Bear Canisters: A Simple Guide
When camping or backpacking in an area with bears, for your safety and that of bears as well, you need to secure your food and other scented items in an approved manner. Most commonly, you will see this done by hanging a bear bag, but another option is using a bear canister.
What is a bear canister?
A bear canister is a device that scented items can be stored in to prevent the attraction of bears. They are used when camping in areas where bears are known to reside. These hard-shelled containers have a locking mechanism that prevents easy accessibility, thus discouraging curious bears.
Bear Canisters vs Bear Bags
Most backpackers will opt to hang a bear bag over using a bear canister. Bear bags are lighter and take up far less space than a canister, making them easier to carry and fit inside of a backpack. However, bear bags do not offer as much protection as a bear canister and trying to properly hang one can be time consuming.
While bear canisters are heavier and bulkier, storing your items in one is a simpler process. Just pack it with your scented items and then carry it off somewhere away from your campsite (more on this later).
Approved Bear Canisters
There is a variety of bear canisters on the market. While weight and size are things to consider, the most important factor is that a bear canister is approved for the location you plan to use it.
Bear canisters can be officially approved by the International Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) and/or Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group (SIBBG). However, parks and forests have their own policies, so check their website or call the park office to see what models of bear canisters are approved for a specific location.
Best Bear Canister Options
There isn’t a wide assortment of bear canisters on the market, but you do have options. Every model listed below is approved by either the IGBC or SIBBG, or both.
BearVault BV450/BV500
The BV450 and BV500 by Bearvault are probably the most popular bear canisters. They are approved by the IGBC and SIBBG and are generally accepted at any location that requires the use of a bear canister. While they are not the lightest options, they are much lighter than others on the list and still offer enough space for several days’ worth of food.
Bare Boxer Contender
If you don’t need as much space as the BearVault BV450 offers, the Bare Boxer Contender might be your next best option. This Bear Canister only weighs 1.6lbs and offers 275 cubic inches of volume, or approximately 4.5 liters. It will require a tool such as a knife or coin to twist the three locks on the top in order open the canister, but it is perfect for a solo weekend backpacking trip into bear country. It is also approved by both the IGBC and SIBBG.
UDAP No-Fed-Bear
Sharing a similar locking mechanism as the Bare Boxer, the UDAP No-Fed-Bear is much the same. However, it offers a larger capacity (at a cost of more weight). The locking system is slightly different, only having two locks to turn. Once again, a tool is required to break inside this canister.
Wild Ideas Bearikade
Wild Ideas offers various sizes in their bear canisters, and they are the lightest on the market. However, unlike the other options listed above, this canister is not approved by the IGBC, but they are still approved in many national parks. Check the park’s website or call the park office to verify if this canister is allowed.
The Bearikade from Wild Ideas is also the most expensive bear canisters, no matter which size you opt for. But another plus to highlight is that you can have one custom built for your needs.
How to use a bear canister
Bear Canisters are simple to use. While different models have different locking mechanisms, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how to get into one. The canisters from BearVault simply require squeezing the lid tabs in and then twisting, while those like the Bare Boxer have a slotted, screw-like lock requiring a tool of some sort.
The real trick in using a bear canister is knowing what to put inside of it and what to do with it before you go to bed.
What needs to go in a bear canister
Most campers know that food should go inside your bear canister, but there is much more that needs to as well.
Aside from food, any other scented items need to go inside. Think deodorant, toothpaste, scented wipes or hand sanitizer, etc. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t smell good enough to eat. To a bear, a strange scent can attract its nose. So, play it safe and keep anything with a scent, good or bad, in your bear canister.
Where to put your bear canister at night
Take your bear canister away from your campsite after you have packed it for the night. Best practice is to take it at least 100 yards down wind. Down wind is important so it doesn’t lead any bears to your campsite. Do not leave your canister by a cliff or water source as bears can knock them around causing you to lose your items (not to mention a pricey canister).
I take my bear canister down trail at least 100 yards. Then I take it off trail far enough to not be seen. Be sure to make a mental note about where you left it so you can easily relocate it the next morning. I recommend placing it by something distinct such as a unique-looking tree or bush.
How to carry a bear canister
When backpacking, the worst thing about a bear canister is having to carry it. First, they generally add an extra 2 to 3 pounds of weight. Second, they are bulky and may not even fit into your backpack.
Some bear canisters are small enough I would just recommend fitting them into your backpack however you can and packing other items around it until your pack is comfortable to carry. For the larger canisters, however, like the BearVault BV500, you may need to carry them strapped to the outside of your pack.
The first option, if your backpack is equipped with such, is to sandwich your canister between the body of your pack and the top lid. Loosen the webbing of the buckles that is used to secure your top lid to the body as much as possible. Next, fit your canister over the body and under the top lid of your pack. Then buckle the top lid to the body and cinch tight until the canister is secure.
Tip: Zpacks has an optional V Top Strap. It is perfect for strapping a bear canister to the top of one of their packs.
With a little imagination, you can also carry a bear canister on the back of your backpack. You may need to engineer a fastening system yourself, but it likely won’t be too difficult. The downside with this method though is it can throw your balance off if the canister is too heavy. You might can remedy this by keeping your food and scented items inside your backpack until you camp, then move everything into the canister before calling it a night. This way, most of the weight of your pack is still close to your body while hiking and not protruding 18+ inches the opposite direction you are going.
Do I have to use a bear canister?
Some locations require using a bear canister, but not all. First, does the location you are planning to camp at have a bear population? If no, then you won’t need a bear canister. If the location does have bears, then you should contact the appropriate ranger office for affirmation of bear canister requirements.
Many parks and national forests require at least a bear bag, but some places specifically require bear canisters, especially in places with higher bear activity. Yosemite and Glacier National Park require bear canisters for backcountry camping, or dispersed camping. Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not. But don’t take my word for it! Do your own research for a location’s requirements as policies can change at any given time. Contacting the park office is always the best way to obtain the most up-to-date information.
Bear Canister Rentals
We don’t always backpack into areas requiring a bear canister, so investing in one may not be the best option. Fortunately, there are options for renting!
Namely, check your local outdoor outfitter store or REI. Many of these places will loan out bear canisters for a few bucks a night. There are also online options like lowergear.com, plus many more you can find with a simple google search.
Bear Canister Alternatives
You must store your scented items in a secure fashion when camping in bear country. Bear canisters are not your only option. As previously mentioned, bear bags are the most popular method.
Another alternative is a bear box. A bear box is not an item you carry with you, but a large storage container found at many campsites. Everyone who is camping will simply place their items in the bear box at night. The bear box is then secured using a locking mechanism.
However, don’t count on a bear box being available. Know before you go! Aside from that, they can fill up, so having a bear bag or bear canister handy is still a good idea.
Conclusion
As bulky and heavy as bear canisters can be, they have their place in the backpacking world. We do not enjoy hauling them around, but when required, we must follow that policy. Not only does it keep you safe, but it helps to keep the bears safe as well.
For tips on how to avoid and/or handle encounters with black bears, check out my post hiking in black bear country.
