

Q. Who is Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC?
- A.
- Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC is a family owned business, operating in Flagstaff, Arizona. Our mission is to provide consistent customer service, to make high quality, affordable gear, and to get it to the customer in a timely manner.
  For more information on us, check out our Blog
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Q. Can I/my group get a discount?
- A.
- We do offer discounts, Contact Us for more information.
  
  Some of the groups we discount:
  - Individuals belonging to a fee-based Hiking Club
  - Individuals that are currently active Military, Police, Fire Department, and Search and Rescue
  - Any of the above individuals or groups may order multiple products for larger discounts
  - Wholesale pricing is available
  - Tour Companies and Outfitters may be entitled to a discount
  - Ask us about our Pro Deals
  - Please Contact Us for complete details
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Q. How do I contact Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC?
- A.
- Our Contact Us page has all of our contact information
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Q. What are the Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC Legal Policies?
- A.
- Our Legal page has all of our Legal Policies
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Products

Outsak®

Q. Where can I buy one?
- A.
- Our Purchase page has information about our online and in-store retailers
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Q. Who makes it?
- A.
- All Outsak® Animal Resistant Storage Bags are made by Simple Outdoor Solutions
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Q. What is the purpose?
- A.
- The Outsak® bags are designed to work as a protective outer shell for food and other scented items.
  
  Common Uses For Outsak® Bags:
  - Backpacking - Food Storage Bag
  - Camping - Food or Trash Sack
  - Bicycle Touring - Storage Sack
  - River Trips - Drag Bag or Storage Sack
  - Scuba Diving, Snorkling, and Beach Combing - Storage Container
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Q. Does the Outsak® Bag have any other names?
- A.
- Consumers have referred to Outsak® Animal Resistant Storage Bags as many other names.
  
  Here are a few:
  - Grand Canyon Bags or Sacks
  - Rodent Proof Bags or Sacks
  - Grand Canyon Food Storage Bag or Sacks
  - Rat Bags
  - Interlocking Wire Mesh Bags or Sacks
  - Stainless Steel Mesh Bags or Sacks
  - Rodent Proof Food Sack or Bag
  - Backpacking Food Storage Bag or Sack
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Q. What animals can it protect against?
- A.
- Outsak® Animal Resistant Storage Bags have proven very effective against:
  - Rats, mice, and other rodents
  - Raccoons
  - Ringtails
  - Skunks
  - Squirrels
  - Chipmunks
  - Coatis
  - Many other small animals

Check Out These Animals Unable to Penetrate the Outsak®

Two Raccoons Unable to Penetrate the Outsak

Two Woodland Creatures Unable to Penetrate the Outsak

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Q. What is the difference between the Outsak® UL, 2010 Outsak®, and Original Outsak® bags?

See Which Bag to Choose for an Informative Comparison of the Outsak® Bags

Which Outsak?	Characteristics/Differences
Outsak UL	Lightest of All the Outsak® Bags Narrow Closure Helps Reduce Weight Find Out What Field Testers Said
2010 Outsak	Strongest of All the Outsak® Bags Improved Stainless Steel Mesh is Made With the Thickest, Most Flexible Wire Available Includes One FREE OPSAK Polyester Webbing has an UV Inhibitor Closure is Guaranteed Not to Mold, Mildew, or Rot.
Original Outsak	The Original Outsak® Bags Tried and Tested Nylon Webbing Closure The Original Outsak is lighter than the 2010 Outsak More Than 1000 of These in Circulation

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Q. Is it rodent proof?
- A.
- Outsak® bags are extremely effective against rodents. So far, Outsak® Animal Resistant Storage Bags have had a 100% success rate against: rats, mice, other rodents, raccoons, ringtails, chipmunks, squirrels, deer, coatis, and skunks. That's Right!
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Q. Is it bear proof?
- A.
- Outsak® bags must be hung properly to be effective against bears. Outsak® Animal Resistant Storage Bags are NOT bear-proof. After all, some bears can peel open cars, if they are motivated enough.
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Q. Is it raven proof?
- A.
- Outsak® bags must be kept out of sight to be effective against ravens. Outsak® Animal Resistant Storage Bags are NOT raven-proof. Some ravens are especially good at raiding backpacks and other storage devices.
  
  We have a number of effective techniques to use when you are in raven country:
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Q. What sizes (and capacities) are available?

See Which Bag to Choose for an Informative Comparison of the Outsak® Bags

Which Outsak® Bag	Sizes	Dimensions	Capacity
Outsak® UL	UL UL_micro	10.5 x 20 inches 10.5 x 14 inches	630+ cubic inches 425+ cubic inches
2010 Outsak®	Small Medium Large	18 x 14 inches 18 x 18 inches 18 x 22 inches	1200+ cubic inches 1600+ cubic inches 2000+ cubic inches
Original Outsak®	Small Medium Large	18 x 14 inches 18 x 19 inches 18 x 24 inches	1100+ cubic inches 1600+ cubic inches 2100+ cubic inches

Custom Sizes or Weights Available. Contact Us

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Q. How do you determine the capacity or volume of your Outsak® bags?
- A.
- We use the following formula, for the volume of a cylinder: Pi x radius² x height.
  
  I will use the Small 2010 Outsak® as an example. The width of the bag is 18 inches, which gives us a circumference of 36 inches. I go to the following website to get the radius. The radius for a small 2010 Outsak® is 5.7 inches. Radius² or
  5.7 x 5.7=32.49 The height of the bag is 14 inches minus the 2 inch hook and loop closure. That gives us a height of 12 inches. Pi is 3.142. The equation reads
  3.142 x 32.49 x 12=1225 Cubic Inches.
  
  We list the Small 2010 Outsak® at 1200+ cubic inches.
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Q. How many meals can an Outsak® bag hold?

See Which Bag to Choose for an Informative Comparison of the Outsak® Bags

Which Outsak® Bag	Average Number of Meals*	Outsak® Will Last One Person, at 3 Meals a Day Plus a Snack, on average*
Outsak® UL	12 to 15 meals, plus snacks	4 to 5+ days
Outsak® UL_micro	6 to 9 meals, plus snacks	2 to 3+ days
2010 Outsak® Small	24 meals, plus snacks	8+ days
2010 Outsak® Medium	30 meals, plus snacks	10+ days
2010 Outsak® Large	39 meals, plus snacks	13+ days

* Variations in human consumption make it difficult to generalize quantities. Please take into consideration, these are very loose guidelines. Our formula for 1 meal for 1 individual is 125 cubic inches (Ultra Light Portions) to 150 cubic inches (Traditional Portions)

Q. How much does it weigh?

Which Outsak® Bag	Sizes	Weight*
Outsak® UL	UL UL_micro	4.1 ounces 3.2 ounces
2010 Outsak®	Small Medium Large	9.5 ounces 11 ounces 12.5 ounces
Original Outsak®	Small Medium Large	8 ounces 9.5 ounces 10.5 ounces

*Weights are ± 0.10 ounces due to variations in the interlocking stainless steel wire mesh

Custom Sizes or Weights Available. Contact Us
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Q. What is the cost for an Outsak® bag?

Which Outsak® Bag	Sizes	Price
Outsak® UL	UL Ul_micro	MSRP $35.99 MSRP $32.99
2010 Outsak®	Small Medium Large	MSRP $35.99 MSRP $40.99 MSRP $45.99
Original Outsak®	Small Medium Large	MSRP $32.99 MSRP $39.99 MSRP $44.99

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Q. Do you have to hang it?
- A.
- Your decision whether or not to hang your Outsak® Animal Resistant Storage Bag, should be based on which animals you might encounter.
  - We suggest hanging your Outsak® bag in bear country
  - In raven country, we have a few techniques that have proven effective. Raven Prevention ideas can be found here:
  - In areas where rodents are the problem, you can hang or leave your Outsak® bag on the ground.
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Q. Should you stake your Outsak bag to the ground?
- A.
- We do NOT recommend staking your Outsak® bag down to the ground. By staking it, you are allowing the animal greater leverage, increasing the chance for a breach
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Q. Is it necessary to use an odor proof bag?
- A.
- An odor proof bag, such as the OPSAK^TM, will greatly reduce the chance of animals detecting your food or scented items. In areas where animals vigorously raid, we highly recommend using an odor proof bag. Your Outsak® bag will act as a protective shell regardless if you use an odor proof bag or not.
  Some alternatives to using the odor-proof bag (may not be quite as efficient):
  - Nylon Stuff Sack - Contains Crumbs, but Breathable and Not Odor Proof
  - Plastic Container - Works Well, but Weighs More
  - Plastic Zipping Bag - Contains Crumbs, but Not Odor-Proof
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Q. What if I need to cache food or gear for extended periods?
- A.
- Some Effective Suggestions:
  - In bear country, for best results place your food and scented items in an odor-proof bag(s), such as the OPSAK^TM. Then, place your filled odor-proof bags inside the Outsak® Animal Resistant Storage Bag. Hang the Outsak® bag by the loop, using a proper bear hang technique.
  - In areas with no bears, we have found that concealing the Outsak® Animal Resistant Storage Bag, works very well. Check out our Raven Prevention techniques for more ideas:
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Q. Should I store my Outsak® bag in my tent?
- A.
- For safety, NEVER store your Outsak® Animal Resistant Storage Bag or any other scented items in your tent or near where you sleep. Animals attempting to get into your food and/or scented items MAY put you in danger. Store food and scented items away from where you sleep.
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OPSAK

Q. Where can I buy one?
- A.
- To purchase an OPSAK^TM by Loksak Order Now or find an Authorized Retailer
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Q. Who makes it?
- A.
- OPSAK^TM odor-proof bags are made by LOKSAK, Inc. The SimpleOutdoorStore is an Authorized Retailer
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Q. What is the purpose?
- A.
- OPSAK^TM bags are completely odor proof (also airtight and waterproof). They greatly decrease the possibility of animal detection of your food and scented items. We recommend using the OPSAK^TM in combination with the Outsak® Animal Resistant Storage Bag.
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Q. What sizes do you carry?
- A.
- The SimpleOutdoorStore carries three sizes:
  - 9 x 12 inches (sold in packs of 3)
  - 12.5 x 20 inches (sold in packs of 3)
  - 28 x 20 inches (sold in packs of 2)
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Q. How much does it weigh?
- A.
- Empty OPSAK^TM Bag Weight
  - 9 x 12 inches - .5 ounces
  - 12.5 x 20 inches - 1.5 ounces
  - 28 x 20 inches - 3.25 ounces
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Q. How much does it cost?
- A.
- - OPSAK^TM 9 x 12 inches (3 Pack) Price: $ 7.99
  - OPSAK^TM 12.5 x 20 inches (3 Pack) Price: $11.99
  - OPSAK^TM 28 x 20 inches (2 pack) Price: $13.99
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Q. Is it safe to use with food?
- A.
- OPSAK^TM bags are safe to use with food. The medical grade film is FDA approved.
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Q. Is it airtight and waterproof?
- A.
- OPSAK^TM bags are 100% airtight and waterproof
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Q. Is it really "odor proof"?
- A.
- OPSAK^TM bags are 100% odor proof
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Q. Can boiling water be poured in it?
- A.
- Yes, OPSAK^TM bags can have boiling water poured into it. This is especially useful for rehydrating dehyrated meals.
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Outdoor Resources

Outdoor Tips

Q. How do I keep my food and gear safe from animals?
- A.
- Check out our for some backcountry ideas.
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Q. How can I minimize my impact on the environment?
- A.
- Leave No Trace Seven Principles by the Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics
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Q. Who has the right-of-way on trail?
- A.
- Trail Courtesy by Cactus Huggers will give you some pointers.
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Q. Am I rude on trail?
- A.
- Trail Courtesy by Cactus Huggers will give you some pointers.
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Outdoor Links

Q. How do I plan a trip to the Grand Canyon National Park?
- A.
- The following are links we most often recommend:
  - Hit The Trail∼ Park Ranger Denise Traver's Amazing Site About Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon, and the Southwest
  - Backpack the Grand Canyon DVD ∼Breathtaking scenery plus information and tips about backpacking or day hiking in the Grand Canyon
  - Grand Canyon National Park Website
  - Backcountry Updates and Trail Closures
  - Backpacking Preparation Video
  - Webcam and Weather
  - Weather and Road Conditions
  - Surise/Sunset and Moon Phases
  - Grand Canyon Podcast
  - Phantom Ranch Canteen
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Q. Can you suggest some Non-Profit organizations to donate or give back to?
- A.
- We like to support the following organizations:
  - Leave No Trace ∼ Center For Outdoor Ethics
  - Grand Canyon Association
  - Grand Canyon Wildlands Council
  - Southern Arizona Rescue Association ∼ SARA
  - Search and Rescue ∼ Superstition
  - Search and Rescue ∼ Grand Canyon
  - Search and Rescue ∼ Coconino County
  - Grand Canyon Field Institute
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Q. Can you suggest some outdoor links?
- A.
- - Backpacker TV ∼ Backpacking and Outdoor Videos, Forum, and Contests
  - Summit Hut ∼ Outdoor Outfitter in Tucson, Arizona
  - Practical Backpacking ∼ Outdoor Podcasts and Forum
  - Backcountry Medical Training ∼ Wilderness First Responder Courses Through the Flagstaff Field Institute
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Q. Can you suggest some ultralight outdoor links?
- A.
- - Gear Talk ∼ Commentary on Backpacking Gear and DIY Projects
  - Pinnacle Lids ∼ Custom, Ultralight Lids for Titanium Pots
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Q. Can you suggest some Appalachian Trail links?
- A.
- - WhiteBlaze.net ∼ A Community of Appalachian Trail Enthusiasts
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Q. Are Outsak® Bags Also Known As Grand Canyon Bags or Sacks
- A.
- Customers have referred to our bags as "Grand Canyon Bags or Sacks" but We Call them Outsak® Bags!
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Q. Are Outsak® Bags Also Known As Rodent Proof Bags or Sacks
- A.
- Customers have referred to our bags as "Rodent Proof Bags or Sacks" but We Call them Outsak® Bags!
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Q. Are Outsak® Bags Also Known As Rat Bags
- A.
- Customers have referred to our bags as "Rat Bags" but We Call them Outsak® Bags!
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Q. Are Outsak® Bags Also Known As Interlocking Wire Mesh Bags or Sacks
- A.
- Customers have referred to our bags as "Interlocking Wire Mesh Bags or Sacks" but We Call them Outsak® Bags!
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Q. Are Outsak® Bags Also Known As Stainless Steel Mesh Bags or Sacks
- A.
- Customers have referred to our bags as "Stainless Steel Mesh Bags or Sacks" but We Call them Outsak® Bags!
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Q. Are Outsak® Bags Also Known As Rodent Proof Food Sack or Bag
- A.
- Customers have referred to our bags as "Rodent Proof Food Sack or Bag" but We Call them Outsak® Bags!
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Q. Are Outsak® Bags Also Known as Animal Resistant Food and Gear Storage Bags?

A.
Customers have referred to our bags as "Animal Resistant Food and Gear Storage Bags" and We Agree! Outsak® Bags are Animal Resistant and Great for Backpacking Food and Gear Storage!
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