BearVault BV475 Trek Bear Canister
The ideal bear-resistant storage for weight conscious, long-distance hikers or group trips, the BearVault BV475 Trek bear canister securely stores 5–6 days of food and fits sideways into most packs.




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- Shorter than the BV500 model, yet light and roomy
- Specialty polycarbonate construction with other resins is rugged and durable
- Specifically designed to be wide, round and slippery to reduce leverage points for entry from bear jaws, claws and paws
- Clear sides make it easy to find your next meal and stay organized; wide opening allows you to reach all the way in to find your treats
- Screw-on lid is intuitive, secure and doesn't require extra tools to operate; no need to overtighten—2 clicks and it's closed
- Strap guides allow you to secure it to your pack if preferred
- Rounded corners offer smooth packing and easy removal
- Doubles as a camp stool
- Quick and convenient ground-level storage means you don't have to skip brushing your teeth or waste time finding a good tree to hang a bear bag
- This BearVault model has been tested and certified as bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee and is approved for use in most parks and wilderness areas
Made in USA.
View all BearVault Bear-Resistant Food ContainersBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Gear Capacity (L) | 9.3 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 565 cubic inches |
Material(s) | Polycarbonate |
Dimensions | 8.7 x 10.5 inches |
Weight | 2 lbs. 4 oz. |
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Most Helpful Critical Review
Not Authorized in the Adirondacks
I’m sure this canister works fantastically and as advertised in many places, but note, NONE of the Bear Vault line is authorized for use in the Adirondacks. They won’t let you pack in with one as the black bears there have figured out how to chew though them. No kidding! Am exchanging for the Counter Assault model which is approved for that region and it’s where I do most of my paddling and backpacking anyway. REI, please make this known in the purchasing details. The rangers in the ADK can confirm.
Perfect size and easy to use
I really enjoy this bear canister, originally I was going to get the BV450, but the employee said that the BV475 has more flexibility for how long you can backpack for. If you have extra food for an overnight trip, you can always just put your cook set and other misc items inside with it! As for the quality of the product, I heard people talking about how its hard to open, I disagree. Its very easy for me to open when you put it on its side and press with both thumbs! I am able to carry food for me and a friend for a few nights and love to not worry about packing too much!
Way better than a bear bag
I appreciate the ease of storing my food with a food barrel and that it protects food from being crushed in my pack. I don't mind the bulk of the barrel in exchange for the easy stowing when I'm at camp and the protection of my food (i.e. if it rains your bear bag will get soaked). For being what it is it isn't too heavy. My only complaint (and this is a normal reaction of plastic), is that when it is cold the plastic gets more brittle and it becomes difficult to open the barrel. I think that there are attachments out there now for that problem.
As advertised, its a bearvault
It’s going to be touch getting 5-6 days worth of food in here, but gosh darn, im gonna try!
Glad to not know if it works for real.
4 stars because... no bear tried to get in, and I had a friend who had a bear resistant tarp like thingy for his food and it was super lightweight and I was really getting quite jealous on mile 35 and onwards. It did not feel fair. But then, I also had a nice place to sit while I was eating and washing my face and all those things. So, it worked over all and this bear (me) did have trouble getting into from time to time. I just wished it wasn't so heavy... but then it wouldn't be bear proof I guess.
BV475 Just Right Size
I like this size. Not too big, not too small, holds dehydrated meals better than the 450. Still big inside the backpack but manageable. Also makes a nice place to sit when needed. Very easy to sort through food and can hold your stove and cooking wear too.
BearVault
A bit hard to open when you have low hand strength but it served it's purpose during our backpacking trip.
Can't open in cold weather
Tried this for a Sierra hike in September. Bad choice: when temperature is around freezing the plastic becomes too stiff to deform and it is worse than having no canister, since you will be going without breakfast. After warming it in the sun, and using my hiking pole to poke the tabs, I was finally able to unlock it. Even at room temperature, the locking mechanism is not exactly easy to use compared to my old Garcia. Happily, REI refunded my purchase upon my return. But I almost had to abandon my hike. Beware.
As advertised, like the safety stickers!
Easy to use, and it comes with stickers to place inside the lid with bear safety tips, which I appreciate as I’m new to backpacking.
Does the Job
They are bulky but it worked perfectly for our one night trip to summit My Langley. It wasn't tested by any bears but they seem durable (although I've heard stories of determined bears being able to chew through the plastic).