What type of Bear Canister do you use?

[garyp]

I live in California and several of the area's I frequent require bear canisters. What type do you use or recommend?

I have found these on Amazon.

BearVault BV500
http://www.amazon.com/BearVault-BV500-Proof-Container-Vault/dp/B0019LSGQE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379287450&sr=8-1&keywords=bearikade

Backpackers' Cache
http://www.amazon.com/Backpackers-Cache-Bear-Proof-Container/dp/B0002ZB5Y8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379287746&sr=8-2&keywords=bear+canister

Counter Assault Bear Keg
http://www.amazon.com/Counter-Assault-Bear-Keg%C2%99-Container/dp/B001AQZJEK/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1379287811&sr=8-7&keywords=garcia+bear+canister

Bear Proof / Resistant Food Container
http://www.amazon.com/Resistant-Container-Canister-Backpackers-Cache/dp/B001QGW3A2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1379287230&sr=8-4&keywords=garcia+bear+canister

I am not familiar with any of these. I have heard a lot about Garcia and I just want to make a purchase once and not multiple times. I do use a Gregory Baltoro 75 pack. Not sure if by putting my pack helps with suggestions but it couldn't hurt.

[quasarr]

I used the BV500, and it was a popular choice on the PCT/JMT. It is the lightest of the canisters, and you might notice from the pics, the other models have kind of a "lip" around the opening that makes it hard to reach inside. I also like that it is clear. The downside is that it is harder to open, IMO. With cold hands the little tabs can be hard to push down. (the opening is kind of like child proof pill bottles on a large scale, you have to press down the tabs to get past stoppers.)

Don't know what part of CA you are in, but there was an outfitter in Lone Pine that had them for $65.

[Miner]

The lightest hardshell canister is the Bearikade, which is made from Carbon fiber, but its also the most expensive.
http://www.wild-ideas.net/

Garcia (or the Backpackers' Cache or the Bear Proof/Resistant Food Container link are all the same thing) is the oldest and the one that all the USFS and NPS rent because they have never had a problem with a bear figuring out how to open the lid. Its also heavier then the BearVault.

BearVaults are probably the most popular with backpackers since its lighter then the Garcia for about the same money. The lid is easier to use and you can see the contents inside the can (so can the bear though). They have had to redesign the lid a few times over the years due to a bear figuring out how the open it. But its pretty reliable.

Bear Keg is similar to the Garcia but I think its even heavier. Why bother?

I've own the Garcia can since the late 90's when they first starting requiring them in some wilderness areas and have never had any issues (you do need to bring a dime to be able to open and lock it unless you have a screwdriver on your knife. The bearvault doesn't save enough weight to justify replacing it with one. I have been lusting after a Bearikade for several years. Just haven't been able to justify the money for something I only use once or twice a year. However, if I didn't already own a bear can, it would be the one I'd buy.

[quasarr]

Also if you are going on shorter trips, (4 days or less) you can get away with a smaller sized Bear Vault Solo.

http://www.bearvault.com/bearvault_details.php

[RodentWhisperer]

I've taken the BearVault when I've hiked through Rocky Mountain NP, and it's served me well. I find it doesn't perfectly nestle into my pack (a GoLite Pinnacle), but I've easily managed by stuffing my clothes around its sides.

FWIW, it's made for good seating at suppertime!

[Maui Rhino]

I bought a BV500 for my JMT thru next summer. So far, I've only used it for one overnite training hike. It made a great camp stool. Fitting it vertically in my 70l pack, I still had room for clothes, tent and sleeping pad around and on top of it.

[bear bag hanger]

I got the Garcia back when they first came out, still have it, but rarely use it - too heavy. I did have a small Bear Vault, but had a lot of problems getting the lid off and it got worse the more I used it. I've read they have since changed the Bear Vault lid several times, but they still have the problem that bears can figure out how to open them.

Best advice is to measure the top of your back pack and that should tell you what will fit. For example, my backpack has an opening of 42" (21" across multiplied by 2). Subtract 2 X height and 2 X the diameter of bear canister, in my example the Garcia is 12" high and 8.8" in diameter for a total of 41.6", which means it'll fit horizontally in my pack. but just barely.

[Venchka]

You can rent a Bearikade for a short trip before making a purchase. The information is on their web pages.

Wayne

[Cookerhiker]

BearVault 500 here. One time I had problems opening it but it was my fault.

When I was looking, my internet search revealed many on-line retailers selling BV with notable price differences. It behooves you to shop around.

[leaftye]

I like my Bearikade. I've never had a bear try to get in it though.

Unless you pack minimally, you may not be able to fit your bear canister and all your gear inside your pack. One trick is to empty all your food into a food bag and carry that inside your pack, and the empty canister will be attached externally.

[fredmugs]

BV 500 as well. It can be hard to open but I just jam my P38 in there. A coin or anything like that works too.

[B.j. Clark]

There is a YouTube video showing the use of a credit card put behind the catch to depress the tabs. Easy open. I just slide a knife blade behind the catch and rotate the cover. Works like a charm.