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Bear Proof Containers for Backpacking
In this article I take a look at some of the most popular bear proof containers for backpacking currently available.
Camping is a whole lot of fun for friends and family. However, with that being said, you need to have the right camping gear. One of the things that you want to have, especially if you are camping in bear country, is a bear-proof container for your food.
Bears can smell food from great distances, and you better believe that they will come looking for it. This is why you need a bear-proof container.
It’s a container for food, one that is waterproof, scent proof, has a durable shell, is easy to carry, and easy for humans to open.
Ideally, these containers should have also been tested by the IGBC. If you’d also like some further tips on how to avoid contact with a bear when hiking read my article on how to stay safe in bear country.
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Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sabre Frontiersman Bear Canister
The Frontiersman bear canister has been put through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee’s (IGBC) bear-resistant products testing program.
The fact that this product is on the (IGBC) 2020 CERTIFIED BEAR-RESISTANT PRODUCTS list gives you piece of mind. Here’s a link to the PDF document with all (IGBC) approved bear resistant products. You’ll see the Model FBS-100 listed on page 3.
This canister is designed to be carried either on a solo multi-day hike or with several or more people over a weekend for example. The storage capacity is 11.86L / 734.64 cubic inches, which is ample for these types of backpacking trips.
You will need a backpack of at least 45 litres to carry this canister. If you watch the video below it shows you how to pack the canister in the middle of your pack for better weight distribution, plus other useful tips.
The weight of the canister is 2.9 lb / 1.3 Kg. Not super light it has to be said, but you do get a lot of storage capacity inside. So the weight / capacity ratio is very good compared to some other canisters.
It’s worth noting that you will need at least a small coin or preferably a multi-tool to unscrew the lid. This also takes a little while to do and must be securely screwed down to form an air tight seal around the rubber O-ring.
Once the lid is screwed down, the canister is of course both waterproof and scent-proof.
Overall, the Sabre Frontiersman has enough storage for solo thru-hikes or family and friends hiking through bear country for several days.
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BearVault Bear Resistant Food Canister
The impressive part about the BearVault Bear Resistant Food Canister is that it has been extensively tested. It has been proven proven that it can withstand black and grizzly bear attacks for up to 48 hours before giving out.
It is made out of tough claw-, tooth-, and crush-proof materials.
This item is big enough to hold up to 7 days’ worth of food for camping trips, and yes, it does come with a good mechanism to keep it shut, one which is easy for humans to open.
The BearVault Bear Resistant Food Canister is both water and scent proof.
Backpacker's Cache - Bear Proof Container
The Backpacker’s Cache – Bear Proof Container comes in at 12 by 12 by 12 inches, making it more than large enough to hold a decent quantity of food to last you for a several-day camping trip.
This container screws shut and comes with a good sealing mechanism to ensure that bears cannot open it, but it is still easy for humans to open and close.
The Backpacker’s Cache – Bear Proof Container is made of some of the toughest plastic that this world knows, and it is more than durable enough to deal with bears for days on end.
This item is totally waterproof, but keep in mind that it might not be 100% scent proof.
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
NO-FED-BEAR Bear Resistant Canister
When it comes to mechanisms to keep bear canisters closed, the NO-FED-BEAR Bear Resistant Canister comes with one of the best bear-proof mechanisms in the world.
There is a metal fastener, two of them actually, and you have to use a coin or flathead screwdriver to open them. It’s easy enough for humans to open and close, but much too complicated for bears.
The NO-FED-BEAR Bear Resistant Canister comes at 8 inches wide and 10 inches high, so it can store a decent amount of food, but it is not huge. It is a fairly durable option, maybe even the most durable on this list. It is 100% smell proof and waterproof, so bears and water won’t get inside of it.
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lighter1 Lil' Sami Bear Canister
This might be the final option here on our list today, but still a good one. It is listed on the CERTIFIED BEAR-RESISTANT PRODUCTS list.
One unique feature is can use the lid as a cooking pan along with the metal insert as a handle. I’m not sure about this personally. I’d rather use a dedicated cooking pot for meals.
This item also features a really good locking mechanism that bears won’t ever be able to figure out. On the other hand, the locking mechanism is a bit tough to deal with even for humans.
Furthermore, the Lighter1 Lil’ Sami Bear Canister is not all that big, with a 7 inch diameter and 9 inch height, but still good enough for a few days of camping. That said, it’s one of the tougher bear proof canisters out there that is 100% smell proof and waterproof too.
Final thoughts
All of these bear proof containers have their benefits. In terms of the best one here today, I really like the Frontiersman INSIDER – Bear-Proof Food Storage Container. It’s tough, scent proof, large, and waterproof too.
The BearVault Bear Resistant Food Canister is equally as good.
The Backpacker’s Cache – Bear Proof Container is fine but not 100% scent proof.
The NO-FED-BEAR Bear Resistant Canister is another great option, and perhaps has the best locking mechanism out there.
Finally, the Lighter1 Lil’ Sami Bear Canister is really tough and comes with all of the features you would expect, but the locking mechanism can be tough even for humans to deal with.
Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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