Reddit reviews BearVault BV450 Bear Resistant Food Canister, 440 Cubic Inch Capacity | for Weekend Hikers, Backpackers, and Campers
We found 6 Reddit comments about BearVault BV450 Bear Resistant Food Canister, 440 Cubic Inch Capacity | for Weekend Hikers, Backpackers, and Campers. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Lightweight Solo or Weekend Size: Lightest canister in this size category; Stores approximately 4 days of food; perfect for a couples weekend, or a 3 to 4 day solo trekClearly Find Your Food: Where’s your oatmeal, trail mix, and dinner? This wide opening, transparent food container makes it simple to grab exactly what you needEasy to Use, Durable, Doubles as a Seat: Designed with a tool-free lid: no fiddling or losing small parts; Useful around camp, it also doubles as a camp stool; Rugged and impact resistantGrizzly & Black Bear Tested: Tested and approved by both the IGBC (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee) and the SIBBG (Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group); In fact, a BearVault survived 48 hours locked in a cage with two hungry black bearsNPS & Agency Approved: Approved by all National Parks and National Forests that require Bear Canisters, including Yosemite, Sequoia King’s Canyon, Olympic, Cascades, Rocky Mountains, Glacier, Boundary Waters, Great Smokey Mountains, Shenandoah, and Denali
I know a lot of people go with the BV450/500. They seem to be (fairly) lightweight and affordable compared to a lot of lightweight competitors. Be careful though, some places specifically do not allow clear walled containers such as these (for example, they are not allowed in the Eastern High Peaks of the Adirondacks near me).
Also you might be required to carry a bear can for food storage. Check to see the local regs - Yosemite, sequoia and kings require this. Solo version: http://www.amazon.com/BearVault-BV450-Bear-Proof-Container/dp/B001V9HENU/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1410101646&sr=1-1&keywords=bearvault+bv450
We have one of these because we backpack mostly in non bear/raccoon areas. We have perfected the way we pack without one. When we go to a bear area all we have to do different is strap the bear canister to the outside of the pack. When we get to camp we move all the smelly stuff in to the canister.
As to the quality of the product, it gets the job done. With light use it will last a few years.
Because you don't backpack all the time I don't recommend you get one. Your money would be better spent elsewhere.
Because it is only one night ask if they have the half size Bear Vault it will save on weight and space.
I just came to say this. You're blessed to be in some of the best backpacking country in the USA, but you will have to carry a canister most of the time. If you're just planning to do 2-5 day hikes you can get away with the small canister.
I agree that you don't need to start with a top of the line pack, but quality matters when backpacking. I started with a GG Latitude Stratus. It was awesome but heavy. Moved on to a GoLite Pursuit and now finally I'm at ULA Ohm
If I were in your space I'd start with something in the size, cost and weight category of the Golite. It was a great pack and last me about 6 years of heavy use and finally died on my JMT thru in 2013. Big enough for week long, no resupply trips but light enough so I could start really fine tuning my kit. No matter what anyone tells you the thing that helped me enjoy my hikes more was dropping weight from my pike. Now I'm between 7 and 10 lbs base weight and usually 10-13 lbs skin-out weight. 20 mile days don't bother me and it allows me to make the most of a weekend backpacking trip.
Good luck!
Honestly, I have heard mixed reviews about rental canisters in general. You can always rent something, but you have no way of knowing what brand and model of bear canister that they have to offer. You could potentially get stuck with something really heavy and bulky. I know a lot of people recommend this guy as its pretty decently priced, and not too heavy. If you really never plan on camping in bear country ever again after this trip, then it may not be worth it in the long run. But, if you think you'll do more then just a few trips into bear country, then its probably worth it. The BV450 is great for 1 person up to 4-6 days depending on how efficient you pack your food and how much your willing to squish your food.
Cool. I thought you were asking for suggestions but you weren't. :)
I think the issue with what I linked or maybe yours is water-tightness... is yours? The one I linked, I don't think is that much...