The quantity of bear attacks increases every year. The reasons for this are habitat destruction, an increase of the number of tourists and their non-observance of the basic rules of security. Some tourists store food directly in the camp. The smell of food attracts bears, and their visits may have unpredictable consequences.
The best way to save food and avoid a bear attack is to use valid bear canister
The container is made of durable material. The bear could not break or open it because it is made of enough solid plastic.
Most models are equipped with a special valve that retains the odor.
| Photo | Capacity | Dimensions | Product's name | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 700 cubic inches | 14 x 9 x 9 | 1. Bear Vault BV500 Container | View on Amazon |
 | 700 cubic inches | 14 x 9 x 9 | 2. Bear Vault BV500 Canister | View on Amazon |
 | 614 cubic inches | 12 x 12 x 12 | 3. Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Container | View on Amazon |
 | 850mL | 7" x 9" | 4. Lighter1 Lil' Sami | View on Amazon |
 | 650 cu in | 8.7" x 13" | 5. Lighter1 Bear Canister | View on Amazon |
 | 716 Cubic Inch | 9" X 14" | 6. Bear Keg | View on Amazon |
 | 600 cubic inches | 8" x 10" | 7. Bear Resistant Canister by UDAP | View on Amazon |
 | 614 cubic inches | 12" X 9" | 8. Bear proof Backpacker's Cache | View on Amazon |
 | 614 cubic inches | 8" x 10" x 11" | 9. Backpackers Cache Bear Container | View on Amazon |
In addition, each national park has its own list of approved containers.
Also, the canisters should be certified in the IGBC (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee). You should be acquainted with the latest list of certified products, including bear containers.
Contents
I have prepared for you a list of the top 9 bear containers:
1. Bear Vault BV500 Bear Resistant Food Canister
This model is one of the most popular canisters. Easy to use, equipped with guidelines for fastening to the backpack. In addition, users note the good capacity of the container and convenient access – a wide mouth does not interfere with getting and taking out food and other things. Transparency provides a simple identification of the contents.Materials
This model is made of durable transparent polycarbonate. Despite the small thickness, the canister walls withstand the strongest impacts and pressure.
Weight
2 lbs 9oz.
Method of shutting
The canister opens without tools, but beginners can have some problems with this at first, as with any other bear containers. There is advice for them: try to slide a blade of knife under the catch. It makes releasing much easier. Also, try to keep lid clear, do not toss it to the dirt, and wipe the treads.
Capacity
This canister has the optimal volume of 700 cubic inches. Capacities of a canister will be sufficed to you for 7 days.
2. Bear Vault BV500 Bear Resistant Food Canister
Reduced modification of the popular bear canister. It will suit those who go into the wild for a couple of days and do not want to wear weights in a backpack.
The canister has the same shape as the Bear Vault BV500, it also has guides for carrying on the backpack. Transparent walls will not prevent you from finding immediately what you need.
Weight
2 lbs 1oz.
Method of closing
The lid opens just like the Bear Vault BV500 and is enough reliable.
Capacity
This can has only 440 cubic inches It is enough for 4 days.. If you are a beginner, I advise you to watch a video about how to pack a can.
3. Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Container
Backpackers Cache is developed by real experts and tested on real experiments with grizzlies. This is one of the most reliable cans on the market.Materials
The bear canister is made of durable thick plastic and can withstand the weight of an adult male, so it is quite suitable as a chair or a table for cooking in the camp.
Durable plastic provides real protection for your food: some Bear Vault models were found destroying bears, while on the Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Container they left only deep scratches. The food was preserved. This is also promoted by rounded edges – it is more difficult for bear to grasp and crack the container in them.
Weight
2 lbs 7oz.
Method of closing
The lid is opened and closed using tools – a coin or a knife. Some tourists may not like it, but think about who goes into nature without a knife? Even experienced raccoons can not open such a valid construction. That means quite a bit!
Capacity
614 cubic inches. Capacities of a canister will suffice you for 6 days.
4. Lighter1 Lil’ Sami Bear Canister
The original canister cap device allows you to use it for cooking – like a pan. This reduces the amount of things that need to be taken in the backcountry and makes the storage of all food and kitchen utensils at one point. The capacity of the frying pan makes it possible to prepare 2.5 Mountain House meals.
Users note that the frying pan heats up quickly, but does not have a non-stick coating. In any case, it’s a cool idea – to combine a frying pan and a canister. I hope that the manufacturer will add non-stick coating to the following canister models.
Video with unpacking and first impressions:
Materials
The can is made of strong polycarbonate. It is distinguished by its high strength and lightness. Transparency allows you to find the right thing quickly without getting everything.
Lighter1 is durable and allows you to use it as a chair. A person weighing 200 pounds can sit on it without any risks.
In this video, you can see the strength test of Lighter1 in the wild.
Weight
1 lbs 5oz.
Method of closing
The canister is locked with a special stop valve. It is bolted, which can not unscrew the bear. The reinforcement also adds strength to the canister. Note! The lid is not sealed!
Capacity
It contains 300 cubic inches. Capacity of the canister is enough for 4 days.
5. Lighter1 Big Daddy Bear Canister
Lighter1 Big Daddy – modification of Lighter1 Lil. The canister allows you to take more food with you and has the same advantages as a smaller model.Weight
2 lbs 4oz.
Method of shuting
The canister is locked as well as the previous model. Covers are interchangeable.
Capacity
This container has an optimal volume of 650 cubic inches. Capacities of a canister will suffice you for 7 days.
6. Bear Keg
Bear Keg is one of the largest and heaviest bear containers.Materials
It is made of durable patented plastic. Its yellow color helps to find it – this color is clearly visible on a green, gray or brown background. A reflective strip in the middle will help you find it at night.
Weight
3 lbs 5oz. The container is not the easiest, but your food and other items will be reliably protected from all animals.
Approval
The Bear Keg is approved by the SIBBG (Sierra interagency black bear Group) and IGBC (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee). Allowed for applying in all national parks. The canister is reliable. This confirms the successful passing of testing in the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone.
Method of closing
In addition to dimensions, Bear Keg has one important difference from most analogues. It is locked with 3 screws, unlike the others, which are locked with 2 screws. This increases the reliability of the canister.
The canister is opened with a coin or a knife. Some people do not like that a canister needs to be opened with a tool, but everybody take the knife into the wild. The most important thing is that bears will not have time to defeat the lock while you are in the wild, which often happens with the cans that open by the hands.
It is not waterproof. To protect the food, the canister should be placed downward.
Capacity
This can has perfect volume of 716 cubic inches. Capacities of a canister will suffice you for 8 days.
7. NO-FED-BEAR Bear Resistant Canister by UDAP
NO-FED-BEAR Bear Resistant Canister is a reliable and durable container for food.Materials
It is made of durable plastic; bears can leave scratches on it, but do not open it. A rugged body allows you to use it as a camp chair. An adult person can sit on it without worrying that it could break. You can see the test video:
Weight
The reverse side of strength and reliability is the relatively large weight of the canister (2 lbs 4oz.) But this is not a problem for most backpackers.
Approval
Yosemite National Park known for its strict requirements for the equipment of backpackers took it for backcountry camping. It is also admitted to the federal and CA State Camp site. (Meets requirements for federal and CA state camping)
Method of closing
NO-FED-BEAR Bear Resistant Canister is locked with help of two screws. To open and close this model of canister you need a tool – a coin or a knife. The lid is closed tightly, but not sealed, so I can advise you not to put a canister near the water. The bear will not open it, but can push it into the water. The canister could float away, and its contents get wet.
Capacity
The volume of this item is 500 cubic inches. Capacity of the canister is enough for 4 days.
8. Bear proof / Resistant Food Container/ Canister The Backpacker’s Cache
This sturdy container is designed for hiking in the wild. It will protect your food and will enable you to enjoy nature and avoid unplanned meetings with wild animals.Materials
The container is made of durable thick plastic. The corners of the canister are rounded to prevent the bear from catching on to them and breaking the container.
The canister can be used in the camp as a chair. It has a black color, so if you want to find a canister at night, I advise you to wrap it with a light-reflecting tape in the middle.
Weight
The container weighs 2 lbs 12oz. this is not the lightest bear canister, but safety is more important.
Method of closing
Bear proof / Resistant Food Container / Canister The Backpacker’s Cache as well as the previous canisters is locked with two screws. To open the lid, you need tools such as knife or coin. Bears can not open such a lid. If they find a canister, they will play with it, and then leave. The worst that can happen is that the canister would be scratched.
Capacity
It has 614 cubic inches. Capacities of a canister will suffice you for 5 days.
Video review:
9. Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container w/ Carrying Case
A popular bear container can now be bought complete with a carrying case. The cover has a handle, 4 loops and belts for fastening to the backpack. Now it is even more convenient to go camping with it.Materials
The container is made of durable thick plastic, able to withstand the beats of a bear. The corners of the canister are rounded to prevent the bear from catching on to them and breaking the container.
The canister can be used as a camp chair. It has black color, so, to find a canister at night, wrap it with a special light-reflecting tape in the middle.
Weight
The container weighs 2 lbs 12oz.
Method of closing
Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container is locked with two screws as well as the previous canisters. To open the lid, you have to get knife or coin. Bears can not open such a lid. If they find a canister, they will play with it, and then leave. The only unpleasant thing that can happen is that the canister would be scratched with bear claws.
Capacity
This can has volume of 614 cubic inches. Capacities of a canister will suffice you for 5 days.
Video review
I hope this review will help you to realize all pros and cons about the bear containers. Now you can choose the most suitable canister for you and go on a trip being sure there will be no unpleasant surprises.
Which container is best for you – transparent or not, closing with hands or with instruments, you should choose, depending on your preferences. But all cans are allowed to be used in national parks and passed tests.
Tips for using a can:
- Set it at the distance of 100 feet from the leeward side of the camp;
- Put the canister downward – this will prevent water from entering (the canister is not waterproof) and will reduce the spread of the smell of food;
- Do not put cans near water or on a slope. It will be a great success if you will find it in the morning.
Do not forget that you are only guests in the wild. Behave accordingly.
