BearVault BV500 Journey Bear Canister
Food protection that keeps your wild adventure going, the BearVault BV500 Journey bear canister features simple access and a light weight-to-volume ratio for a 7-day solo backpacking trip.
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- Specifically designed to be wide, round and slippery to reduce leverage points for entry from bear jaws, claws and paws
- Weight is low and volume is high, thanks to the durable, polycarbonate construction
- Screw-on lid is intuitive and secure, and doesn't require extra tools to operate; no need to overtighten; see instructional video on how to properly open and close container
- Transparent canister is easy to see into and doesn't require you to empty the contents of the container to find specific items
- Wide opening allows you to reach all the way in to find your tasty treats
- Strap guides aid in strapping and packing canister to your preference; an ideal place for your can is inside your pack just above your sleeping bag
- Container doubles as a camp stool, a luxury most backpackers leave behind; close lid fully when using as a stool to preserve the screw-top threads
- This BearVault model has approval from both the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group and Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee
- Stash on the ground or in a niche 100 ft. downwind of camp and cooking site; do not hang; never keep BearVault inside your tent
- Wipe rim clean of dirt and grime, and clean with mild soap and warm water; use a dry bag with your canister near saltwater; apply food-grade silicone to threads as needed
- Note: harsh chemicals will destroy the plastic; keep DEET and other strong chemicals away, or double bag it carefully if storing inside
- When not using, store in a dry, cool place out of UV sun rays
Made in USA.
View all BearVault Bear-Resistant Food Containers| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Gear Capacity (L) | 11.5 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 700 cubic inches |
| Material(s) | Polycarbonate |
| Dimensions | 8.7 x 12.7 inches |
| Weight | 2 lbs. 8 oz. |
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Not Bear Proof
Took this on a backpacking weekend in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The black bear(s) that decided they wanted to eat the food inside of it were able to figure out where the lid locks were and proceeded to bite/claw them out so that they could remove the cap and feast. I was wary before purchasing it due to the number of reviews that had actually encountered bears -- most of the canisters that actually have bears try to get inside of them seem to fail -- but decided to give it a shot anyways. Ah well, now I know. Would not recommend purchasing this, as it seems that most bears are able to figure out how to open it.
Keeps Bears Out
This thing works better than the old anti-bear container I used. It's easier to open - the old black one needed a coin or screwdriver handy to turn the 'locks'. Nice that it is clear too, so you can see what is inside. Check out the photo and video attached here...some bears came into our camp in Alaska and shredded a bunch of gear but the container remained intact.
The Obvious Choice
Used this on a 5 day backpacking trip in Central California. It is heavy, but what do you expect if it keeps bears out. I was able to put all my 5 days of food inside--pro packs of Mountain House dinners- 4, side dishes (peas, corn, green beans)-6, oatmeals-4, cliff bars-5, coffee packs-5, crystal light-5. Still had some room after that food for toiletries but thats about it. Used it as a seat around camp as well. So if you are going into bear country and a vault is required then this is the one for you. It can be a pain to open, especially in the morning when your fingers are cold, but I just used my leatherman or stick to push in the tabs.
Meets the requirements
The BV500 meets JMT requirements. We purchased two, one for each of us. We were able to pack eleven days of food in each canister. Reviews are accurate when mentioning difficulty opening in colder climes with cold or weak fingers. We used a credit card to open the lid consistently without effort. Clear sides may be a draw for some but inconsequential for us. Makes for a decent backcountry stool. I’d prefer another 100 cubic inches, but the BV500 did its job. No critters got in. I’d like to see the cannister come with reflective sticker. When a bear is messing with it and dislodges it from your cache location during the night, it’s easier to locate by flashlight with attached reflective stickers
A black bear bit a hole in mine.
This is not bear proof if a bear can just bite a hole in it. It was a black bear.
Great food storage for long hikes!
I can fit up to 12 days worth of food inside this, with smart packing. I am hiking the JMT this year and we are only going to resupply once. The BV500 is bulky, but the dimples on the outside make it easy to attach it to the outside of your pack. It works great as a seat, and I use the lid as a tray while cooking. As far as a true test, I don't know how it holds up to Bears yet. But I am not worried about it, the product seems pretty durable. I have read that some people find this hard to open. Just grab the lid with two hands and spin it fast. So far it has worked every time for me with no problems. I hope this helps! Happy Hiking.
There's a simple trick to opening this!
This canister is hard to open. It gets exponentially harder to open when the temps drop below 50 degrees. I was afraid I was going to starve on our recent trip to Colorado. After returning home and reading about others having this problem, I was ready to return the container. However, there's a simple trick to opening this thing easily (see photo). Just insert a credit card or some other tool behind the locking nib and twist the lid. It's that easy! I usually keep a half credit card in my kit as a pot scraper, anyway, so this is super easy.
Proven Reliable
A bear mauled my BV500 in Colorado this summer. It got a couple scratches and holes from teeth but I didn't lose anything. I also like my BV500 because rodents can't get in, it's a great seat, I use the lid as a flat surface for my stove, it's water- and impact-resistant storage for delicate items (phones, sunscreen), and even for doing laundry in. I've also witnessed what a bear will do to an Ursack and it's not good. Not good at all. Use a canister.
Boy, was I surprised!!
I stopped in at the Adirondacks High Peaks Info Center before hitting the trail because my brother needed to rent a bear proof canister. The ADK staffer asked if I needed one. Nope. I'm good. What color is your canister? he asks. It's clear, I say. Like those? he says pointing to two totally crumpled BearVaults--one had a huge gash ripped into it. Uh...um... Sorry, he says. Those don't work up here. The Adirondack black bears have figured out how to crush them, then carry them off and chew them open. He let me borrow one of their ugly black no-see-through canisters for free. So I am, sadly, returning my BearVault unused.
Piece of mind!
First I did not pack the first days food in the coutainer because it would be gone by nightfall. Here is what I managered to get in it! 2 breakfasts for 2 2 desserts 2 dinners for 2 3/4 loaf baguette cut into 3 pieces. Pancake mix (zip lock) Coffee (zip lock) coco sm. sack jelly beans 4 power bars 4 other bars 6 sm tubes crystal light mix Sm. salami sm cheeses dish soap, oil, spices, syrup, sm tube butter. AND MORE TREATS! I used a compression sack for the freezed dried foods. clear container a huge plus, but so many items had to unpack it to get to items. I know that I overpacked but it can hold alot if done properly! I slept better at night with it!