BearVault BV475 Trek Portable Bear Resistant Large

This is the perfect size canister as it will JUST fit in sideways in most 50-60 L packs, yet carry 5-6 days of food. Love that it’s clear so you can locate your stuff better, and I don’t know why some people complain it’s hard to open. It seemed easy enough to me. It does work alright as a camp stool, although the lid kind of creaked and flexed a little which made me cautious (I’m 205 lbs). Highly recommended though even if a canister is not officially required on your hike. So easy just to pack up at night and set down somewhere away from your camp. I can tell you from experience that most hikers get lazy/tired and stop doing improper hangs after the first night or two on the trail (or there’s a lack of appropriate trees), so I really wish all hikers would just carry one of these.

I recently used the BV475 on a 5-day backpacking trip, and overall, I am very pleased with its performance. This bear canister is large enough to accommodate my dietary needs, which include aiming for 3000 calories per day, roughly equating to a maximum of 2 lbs of food. When packed properly, the BV475 provided ample space to store all my meals, ensuring I could eat healthily throughout my adventure. Pros: - Spacious: The BV475's capacity is impressive, easily fitting enough food for an extended trip. With careful packing, I had no trouble fitting in all my meals. - Durable: The canister is sturdy and well-constructed, offering reliable protection against bears and other wildlife. - Ease of Use: The lid mechanism is straightforward, making it easy to open and close even in challenging conditions. - Visibility: The transparent design allows for quick identification of contents without needing to open the canister repeatedly. Cons: - Weight: Like most bear canisters, the BV475 adds some weight to your pack. However, the peace of mind it provides is well worth the extra pounds. - Size: While the size is great for longer trips, it might be a bit bulky for shorter outings or if space is a critical concern. Overall, the BV475 is an excellent investment for any serious backpacker. Its capacity and durability make it a reliable companion for ensuring your food stays safe and secure in the wilderness. I highly recommend it for anyone planning extended trips into bear country.

Thankfully haven't encountered a bear yet but so far it's been great for keeping my food safe from smaller critters that have checked it out overnight. Fits comfortably into a Gregory Jade 53L bag with no issues (tested in a Gregory Stout 70L as well). So far I love it despite the added weight over using a bear hang bag.

Heavy? Yes- but you can't dock the product for being what it is. It's meant to be solid and rugged. That said, I love it. Now, the downside - the latch is finicky and hard to use as most reviews indicate. The good part is that all over the internet (check Etsy) there are "keys" that you slide into the lid latch to open it easily. And they work! So ya - I can see how a bear might have trouble opening this if me - with opposable thumbs - can't do it without a trick key...lol I love that I can see what's inside. And the fact that it's not collapsible - that's not a big deal. Things that you have to put inside the pack on day 1 end up filling the void/dead space inside the canister as time goes on so your pack does still shrink.

What do I like? The food canister is a solid, strong, clear view, and not too difficult to open. Just needed a bit of practice. What do I dislike? A duct tape cover my mouth! Haha What do I use it for? I will use this food canister for my all food, trash, toiletries, and other odorous items in coming solo backcountry kayak camping. 5 Stars and Recommended!