Introducing the all-new BV475-Trek & BV425-Sprint
Sierra Rec Magazine – Gear – June 13, 2022 – Bear Vault this month launched a new series of backpacking canisters to fit any trip. I for one am excited for the new options as most my trips at the two night variety and my current large canister is way too large for most of my trips. Backpacking in the Sierra just got easier with these new 1-2 day and 5-6day canister sizes.
BearVault, the leading outdoor brand in portable bear canisters, unveiled two smaller bear canisters, the BV425 Sprint and the BV475 Trek. The BearVault product line now has four sizes, allowing backpackers to make efficient packing choices for any length of trip or size of group.
Most of the Sierra Nevada now suggests if not requires bear canisters while backpacking or camping in the Sierra. Bears around Lake Tahoe and Desolation wilderness have become accustom to human traffic and easy sources of food in the past 10 years and are starting to become a danger as they have become well adapt at grabbing food from messy camps or poorly hung bear hangs.
Backpacking in Yosemite National Park requires a bear canister for all trip sizes if you are planning to stay in the backcountry. These new bear Vault sizes now give every backpacker the options to pack only what is needed and save weight when it is an option.
Since BearVault’s classic bear canisters first hit the trails in 2004, backpacks have become more compact, while access to dehydrated food options has improved hikers’ food packing efficiency. Demand for smaller canister options has grown even stronger with the recent boom in outdoor participation, a wider diversity of users, and a broader range of adventures.
“We are excited to now offer a full suite of bear canister sizes for every hiker, every trip, and for the sake of every bear,” said Tracy Twist, BearVault’s president. “With four perfect fit options to choose from, it is easier than ever to safely store food away from bears and wildlife.”
The new models passed the official Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) grizzly bear testing standards in May of 2022. Made in the USA of specialty polycarbonate and other durable resins, they will be available to ship by mid June.
The new BV475-Trek is perfect for weight conscious, long distance hikers, needing the high volume to weight ratios our canisters provide. The Trek answers an increasing demand for smaller food storage options that fit into smaller, lightweight packs. Depending on experience handling hydrated and caloric weight efficient foods, the Trek allows backpackers to make efficient packing choices for a 5-6 day trip.
The new BV425-Sprint, the smallest of our four models, allows each hiker, regardless of age, build, or fitness, the independence to manage and carry their own backcountry food safely. The Sprint is ideally suited for overnight or 2 day trips, youth and smaller backpackers, or for groups who share the food load among all hikers. It’s also the perfect size for day trippers stowing their lunch and snacks somewhere while fishing, climbing, hunting, summiting, photographing and more.
Bear canisters are required in the following areas along the PCT:
- Inyo National Forest: Bear Resistant Containers are required in the Bishop Pass Area, Cottonwood Lakes Basin/Cottonwood Pass Area, Duck Pass/Purple Lake Area, Fish Creek Area, Kearsarge Pass Area, Little Lakes Valley Area, Mammoth Lakes/Rush Creek Area, and Mount Whitney Area. Containers are strongly recommended in all other areas.
- Sequioa and Kings Canyon National Parks: Bear Resistant Containers are required in the Dusy Basin, Rae Lakes Loop, North Dome, Rock Creek, and Pear/Emerald Lakes areas. Containers are highly recommended in all other areas.
- Sierra National Forest: Either the counter balance method or Bear Resistant Containers must be used throughout the forest, but the forest highly recommends and rents Bear Resistant Containers.
- Yosemite National Park: Bear resistant containers are required for overnight hiking in the park.
- Lassen Volcanic National Park: Bear Resistant Containers are required throughout the park April 15th to December 1st.
- Crater Lake National Park: All food must be stored in a bear resistant manner.
- North Cascades National Park: Certain backcountry areas off of the PCT do require bear canisters. If leaving the trail, check the NPS website for details.
About BearVault
BearVault® is the leading manufacturer of bear-resistant food canisters for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. BearVault is known for its clear, wide opening, tool-free canisters that make it easy for people to protect their food from animals. Based at the foot of the Rockies in Louisville, Colorado, BearVault is a values driven, carbon positive company that integrates sustainability and wildlife conservation into its business practices. Please visit us at www.bearvault.com, Instagram: BearVault, Facebook: BearVaultCanisters, TikTok: BearVaultCanisters.
