REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister
Configure the REI Co-op Traverse modular bear canister as a small or large container, depending on the length of your trip—or nest sections together to make it more compact as you empty its contents.
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- Modular design scales for transport: As you empty the canister, its sections can be nested together to take up less room in your pack
- Modular design also lets you choose what size you need, depending on the length of your backpacking trip
- Use the larger 11.25 L configuration for weeklong trips—or scale it down to the smaller 6.75 L configuration for shorter trips
- Unique 2-step closure system keeps the bears baffled, yet requires no tools for you to operate; audible clicks help you know when the lid locks shut
- To unlock the canister: press the tab marked "1" to disengage it, rotate the lid until it stops against the tab marked "2"; press that and continue unscrewing the lid to open
- We designed the buttons to be disengaged with the push of your finger, but you can also use a key, pen or your pack's emergency whistle (if it comes with one) to assist
- Translucent canister material makes it easy to see what's inside
- Scalloped lid provides an easy surface for you—not the bears—to grab and open
- Canister can double as a stool when you get to camp
- Certified bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee; also certified black-bear-resistant (certification #BB00014) by the Wildlife Management Institute
- We recommend contacting the relevant land management agency for an up-to-date list of accepted canisters
- Included carry bag (weight: 3.2 oz.) is made of recycled ripstop nylon with a nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) to shed moisture
- Carry bag can expand or compress to fit the bear canister in different configurations
- Reflective trim on the carry bag makes it easy to find, even at night
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Traverse Product LineView all REI Co-op Bear-Resistant Food Containers| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Gear Capacity (L) | 11.25 liters 6.75 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 686 cubic inches 412 cubic inches |
| Material(s) | Canister: polycarbonate; carry bag: 100% recycled ripstop nylon |
| Dimensions | Large configuration: 9.1 x 13 inches; small configuration: 9.1 x 8 inches |
| Weight | Large configuration (excluding carry bag): 3 lbs. 9.1 oz.; small configuration (excluding carry bag): 2 lbs. 8 oz. |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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Quality Affordable Bear Canister
The Traverse Modular Bear Canister is affordable, well build, straightforward and easy to use. I love the ability to use for longer multi-day trip and also size it down for a weekender. The material and quality of the build is great and the carrying case is a nice plus, if not necessarily needed. I wish the smaller configuration was a little smaller but overall I am satisfied with getting the two size for cheaper than competitors offer for their smallest bear cansters or sack. The orange color also helps the canisters visibility. Other reviews seem to have issues with the opening mechanism but following the instructions I have no problems opening or closing the canister.
Flexible bear protection
I've been using bear bags in the Northeast US for well over a decade, mostly because I never wanted to haul around a big canister. When I got this bear canister, I was really impressed with the flexible design. It's 3 pieces which allow you to use it as a small canister or a larger one. As you can see in my picture, you can easily fit enough for 3 day / 2 night trip for 1 person in the small configuration. The larger configuration would roughly double the capacity so would probably be good for a week (for 1 person). You could probably do even more if you are really thoughtful about food choices. Getting it open takes 2 hands and some effort (but that's the point, right?) but it's easy once I got the hang of it. It takes some pushing with your fingers so you will definitely have to have your gloves off. It isn't too wide and easily slipped into my 40L backpack (pictured). Packing with it (esp the small configuration) is easy. I like how it's bright and easy to see. And I also like how it's clear so you can see what you packed
Solid and secure, but not user-friendly
The REI co-op traverse modular bear canister is impressively strong. I have no doubt it will withstand any bear encounter. I particularly appreciate its modular design, allowing it to be configured into two different sizes based on the trips needs. The included soft, travel bag is also a great boat, making it easier to pack and carry. However, opening and closing this canister is a real challenge. While I understand the need for security against wildlife, the locking mechanism is so cumbersome and tough on the hands that it becomes frustrating to use. It would be nice if there were a way to improve the usability while maintaining bear proof integrity. Overall, it’s a solid choice for campers who prioritize security, but be prepared for a struggle when accessing your food.
Can I give 0 stars?
The product concept is great- an adjustable light bear can. the implementation is crazy. I couldn't open it when received without plastic chop-stick inside at 70 degrees - I couldn't imagine how to open in cold with fingers. I tried to take apart and use 'half' for a test hike ... fill it up and go. I thought that I should try it first ... glad I did as I couldn't get it back apart or even for it to fasten well. the fasteners are not sufficient let alone functional. I cannot see this bear can being used as is - by anybody without a full tool belt on. I just don't see many hikers with those these days
Smarter than the average bear
Bear canisters are supposed to be difficult to get into... In the case of the REI canister, the advantage over other brands is that you really do not need a tool to open it (Try opening a Bearvault in the cold without using the credit card trick!). Yes, this is a little stiff to get going after you push the pins in but you can do so with one finger and there are plenty of nooks to grab onto to build up the torque to twist it open. I have found that after several practice runs, the top pin loosen up a bit and opening gets easier. The other trick, is of course the flexibility to grow and shrink in volume depending on the length of one's trip. I can easily get 4 days worth of food in the smaller configuration, (which is a couple of ounces heavier than the equivalently sized Bearvault) especially if I pack smaller sized meals like PackitGourmet. So that would be at least a week of food with all the pieces combined. It is a little heavier than a carbon canister of course or hanging one's food, but even in places where hanging is allowed, I prefer to not waste my time looking and rigging a suitable hang. Bear canisters are worth their weight any day in exchange for the time saved after a long day of backpacking. The carrying sack is a decent extra, but I normally just pack my canisters in my Zpack or strap on top without issue. Overall, I am quite please with the REI canister and if you get one, just keep playing with it. It definitely gets easier to twist open over time.
Not difficult to open
I just got back from my first trip with this canister and didn’t have any issues with it. I’m confused how others had difficulty with opening it. It’s quite simple and doesn’t require tools. Press in “1”, turn slightly, press in “2”, and continue turning lid until it comes off. I used it in its smallest configuration. I had enough room for food for 3 days / 2 nights and my cook set. I repackaged my mountains houses into ziplocs and fit it without too much trouble. I’m 175lbs and it supported my weight as a stool. Never used another bear canister so I can’t compare it to anything else. I just wanted to report that it isn’t difficult to open.
A solid product with useful modular feature
I liked this a lot. I found it pretty easy to open for what it was. You do need to twist lid at the same time as pressing button 1 then the same for button 2 which is slightly odd but not bad. A bear would not figure it out is the point. The numbers are a bit hard to read so I will probably put a sticker to mark #1. I could see folks with long nails having issue but I did not have a problem. The see though plastic is really nice so I could check the thing I want is really in there before taking the time to open. I may get some cheap battery powered light with a remote so i can see it glow at night next time. It was nice that I didn't need to bring the middle bit on my short trip to safe weight, but I can totally see it being nice for longer trips or if I am with someone where are spreading the weight and I carry their food and them something of mine. Only issue is that I came across is since the lid screws into the container and there is a slight inner lip where it stops small things can sometimes get a bit wedged there and not allow the lid to screw all the way. No bad just need to pay attention if you are really packing the thing full.
Genius design, very easy to use
This design is like having two cans for the price of one. I love that we can omit the middle section to use it as a small can for short trips, and I love that, on longer trips, as our food supply reduces, the mid section can be removed and nested to reduce the can size in our packs. I almost didn’t buy this can because so many reviewers said they struggled to open it. All I can say is READ THE DIRECTIONS. I’m a little old lady with weak hands and fingers and have no problem opening this can without the use of tools. (However, I did take a black marker and make each “1,” “2,” and arrow easier to see.) This design if this can is far superior to others we have used and more reasonably priced than any other option.
Looking forward to trying this.
I just purchased this item, it was difficult to open at first, the tension on the buttons was very stiff. After several openings and closings the stiffness went away and became pretty easy to open and close. I do like the high visibility color, I do wish it was a little lighter.
Good Luck, Yogi!
Don't buy this unless you're smarter than the average bear. Follow the instructions and it's easy to open, and close. The trick is to first push button "1" in and slightly to the direction the lid needs to open, then do the same to button "2" and unscrew the lid. Easy-peasy. The cannister seems very strong and I have no doubt it'll resist any bear. I especially like the soft bag that comes with it, that's a big bonus, and I also like that the cannister can be configured into two different sizes. All-in-all it's a great product. IF you're smarter than the average bear.