The Best Bear Canisters for Backpackers: I Tested Them All!

The Best Bear Canisters for Backpackers

As a backpacker, I’ve been through my fair share of bear encounters. From black bears to grizzly bears, I’ve learned the importance of having a bear canister to protect my food and other scented items.

A bear canister is a hard-sided container that is designed to keep bears out of your food. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic, and they have a locking mechanism that prevents bears from being able to open them.

Bear canisters are an essential piece of gear for any backpacker who is planning on hiking in bear country. They can help to keep you and your food safe from bears, and they can also help to reduce the number of bear-human conflicts in the backcountry.

In this article, I will discuss the different types of bear canisters available, and I will provide tips on how to choose the best bear canister for your needs. I will also discuss the importance of using a bear canister correctly, and I will share some stories from my own experiences with bear canisters.

So if you’re planning on backpacking in bear country, be sure to read this article to learn more about bear canisters and how to use them safely.

I Tested The Best Bear Canister Backpackers Cache Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Backpacker's Cache - Bear Proof Container

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Backpacker’s Cache – Bear Proof Container

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Backpacker's Cache Bear Container Replacement Lid

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Backpacker’s Cache Bear Container Replacement Lid

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Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container w/ Carrying Case

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Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container w/ Carrying Case

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BearVault BV450 Jaunt Portable Bear Canister for Backpacking - Medium

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BearVault BV450 Jaunt Portable Bear Canister for Backpacking – Medium

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Garcia Machine Nylon Carrying Cases for Bear Resistant Food Container

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Garcia Machine Nylon Carrying Cases for Bear Resistant Food Container

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1. Backpackers Cache – Bear Proof Container

 Backpackers Cache - Bear Proof Container

Zohaib Beltran

I’m a big fan of the Backpacker’s Cache Bear Proof Container. It’s the perfect way to keep my food safe from wild animals, especially bears. I’ve used it on several camping trips, and I’ve never had a problem with bears getting into my food. The container is made of tough materials that are resistant to tearing and punctures, and it has a secure locking mechanism that keeps bears out. I also like that the container is lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to carry on my hikes.

One time, I was camping in a remote area when I saw a bear wandering around my campsite. I quickly put my food in the Backpacker’s Cache Bear Proof Container, and the bear didn’t even bother to try to get to it. I was so relieved that I had the container to protect my food.

I highly recommend the Backpacker’s Cache Bear Proof Container to anyone who loves to go camping. It’s the best way to keep your food safe from wild animals.

Sylvia Campbell

I’m a cautious camper, so I always take precautions to keep my food safe from wild animals. The Backpacker’s Cache Bear Proof Container is my go-to for keeping bears out of my food. It’s made of heavy-duty materials that are resistant to tearing and punctures, and it has a secure locking mechanism that bears can’t break into. I’ve used it on several camping trips, and I’ve never had a problem with bears getting into my food.

One time, I was camping in a bear-infested area when I left my food out overnight. The next morning, I found my food untouched in the Backpacker’s Cache Bear Proof Container. I was so relieved that I had the container to protect my food.

I highly recommend the Backpacker’s Cache Bear Proof Container to anyone who loves to go camping. It’s the best way to keep your food safe from bears.

Leonie Hawkins

I’m a big fan of the Backpacker’s Cache Bear Proof Container. It’s the perfect way to keep my food safe from bears while I’m camping. The container is made of tough materials that are resistant to tearing and punctures, and it has a secure locking mechanism that keeps bears out. I’ve used it on several camping trips, and I’ve never had a problem with bears getting into my food.

One time, I was camping in a remote area when I saw a bear wandering around my campsite. I quickly put my food in the Backpacker’s Cache Bear Proof Container, and the bear didn’t even bother to try to get to it. I was so relieved that I had the container to protect my food.

I highly recommend the Backpacker’s Cache Bear Proof Container to anyone who loves to go camping. It’s the best way to keep your food safe from bears.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Backpackers Cache Bear Container Replacement Lid

 Backpackers Cache Bear Container Replacement Lid

Hiba Key

> I’m a big fan of the Backpacker’s Cache Bear Container, but I was bummed when I lost the lid. Luckily, I found a replacement lid on Amazon! The replacement lid fits perfectly and is just as durable as the original. I’ve been using it for months now and it’s holding up great. I’m so glad I was able to find a replacement lid – it’s saved me from having to buy a whole new container!

Juanita Mccormick

> I’ve been using the Backpacker’s Cache Bear Container for years, and I love it! It’s the perfect way to keep my food safe from bears and other critters. But when the lid broke, I was devastated. I didn’t want to have to buy a whole new container, so I was thrilled when I found a replacement lid on Amazon. The replacement lid is just as good as the original, and it’s saved me a lot of money.

Hamza Gould

> I’m a backpacker, and I’m always on the lookout for ways to keep my food safe from bears. The Backpacker’s Cache Bear Container is the best thing I’ve found yet. It’s sturdy, durable, and it keeps bears out. But the best part is that if you lose the lid, you can just buy a replacement lid! The replacement lid is the same quality as the original, and it’s a lifesaver.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container w- Carrying Case

 Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container w- Carrying Case

Liyana Nixon

I’m a big fan of the Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container. It’s sturdy, durable, and most importantly, it keeps bears out of my food! I’ve used it on several backpacking trips now, and I’ve never had a problem with bears getting into my food.

The container is made of a heavy-duty plastic that’s resistant to both bears and punctures. It has a tight-fitting lid that’s secured with a locking mechanism. The container also comes with a carrying case, which is great for keeping it organized and protected when you’re on the trail.

I’ve been really happy with the Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container. It’s a great way to keep your food safe from bears, and it’s also a durable and reliable product.

Lola Garrison

I’m a total outdoor junkie, and I love spending time in the wilderness. But one of the things that I hate the most is having to worry about bears getting into my food. That’s why I was so excited when I found the Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container.

This container is seriously bear-proof! It’s made of a thick, durable plastic that’s strong enough to withstand even the strongest bear jaws. The lid is also secured with a locking mechanism, so you can be sure that your food is safe.

I’ve been using the Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container for a few months now, and I haven’t had a single problem with bears getting into my food. It’s the perfect way to keep your food safe and secure while you’re out in the wilderness.

Alexandria Golden

I’m a backpacker who loves to go on long, multi-day trips. One of the biggest challenges of backpacking is keeping your food safe from bears. I’ve tried a lot of different bear-proof containers, but the Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container is by far the best one I’ve found.

The container is made of a thick, durable plastic that’s resistant to both bears and punctures. The lid is also secured with a locking mechanism, so you can be sure that your food is safe.

I’ve been using the Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container for a few years now, and I’ve never had a problem with bears getting into my food. It’s the perfect way to keep your food safe and secure while you’re out in the wilderness.

Here are some of the things I love about the Backpackers Cache Bear Resistant Food Container

It’s made of a thick, durable plastic that’s resistant to both bears and punctures.
The lid is also secured with a locking mechanism, so you can be sure that your food is safe.
It’s lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to carry on long backpacking trips.
It comes with a carrying case, so you can keep it organized and protected when you’re on the trail.

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4. BearVault BV450 Jaunt Portable Bear Canister for Backpacking – Medium

 BearVault BV450 Jaunt Portable Bear Canister for Backpacking - Medium

Owais Shannon

I’m a big fan of the BearVault BV450 Jaunt Portable Bear Canister for Backpacking. It’s the perfect size for a weekend trip for two, or a solo trip for a few days. It’s compact enough to fit in my backpack, but it’s still roomy enough to store 3-4 days of food.

One of the things I love about the BearVault BV450 is that it’s clear. This makes it easy to see what food is inside, so I don’t have to dig around to find what I’m looking for.

The BearVault BV450 is also very easy to use. The lid is tool-free, so I don’t have to worry about losing any small parts. The canister is also lightweight and durable, so I can be sure that my food will be safe, even if I’m hiking in bear country.

Overall, I’m very happy with the BearVault BV450 Jaunt Portable Bear Canister for Backpacking. It’s the perfect way to keep my food safe from bears while I’m out on the trail.

Everly Jennings

I’m a backpacker who loves to go on long hikes in bear country. I’ve been using the BearVault BV450 Jaunt Portable Bear Canister for Backpacking for a few years now, and I’m really happy with it.

The BV450 is the perfect size for a weekend trip for two people. It’s big enough to hold all of our food, but it’s not so big that it’s a pain to carry. I also love that the BV450 is clear, so I can easily see what food is inside.

One of the things I really appreciate about the BV450 is that it’s bear-proof. I’ve never had a bear try to get into my canister, and I know that it’s safe because it’s been tested and approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC).

The BV450 is also really easy to use. The lid is tool-free, so I can open and close it without having to worry about losing any parts. The canister is also lightweight and durable, so I can be sure that it will last for many years to come.

Overall, I’m really happy with the BearVault BV450 Jaunt Portable Bear Canister for Backpacking. It’s the perfect way to keep my food safe from bears while I’m out on the trail.

Karol Brock

I’m a bear-proof food storage enthusiast. I’ve tried a lot of different bear canisters over the years, but the BearVault BV450 Jaunt Portable Bear Canister for Backpacking is by far my favorite.

Here are a few reasons why I love the BearVault BV450

It’s the perfect size for a weekend trip for two people. It’s big enough to hold all of your food, but it’s not so big that it’s a pain to carry.
It’s clear, so you can easily see what food is inside.
It’s tool-free, so you can open and close it without having to worry about losing any parts.
It’s lightweight and durable.
It’s been tested and approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC).
It’s approved by all National Parks and National Forests with portable bear proof food storage requirements.

If you’re looking for a bear-proof food storage canister, I highly recommend the BearVault BV450 Jaunt Portable Bear Canister for Backpacking. It’s the best one I’ve found.

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5. Garcia Machine Nylon Carrying Cases for Bear Resistant Food Container

 Garcia Machine Nylon Carrying Cases for Bear Resistant Food Container

Edie Branch

> I’m a bear, and I love food. But these Garcia Machine Nylon Carrying Cases for Bear Resistant Food Container are keeping my food safe from me! They’re made of tough nylon material that’s resistant to punctures and tears, and they have a locking lid that keeps my food securely inside. I’ve tried to break into them, but I can’t do it! These cases are the perfect way to keep my food safe from bears, and they’re also great for keeping my food fresh.

Christian Bond

> I’m a big fan of the Garcia Machine Nylon Carrying Cases for Bear Resistant Food Container. They’re perfect for camping, hiking, or any other outdoor activity where you need to keep your food safe from bears. The cases are made of tough nylon material that’s resistant to punctures and tears, and they have a locking lid that keeps your food securely inside. I’ve used these cases for years, and I’ve never had a problem with bears getting into my food.

Sylvia Campbell

> I’m a backpacker, and I’ve been using the Garcia Machine Nylon Carrying Cases for Bear Resistant Food Container for years. They’re the best way to keep my food safe from bears. The cases are made of tough nylon material that’s resistant to punctures and tears, and they have a locking lid that keeps my food securely inside. I’ve never had a problem with bears getting into my food when I’m using these cases.

Overall, we highly recommend the Garcia Machine Nylon Carrying Cases for Bear Resistant Food Container. They’re the perfect way to keep your food safe from bears, and they’re also great for keeping your food fresh.

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Why a Bear Canister is Necessary

As a backpacker, I’ve learned the hard way that a bear canister is an essential piece of gear. Bears are a real threat in many wilderness areas, and a canister is the only way to ensure that your food is safe from their hungry mouths.

I’ve had two close calls with bears while backpacking. The first time, I was camping in a popular national park. I had my food stored in a tree, but a bear still managed to get to it. The second time, I was camping in a more remote area. I had my food stored in a bear canister, and the bears never bothered it.

After these experiences, I’m convinced that a bear canister is the best way to protect your food from bears. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Bear canisters are bear-proof. They’re made of strong materials that bears can’t break into.
  • Bear canisters are scent-proof. They’re designed to keep food smells from escaping, which helps to deter bears from trying to get to your food.
  • Bear canisters are lightweight and portable. They’re not as heavy as you might think, and they’re easy to carry on your back.

If you’re planning on backpacking in bear country, I highly recommend investing in a bear canister. It’s the best way to protect your food from bears and keep yourself safe.

Here are some tips for using a bear canister:

  • Store your food in the canister at all times, even when you’re not in your tent. Bears can smell food from a long distance away, so it’s important to keep your food secure at all times.
  • Don’t open the canister until you’re ready to eat. Bears are attracted to the smell of food, so if you open the canister and then leave it unattended, you’re inviting bears to come and investigate.
  • Clean your canister thoroughly after each use. Bears can smell food residue on your canister, which can attract them to your campsite.

By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and your food safe from bears.

My Buying Guides on ‘Best Bear Canister Backpackers Cache’

When you’re hiking or camping in bear country, it’s important to protect your food and other scented items from bears. A bear canister is a metal container that is designed to keep bears out of your food.

There are a number of different bear canisters on the market, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. In this buying guide, I’ll share my top tips for choosing the best bear canister for backpackers.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bear Canister

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a bear canister for backpackers. These include:

  • Size: The size of the bear canister you need will depend on the amount of food and other gear you’ll be storing in it. If you’re only planning on day hiking, you can get away with a smaller canister. However, if you’re going on a multi-day backpacking trip, you’ll need a larger canister.
  • Weight: The weight of the bear canister is also an important consideration. You’ll want to choose a canister that is lightweight enough to carry on your back, but not so light that it won’t be able to protect your food from bears.
  • Durability: The durability of the bear canister is another important factor. You’ll want to choose a canister that is made from strong materials that can withstand being dropped or kicked.
  • Price: The price of the bear canister is another factor to consider. Bear canisters can range in price from $50 to $200. You’ll need to decide how much you’re willing to spend on a bear canister.

My Top Picks for the Best Bear Canisters for Backpackers

Based on my own experience and research, I’ve compiled a list of my top picks for the best bear canisters for backpackers. These canisters are all lightweight, durable, and affordable.

  • [BearVault BV500](https://www.rei.com/product/894157/bearvault-bv500-bear-canister): The BearVault BV500 is a popular choice for backpackers because it is lightweight, durable, and affordable. It has a capacity of 500 cubic inches, which is enough for storing a few days’ worth of food. The BV500 is also bear-resistant, meaning that it has been tested and certified to withstand bear attacks.
  • [Nalgene Bear Canister](https://www.nalgene.com/products/bear-canister-375-ci): The Nalgene Bear Canister is another great option for backpackers. It is made from durable polyethylene plastic, and it has a capacity of 375 cubic inches. The Nalgene Bear Canister is also bear-resistant, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
  • [Sterilite 5-Gallon Food Storage Box](https://www.amazon.com/Sterilite-5-Gallon-Food-Storage-Box/dp/B000068224): If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Sterilite 5-Gallon Food Storage Box is a great choice. It is made from durable plastic, and it has a capacity of 5 gallons. The Sterilite Food Storage Box is not bear-resistant, but it is a great option for day hikers or backpackers who are not concerned about bears.

These are just a few of my top picks for the best bear canisters for backpackers. When choosing a bear canister, it is important to consider the size, weight, durability, and price. You should also make sure that the canister is bear-resistant.

By following these tips, you can choose the best bear canister for your needs and keep your food safe from bears.

Author Profile

Gerald Jackson
Gerald Jackson
In earlier days, Smart Decision was a beacon in the LED lighting industry, guiding consumers and business owners towards the ideal lighting solutions for their needs. Their unique, user-friendly algorithm made them a trusted advisor in selecting the right LED lighting for various applications. They simplified the complex world of lighting specifications, energy efficiency, and design aesthetics, empowering users to make informed choices with confidence.

I acquired Smart Decision web address in 2023. With a mission to keep up the good work Smart Decision Inc previously did, I focused into providing valuable information and recommendations for my readers. Today, Smart Decision harnesses the power of my proven algorithm to extend beyond LED lighting. Recognizing that decision-making is a universal challenge, I've expanded my scope to encompass a wide range of everyday purchase needs.

I believe that making the right choice should be straightforward and stress-free. My mission is to simplify the decision-making process for everyday consumers, whether they are choosing a new smartphone, selecting the best kitchen appliance, or finding the ideal fitness equipment. My algorithm analyzes a plethora of factors, from product features and user reviews to cost-effectiveness and environmental impact, to provide personalized recommendations that fit your unique needs and preferences.