Articles (2020)

Introduction

We’ve written before about how bear canisters are a necessary evil (because of their weight and bulk) when backpacking in bear country. Bear encounters increase when bears get a taste of human food, endangering both humans and bears. In our online course about Ursacks, we present important research that correlates human-bear conflict with food-conditioned bears. Effective food storage devices and techniques are critical to minimizing conflicts, attacks, and fatalities – for both humans and bears.

Lightweight, compact, and portable food storage canisters were invented about 50 years ago as a way to reliably prevent bears from accessing food in the backcountry. Today they are required in many wilderness areas.

We hope this guide will help you understand bear canisters a little bit better. You’ll learn about various testing agencies, bear canister design, materials, usability, and user experiences. Lastly, we’ll make some recommendations for bear canisters that reflect unique combinations of value, weight, and capacity.

Table of Contents

Certifications

Before we dig into the bear canisters themselves, let’s discuss the institutions that put them to the test. There are three:

• Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group (SIBBG)
• Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC)
• Wildlife Management Institute (WMI)

If you’ve seen a close-up video of a grizzly beating the ever-living heck out of a canister, it was probably done during product testing with one of these three agencies. They test all manner of bear-resistant products: bear lockers, coolers, garbage bins, and of course backpacking canisters. Each has their own requirements and histories, and they each test products with a focus on either grizzly or black bears.

SIBBG formed in 2000 in California with a focus on black bears, and many national parks created their canister policies around their approvals.This agency disbanded less than ten years later after fighting a lawsuit from a bear-resistant product manufacturer. (The manufacturer’s product had failed their field test.) Despite winning the lawsuit, many agencies in that group felt too discouraged to continue their work, and the SIBBG dissolved. Many wilderness areas still rely on their original list of approved canisters, and without alternate black bear certification groups it has been unclear whether these wilderness areas will change their list of approved products. That list can be found here.

IGBC is an active and robust tester (and re-tester) of products with a focus on grizzly bears. They have a clear testing protocol for all the products their bears review: Unless the grizzly loses interest, the product must be able to sustain 60 minutes of bear contact time. They have tested almost 1,000 products. A list of approved ones can be found here.

WMI is the third organization to offer a certification program, and theirs is only a year old. It was built in partnership with the South Eastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies who developed the program’s testing protocols – WMI oversees all the mechanics of the testing, which they began in 2023. Their focus is black bears, filling the gap that the SIBBG once held. (Black bears have different temperaments and paws than grizzlies do, so it’ll be very interesting to see what WMI discovers in their new testing program.) They only have one approved bear canister thus far: the Grub Can 6.6L, but they plan to slowly ramp up testing in 2024 as manufacturers submit products for certification.

Table 1. Bear Canister Testing Agency Certifications

No bear canisters have been certified by all three agencies, but five brands have been approved by both SIBBG and IGBC: Bare Boxer, BearVault, Garcia Machine, Lighter1 and UDAP.

Model	SIBBG	IGBC	WMI
Bare Boxer Contender 101	✓	✓
BearVault BV425	✓	✓
BearVault BV450	✓	✓
BearVault BV475	✓	✓
BearVault BV500	✓	✓
Counter Assault Bear Keg		✓
Garcia Machine Backpacker's Cache	✓	✓
Grubcan 6.6L Kevlar/Carbon		✓	✓
Grubcan 10L		✓
Lighter1 Lil' Sammy	✓	✓
Lighter1 Big Daddy	✓	✓
Sabre Frontiersman		✓
UDAP No Fed Bear	✓	✓
Wild Ideas Bearikade Scout
Wild Ideas Bearikade Weekender	✓
Wild Ideas Bearikade Blazer
Wild Ideas Bearikade Expedition	✓

If a canister has a certification, they are more likely to be accepted in the places you want to backpack. However, it’s up to the manufacturers to submit their products for testing, and not all of them do so. A bear canister having – or not having – a certification doesn’t guarantee that they will succeed or fail at keeping your food away from a tenacious bear.

Design considerations

It’s easy to get lost in gear specs when deciding which bear canister you want to use. Price, weight, size and certifications all play a significant factor in what bear canister you may want to buy. Someone who backpacks a ton in the Adirondacks won’t want to purchase a BearVault because Yellow Yellow learned to rob them in that neck of the woods. Likewise, a retiree might care more about weight than price, but a recent college grad might just want the cheapest model that will get the job done.

Before we dive into specific specs, let’s talk about a few broader design considerations that could impact your experience with a bear canister.

Table 2. Bear Canister Features

Weight matters – but so does user experience. Manufacturers have approached their bear canister designs in different ways, and several have developed loyal followings as a result. Bear canisters vary with respect to secondary functionality (chair, table), material clarity and color, and their lid closure mechanism.

Model	Flat Top?	Sittable?	Smooth?	Material	Closure	Clarity	Color
Bare Boxer Contender 101	✓	✓	partial	polymer blend	built-in lock	opaque	black
BearVault BV425	✓			polycarbonate	twist	see-through	blue
BearVault BV450	✓	✓		polycarbonate	twist	see-through	blue
BearVault BV475	✓	✓		polycarbonate	twist	see-through	blue
BearVault BV500	✓	✓		polycarbonate	twist	see-through	blue
Counter Assault Bear Keg		✓	✓	polymer blend	built-in lock	opaque	yellow
Garcia Machine Backpacker's Cache	✓	✓	partial	polymer blend	built-in lock	opaque	black
Grubcan 6.6L Kevlar/Carbon		✓		carbon fiber / kevlar	twist	opaque	many
Grubcan 10L				polycarbonate	lever	see-through	blue
Lighter1 Lil' Sammy	✓	✓		polycarbonate	screws	see-through	blue
Lighter1 Big Daddy	✓	✓		polycarbonate	screws	see-through	blue
Sabre Frontiersman	✓		✓	polymer blend	built-in lock	opaque	orange
UDAP No Fed Bear	✓	✓	partial	polymer blend	built-in lock	opaque	black / red
Wild Ideas Bearikade Scout	✓	✓	✓	carbon fiber	built-in lock	opaque	black / silver
Wild Ideas Bearikade Weekender	✓	✓	✓	carbon fiber	built-in lock	opaque	black / silver
Wild Ideas Bearikade Blazer	✓	✓	✓	carbon fiber	built-in lock	opaque	black / silver
Wild Ideas Bearikade Expedition	✓	✓	✓	carbon fiber	built-in lock	opaque	black / silver

Shape

The first consideration is shape. Some bear canisters, like the Counter Assault Bear Keg, have rounded tops and bottoms, while others are flat. The flat tops are easier to sit on and use as a table while at camp, but they may be easier for a bear like Yellow Yellow to leverage in their jaws or against a rock.

Some canisters have ribbed sides, while others are smooth. The ribbed sides are easier for humans to pick up – but they also make it easier on the bears. Canisters also come in varying circumferences and heights. A squat canister might not be very nice to sit on, nor would an exceedingly tall one; some people might find a thin canister to be easier to pack, but if it’s too thin a bear might find it equally easy to carry in its mouth.

Materials

Bear canisters come in different materials. BearVault, Lighter1, and the Grub Can 10L canisters are all made of polycarbonate, a clear and light, but potentially brittle and breakable material. I hike in the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains, so I tend to use canisters made of polycarbonate – the clear siding lets me keep my food bank organized – but many hikers in the Adirondacks rightly avoid canisters made of this material.

Wild Ideas Bearikade and the Grub Can 6.6L employ carbon fiber (the Grub Can is a blend of carbon fiber and kevlar). Carbon fiber is strong and light, but it’s not see-through and it’s an expensive material.

Garcia Machine, Bare Boxer, UDAP, Counter Assault, and Sabre canisters all use a polymer blend. This was the first material used for a bear canister and is a classic for a reason. It’s strong and inexpensive, but it’s opaque and typically comes in black color. Canisters made of polymer are typically heavier per in³ than carbon fiber or polycarbonate canisters.

Lid Closure Mechanisms

Bear canisters come with different lid closure mechanisms. The most common mechanism is some form of built-in lock that requires a small tool like a coin, washer, or multi-tool to open. Garcia Machine, Bare Boxer, UDAP, Bearikade, Counter Assault, and Sabre canisters are all built using this technique. These canisters tend to do very well when it comes to bear-proofing. (Bears still haven’t learned to use screwdrivers.)

Two canisters require twisting the lid with some sort of added difficulty. BearVault canisters have two small nubs of plastic that stop the lid from twisting unless they are pushed out of the way. The Grub Can 6.6L has a combination lock design, requiring users to line up several marked rims in order to open the can.

And then there are a couple of unconventional methods that reviewers seem to either love or hate: Lighter1 canisters use a set of screws and a crossbeam to hold its lid in place, and the Grub Can 10L uses an internal latch that locks the can when it’s lying on its side, and unlocks the can (via gravity causing the latch to “fall”) when it’s in its upright position.

Capacity

The length of your trips will determine how much space you need in your bear canister. Experienced backpackers typically use 125 in³ of capacity per full day for their food, so that’s the calculation we use when recommending how many days of use a canister provides. However, if you are a 6’5” weightlifter who prefers to carry apples and mountain house meals, you may want to assume a larger capacity, and if you are a 4’ runner that trims the top of your ziplock bags and sprinkles couscous into every nook and cranny, you might be able to assume smaller.

Note that although you don’t need to include your first day of hiking in your calculations because that food will be in your stomach before the first night, you will need to save some additional space in your canister for toiletries, medications, and other smellables.

However much space you need, there is probably a canister for you. Canisters come in sizes starting at 275 in³ up to 900 in³, and Bearikade additionally offers custom sizes from 508 in³ to 906 in³.

Bear Canister Failures

Although it’s rare, there have been some instances of bears breaking into bear canisters. A few years ago, Andrew Skurka did an analysis of the 199 food-related bear incidents with backpackers in Yosemite National Park between July 2012 and July 2017. Bearikade, BearVault, Garcia, and Lighter1, and early Ursack models, were all broken into. Typically, these break-ins happened because of user error. Backpackers make a handful of the same mistakes:

1. Not actually putting everything inside of a bear-resistant container. People fail to properly plan for how much space they will need and are forced to leave smellables outside of their canister on their first night. Bears steal this food (but the food inside the canister remains intact).
2. Not properly locking their bear canisters. Perhaps they want to make it easier on themselves in the morning, so they only turn one of the locks on their Bearikade instead of all three or don’t twist their BearVault until it clicks twice. Bears were then able to rip the lids off the canisters and access the food.
3. Being too far from the canister when it’s open. Bears in high-traffic areas have learned to be bold and steal food, even when people are present. Keeping bear canisters within arm’s reach helps prevent this from happening, as does closing them whenever they’re not in use – even if it’s a hassle. People think they will hear or see a bear coming, but the reality is that these animals are exceptionally quiet and able to sneak up on a group of campers.
4. Storing canisters in the wrong spot at night. Bears usually can’t pick canisters up, but they can easily roll them. Consider if there are any creeks, cliffs, or hills where you’re camped, and store the canister in such a way that it would be difficult to roll away. Some people like to keep their pots on top of their canisters so that they can hear if a bear messes with their canister.

Although the vast majority of break-ins have been due to user error, there have been some structural failures. Lighter1’s hardware (most likely its screws) got broken off and a bear got access to its can. And many canisters have cracked open when dropped or smashed – most famously by the Snow Creek bear in Yosemite. (This bear moved away from Snow Creek as of 2024.) Skurka concludes:

“From what I can gather, when used properly there were no reported cases of broken Bearikades or the Ursack Major (formerly S.29 AllWhite), and only one BearVault. The Garcia canister failed most often, but you’d expect that since they are the most common rental canister. Per updated maintenance guidelines from Backpackers Cache, NPS was able to reduce the frequency of failures of their rental fleet.”

Outside of this analysis, it’s rare to see reports of a canister that was outsmarted (or out-strengthed) by a bear. We mentioned Yellow Yellow, a bear in the Adirondacks that figured out how to open BearVaults (this bear has since been euthanized), but there was also a Lighter1 incident near Marcy Dam in the Adirondacks. Both of these canisters are made of polyurethane, and they both have flat tops and bottoms. We’re speculating here, but it’s possible that the bear had an easier time opening them because of one of those design choices – a corner is easier to wedge into a rock, and polyurethane seems easier to crack open than other bear canister materials.

It’s because of these exceptions that bear canisters typically market themselves as bear-resistant, not bear-proof. However, when used correctly, they do a darn good job of keeping human food away from bears.

Bear Canister Gear Guide

So, now that we know what goes into a bear canister design, Let’s discuss the canisters currently on the market, their specs/strengths/limitations, and their user feedback. There are nine brands currently selling bear canisters today:

1. Bare Boxer
2. BearVault
3. Counter Assault
4. Garcia Machine
5. Grub Can
6. Lighter1
7. Sabre
8. UDAP
9. Wild Ideas (Bearikade)

In addition to these canisters, we will present a handful of alternative food storage strategies for use cases where hard-sided canisters aren’t required or necessary.

Please note that this guide doesn’t cover whether a bear canister is permitted in the location you want to go to. (Although if you want to know about food storage policy in National Parks, we’ve got you covered.) Recreational areas all have differing requirements around bear canisters, so check with the local agency in the area you plan to travel to.

Refer to the following comparison table for specifications.

Table 3. Bear Canister Specifications and Performance Grades

Bear canisters vary in weight, capacity, and dimensions, but some are more efficient (e.g., volume-to-weight ratio) or more cost-effective (e.g., price-to-volume ratio).

Table notes:

[1] Diameter can be a useful metric for determining the extent to which a bear canister exceeds the virtual thickness of your pack and disrupts the shape of its packbag. Height is useful for determining whether or not a canister can fit sideways into a backpack. In addition, height may provide data about the canister’s utility as a stool or table.

[2] Capacity is defined as the number of days based on one day of food being equivalent to about 125 cubic inches of volume (e.g., equivalent to a spherical bag of food that is a little more than 6 inches in diameter).

[3] The Volume/Weight Score defines the % of the average of all canisters’ volume:weight ratio. Higher numbers = more capacity at less weight. “Heavy” canisters are noted as < 90% (i.e., 10% heavier than average), “Average” canisters are noted as 90% to 110%, and “Light” canisters are noted as > 110% (e.g., 10% lighter than average). “Very heavy” and “Very Light” canisters are noted as being more than 20% outside of the average values.

[4] The Price / Volume Score defines the % of the average of all canisters’ cost:volume ratio. Higher numbers = more expensive capacity.

Model	Dia x Height in (cm) [1]	Weight, oz (g)	Volume, ci (L)	Capacity (# Days) [2]	Volume / Weight Score [3]	Volume / Weight Rating [3]	~ MSRP	Price / Volume Score [4]	Certifications	Stool / Table?	Smooth?	Material	Closure	Clarity	Color
Bare Boxer Contender 101	7.4 x 8 in (19 x 20 cm)	26 oz (736 g)	275 ci (4.5 L)	2.2	71%	VERY HEAVY	$80	91%	SIBBG, IGBC	Y	Partially	polymer blend	Built-in lock	Opaque	Black
BearVault BV425	8.7 x 6 in (22 x 15 cm)	28 oz (794 g)	305 ci (5 L)	2.4	73%	VERY HEAVY	$80	82%	SIBBG, IGBC	N	N	polycarbonate	Twist	See-through	Blue
BearVault BV450	8.7 x 8.3 in (22 x 21 cm)	33 oz (936 g)	440 ci (7.2 L)	3.5	90%	HEAVY	$90	64%	SIBBG, IGBC	Y	N	polycarbonate	Twist	See-through	Blue
BearVault BV475	8.7 x 10.5 in (22 x 27 cm)	36 oz (1021 g)	565 ci (9.3 L)	4.5	105%	AVERAGE	$95	53%	SIBBG, IGBC	Y	N	polycarbonate	Twist	See-through	Blue
BearVault BV500	8.7 x 12.7 in (22 x 32 cm)	41 oz (1162 g)	700 ci (11.5 L)	5.6	115%	LIGHT	$100	45%	SIBBG, IGBC	Y	N	polycarbonate	Twist	See-through	Blue
Counter Assault Bear Keg	9 x 13 in (23 x 33 cm)	58 oz (1644 g)	716 ci (11.7 L)	5.7	83%	HEAVY	$95	42%	IGBC	N	Y	polymer blend	Built-in lock	Opaque	Yellow
Garcia Machine Backpacker's Cache	8.8 x 12 in (22 x 31 cm)	54 oz / (1542 g)	614 ci (10.1 L)	4.9	76%	VERY HEAVY	$80	41%	SIBBG, IGBC	Y	Partially	polymer blend	Built-in lock	Opaque	Black
Grubcan 6.6L Kevlar/Carbon	7.3 x 13 in (19 x 33 cm)	28 oz (794 g)	403 ci (6.6 L)	3.2	97%	AVERAGE	$300	234%	IGBC, WMI	N	N	carbon fiber and kevlar	Twist	Opaque	Many
Grubcan 10L	7 x 21.5 in (18 x 55 cm)	41 oz (1162 g)	610 ci (10 L)	4.9	100%	AVERAGE	$130	67%	IGBC	N	N	polycarbonate	Lever	See-through	Blue
Lighter1 Lil' Sammy	7 x 9 in (18 x 23 cm)	28 oz (794 g)	300 ci (4.9 L)	2.4	72%	VERY HEAVY	$130	136%	SIBBG, IGBC	Y	N	polycarbonate	Screws	See-through	Blue
Lighter1 Big Daddy	8.7 x 13 in (22 x 33 cm)	43 oz (1219 g)	650 ci (10.7 L)	5.2	101%	AVERAGE	$140	68%	SIBBG, IGBC	Y	N	polycarbonate	Screws	See-through	Blue
Sabre Frontiersman	9.2 x 18.9 in (23 x 48 cm)	57 oz (1616 g)	735 ci (12 L)	5.9	87%	HEAVY	$75	32%	IGBC	N	Y	polymer blend	Built-in lock	Opaque	Orange
UDAP No Fed Bear	8 x 10 in (20 x 25 cm)	39 oz (1106 g)	502 ci (8.2 L)	4.0	86%	HEAVY	$90	56%	SIBBG, IGBC	Y	Partially	polymer blend	Built-in lock	Opaque	Black and red
Wild Ideas Bearikade Scout	9 x 8 in (23 x 20 cm)	28 oz (794 g)	500 ci (8.2 L)	4.0	120%	VERY LIGHT	$325	204%	none	Y	Y	carbon fiber	Built-in lock	Opaque	Black and silver
Wild Ideas Bearikade Weekender	9 x 10.5 in (23 x 27 cm)	31 oz (879 g)	650 ci (10.7 L)	5.2	141%	VERY LIGHT	$360	174%	SIBBG	Y	Y	carbon fiber	Built-in lock	Opaque	Black and silver
Wild Ideas Bearikade Blazer	9 x 12 in (23 x 31 cm)	33 oz (936 g)	750 ci (12.3 L)	6.0	153%	VERY LIGHT	$385	161%	none	Y	Y	carbon fiber	Built-in lock	Opaque	Black and silver
Wild Ideas Bearikade Expedition	9 x 14.5 in (23 x 37 cm)	36 oz (1021 g)	900 ci (14.8 L)	7.2	168%	VERY LIGHT	$425	148%	SIBBG	Y	Y	carbon fiber	Built-in lock	Opaque	Black and silver
Averages	8.4 x 11.8 in (21 x 30 cm)	38 oz (1077 g)	566 ci (9.3 L)	4.5	100%	-	$175	100%	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Bare Boxer

Highlights:

Model	Contender (Model 101)
MSRP	$80
Weight	26 oz (737 g)
Volume	275 in3
Volume / Weight Score	71%
Volume / Weight Rating	Very Heavy

Where to Buy: Gossamer Gear | Bare Boxer

Strengths:

• Certified by the SIBBG and IGBC
• The smallest volume and lightest option on the market
• Works great as a stool

Limitations:

• Opaque
• Rain leaks in from the top
• Needs a tool to open
• Has the worst volume-to-weight ratio on the market

Additional Notes (click arrow to expand):  [expand title=”” trigclass=”awesomearrows”]

User Review Notes:

• Users loved the size and shape of this bear canister in comparison to other market leaders, stating that its outside dimensions fit better in their packs: “Packs better than the bearikade.” – Blazer; “This can fit perfectly inside my kumo 36 horizontally.” – Tom C Chen; “It easily fits in my REI Flash 45 pack and gets lost in my Osprey Kestrel 58.” – Mark Messick; “Fits in my 35 liter.” – Christopher S.; “Fit in my ULA circuit pack perfectly!” – Megan C.
• Coins won’t unlock the latches. The most common user suggestions were to use a Swiss Army Knife or key, but one user suggested slipping a piece of cordage through a washer, which we thought was pretty genius.
• Several users commented on the heavy latches, stating that they were more complicated and heavier than the Garcia Machine canister.
• One user stated that the canister weighed more than advertised: “It is not 1 lb 6 oz as stated, but 1 lb 10 oz.” – Eliza B.

Staff Notes:

• Cute size, light weight, agency approvals, and packable in smaller packs, but a ridiculous amount of weight to carry for only two days of capacity. That said, it’s still the lightest available if you don’t need the capacity and you absolutely need agency certifications. Otherwise, you’ll get a little more bang for your buck with the BearVault BV425 and a lot more capacity for this weight with the Bearikade Scout. – Ryan Jordan
• Good size for short outings, but be aware that locks require some sort of tool that cannot be easily improvised if you forget it (in my case I use a Swiss Army Knife). Even with the SAK, I have at times struggled to open it, especially in cold conditions where the metal locks can freeze. Being opaque and with only a partial mouth opening, it’s hard to locate small items quickly.
• – Iago Vazquez

[/expand]

BearVault

Highlights:

Model	BV425	BV450	BV475	BV500
MSRP	$80	$90	$95	$100
Weight	28 oz (794 g)	33 oz (936 g)	36 oz (1020 g)	41 oz (1162 g)
Volume	305 in3	440 in3	565 in3	700 in3
Volume / Weight Score	73%	90%	105%	115%
Volume / Weight Rating	Very Heavy	Heavy	Average	Light

Where to Buy: Garage Grown Gear | REI | BearVault

Strengths:

• See-through siding
• BV500 is the largest volume canister that is both SIBBG and IGBC-approved
• Wide opening at the top makes getting objects in and out of the can easier
• Lid extends over the rim, keeping rain out when set upright
• Widely available for rent or purchase across retailers and even in some National Parks
• Works great as a stool
• Ribbed sides make it easier to pick up
• The BV475 and BV500 have an above-average volume-to-weight ratio.

Limitations:

• The BV500 won’t fit sideways in most ultralight packs
• Opening the can requires some hand dexterity and strength, and the “tab” opening mechanism stiffens when it’s cold, making it even more difficult to open
• Nubs get worn down over time and can’t be repaired, making the bear proofing ineffective
• There have been incidences of bears breaking into this canister

Additional Notes (click arrow to expand):  [expand title=”” trigclass=”awesomearrows”]

User Notes:

• Users loved the clear exterior, stating that it made finding things inside the can much easier.
• Reviews were mixed about how difficult the can was to open in the cold. Several users offered advice on improvised tools such as sticks that people can use if their hands aren’t strong enough. One user recommended the credit card method: “I went to REI where one of the sales associates showed me how to open it with an ID or credit card. See video.” – Micki; “[My] kids can open the Keg without help but they cannot open this one.” – outdoorsfreak
• No users could fit the BV500 sideways inside their pack – most opted to latch it underneath their pack’s brain, or stuff their items around it inside their pack: “I would prefer if they made this canister *slightly* smaller so that I have more carrying options, but I’m able to fit the canister in the very top of my bag. I have the Osprey Aether 85 and the canister fits at the top of my pack, above the shoulder straps but below that detachable compartment that tops the entire pack.” – Richard
• Users didn’t have trouble fitting the BV450 into their packs: “It fits perfectly in my 75L backpack with the rest of my gear.” – Isabella Talbott; “It does fit inside my Gossamer Gear Mariposa pack as well as my Kriega OS-32 motorcycle saddle bags no problem.” – Jordan I Smith

Staff Notes:

• The opening mechanism does stiffen in 30-40 degree weather, but with healthy fingers and a bit of practice, it can be opened in any weather. BV500 can fit sideways in large backpacks such as the Deuter Expedition 90+10, but must be packed vertically in smaller packs or emptied and held under the brain. This is the brand of bear canister I use when guiding and on personal backpacking trips. I own the BV500 and BV450. – Sarah Bennett (Author)
• I use the BearVault BV475 where a hard-sided canister is required. I can fit five days’ worth of meals in the canister with careful packing, including repackaging some freeze-dried packets to reduce volume. The canister packs horizontally inside my Zpacks ArcZip 62-liter pack. The only drawback is unlatching the lid in cold weather when the plastic is less flexible. I use a small metal object to press the catch mechanism when needed. – Stephen Seeber
• BV425 Sprint is my favorite bear can ever. I love that it holds 5 liters and that it sits with the flat side against my back in a low-volume pack like my 40 liter Atom+. It is so nice to not have the bear can barreling my pack out into an awkward round shape. If I try hard I can get my food volume below 1.25 liters/day so I’m good with four days of food in the can. I also appreciate the rounded corners on the can which keep it from stressing the fabric of the pack. Bearvaults are a minor pain to open (particularly after a cold rainy night) but this one is worth the hassle. The BV450 and BV500 are too heavy for my taste and necessitate a vertical carry in my pack. I don’t like these canisters. These are the canisters I loan to other people. – Matthew King
• The transparent nature of the BearVault makes it easier to find contents, and I like that no tools are required for opening and that it has a full mouth opening. When sand has gotten in the threads, it has made opening more challenging though. – Iago Vazquez
• These canisters have been great for trips in the Northern Rockies where I’ll be spending some of my nights above treeline. I like the translucent plastic, which makes it easier to reach in and grab whatever food I’m after, and the fact that I can open them without having to use a coin. They’re reasonably light and fit fine in my larger volume packs. I’ve also found creative uses for them over the years — washing clothes in them during an extended backpacking/car camping road trip (worked surprisingly well!); packing them with small bags of ice to create an impromptu (but heavy) cooler to pack in perishable food for a short overnight trip; and of course as a stool for around camp. – Mark Wetherington
• The BearVaults have become a tried and true touchstone of my Sierra backpacking experience, whether bulging in the body of a backpack, strapped atop its lid, or serving as a stool at camp. My BV450, at 7.2 liter capacity, is a perfect weekend bear can. With some strategic packing, it allows for a food-soak jar to be stored alongside dry goods, which is always good practice when bunking down with black bears. For trips in excess of 5 days, the BV500 and its 11.5 liter capacity will spare you the stress of extreme space-management, and its translucent sidewalls aid in locating that final pack of Oreos among the heaped wrappers and refuse. I own both the BV450 and the BV500 and between the two have never felt the need for another bearcan. – Isaac Simons
• This is my last resort bear canister that I use only if Ursacks with the aluminum liner or my Wild Ideas Bearikade are not allowed. Their capacity-to-weight ratio is low, and during cold mornings the lid is hard to open. – Chase Jordan
• Clear canisters like BearVaults heat faster than opaque canisters – the effect of solar radiation passing through to the interior. Don’t leave them in direct sun, or you’ll end up with extreme condensation inside your food packaging. And I know the Bare Boxer is a tiny bit lighter than the smallest BearVaults, but for overnight trips in areas where bear canisters are required, I prefer the clear-sided BearVault BV425. It’s more packable, easy to find stuff, and makes a better table. – Ryan Jordan
• I have been using BearVault products for 10 years, starting with the BV450-Jaunt for shorter trips and then using the BV500-Journey for my longer trips in the backcountry. I like them for their durability, wide mouth, clear body, and ease of use. Certainly it gives me a peace of mind when entering bear country to have this necessary piece of equipment! – Dan Hu

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Counter Assault

Highlights:

Model	Bear Keg
MSRP	$95
Weight	58 oz (1644 g)
Volume	716 in3
Volume / Weight Score	83%
Volume / Weight Rating	Heavy

Where to Buy: REI | Counter Assault

Strengths:

• Certified by the IGBC
• Yellow exterior and reflective strip make it easy to find from far away

Limitations:

• Not certified by the SIBBG
• Opaque
• Rain leaks in from the top
• Needs a tool to open
• Doesn’t work well as a stool
• Despite being one of the larger volume canisters, the Bear Keg has a below-average volume-to-weight ratio

Additional Notes (click arrow to expand):  [expand title=”” trigclass=”awesomearrows”]

User Notes:

• Users appreciated the durability of the canister: “My son booted it off a 25ft cliff because he wanted to see what would happen (I was not happy at that moment watching a 70$ plastic bucket at the mercy of gravity) but it came out with nary a scratch.” – Bufftester; “One night, “Yellow Yellow,” the bear in the high peaks that knows how to open the clear brand, came to our campsite and decided to play soccer with my container. She took the container down the hill and dumped it in a creek, great. Wet inside and ruined some food, forgot to line it with a garbage bag. But at least we still had food. This container works and mine has the battle scars to proove it.” – XC Cycler
• The wide opening at the top made it easy for users to reach their gear: “I checked both the CA and BV models out in the store and checked the opening size and both are almost exactly the same (I mean we are talking mm differences)” – Pgunnz
• Some users had mild difficulty getting the lid’s locks to work correctly. They recommended using a keys, coin, or multi-tool to open the canister. “I found that the Garcia lid was easier to handle overall.” – MCL
• Users commented that the canister works as a stool, but that it’s not very comfortable. It doesn’t work as a table because of its rounded lid.
• Users described the volume as spacious, but reviews were mixed on whether the canister fit well into their packs: “It fit in my gossamer gear mariposa but was a little awkward. Fits fine in my osprey rook. Enough room for 4-5 days/two people if you pack it correctly. Last trip we (2) had 3.5 days and 1.5ltr of vodka in here no problem.” – Mdricks; “I have the Osprey Exos 58 liter pack and this canister is almost too big.” – Angelique Perez; “The interior volume is similar as the BV475 but the shape of this one makes packing and fitting especially freeze dried food packets much easier… It fits vertically in my smaller 48L backpack with enough space around it to fit a tent and shove everything else I need.” – dtw237; “I have the 70L Osprey Aether. It takes up 90% of the room.” – Adrian

Staff Notes:

• I have used Counter Assault bear canisters on llama-packing trips where canister weight was less of a concern. They held the perfect volume of llama cookies and easily fit vertically into our panniers. The canisters themselves definitely cannot be opened with one’s fingers, but even something like a dinner knife could work. We would cover them with saddle blankets at night to prevent any water from leaking in. – Sarah Bennett (author).

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Garcia Machine

Highlights:

Model	Backpacker's Cache
MSRP	$80
Weight	54 oz (1542 g)
Volume	615 in3
Volume / Weight Score	76%
Volume / Weight Rating	Very Heavy

Where to Buy: This product is discontinued.

Strengths:

• Certified by the SIBBG and IGBC
• Lightest and cheapest option of agency-approved canisters
• Most common bear can to be loaned out to backpackers by the National Parks
• Works great as a stool
• One of the most inexpensive bear canisters on the market

Limitations:

• Opaque
• Needs a tool to open
• Rain leaks in from the top
• Has a below-average volume-to-weight ratio

Additional Notes (click arrow to expand):  [expand title=”” trigclass=”awesomearrows”]

User Notes:

• One Amazon reviewer cautioned that using a stove on the lid can heat the plastic up and make the can unopenable until it has cooled off – but that the bottom of the can works just as well as a cooking table.
• Users resoundingly complained about the dark exterior, stating that it made the can difficult to locate in the dark, and that it made it difficult to locate items inside the can. They recommended putting reflective tape on the can to help backpackers find it in the dark.
• A user complained about the narrow opening at the top.
• Several users noted that the Backpacker’s Cache fit sideways into their packs: “It fits perfectly in the bottom of an Osprey Atmos 65. It’s tall enough to comfortably sit on, and low enough to reach the ground when you’re on it. Perfect.” – M. S.; “For backpacks, I personally packed it sideways (barely fits) and pushed it down so that it rested around my lumbar area.” – Mr. StevenStaff Notes:
• The bear canister is ot transparent, making it harder to find items inside the canister, particularly small ones (for example condiments). I have found myself often requiring emptying the whole container to find what I am looking for.  A tool is required to open, but one can easily use coins, utensils or other items commonly carried or improvised to open. It is heavier than similarly sized BearVault. – Iago Vazquez

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Grub Can

Highlights:

Model	Carbon Fiber/Kevla 6L	10L
MSRP	$297	$127
Weight	28 oz (794 g)	41 oz (1162 g)
Volume	403 in3	610 in3
Volume / Weight Score	97%	100%
Volume / Weight Rating	Average	Average

Where to Buy: Grub Can

Strengths:

• Certified by the IGBC and WMI
• The 10L is see-through
• Ribbed sides make the 6.6L easier to pick up
• Both canisters have an average weight-to-volume ratio

Limitations:

• Not certified by the SIBBG
• The 10L has an unconventionally tall and narrow shape
• The 6.6L is opaque
• Neither canister functions well as a stool
• The 6.6L is the most expensive canister per volume on the market

Additional Notes (click arrow to expand):  [expand title=”” trigclass=”awesomearrows”]

User Notes:

• This canister is a lesser-known product and reviews of it are scarce
• 6.6L: A user liked how the ridges helped the canister stay in place when strapped under the brain of their pack, and that the diameter of the canister was smaller than that of the Bearikade – letting them fit it into their Sassafras 3.2 and Durston Kakwa. See their discussion of the product here.
• 10L: Users appreciated the volume and packability of the canister. (One user noted that it fit into their 60L pack.); One user appreciated how easy the canister was to open: “I can open it easily and I have severe arthritis.” – Mikhail; One user received a faulty canister which locked them out of the can entirely on day 2 of a backpacking trip: “Without that little internal cone thing on the underside of the lid, the contents of the can pressed up on the latches rendering it shut forever.” – Jeffrey A Brown

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Lighter1

Highlights:

Model	Lil' Sammy	Big Daddy
MSRP	$130	$140
Weight	28 oz (794 g)	43 oz (1219 g)
Volume	300 in3	650 in3
Volume / Weight Score	72%	101%
Volume / Weight Rating	Very Heavy	Average

Where to Buy: Lighter1

Strengths:

• Certified by the SIBBG and IGBC
• See-through siding
• Ribbed sides make it easier to pick up
• Lid extends over the rim, keeping rain out when set upright
• Its lid can double as a cooking pan
• The canisters are middle-of-the-road when it comes to price and weight

Limitations:

• Cross-beam makes packing the canister awkward
• Outer screws can be abrasive to other gear
• A bible verse is imprinted on the bottom
• People camping in the Adirondacks may want to avoid using polycarbonate containers

Additional Notes (click arrow to expand):  [expand title=”” trigclass=”awesomearrows”]

User Notes:

• Users loved the clear exterior, stating that it made finding things inside the can much easier
• Users complained that the screws were difficult to keep track of and that losing one would render the can ineffective. Users suggested painting them bright colors, bringing extras, or keeping them in a specialized ditty bag (including while hiking so that they don’t rub against softer materials inside the pack)
• Users commented that the screws can be manipulated without tools, but one user found them uncomfortable: “My fingers are raw after a few days of using [the screws].” – Bungzy’s Ultralight
• Users had difficulties using the lid for cooking: Users complained that food badly sticks so badly to the lid when cooking that they only used it to boil water or as a plate; One user complained that the handle becomes flimsy when trying to pour contents into another container; “Two cups [of water] is about the limit of what you can fill in this pot.” – Follow Bigfoot; The product comes with a 2.8 oz lid for the lid-turned-pot which doesn’t fit flush with the pot when the handle is attached. “[The lid] is built like a tank and I just didn’t think they needed something so heavy duty.” – Follow Bigfoot
• Some users complained about the narrow opening of the can, while others appreciated how the narrow can fit in their packs: “Normal-sized tortillas fit perfectly inside this lid… With its narrow 7 inch diameter and 9 ” height, it fits inside a small UL pack better than any other canister.” – Bungzy’s Ultralight

Staff Notes:

• I really wanted to like the idea of having a bear canister lid that serves double-duty as cookware, but this causes both the canister and lid-cum-cookpan to suffer. The canister is hard to pack, the screw-closure mechanism is finicky, and the canister has too small of a diameter to pack efficiently with bulkier foods. – Ryan Jordan

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Sabre

Highlights:

Model	Frontiersman Bear Safe
MSRP	$75
Weight	57 oz (1616 g)
Volume	735 in3
Volume / Weight Score	87%
Volume / Weight Rating	Heavy

Where to Buy: Sabre

Strengths:

• Certified by the IGBC
• Tall and lean shape may be more convenient for packing
• Orange exterior is easy to spot
• Available at very accessible retailers
• The cheapest bear canister money can buy, whether or not you factor in volume

Limitations:

• Not certified by the SIBBG
• Unconventional shape
• Opaque
• Rain leaks in from the top
• Needs a tool to open
• Heavier than other canisters of comparative size (similar to Counter Assault’s Bear Keg)

Additional Notes (click arrow to expand):  [expand title=”” trigclass=”awesomearrows”]

User Notes:

• Reviews were mixed on whether the canister was easy or difficult to open. All users recommended bringing some form of tool to help open the canister: “USE A NICKEL! It fits perfectly and stays in the grove so you just spin it! You’ll be surprised how easy it is, you’re welcome. Spin each one a little (10ish turns or so) and switch screws so it’s even pressure. It’s not hard at all.” – Beck; “Screw clamp mechanism is incredibly inconvenient! Screws are very difficult to turn. Lock washers do not stay in place. There are more efficient options out there.” – K2Peng
• Some users liked the tall and slim design – others found it difficult to pack around: “I have the 60L REI Flash pack… At first I thought it was a bit tight [but] then it was just fine with the room to spare for my extra clothes and everything else needed on top or in the outer compartments. VERY COMFORTABLE in the pack!” – Beck; “Fits great (inverted) in a Frost River Isle Royale pack along with my gear for a 6 day trip.” – WoodsWalker; “It fits inside my 55 hiking backpack perfectly and rests easily against by back while inside.” – Dynamo (incentivized review); “What’s with the wonky shape? It makes it hard to fit everything else into your backpack.” – Texas Customer; “It is actually less shapely and packable than the standard competitors.” – Andrew

Staff Notes:

• The Sabre Frontiersman is cheap, but the weird shape makes for inefficient use of space, and for very little extra money, you can get a canister now that’s quite a bit lighter. – Ryan Jordan

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UDAP

Highlights:

Model	No Fed Bear
MSRP	$90
Weight	39 oz (1106 g)
Volume	502 in3
Volume / Weight Score	86%
Volume / Weight Rating	Heavy

Where to Buy: UDAP

Strengths:

• Certified by the SIBBG and IGBC
• Works great as a stool
• Its cost is below average, but is still more expensive than Garcia Machine’s Backpacker’s Cache (which it is often compared to)
• Average in overall weight and weight-to-volume ratio, but performs better than the Backpacker’s Cache

Limitations:

• Opaque
• Rain leaks in from the top
• Needs a tool to open
• Opening at the top is smaller than the Backpacker’s Cache

Additional Notes (click arrow to expand):  [expand title=”” trigclass=”awesomearrows”]

User Notes:

• This canister is a lesser-known product and reviews of it are scarce
• The canister is built similarly to the Backpacker’s Cache and tends to get mentioned alongside it
• Similar to all other canister designs where rain leaks from the top – a user complained that the canister took on two inches of water when set upright during a rainstorm, ending their trip early
• A user had difficulties with the locking mechanism, but said that UDAP customer service was excellent
• A user stated that the canister fit sideways in their pack (but did not specify what type of pack)

Staff Notes:

• The tiny lid is a deal-breaker. Prepare to scrape your knuckles getting food in and out of the canister. The Garcia Machine Backpacker’s Cache, although a much older design, is surprisingly more usable. – Ryan Jordan

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Wild Ideas Bearikade

Highlights:

Model	Scout	Weekender	Blazer	Expedition
MSRP	$326	$359	$384	$424
Weight	28 oz (794 g)	31 oz (879 g)	33 oz (936 g)	36 oz (1021 g )
Volume	500 in3	650 in3	750 in3	900 in3
Volume / Weight Score	120%	141%	153%	168%
Volume / Weight Rating	Very Light	Very Light	Very Light	Very Light
Certifications	none	SIBBG	none	SIBBG

Where to Buy: Wild Ideas

Strengths:

• Bearikade Weekender and Expeditions models are SIBBG certified.
• Custom sizes also available
• Works great as a stool
• All four canisters (even the small ones) have the best volume-to-weight ratio of any bear canister

Limitations:

• Bearikade Scout, Blazer, and custom models do not have SIBBG certification, and no models have IGBC certification, which is confusing given the relatively low cost and ease associated with having products certified. (One of our sources for this article, a testing administrator, told us that Wild Ideas did work with IGBC on testing at some point, but the IGBC maintains that they don’t have a record of this occurring and would need Wild Ideas to re-submit the Bearikade in order to earn a certification.)
• Opaque
• Rain leaks in from the top
• Needs a tool to open
• The lid is attached to the can with a cable
• Some of the most expensive bear canisters money can buy

Additional Notes (click arrow to expand):  [expand title=”” trigclass=”awesomearrows”]

User Notes:

• Users uniformly complain about the price tags, which are about triple the cost of bear canisters of similar sizes
• “You can open and close it with anything thin and fairly sturdy like a coin, knife blade, etc.” – JRinGeorgia
• One user complained about the corners slowly rubbing at delicate UL fabrics
• The canister’s slim design makes it more packable than the Backpacker’s Cache because less volume is spent on the container itself: “The Weekender fits inside of my 52L Zpacks backpack and should fit inside of most/all backpacks of about 45L and larger.” – JRinGeorgia

Staff Notes:

• My first choice for a hard-sided canister in areas where land management agencies aren’t beholden to SIBBG and IGBC certifications and every ounce counts. Volume-to-weight ratio is off the charts thanks to carbon fiber construction. Very easy to pack, secure and easy-to-use latching lid mechanisms, and no plastics. Makes a great stool/table as well. – Ryan Jordan
• The Bearikade Expedition is my go to bear canister in every locale it is allowed. The large size is great for carrying 7+ day’s worth of good food AND can store my cookware at night, while doubling as a super comfortable camp stool allowing me to save weight and leave my camp chair at home. It necessitates a vertical carry in my HMG Porter 70, but fits well, packed with my sleeping bag and other equipment surrounding it to provide some padding with clothing for comfortable carry. The wide variety of agencies in California and Alaska that use these bear cans during their field operations give me plenty of mental comfort that these bear canisters do their job, despite their limited approval. – Chase Jordan

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Alternative Food Storage Methods

Before we conclude, there are a few more products worth mentioning.

First – a number of canisters have previously been on the market (and could perhaps be found at a garage sale or on eBay), but are not currently being sold new. We excluded these models:

• Bare Boxer Champ (Model 202) (IGBC-approved)
• BearVault BV250, BV300, BV350, BV400 (IGBC-approved)
• JP Enterprises 35 Gallon Plastic Screw-Top Over Pak Container (IGBC-approved)
• Grub Can models: GL500 Backpacking canister, Carbon 4.5, and a 6.6L model (IGBC-approved)
• Purple Mountain Engineering (PME) “Tahoe”

Second, interlocking wire mesh and tear-resistant fabrics are also used to protect food from bears and other animals. They include:

• Loctote Industrial Bag Company Flak Sack (Model 21228) (IGBC-approved)
• Loctote Industrial Bag Company Flak Sack Coalition (Model 21242) (IGBC-approved)
• Ursack (Bear Saga, LLC) Food Storage Bag, Model: Ursack Major (Previously the S29 AllWhite) (IGBC-approved)
• Ursack (Bear Saga, LLC) Food Storage Bag, Model: AllMitey (IGBC-approved)
• Craftsman Tech Composites Wise Backpack (IGBC-approved, unable to find online)

Lastly, an unconventional idea: electric fences. These are commonly used in the pack animal industry, but they could also be a sensible food storage solution for groups that don’t mind an awkward pole sticking out of their pack. The lightest one currently on the market weighs 59.2 oz (1678 g) – a smidge more than the Counter Assault Bear Keg or the Sabre Frontiersman, and significantly less than any two large bear canisters. We can’t include it in our graph comparing weight ratios because the fence covers a 27 × 27 ft. (8.2 × 8.2 m) area, meaning it could hold almost limitless food – and thus – could be a very compelling option for groups or longer trips where multiple bear canisters are weight-prohibitive. Regulations vary, so please check with backcountry offices before using this approach.

• UDAP Industries, Inc. Bear Shock Electric Fence (IGBC-approved)

Recommendations

So, after all that discussion, which is the best bear canister for you? It depends on your use case, but here are some suggestions to consider if you’re purchasing one in the near future.

Below, we recommend bear canisters based on your highest priorities among the following:

• Value
• Weight
• Design
• Compliance
• Small Volume
• Large Volume

The following three charts can be used to help inform your recommendations. The charts visualize key metrics and ratios that are useful for evaluating value, weight, and volume:

• Price vs. Capacity
• Weight
• Weight vs. Volume

Value: Garcia Machine Backpackers’ Cache

Price is not exclusively representative of value. Value includes usability, durability, and capacity as well. Interestingly, the canisters that have the highest capacity-to-price ratios are made with injection-molded polymer blends (commonly, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, i.e., “ABS”), which are cheap and durable but heavy.

The Sabre Frontiersman is the cheapest bear canister on the market, but its value is questionable, as reflected by mixed user experiences.

Instead, we recommend the Garcia Machine Backpackers’ Cache as the best value canister in this gear guide. Someone looking to buy an inexpensive bear canister probably wants their canister to last a long time and be usable on every trip they go on, and the Backpacker’s Cache delivers on those two points with flying colors. It’s built like a tank, it will hold about five days of food – plenty for most backpacking trips – and it’s accepted in any location that requires hard-sided food storage. Its downside is its weight and availability (there is only a limited amount remaining in distribution).

Where to Buy: Discontinued (search online at discount retailers and auction sites)

Weight: Wild Ideas Bearikade

An argument could be made for smaller volume canisters (e.g., Bare Boxer) being lighter than the lightest Bearikade models, but when you take the volume of the canisters into account, every Bearikade model (including the smallest one, the Scout) is lighter than the other canisters on the market. Their carbon fiber exterior is their competitive advantage here, and because of their custom sizing offering, the Bearikade could be whittled down even further if someone so desired.

Where to Buy: Wild Ideas

Design: BearVault

Everyone has their own preferences, and we could probably debate the merits of various canisters into the night. However, the BearVault’s clear container is a surprisingly useful design feature.

It makes it easy to locate items within the can – you can fill any small air holes with food and pack it to the brim, or easily figure out which canister your toiletries are in on a group trip. The flat tops and bottoms work perfectly as stools and tables; the canisters fit reasonably well inside of packs; and they don’t have any widespread issues with rain leakage. The ribbed sides make it so we can pick a full canister up with one hand, and a bit of reflection tape on the lid makes them a cinch to find in day or night. Opening and closing the canister requires some dexterity, but it also doesn’t depend on anything external, so there’s no need to worry about having the right tools to access your food. We do hope that BearVault will look into the bear break-ins and update the canister’s durability, but until then – as long as Yellow Yellow isn’t around – it’s a highly refined canister design.

Where to Buy: Garage Grown Gear | REI | BearVault

Compliance: Garcia Machine Backpacker’s Cache

The Garcia Machine Backpacker’s Cache was the first bear canister to be invented, so it was probably the first to be adopted by many wilderness areas. It has kept that honor with an impressive reputation as a durable canister. Today it’s accepted everywhere. It’s the most prevalent canister to be rented out by many of our National Parks, especially the ones notorious for bears: Yosemite, Denali, and Glacier Bay don’t offer any rental canisters other than the Backpacker’s Cache.

Where to Buy: Discontinued (search online at discount retailers and auction sites)

Small Volume: BearVault BV450

The BearVault strikes a balance between weight, design, and price, and is a popular choice for most people on shorter weekend trips. Although the BV425 could shave some weight (and space), the BV450 will give users a smidge of extra space for extra toiletries and snacks, and some added flexibility when backpacking with friends. And although it’s subject to some localized (and rare) land management agency restrictions, it is certified by both the SIBBG and IGBC so you can take it almost anywhere.

Where to Buy: Garage Grown Gear | REI | BearVault

Large Volume: Wild Ideas Bearikade Blazer or Expedition

Every ounce counts on long-haul trips, so for this category, if regulations permit you to do so, we recommend sacrificing the clear exterior of a BearVault for the ultralight design of a Bearikade. Your wallet will hurt, but your body may thank you for shaving the 5+ oz (142+ g) off of your pack weight compared to its closest competitors. Its thin-walled design makes for a smaller-sized canister with more usable volume. The Bearikade Expedition is SIBBG certified, but the Blazer is not. We hope Wild Ideas will consider working toward obtaining more certifications from multiple agencies for all of their bear canisters, so that long-distance backpackers in places can use these sleek, ultralight canisters without violating their permits.

Where to Buy: Wild Ideas

Related Content

• Webinar: Protecting your Food From Bears
• Webinar: Using an Ursack: Techniques and Supplies for Packing, Using, and Securing an Ursack
• Review: Bear and Food Storage Policy in the National Parks