BV500 Bear Canister

My bear can fits in my Arc Blast (older model, less volume than the Arc Haul). Zpacks also says it will fit — from their website: “All standard <b>Bear Canisters</b>, including the Bearikade Expedition and the BearVault 500 will fit in the upper half of this pack standing on end.”

I realize it will fit, but my concern was that it would not leave enough room for my other gear.  Have you ever tried strapping it horizontally on the top of your pack?

Some folks empty the can during the day and strap it on top. I would think this to be the best solution when paring a canister with a modern UL pack that otherwise only allow inside vertical placement.

Some areas out west (portions of YOS?) require the food to be contained within the canister at all times.

Have you ever tried strapping it horizontally on the top of your pack?

I have not. My 3-season gear fits inside (using the pockets too) along with the bear canister. Everyone’s kit is different.

Whether and how a bear canister and other gear can fit in someone’s pack is a common question. Got me thinking that there has to be an easy way to home-test this. Now I’ve never tried this, but what about using a large package of paper plates, like this:

The diameter is almost exactly the same as a BV, and eyeballing it the height looks about right (and is easily adjustable), could give you a good stand-in for home-testing a bear canister dimensions and fit.

I strap a BV500 horizontally to the top of an osprey atmos pack.

I like it better than I thought I would. With the Zpacks top V strap I imagine it would be stable/secure. If the canister bounces around or shifts it weight then its horrible up top. My advice would be to leave enough space at the top of your pack so the canister rests with its highest point at or below your ears and its midpoint at or below the arc hauls top horizontal bar. Pretty much just where zpacks has it in their picture on the arc hual’s webpage. For me there is a kinda ‘sweet spot’ where the canister’s weight rests and disappears a little on my shoulders.

Its really nice to lay your pack down on its side so the bear canister is upright and access your food without having to open your pack at all.

Other gear companies suggest carrying heavy weight up top as well (Mchale packs, Cilo gear, etc)

Adding weight to the paper plate stack is possible as well. Cut out a hole in the center, or layer weights in the stack.