A large, clear, hard-sided bear canister with a tool-free screw lid. People pick it for longer trips in bear country, and for parks that require a canister, because it holds a lot of food for its weight.
Specs
- Weight: 2 lb 9 oz / 1.16 kg (maker); REI lists 2 lb 8 oz
- Volume: 700 cu in / 11.5 L (about 3 gallons)
- Size: 8.7 in diameter x 12.7 in tall
- Capacity: maker says about 7 days of food for one person
- Material: polycarbonate; clear walls
- Approvals: Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC #5339) and Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group (maker and REI)
- Lid: screw-on with press tabs; no tools needed
- Care: keep DEET and harsh chemicals away from the plastic; store out of sun when not in use (REI)
- REI rating: 4.1 of 5 from 322 reviews (as of 2026-10-19)
What reviewers say
CleverHiker, whose team has used it for thousands of trail miles, calls it one of the roomiest canisters for the weight. The clear walls and wide mouth make it easy to find food, and the flat lid makes a good camp stool or table. Its ridged sides strap to a pack better than smooth canisters. The common complaint is the lid: you press two tabs while twisting, which is hard with cold or weak fingers. It is also bulky, and more canister than you need for a weekend. CleverHiker fit about 4–6 days of food for one person, fewer than the maker's 7-day estimate.
Good
- Large capacity for its weight
- Clear walls; easy to see and reach food
- Approved by IGBC and SIBBG
- Doubles as a camp stool
- No tools needed to open
Not so good
- Lid tabs are hard to work with cold fingers
- Bulky; takes a lot of pack space
- Overkill for short trips
- Real-world capacity may be less than 7 days
Who it's for
Backpackers on trips of four days or more in bear country, or two people on a shorter trip, especially where canisters are required. For overnights, a smaller canister such as the BV450 or a bag like the Ursack Major saves space. Always check the current food-storage rules for the park or forest you're visiting.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-19. Specs from the maker; review notes summarized in our own words.