In regions, with lots of bear activity, bear containers are required equipment when backpacking the backcountry. This includes most of the Sierra Nevada range including Yosemite, the Adirondacks, and much of Alaska. In bear country, the National Park Service will only grant backpacking permits if you carry an approved bear proof food container. Bear proof canisters also protect your food from less dangerous creatures, such as raccoons, squirrels, and marmots, which are just as likely to eat a free meal when they can.
This list of best bear containers have full approval of the National Park Service, are easy to find for sale, and are top sellers with a happy following. According to the National Park Service, bear resistant containers only gain full approval if the container, “has passed visual inspection, an impact test, a zoo test and has been successful during three months of field-trials in the summer.”
Backpacker’s Cache Bear Containers
Made by Garcia Machine, one of the first makers of bear proof canisters, the Backpacker’s Cache weighs 2.7 pounds and measures 12 inches long by 8.8 inches in diameter. It can hold six days work of dehydrated food packs for one person if you are an efficient packer. It has been well tested by bears in the outback and has yet to been opened by a bear. In fact, it is the only canister available for rental in Yosemite National Park. Most backpackers are more than happy with the Backpacker’s Cache, especially those that have watched a bear try to open it and eventually walk away from it.
Counter Assault Bear Keg Bear Containers
The Counter Assault container is bright yellow had has reflective tape, which is helpful should a bear roll your canister away day or night. You’ll be able to spot it easier to collect it after the bear has left the scene. (Don’t try to reclaim your canister if the bear is still in the area!). It is larger and heavier than the Backpacker’s Cache at about 3.5 pounds, 9 inches in diameter, and 13.75 inches in height. It also has been tested by numerous wild bears with users reporting their food was left untouched even if the canister took a beating.
As compared to the Backpacker’s Cache, this bear proof canister is bigger and heavier, but more visible.
Complaints Regarding Bear Containers
The few complaints for both the Backpacker’s Cache and Bear Keg revolve around their size and the fact that water can seep inside the containers. Admittedly, they are rather large and cumbersome. But that is by design. The width of the container is larger than a bear’s mouth. A bear cannot put these containers into its mouth and bite down with both its top and bottom jaws. Test this container before your trip to make sure it fits in your backpack. If it does not, buy the carrying case made to fit the bear proof food container you buy. Then you can fasten the container to the outside of your backpack or carry it.
To avoid water seepage from either rain, or a splash through a creek with a bear, seal your food inside a plastic bag before putting it into the container. Also, set the container upside down when not being carried so that rain does not seep in through the lid.
Check with the park before you go camping to be sure your bear container is still approved for use at that park. These canisters may be the best and allowed today in all bear areas, but it only takes one smart and capable bear to get a canister banned in any particular park.
