When you finally get to make a trip out to the lake to fish and unwind for a weekend, the last thing you want is for your food to spoil. Well, maybe the last thing you want on a camping trip is to get eaten by a bear, but having a bear eat your food is certainly a close second place.

More than 38 million Americans enjoy hunting and fishing, and all of them need a reliable cooler to bring along. Here are three things to consider when making sure your cooler is ready for the wear and tear of Mother Nature:

Heavy-duty: Industry standards require a product to survive 60 minutes at the mercy of a bear to be considered “bear-proof”. It’s safe to say that most common brands of coolers fail this test, whether it be a bait cooler, a hunting cooler, or just a backpack cooler to keep your food fresh. A major part of being bear-proof is being made out of durable material that can withstand all obstacles, whether it be a bear or just a case of inclement weather.

Portability: You don’t want to be lugging around a giant cooler with a performance level that isn’t worth its weight. Making sure your cooler is both top-end and easy to transport is crucial in getting the most out of your camping trip. Backpack coolers are extremely portable, often made of softer materials and including straps to make carrying snacks on a hike easier than ever.

Reliability: People who dismiss cooler quality are often unaware of exactly how important it is when they’re in a campground setting. Besides the natural dangers of bears and other predators getting a whiff of your food stash, there are legal reasons to make sure your cooler is up to par. Improper food storage can result in a number of problems for you, including impoundment of your car, a $5,000 fine, and revocation of your camping permit.

If you’re going to fish or camp this summer, make sure the cooler you bring along is the right one for the job. It’s important for a number of reasons, and fending off bears should be at the top of your list for doing so.