Bear Vault

BV500 Bear Resistant Food Canister

Large volume, easy to see contents

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

BV500

I have rented and/or borrowed other bear cannisters before, including this model. I decided to buy this because of (A) large volume for extended trips, (B) easy to see and locate contents because it's translucent (unlike all other canisters I've seen or used), and (C) reasonable price. While I have only used the canister that I purchased once so far on a 10 day trip and food-carry, I have used the same make/model for a total of 30+ days in the back country. My wife had difficulty opening the cannister until I showed her how to use the butt end of a pocket knife handle (which we always carry) to easily open it.

Easy to Use and Functional Bear Can

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

Large

Height:

6' 6"

Weight:

220

I'm not sure if anyone likes to use a bear can, but when you have to use one, I would recommend this Bear Vault for the price and functionality. It's easy to open if you have decent hand strength with calluses or have a small tool that makes pressing the tab in easy (old credit card). I have an Osprey 85L pack so it can easily handle carrying it inside, but I recommend you stuff as much food and gear it in as possible to leave space inside your pack, or if you have you can, strap it to the outside.

I'm smarter than a bear!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

One of the best investments I hope I never really use! Ha! But seriously, super solid item, holds a great deal when packed with care and fits in my smaller Teton Scout3400! It does get tough to open when cold, so practice at home so you're ready for when it happens! I've attached a bell so I can be alerted if something is looking for a treat.

Functional & Simple

I have backpacked for almost 20 years now and worked as a guide and for various outdoor-gear companies that made product and some that sold them like REI & Backcountry.com, and having said all of that this is an industry standard type of product. It's ubiquitous at Ranger Stations, gear rental departments, and gear closets throughout the US. Well made, easy to use, basically indestructible, but is bulky enough that you will want to practice packing your backpack prior to day of, so that you have an idea of how to pack around it. Looking forward to having this till I no longer backpack in bear country (read: forever).

Great product

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

BV500

Just what I was looking for. I haven?t had any close encounters to speak of, but I used it in heavy bear areas and felt a lot better. Easily held 2 nights, 3 days worth of food for 2 of us as well as our trash & toiletries. It was bigger than I imagined, had to reorganize my pack a bit to make things fit.

Best Vol/weight for $, trick to opening

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

BV500

For the Volume Capacity/weight ratio, it is best choice unless you want to spend $300+ on an almost equivalent sized unit, but you would be saving only 0.5 lbs. If I was using it for 3 months straight for several years, maybe I could justify the cost. I have 2 Garcia's that I have had for almost 20 years, but I like the BV500 much better for several reasons. Slightly lighter weight, bigger volume, transparent, opening is larger diameter, and no tool required to open it (except a stick). Opening it can be difficult with your fingers (almost impossible if it's cold), but I started using a small 1/4" diameter stick (plentiful in the woods) and used that to push on the tab. Worked easily and didn't have any problems, but also didn't have encounter any bears.

great product

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

almost perfect, cost seems high for what it is but should do the job