Bear Resistant Canisters and Bear Vaults

No matter your experience level as a backpacker or hiker, it's essential to store your food in a bear canister. These containers are designed to prevent bears from smelling or obtaining food and other items used by campers and hikers and come in various brands, sizes, and styles.

According to your individual needs, you can select from a hard-sided bear canister, soft-sided food bag or even an Ursack--a bear resistant container which is not approved for use in all National Parks.

Brands

Bear canisters or bear vaults are sturdy food containers designed to prevent bears from sniffing or obtaining food and other items used by campers and hikers. Not only that, but these containers also keep your food secure from curious rodents or wild animals that might be opportunistic in their appetites.

They come in a wide range of shapes, styles and construction types, so it's essential to select one that meets your requirements. For instance, if you require large capacity, then hard-sided canisters like the BearVault BV500 might be your ideal pick.

For those seeking portability, however, a sack might be better suited. For instance, the Ursack bear bag offers up to 122 cubic inches of storage per ounce, as opposed to just 50 for hard-sided canisters like the BV500.

These make them the ideal option for those who plan to use their canisters primarily as storage for food and other items. Unfortunately, they're heavier than hard-sided canisters and may not be ideal for some hikers.

Some people opt to use bear bags or boxes instead of canisters when camping for more than a few days. But if you want to be 100% certain your food is secure, investing in a bear canister is the only way to go.

Before making your purchase, be aware that some bears have been known to break open bear canisters. This is especially true if the containers are made from polycarbonate; reports have even been made of bears breaking into these canisters in Yosemite National Park.

Sizes

A bear canister (also known as a bear vault) is an invaluable tool for backpackers who want to protect their food from wildlife. Whether you're traveling through bear country, wilderness areas, or simply needing to keep food and gear secure during an extended hike, having this type of container on hand is essential.

Bear canisters are made of durable plastic and come in various sizes. You'll want to select the appropriate one depending on how long you plan to be away and what food items you plan to bring along with.

For short trips or hikes lasting a few days, a small canister may be all you need - particularly if you opt for freeze-dried meals. On the other hand, if you are embarking on an extended adventure or taking your pup along for the journey, larger containers are generally preferable.

The BV500 is an ideal backpack for hikers who plan on covering long distances and bringing along plenty of fresh foods. It's lightweight, has a large capacity, and can be rented through Wild Ideas website.

Another option is the LIGHTER1 Lil' Sami, which features a lid that doubles as a cooking pan. This model is more affordable than the Bear Vault 500 and lighter too.

As a general guideline, 100 cubic inches of canister space should be enough to store one day's worth of food and toiletries. If you're heavier or plan on packing more than several days worth of groceries, more compact containers may be beneficial.

BearVault has added two new bear canister models to their product line - the BV425 Sprint and BV475 Trek. These smaller versions of their original BV500 and BV450 models allow them to fit into a wider variety of backpacks, while meeting Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee bear resistant products testing standards.

Styles

A bear canister (also referred to as a bear vault) is an indispensable tool to safeguard your food from raccoons, squirrels and other wild animals that might try to snack on it. When hiking through national parks like Yosemite or Glacier Bay or on trails like the Pacific Crest Trail, chances are good that you'll need one at some point.

Bear canisters come in a range of designs and features. Some are lightweight and flexible, while others are heavy and hard-sided. Some even use transparent polycarbonate material which allows you to see inside more easily.

Ideally, a suitable bear canister should be able to store enough food for three days or more and be lightweight without compressing too much. When backpacking in remote areas, weight-to-volume ratio is an important consideration; pick one that weighs at least two to three pounds less than your total pack weight.

The ideal canisters are constructed with durable, long-lasting material to withstand breakage and corrosion. Some even feature threading, allowing them to be opened using a pinch-and-unscrew style without needing a tool.

Bear canisters and bear vaults can be effective at keeping food secure, but they aren't completely smell proof. To store them away from your campsite, move them at least 200 feet. Additionally, if you're camping in grizzly country, bring along some odor barrier bags to keep your meals fresh and free from unpleasant odors.

Although some bears have broken into bear canisters, most cases are due to user error and not a major concern. If you're uncertain which kind of canister to purchase, contact your local ranger station to see if any approved options exist in the region you plan on visiting.

Materials

Bear canisters and vaults (also referred to as bear-resistant trash bins) are essential items for backpackers in the backcountry. Some National Parks and Wilderness Areas require bear canisters for use on their lands; check with your local ranger station before you embark on your adventure to learn what type of container they recommend. In certain places such as Bears & Food Storage While Backpacking Yosemite National Park, they're even required by law; these bins protect your food from hungry bears.

Bear canisters and vaults come in a range of materials, such as plastic or woven Spectra. Prices for these containers may vary, and they may be bulky or lightweight depending on the materials used.

No matter the material, a bear canister or bear vault should be durable enough to support the weight and volume you require. A secure lid and easy open mechanism should also be present so you can open it without needing tools.

Many bear canisters and vaults come with a rubber or silicone gasket that keeps food odors out of the environment. This makes it difficult for bears to smell your food, which may deter them from visiting your campsite in the first place.

Hard-sided bear canisters and vaults with large surface areas for food storage offer the capacity to hold more while being small and lightweight. One such product, the BearVault BV500, provides 30% more volume per ounce than its smaller counterpart, the Bear Vault BV450.

Additionally, some bear canisters feature a twist-and-lock lid that requires the use of a tool to open. Unfortunately, bears lack the dexterity required to use such tools and therefore cannot open such lids.

A bear canister should be brightly colored for easy identification and it should have a hook or other feature to secure it to a tree. These features are especially crucial if you plan on taking your bear canister or bear vault out of your pack.

Approvals

Reputable outdoor retailers will carry bear canisters certified by the IGBC and approved by your favorite National Park or wilderness area. These items will display the IGBC Certified Bear-Resistant logo, making them a safe option for your backpacking trip.

When selecting a bear canister, look for one that is wide enough to add and remove food without creating the "black hole" effect of not finding anything inside. Furthermore, ensure the canister has smooth sides free from ridges where bears could potentially paw or grip it.

It is wise to opt for a canister made of lightweight and flexible polycarbonate material rather than rigid opaque models which tend to be heavier. Doing so will help reduce your overall weight and keep your gear lighter.

Additionally, ensure your canister lid securely closes and has a latch that cannot be detached from its body. Doing this will deter bears from trying to break into your container.

Are you searching for a bear canister to borrow or use on your next hike? Head to the IGBC website and fill out their forms to request one. They'll list available canisters at all of their locations, plus notify you when one becomes available at your desired site.