BV500-Journey

BV425 is small but holds enough food for maybe 1-2 days max. It will fit in a 45l pack easy but does add weight. Lid is easy to open but can be a bit slick making it a bit harder to twist at times. It’s very sturdy but it’s not totally sealed so do not submerge in water.

I used these for a canoe camping trip. I bought two of them for two people and a dog for a four day camping trip. Everything including dog food, our food, snacks, bug spray for us and the dog, sun screen, and medications all fit. We could have probably just done one for the two of us without the dog, so they have a decent amount of room. The locking lid is a little hard to figure out at first. I found it is easiest to push the locking piece down as you spin the lid toward it so that it is already down when the piece reaches the lock. The lock will also be stiff at first, and it will get easier with time. It is also relatively easy to clean. My fishing bait spilled in it, and I was able to wash it up and remove the odor of the synthetic bait. I would not use it for a stool though. It is durable enough, but it really isn’t comfortable to sit on, and I ended up sitting on the ground. I didn’t buy it to be a stool as its primary purpose though, so that’s okay. I can’t say how it would hold up with a bear. It seems durable, and based on the way bear barrels are certified using problem grizzlies from Yellowstone at a facility to test and certify them, I think it would do rather well with the black bears I have in this region. It is heavy to carry in a backpack, but I prefer that over hanging my food because its hard to find a good enough tree to follow regulations in the Boundary waters to secure the bag. The bear barrel follows all regulations and makes sure you aren’t accidentally feeding bears and other wildlife, causing them to become a problem and require removal. These bear barrels will make sure you are keeping you safe, other campers safe, and wildlife safe. I will buy again in the future if I need more for a larger group. I will also add that they do somewhat mask the odor of your food. I had gulp bait spill in it, and I couldn’t smell it until I opened it. Obviously a bear would likely still smell it, but at least it seems to dull the smell a little.

Okay, so, I finally got my BearVault 450 and got to take it out on a 4 day backpacking trip. I almost didn't buy this cannister because of all the reviews where people said it was too hard to open. But, I sat down with myself, and I said "self, you're trying to protect your food from animals with varying levels of dexterity. If you have to struggle to open it, at least you'll have the peace of mind that your campsite won't be ransacked." I went ahead and bought it. All I can say is....woa! I had concerns about this thing to be a struggle to open, but it was so easy! The place above the tab where you are supposed to push is clearly marked with ridges, and I didn't have to hold the cannister down or pinch it between my legs. I used one thumb and one hand and had no trouble opening this. Maybe it is because I have small fingers and the hands of a massage therapist? Either way, I do question what is so difficult about opening this. I did see some reviews about it being harder to open in the cold. I was out on a night that dropped into the low 40s and didn't notice any change in the rigidity of the plastic or ease of opening. There might be a lower temperature threshold for that, and if there is, I haven't had the chance to test it out yet. I saw a few reviews about the threads getting stuck. While I was out on the trail, I did get the lid stuck once, but it got stuck on the corner of one of my food bags, not the threading. I made sure to tuck them in below the lip of the opening and never had any snags again! It seems like as long as the cannister isn't over filled and nothing inside is packed in a way that touches the lid, it has less of a chance of getting stuck. The next concern I saw people have was the weight. I packed this cannister for a 4 day trip for me and my dog, including meals, snacks, kibble, and treats. Kibble is not that light and my dog eats 2 cups a day! After all that, the whole weight of the cannister and food was only 5 lbs. I don't know what kinds of meals people are packing to make this thing weigh 10+ pounds for a weekend trip, but if you know your camping food and pack consciously, then weight shouldn't be a problem. Lastly, there are a lot of negative reviews for this cannister in the Adirondacks. In the research I did (assuming it is accurate), you can't legally use any bear cannister in the Adirondacks that isn't approved by the rangers or one you rent from a trailhead. While that might be limiting to this particular cannister, there are thousands of other places around the US that I would love to go where I can bring this cannister. If I ever go to the Adirondacks, I will go in knowing I need to rent one of their cannisters. Easy problem to solve. Other than that, the design is emaculate. The large opening makes packing, reorganizing, and finding what you need so easy, as does the transparency. This can hold a lot of food when packed correctly, and it fits perfectly in my 75L backpack with the rest of my gear. It also makes a nice seat/stool when needed. I'll be getting the BearVault 500 next!

I review these products from the point of view of a sea kayaker intending to use a bear resistant food container on the Inside Passage from Vancouver Island, BC to Glacier Bay, Alaska, where I have to interface with the containers twice a day for 90 days. I compared the Garcia Backpacker's Cache and the BearVault BV-500 because they're both top of the line, readily available, and they're the two that most long-range voyagers through bear country would likely consider. On the west coast, raccoons are as problematic as bears, and mice everywhere are equally frustrating. Both containers weigh essentially the same, about two and a half pounds, and both are approximately 8.75" in diameter and each about 12" long. The Garcia is the standard loaner/rental used in State and National Parks. It has a more pleasant shape than the BearVault but has only a 600 cu/in capacity, while the BearVault holds 700 cu/in. The BearVault has a screw lid, while the Garcia closes with twist latches. While some reviewers state that you need a coin or object to open the lid latches on the Garcia, on mine I need only my fingernail, and I easily could open the lid without a tool of any kind. It's a matter of reasoned technique that becomes easier over time. I compared the Garcia Backpacker's Cache and the BearVault BV-500 side by side for several days and ultimately chose the BearVault over the Garcia because (1) it has a greater carrying capacity for the same weight, (2) because it's made from clear (bluish) polycarbonate that you can see through (and which light can enter through) and because the lid opening is significantly larger. Neither container is claimed to be odorproof or waterproof, however the BearVault seems more waterproof from ordinary rain than the Garcia. Both units require use of some kind of odor-proof plastic bag inside, such as a 12" by 20" Opsak, and the bags are easier to put into and remove from the BearVault (because the opening is larger) than the Garcia. Although the Garcia seems easier to fit into a backpack or kayak compartment hatch because it is less angular, the BearVault was my choice because light enters the container through the translucent sides and bottom, and it is easier to see inside than the Garcia, so things are easier to find. A bear or raccoon can see inside too, but seeing won't get him the food, and I'd rather avoid the frustration of continuously digging for things I can't see. Although the BearVault is a bit harder to open, overall the increased visibility and accessibility of the BearVault make it easier to deal with than the Garcia. I covered my BearVault with disks of black reflective tape to obscure some of the contents and make it more stealthy, as well as to make it easier to find at night with a headlamp. The reflective tape stickers still let in enough light to see the interior. It's probably a small consideration, but I liked that the BearVault lid was large enough to put things in (contents being emptied from the vault) to keep them off the ground, and that the BearVault had a broader lid to sit upon as a stool. On a long trip I can easily envision using the wide mouth BearVault as a bucket to wash clothes, which would be more difficult with the Garcia due to the narrower mouth of the container. I think both containers are really nice products and the ultimate choice is one of aesthetic and personal preference. Aesthetically, the Garcia was my favorite. One think is certain: On long trips through bear and raccoon country, walking a bear canister 100 yards downwind of camp (and stashing it on the ground) is less difficult and time consuming than rigging drysacks to hang food in, especially where vegetation is dense and good tree branches are scare. Hanging food properly is daily drudgery, and the task gets old really fast.

Heavy? Yes- but you can't dock the product for being what it is. It's meant to be solid and rugged. That said, I love it. Now, the downside - the latch is finicky and hard to use as most reviews indicate. The good part is that all over the internet (check Etsy) there are "keys" that you slide into the lid latch to open it easily. And they work! So ya - I can see how a bear might have trouble opening this if me - with opposable thumbs - can't do it without a trick key...lol I love that I can see what's inside. And the fact that it's not collapsible - that's not a big deal. Things that you have to put inside the pack on day 1 end up filling the void/dead space inside the canister as time goes on so your pack does still shrink.

I recently used the BV475 on a 5-day backpacking trip, and overall, I am very pleased with its performance. This bear canister is large enough to accommodate my dietary needs, which include aiming for 3000 calories per day, roughly equating to a maximum of 2 lbs of food. When packed properly, the BV475 provided ample space to store all my meals, ensuring I could eat healthily throughout my adventure. Pros: - Spacious: The BV475's capacity is impressive, easily fitting enough food for an extended trip. With careful packing, I had no trouble fitting in all my meals. - Durable: The canister is sturdy and well-constructed, offering reliable protection against bears and other wildlife. - Ease of Use: The lid mechanism is straightforward, making it easy to open and close even in challenging conditions. - Visibility: The transparent design allows for quick identification of contents without needing to open the canister repeatedly. Cons: - Weight: Like most bear canisters, the BV475 adds some weight to your pack. However, the peace of mind it provides is well worth the extra pounds. - Size: While the size is great for longer trips, it might be a bit bulky for shorter outings or if space is a critical concern. Overall, the BV475 is an excellent investment for any serious backpacker. Its capacity and durability make it a reliable companion for ensuring your food stays safe and secure in the wilderness. I highly recommend it for anyone planning extended trips into bear country.

Used this in the Adirondack Marcy Dam area for a 2 person 3-day/2-night excursion and had no critter problems. Fits into my Osprey Atmos 65 pack just fine, although it is still large so I stuffed some other things in it to not end up with stuff hanging on my pack. Had enough room for all of our food, snacks, dishes, toiletries, and dog food for our canine companion. Didn't see any bears, but tons of little squirrels and chipmunks. There was no evidence of any tampering of the container. I'll probably continue to use it even when not in bear country because I like the convenience of not having to hang a line, and I've had small critter failures in some cases even when the line looked perfect. Even a small critter can ruin your trip if it gets into your food - it renders it inedible, but must be carried out and disposed of. Just FYI, because there is some confusion about the use of this canister in the Adirondacks: There's a display in the ADK visitor center at Heart Lake asking not to use these types of canisters because 1 bear several years ago figured out how to open them. They are just asking, they will not stop you. According to the Bear-Vault product page, that bear died in 2012 and there have been no reports of canister tampering since. As I was carrying it back from the cache area (100ft away from camp and cooking sites), a park ranger walked right past me and wished me good morning, making sure I didn't build any campfires. She couldn't care less about the brand of canister. If you have any doubts, call the rangers and see what they say before purchasing. The next alternative weighs 11oz more. As long as you use it properly, store it away from food and food smells, I think you will be ok in the EHPZ. If that is where you do all your camping and hiking, and it makes you feel better, you can install a tap screw, or just go with another brand.

The BV-425 is perfect for shorter backpacking trips. The size can easily store enough food for a weekend backpacking trip. Bear canisters play an important part in managing the wilderness and leaving no trace. I highly recommend. My scale weighed the canister at 27.45 oz or 778 grams. ** Bonus Tip on Opening ** This small size of this bear canister makes it the most difficult Bear Vault to open. When opening you need to both hold the bottom of the canister in place and rotate the lid. The small canister reduces the surface area and gripping area to hold onto while opening. Place the Bear Vault between your legs/knees to hold in place. Then take a plastic card (old credit card or used gift card) and place between the canister stopper and the lid nub. Position the card center with the lid nub. Then rotate the lid in a counterclockwise direction. This does take practice and sometimes the plastic card will fall out. I find holding the plastic card with one hand in position and rotating the lid works best for me. Practice is key. When the Bear Canister gets cold (normally in the mornings) you want to have this technique perfected. The cold temperature makes the lid more rigid and difficult to open. Good luck and happy trails!

This is the perfect size canister as it will JUST fit in sideways in most 50-60 L packs, yet carry 5-6 days of food. Love that it’s clear so you can locate your stuff better, and I don’t know why some people complain it’s hard to open. It seemed easy enough to me. It does work alright as a camp stool, although the lid kind of creaked and flexed a little which made me cautious (I’m 205 lbs). Highly recommended though even if a canister is not officially required on your hike. So easy just to pack up at night and set down somewhere away from your camp. I can tell you from experience that most hikers get lazy/tired and stop doing improper hangs after the first night or two on the trail (or there’s a lack of appropriate trees), so I really wish all hikers would just carry one of these.

幌尻登山で食事を持参するために、ヒグマ対策として購入。強度と安心感は期待通り。２泊２人用には少し大きかったかな？もうひとサイズ小さくても良かったです。

Thankfully haven't encountered a bear yet but so far it's been great for keeping my food safe from smaller critters that have checked it out overnight. Fits comfortably into a Gregory Jade 53L bag with no issues (tested in a Gregory Stout 70L as well). So far I love it despite the added weight over using a bear hang bag.

Really like the product, just takes a bit to get used to opening it.

This is a good option for a couple days of food, however, I find it very hard to open. With cold or wet hands I couldn't open it at all one morning. Not sure if it is just me or ?