Garcia  Bear-Resistant Container

We primarily backpack in the ADK mountains where, until somewhat recently, these were not required in the high peaks. We decided to purchase our own, although we had historically rented them from local outfitters. This model is by far the best. The opacity means that the bears cannot see what is inside, the flat top allows the container to double as a table or seat, and when not in use-it is a great food storage container for those shelf-stable items that you might have misplaced before the season began. It boils down to buying this model for yourself, or keeping the small shopkeepers going-either way, you won't lose your food to the bears.

I used it once and then a couple years later I found the plastic around one of the locking pins was undergoing some kind of chemical reaction and warping, tightening around the locking pin so that it was almost too hard to open. NOTE: The canister had never been near heat or exposed to chemicals. Because I did not want to be stuck in the backcountry with a full canister of food and no way to open it, I rented a Bear Vault for that trip. I contacted the manufacturer, Backpacker's Cache and explained the problem and sent pictures. I asked for a replacement lid and they refused. Your better off buying a Bear Vault for the same price. It will not lock up on you AND has more space for less weight.

I live near the eastern entrance to YNP and bought these 20+ years ago after a mother sent her cub up a tree and got my hanging food bag. This size is a little small, but I gave away the packer size (not sold at REI anymore) because they were too big and heavy. The latches on mine still work fine- if you're careful to close both latches completely, a bear can roll these and they won't unlock. The plastic is pretty strong, but it's slippery and bears can't grab anything attempting to break it open (they do smell the food inside.) A pain to use, but it keeps both your food AND the bears safe. I haven't had a bear get my food since I bought them.

I have used this many times with no issues. The only reason I'm writing a review is to say that we went backpacking in the area around Mt Marcy in the ADKs. This is the only approved bear canister they allow. There is a bear (or bears) that has learned how to open bear vault canisters. They have figured out how to get a tooth under the lid and pop it off. The bear canister manufacturers are sending prototypes to the Marcy Dam rangers, and the Garcia is the only one they haven't torn open. We saw a group get sent back to the parking lot because they had a bear vault canister. They came back with a Garcia the next day.

I bought this canister for a four day backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park (they're required there). We went in October and although we never saw any actual bears, we saw a few fresh paw prints in the snow. It was tough to get all the food/toiletries/scented items for two people for four days in this thing but we did it. I don't think we could have had an extra days worth of food. We did have a bunch of freeze dried meals, which take up a bunch of space. I think choosing different meal options would be helpful. All in all, I would recommend. I have an Osprey 65L and the canister fit snuggly in the bottom of the compartment sideways.

Great product, and it works great. Had to hunt it down a couple of times when something got to it at night, but other than a few scratches, it survived in tact. Remember to fully close the screws. I read a few reviews saying people rented these containers, but bears were able to get into it. I call it user error. Only hard part is trying to find it when something takes it out of camp. I tried painting it, but not much help. I ended up getting a 15L dry sack in yellow color, and I put the canister into it. It has straps, can be used for other uses when I am not in bear country, and it easy to find. Plus, it was $15... Happy and safe camping!

Good for short trips (5 days or less), very difficult to fit 6 or more days of food into and also very heavy compared to other bear canisters on the market. I was provided this can by my employer for 8-day backcountry trips in Yosemite and it was not a pretty situation. I will say, however, that these cans withstand any bear abuse and make a good chair while eating dinner :) Be aware, the seams at the top around the lid are not water or ant proof: turn it upside down if you expect a storm and put tape over the seams if there are lots of small bugs about.

Washington state law requires that you hike with a bear canister if you are staying overnight and carrying food otherwise, we would not have brought bear canisters. That being said, we were on the Olympic Coast for 6 days and took two types of canisters. We fit more than half of our food and eventually trash in this canister. We left it outside (300ft from tent) at night and did not have any problems. The food stayed dried and it was easy to open and use. If you need to get a bear canister, this is your best option. Only issue is that it isn't very efficient for the backpack so you have to be efficient to pack around it. Aside from that, it's a great piece of equipment.

This canister meets the standards where bear canisters are required by the Park Service (areas of the Sierra Nevadas). I used it on two week+ long trips in the Sierras and found it easier to set up than hanging food (especially where there are no trees in alpine terrain). I also used it to wash my clothes in, since I didn't want to put soap into the streams. If you're on a road trip, you can pack a few articles of clothing, water, and detergent in it. After a half-day of semi-bumpy driving, your clothes will have gone through a full cleaning cycle!

I've used the Garcia for several years, mostly backpacking in Olympic National Park. It fits up high on my backpack (a large Dana Terraplane...heavy but so comfy I can't give it up). The Garcia makes a great stool at the end of the day. Easy to use latches (I carry a penny to open them). Enough space for two people's food for 3-4 days, depending on food choices. This thing is built to last. Had mine over 10 years now and besides a few scuffs here and there, it works just like it was new. Add a couple of strips of reflective bike tape to make it visible at night.