BearVault BV500 Journey Bear Canister Overview

Backside Line

The favored BearVault BV 500 is a light-weight bear canister that gives a superb capacity-to-weight ratio, matches simply inside most packs, and incorporates a flat lid that may double as a camp stool or desk. Its clear partitions permit for simple viewing of contents, and the bumps and ridges on the outside assist hold it safe underneath backpack straps.

Our frustration is the screw-top lid which might be tough to function, particularly when the plastic stiffens in chilly climate. Although the BearVault BV 500 isn’t particularly singled out, clear cans are generally discouraged in areas with persistent, intelligent black bears.

Examined over 1000’s of path miles in dense black bear nation throughout peak hyperphagia season, the BV500 has confirmed to be a dependable alternative for multi-day journeys. For hikers searching for a light-weight, sensible, and sometimes safe canister, it’s a superb worth. For the total image, see our information to the very best bear canisters.

How We Examined

Our staff has used the BV500 for at the very least 20,000 miles of backpacking through the years.

We examined the BV500 over weeks of backpacking journeys in dense black bear nation throughout the Rockies, together with throughout peak hyperphagia season. We evaluated its ease of use, weight, capability, and safety, and in contrast it to different canisters. We additionally gathered insights from lots of of private accounts about its real-world effectiveness. 

Weight & Packability

The BV500 is a really moderately weighted bear canister. At 2 kilos, 7.4 ounces, it achieves a superb capacity-to-weight ratio. When hard-sided bear cans are required, that is one in all our prime decisions for its gentle weight.

As one in all BearVault’s bigger fashions, the BV500 does take up noticeable pack house, though it’s nonetheless smaller than some heavier canisters on our checklist. It stands about 12.5 inches tall with an 8.75-inch diameter, becoming vertically in most packs or strapped horizontally exterior.

In contrast to utterly clean canisters, the BV500’s ridged and grooved floor makes it a lot simpler to safe with backpack straps, so that you gained’t have to fret about it slipping all through the day.

Ease of Use

The BV500’s ease of use is dependent upon your finger energy and whether or not your fingers are chilly. Its screw-top lid has two tabs that should be pressed down whereas twisting the lid previous the matching locking tabs on the physique. That’s simpler stated than achieved on the BV500’s slippery plastic, particularly in chilly temperatures when the lid stiffens and fingers lose dexterity. This has been our most important difficulty with this may for years. 

On the brilliant aspect, the clear partitions make it easy to see what’s inside with out digging round, and the vast opening enables you to attain in and retrieve or manage objects simply.

Its vast base additionally ensures the underside sits flat, and the utterly flat lid offers an ideal floor for a desk or stool. The canister’s peak is good for each functions.

Safety

The BV500 is safe sufficient for many backcountry conditions. The polycarbonate building is thinner than that of different fashions within the lineup. 

The BV500 continues to be our go-to. Its gnaw-resistant plastic simply retains out all different curious critters that lack the energy and ingenuity of a bear. For hikers searching for a light-weight, dependable canister able to dealing with typical bear nation situations, the BV500 affords steadiness of practicality and safety.

We strongly advocate pairing any canisters with a Smellyproof bag to higher deter curious woodland creatures.

Allow CompatibiLity

The BV500 is accepted by each the IGBC and SIBBG, which is sufficient to meet the necessities of most backcountry zones, together with Yosemite Nationwide Park. Nevertheless, it’s best to all the time double-check laws for the particular space you will.

Capability

The BV500’s 11.5-liter capability offers sufficient house for about 4-6 days of meals for one particular person, presumably extra you probably have actually space-efficient meals and manage fastidiously. We managed to suit 20 dehydrated meal pouches contained in the BV500. It’s one of many roomiest canisters on our checklist, and the vast opening permits for the usage of a Smellyproof bag. 

Ought to You Purchase the BearVault BV500 Journey?

The BearVault BV500 is ideal for hikers and backpackers searching for a dependable, light-weight, and versatile bear canister with out the burden of a heavy tank. It’s finest suited to solo adventurers, {couples}, or small teams touring in bear nation.

Its gentle weight and glorious capacity-to-weight ratio make it a robust alternative for longer journeys. Its flat lid and tall design additionally function a sturdy stool or desk, including additional usefulness at camp.

For many who just like the screw-top lid and need a canister that balances usability, weight, and flexibility, the BV500 delivers glorious worth, offering peace of thoughts with out pointless bulk.

What Different Bear Canisters and Backpacking Meals Storage Ought to You Take into account?

See our full information to backpacking meals storage for a lot of different choices.

BearVault BV450 Jaunt Overview: The BV450 is the smaller sibling of the BV500, holding about 3 to 4 days of meals and packing down a lot smaller. It has the identical screw lid enclosure and a helpful table-like form.

Grubcan Carbon 6.6 Overview: within the light-weight design of the BearVaults and seeking to improve? The Grubcan Carbon is the lightest hard-sided canister we’ve found, and it even has a intelligent locking mechanism. It’s very costly, however the rental program affords a terrific deal.

Smellyproof Baggage Overview: For lower than the price of a cup of espresso, this stuff are a no brainer to considerably enhance meals safety by decreasing the scent of your meals. Contemplating the stakes, it’s price taking this step.