Bear Canister for Backpacking: BV450 & BV500 BearVault
If you’re planning a backcountry trip in bear country, having a reliable bear canister for backpacking is a must. I own both the BV450 Jaunt and BV500 BearVault, and they each have their sweet spot depending on your trip length and pack style.
I originally bought the BV500 first. It’s the right size for week-long solo trips, but at the time, I couldn’t go away for longer than 5 days, so it felt a bit bulky for my needs. Now that my schedule is more flexible, I’m excited to make more use of it.
The BV450 Jaunt quickly became my go-to for shorter trips. It’s lighter than the BV500, but still gives plenty of room for a 4-day solo adventure. When I dehydrate my own meals, I can push it to 5 days if I pack strategically.
Both canisters are versatile: I love using them as a seat if I don’t bring my chair, or as a mini table when I do, perfect for rolling tortillas or prepping dinner after a long day on the trail.
Comparison: BV450 vs BV500 Bear Canisters
| Specification | BV450 | BV500 |
|---|---|---|
| Best Use | Backpacking, 3–5 day trips | Backpacking, week-long trips |
| Capacity | 7.2 liters (440 cu. in.) | 11.5 liters (700 cu. in.) |
| Material | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate |
| Dimensions | 8.7 x 8.3 inches | 8.7 x 12.7 inches |
| Weight | 2 lbs. 1.6 oz. | 2 lbs. 8 oz. |
| Features | Transparent walls, screw-on lid, doubles as stool/table, strap guides | Wide, slippery design, screw-on lid, transparent walls, doubles as stool/table, strap guides |
| Recommended For | Solo or weekend trips, shorter adventures | Longer solo trips, week-long excursions, larger food capacity |
Features (Both Models)
- Rounded, slippery design to prevent leverage points for bears
- Durable polycarbonate construction
- Transparent walls to see contents at a glance
- Screw-on lid: secure and easy to operate
- Wide opening for easy access
- Strap guides for packing convenience
- Doubles as a camp stool or mini table
- Made in the USA
Why I Recommend Them
- BV450: Perfect for shorter solo trips or weekend backpacking adventures. Lightweight enough to carry comfortably, yet roomy enough to store 4–5 days of dehydrated food. Its versatility as a stool or table makes it a practical luxury on the trail.
- BV500: Ideal for longer trips where you need maximum food storage. Slightly bulkier, but excellent for week-long excursions. Now that I have more flexibility, I can fully utilize its larger capacity without feeling weighed down.
Both are made from durable, transparent polycarbonate, approved by the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group and Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, and designed to keep your food safe from bears while being easy to pack and use.
