2023 Bear Can Buying Guide

• Weight: 1lb 12oz
• Dimensions (in): 6 x 8.7
• Capacity: 305 cu.
• Material: Polycarbonate
• MSRP: $73.50
• oz/100cu.: 9.18
• $/100 cu.: $24.26

Smallest of bear canisters, this little can is perfect for a quick overnight trip, for sharing out the load in a group, or for your lunch left at a base while you venture and explore, climb, fish, or hunt. This size allows hikers, regardless of age, build, or fitness, the independence to manage and carry their own backcountry food safely. The same quality, design, and bear worthiness as our classic bear containers, the BV425-Sprint makes for a simple, light 1-2 day sprint into bear country.

PROS: Uniform shape, transparent, bear-proof, (generally) don’t need tools to open, can see can contents
CONS: Heavy, can be tough to open when cold

• Weight: 2lb 1oz
• Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 8.7
• Capacity: 440
• Material: Polycarbonate
• MSRP: $86.95
• oz/100cu.: 7.50
• $/100 cu.: $18.41

A classic for shorter trips, the BV450-Jaunt is the ideal bear canister for a weekend trip for two or a solo trip for a few days. Compact enough to fit into smaller packs, yet spacious enough for a wholesome amount of food, the BV450-Jaunt keeps your food safe, protects bears and other wildlife, and keeps your backcountry jaunt going, storing 3-4 days of food.

PROS: Uniform shape, transparent, bear-proof, (generally) don’t need tools to open, fits in small packs, can see can contents
CONS: Heavy, can be tough to open when cold

• Weight: 2 lb 4 oz
• Dimensions (in): 10.5 x 8.7
• Capacity: 565
• Material: Polycarbonate
• MSRP: $86.95
• oz/100cu.: 6.37
• $/100 cu.: $15.40

Pack compactly and take a longer trip! A smaller option for long distance backpackers, and also ideal for a shorter small group or family trip, most people can fit about 5-6 days of food in here. Extreme food dehydrators can fit even more! Durable and tough, keep bears and critters at bay while you trek to the next supply stop or to the trail’s end.

PROS: Uniform shape, transparent, bear-proof, (generally) don’t need tools to open, fits in packs horizontally, grooved for strapping to exterior, can see can contents
CONS: Heavy, can be tough to open when cold

• Weight: 2 lbs 9 oz
• Dimensions (in): 12.7 x 8.7
• Capacity: 700 cu.
• Material: Polycarbonate
• MSRP: $92.50
• oz/100cu.: 5.86
• $/100 cu.: $13.21

The BV500-Journey is the gold standard for multi-day adventures, long-distance hikers, and aspirational thru hikers. The largest and most spacious of BearVault canisters, BV500s have logged more miles than any other canister. Whether packing a few hearty meals for a group, or counting every ounce of calories to reach your goal, the BV500 is up for the journey, fitting 7 plus days of food.

PROS: Uniform shape, transparent, bear-proof, don’t generally need tools to open, , grooved for strapping to the exterior, can see can contents
CONS: Heavy, can be tough to open when cold

• Weight: 2 lbs. 12 oz.
• Dimensions (in): 12″ x 8.8″
• Capacity: 614 cu.
• Material: ABS polymer
• MSRP: $79
• oz/100cu.: 7.17
• $/100 cu.: $12.87

Super sturdy bear can that you need a tool to open. While it is approved for use in all areas of the USA, it is one of the heaviest of the bear cans on this list. It is usually available at REI, but I’m seeing it as out of stock, so it may be hard to find.

PROS: Hard for bears to open, makes a good seat
CONS: Need a tool to open, uneven shape, can’t strap to pack

• Weight: 1 lb 12 oz
• Dimensions (in): 8 x 9
• Capacity: 500cu.
• Material: Carbon Fiber
• MSRP: $300
• oz/100cu.: 5.60
• $/100 cu.: $60.00

If price is no object and every ounce counts, then the Bearkide series might be for you. Made of carbon fiber, these bear cans shed weight at the expense of cost. Built for solo hikers, it can also protect food for two adults on a 2-3 day trip.

PROS:  Need a tool to open it, very light, opening the same size as the can, uniform shape
CONS: Price, hard edges, opaque

• Weight: 1 lb 14 oz
• Dimensions (in): 9 x 10.5
• Capacity: 650
• Material: Carbon Fiber
• MSRP: $333
• oz/100cu.: 3.08
• $/100 cu.: $51.23

Sharing all the other features of the Scout, the Weekender is suitable for two people to escape for the weekend, or if used for just one, it can supply you for up to 6 days.

PROS:  Need a tool to open it, very light, opening the same size as the can, uniform shape
CONS: Price, hard edges, opaque

• Weight: 2 lb 1 oz
• Dimensions (in): 9 x 12
• Capacity: 750 cu.
• Material: Carbon Fiber
• MSRP: $358
• oz/100cu.: 4.40
• $/100 cu.: $47.73

The Bearikade Blazer is the choice for fast hikers on longer trips. It can supply a group of 3 for 3 days. If used as a personal unit, it can supply you for up to 9 days with efficient packing.

PROS: Need a tool to open it, very light, opening the same size as the can, uniform shape
CONS: Price, hard edges, opaque

• Weight: 2 lb 4 oz
• Dimensions (in): 14.5 x 9
• Capacity: 900 cu.
• Material: Carbon Fiber
• MSRP: $395
• oz/100cu.: 4.00
• $/100 cu.: $43.89

Just how much food do you need to bring? At 900 cubic inche, the Bearikade Expedition MKII is the choice for longer trips or larger groups. It can supply a group of 3 for 3 days. If used as a personal unit, it can supply you for up to 12 days.

PROS:  Need a tool to open it, very light, opening the same size as the can, uniform shape
CONS: Price, hard edges, opaque

• Weight: 2 lb 4oz
• Dimensions (in): 13 x 8.7
• Capacity: 650
• Material: Polycarbonate
• MSRP: $139
• oz/100cu.: 5.54
• $/100 cu.: $21.38

The Big Daddy features our unique canister/cook pan combination system, with the anodized aluminum canister lid doubling as a cook pan and the internal aluminum bracket working overtime as a detachable pan handle. Easy-to-maneuver aluminum screws attach the lid to the canister, and flathead notches allow for screw removal in the coldest temperatures with your tool of choice.

PROS: Lid doubles as a pan, transparent, PCT approved
CONS: Can’t sit on it and use the pan

• Weight: 1lb 12oz
• Dimensions (in): 9 x 7
• Capacity: 300 cu.
• Material: Polycarbonate
• MSRP: $129
• oz/100cu.: 9.33
• $/100 cu.: $43.00

Minimize your pack weight with a 300 cubic inch bear-proof food storage solution at a weight of only 1lb 12oz. The Lil Sami features our unique canister/cook pan combination system, with the anodized aluminum canister lid doubling as a cook pan and the internal aluminum bracket working overtime as a detachable pan handle. Easy-to-maneuver aluminum screws attach the lid to the canister, and flathead notches allow for screw removal in the coldest temperatures with your tool of choice.

PROS: Lid doubles as a pan, transparent, PCT approved
CONS: Can’t sit on it and use the pan

• Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz
• Dimensions (in): 6.5 x 23
• Capacity: 574 cu.
• Material: Polycarbonate
• MSRP: $127
• oz/100cu.: 7.49
• $/100 cu.: $22.13

For those with narrower backpacks, this canister may make fitting a bear canister into the body of the pack much easier. It’s similar to the BV500 in storage capacity and weight, and also has clear sides. The tall skinny profile may make it hard to access all your food.

PROS: Skinny profile
CONS: Not approved for use in Yosemite, Sequoia-Kings, Olympic, Lassen, parts of Canyonlands, and Shenandoah National Parks

• Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz
• Dimensions (in): 10 x 8
• Capacity: 502 cu.
• Material: Polycarbonate
• MSRP: $80
• oz/100cu.: 7.77
• $/100 cu.: $17.93

Your basic no-frills bear canister that holds enough food for a weekend and won’t break the bank, but won’t be the lightest thing ever. Great for occasional campers that only need a bear can once in a while.

PROS: Affordable
CONS: Not entirely even, can’t strap to pack, need tool to open

• Weight: 1 lbs 10 oz
• Dimensions (in): 8 x 7.4
• Capacity: 275 cu.
• MSRP: $80
• oz/100cu.: 7.27
• $/100 cu.: $29.05

A good basic bear canister, this is on the small side but very affordable. You do need a tool to get into it, and with under 300 cu. you need to be efficient in your food packing. It is also reasonably light for the price.

PROS: Affordable, relatively light
CONS: Not a uniform shape, need a tool to open

• Weight: 3 lbs 10 oz
• Dimensions (in): 9 x 14
• Capacity: 716 cu.
• Material: Polymer blend
• MSRP: $89.95
• oz/100cu.: 8.10
• $/100 cu.: $11.17

Heavy, but an affordable option if you need a lot of storage for a group. Counter Assault does make a sack to put the can in so you can strap it to your pack. Not a light option, but lots of bear-proof storage for the money.

PROS: Affordable
CONS: Need tools to open, smooth sides, need bag to strap it to pack