Why We Like The BV500 Bear Resistant Food Canister
When we head out for a trip into Yosemite or Denali National Park, we do so with our food safe and secure in the Bear Vault BV500 Bear Resistant Food Canister. This large-capacity container's 700 cubic inch interior stashes enough supplies for weeklong trips into bear country. An innovative tool-free top gives you quick access to your goodies, and the see-through polycarbonate housing and extra-wide lid make it easy to find what you're looking for. Slip this lightweight Bear Vault canister into your expedition pack or use the guides to strap it down.
Details
- Large food canister for camping in bear country
- 700cu in capacity suitable for weeklong trips
- Tool-free access provides reliable bear-resistance
- Item #BRV0004
- Material
- polycarbonate
- Volume
- 700cu in
- Dimensions
- 8.7 x 12.7in
- Claimed Weight
- 2lb 9oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 1 year
- Activity
- backpacking, weekend camping
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
5 based on 7 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.What do you think about this product?
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJune 30, 2024
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.
December 24, 2021
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.
July 7, 2021
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.
January 19, 2021
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).
October 24, 2020
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.
July 11, 2020
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.
June 26, 2020
great product
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
almost perfect, cost seems high for what it is but should do the job
Need Expert Advice?
Our Gearheads Can Help
August 13, 2020
Is the 8.7in x 12.7in the inner dimensions or outer?
This product can expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A (BPA) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.