Bear Canister or Equivalent for Solo Backpacking – Passes regulations?

Check out the Bearicade line if money is no object. Otherwise, the Bear Vault 450 (Weekender) and the full-size Bear Vault 500 are lighter than the Garcia I presume you used on Mt. Whitney and lots cheaper than the Bearicade.

I went with the BV450 (gotta be one of the newer ones for the Adirondacks). You might also consider the Bareboxer.

Ok, so I took a look at these. I used the Bareboxer on Mt. Whitney. Its specs are that its really light, but it seemed to be like lugging a safe around. Maybe because it was my only time carrying it.

I like the BV450 as I want it as small as possible. Look at the disclaimer for the High Peaks region from REI on the product. It says you can't bring it.

http://www.rei.com/product/768901/bearvault-bv450-solo-food-container

Is this accurate? I'd like to find an approved product list for my area if this existed. I did fine for quite a few years hanging my food far away from me at night but I don't sleep in congested areas either.

I see the canister holders that are offered as well. I was looking for an alternative to having the thing dangling of my pad behind me. It looks like things haven't changed that much only more regulations in my area.

Yes, used the Garcia on Whitney. Looks like it has several names.

"Ok, so I took a look at these. I used the Bareboxer on Mt. Whitney. Its specs are that its really light, but it seemed to be like lugging a safe around. Maybe because it was my only time carrying it."

Are you sure it was a bareboxer? I've never seen them for rent. Most rentals seem to be the larger heavier Garcia that looks almost exactly like the bareboxer other than size.

The bareboxer is a lot smaller and a lot lighter than the Garcia

No Pete, you are right. It is the Garcia. I rented from a place in the foothills before the hike.

This is one of the best comparisons I have seen on the web between the various brands.

http://andrewskurka.com/2012/bear-canister-shopping-guide/

Keep in mind you are not one concerned with weight in this case. You also need to consider how much volume your food takes up. The Bearikade Scout is almost as light as the smallest Bearboxer but the Scout has conciderably more volume.

As to the external size you cannot get anything smaller than what is listed in the link above. That is because the canisters are sized so that bears cannot pick them up with there mouths.

You Can rent Bearikades directly from the manufacture just to see if you like it. I personally have the Scout and like it alot.

There are two main kinds for sale at most outdoor shops.

(1) The Garcia keg style which is pretty awkward and heavy.

(2)Then the bearvault, which is lighter and made with transparent plastic. The problem with bearvault is that they are not recommended in areas of ADK because one bear (now deceased) figured out how to open them up and has apparently taught her progeny.

Those are the two most common type of canisters available. Getting away from those are some boutique canisters.

(3) the bearikade is the Lamborghini of the canister world. Lightweight because it is made out of carbon fiber but it caries the Lamborghini price tag along with that carbon fiber. Also, the bearikade can't be used in grizzly bear areas because it failed testing with grizzly bears. Additionally it appears the smallest bearikade is not on anyone's approved list yet.

(4) the bareboxer is a garcia style canister but really small, so it ends up being quite lightweight. It is probably a good option if you are a compact packer and only go out one or two nights.

(5) The lighter1 canister is fairly new to the market so I haven't been able to find many independent reviews online. It is like a small bearvault with a metal lid that can be used as a pot to boil water (multipurpose). I think some of the advertising on the website is a bit deceptive so you have to be careful with the reported weights. Even with all of that I think there is a lot going for the lighter1 and plan on picking one up fairly soon.

(6?) Ursack would like to be included on this list. It is a lightweight kevlar bag that is supposed to be bearproof. It has the best stats but as far as I am aware it has never past independent testing and is not on anyone's approved list. Even if it is bearproof your food is most likely destroyed which could bring an untimely end to your hike.

First you need to figure out how much room you need. Go to a shop and check them out. think about how much food you bring and how small of a space you can cram it into. Then think about how much you want to shell out and where you want go hiking…. There are pros and cons of every canister out there so there isn't a one size fits all answer. Nobody really like carrying a canister because they are so heavy but we have to protect the bears.

^Excellent overview Ben! I agree with your rundown of the options. I would add that the Bear Vaults and apparently the Lighter1 have a wider opening that some find easier to get to your stuff than the other models with narrower openings.

P.S. cool pic, Nick!

Bear Vault is not approved for the ADK because Yellow-Yellow and her cubs figured out how to open them.

Bareboxer had two sizes, but I only see one on their website now: 275 cubic inches, 1.6 lb. I have one and it's fine, but SMALL. Check to see if your food will fit, conceivably 3 nights if you pack it well, more likely 2 nights worth of food. A Garcia holds a lot more. http://www.bareboxer.com/products.htm

Buy a bearikade if you win the lottery ($$$)

"Bear Vault is not approved for the ADK because Yellow-Yellow and her cubs figured out how to open them."

Actually my understanding is that the latest generation of Bear Vaults are approved there. I was there last week and the signage seemed to confirm that.

what bear canister to choose? Wow, never seen that topic here. Brilliant question!!

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html#before

Thanks for the responses and its nice to see some Adirondack hikers here. I'll dive into these products more and make a selection. I appreciate the local information. It appears the canister issue has come full scale to the High Peaks. My only experience was in California and it was militant. In talking with some people here I've heard the DEC will literally walk you right out to the trailhead if you don't have one now.

Geokite,"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance."

So you are looking for real knowledge. I get it. I know the search feature of this forum isn't very good, but did you even try it? Guess I'm being selfish, not wanting to see the same topic asked once per week…

I'm thinking Nick will post something sarcastic right

about

now

….

Wow, you win. I just wanted information about hiking in my local mountains. The interesting thing is I got a tremendous amount of accurate information from some very prompt and helpful people until you came along. You don't have to guess if you are being selfish, you are. It's ok, you probably don't notice it anymore.

Contrary to some postings on this web site, as of late July (from the High Peaks bear specialist ranger), there have been no bearvault breakins this summer at High Peaks area in Adirondacks. It seems (so far) that only Yellow Yellow could open them…..

That rabid buffoon routine is sharp, Stephen. I've noticed you practicing it in other threads. It is quite polished now.

Every question posted to BPL has an answer somewhere. By your logic, Stephen, every person posting questions to BPL is a leech, including you, because they didn't bother to do adequate research themselves.

I get annoyed when people post "So what's the deal with this 'cuben' stuff?" but this thread isn't in that category. NS might have been able to find an answer in the archived threads, but starting a new thread instead is harmless. It does no harm to you, which leaves one wondering about the motive for your post. Defending the realm from unnecessary threads? Or just taking advantage of an opportunity for some self-righteous puffery?