BearVault BV450 Jaunt Bear Canister Review

Bottom Line

The BV450 Jaunt is a practical bear canister for solo hikers or couples on most trips. It combines a lightweight, compact design with reasonable security and capacity. Weighing just over two pounds, it easily holds three to four days of food, depending on how it’s packed. Its wide-mouth opening and transparent walls make packing and finding items easy.

The flat lid also works as a camp stool or side table, adding extra convenience to backcountry camps.

We have relied on the BV450 on many multi-day adventures—most recently on a trip in the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness during peak hyperphagia season. It is certified by both the IGBC and SIBBG and performs well in most backcountry scenarios. For more details on how it compares to other options, check out our our guide to the best bear canisters.

How We Tested

Most recently, we tested the BV450 on a trip in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness during peak hyperphagia season, but this canister has been a long-time go-to for us on many trips. We relied on firsthand experience to evaluate its ease of use, security, acceptance, capacity, and portability. 

Weight & Packability

The Jaunt is among the most popular BearVault canisters because of its ideal balance of weight, size, and capacity. The BV450 just exceeds two pounds and provides about eight liters (just under 500 cubic inches) of pack space. It stands at 8.25 inches tall with an 8.75-inch diameter, making it easy to fit either vertically or horizontally in most packs. 

The BV450 also packs decently on the outside of a bag. It’s not the slipperiest canister, but it lacks the grooves of the BV500 that help hold it in place. Instead, the outside of the canister is textured with tiny bumps spaced about an inch apart.

Overall, the compact BV450 is positioned right in the middle of the lineup when it comes to portability.

Ease of Use

The BV450 Jaunt uses the same twist-and-press lid design as its larger sibling, which is both clever and somewhat frustrating. To open it, you need to press each of the two tabs while twisting the lid past its locking points. This process feels fairly easy most of the time, but cold temperatures (and gloves) make it worse because the plastic stiffens and fingers become less nimble. 

On the positive side, the transparent walls are helpful when you’re hunting for that one stubborn snack buried inside, and the wide opening makes packing and unpacking straightforward.

At camp, the BV450 pulls double duty surprisingly well. It’s sturdy, flat, and just the right size to be used as a mini stool or side table.

Security

The BV450 Jaunt performs well in most backcountry conditions. Its polycarbonate shell is lighter and more flexible than some of the tank-like models. For most areas and situations, it’s durable enough. Smaller critters like raccoons and rodents don’t stand a chance, and it effectively deters typical black bear curiosity. However, there are recorded incidents of bears rolling away the BV450, as well as numerous images in online reviews of cans that have significant damage (scroll to reviews).

All in all, the BV450 strikes a good balance between security and portability. For extra protection and peace of mind, pair it with a Smellyproof bag.

Permit CompatibiLity

It’s important to check local regulations before relying on the BV450 Jaunt, as approval can vary by region. It is accepted in Yosemite. 

The BV450 Jaunt has certifications from both the IGBC and SIBBG (the standard for Yosemite), which meet the requirements for most backcountry areas zones. BearVaults have also recently been approved for use in the Adirondacks, though the Adirondack Mountain Club does note that BearVault canisters (not the BV450 specifically) have been compromised by black bears there.

Capacity

BearVault lists the 7.2-liter BV450’s capacity at three to four days of food for one person, which seems accurate for the average backpacker.

We managed to fit 11 bulky dehydrated meals into the canister, but by repacking your food and organizing it strategically, you could likely squeeze an extra day or two out of it. The BV450 has one of the most practical capacities for a single person – ideal for the most common trip lengths.

Should You Buy the BearVault BV450 Jaunt?

The BV450 Jaunt is perfect for solo hikers or couples looking for a lightweight, compact bear canister with decent food capacity. Its small size and light weight make it a strong option for multi-day trips with long distances and limited pack space.

The clear walls allow for quick contents checks, while the flat, durable lid can serve as a small stool or side table at camp. Its twist-off lid can be frustrating on cold days, but it remains one of our favorite bear canisters, especially for budget-conscious ultralight backpackers.

It does meet the standards for all backcountry zones, including Yosemite and the Adirondacks. The BV450 offers a blend of security, portability, and capacity, making it a great value for backpackers who want a canister that performs well on most trips without adding unnecessary bulk.

What Other Bear Canisters and Backpacking Food Storage Should You Consider?

See our full guide to food storage options for more lightweight or widely accepted alternatives.

BearVault BV500 Journey Review: For a little more capacity, the BV500 fits about 5-6 days of food. Its taller design creates a more comfortable stool or eating surface, and it easily straps onto the outside of a pack. It takes up quite a bit of pack space, but it is only seven ounces heavier than the BV450.

REI Traverse Review: Can’t decide on a size? The REI Traverse is the first canister we’ve seen that collapses down as your food supply dwindles, or can be converted to a smaller size altogether. This two-in-one design makes the Traverse a great value. 

Smellyproof Bags Review: We always recommend using Smellyproof bags with a bear canister. Although the larger ones don’t fit perfectly in the BV450, they provide an extra layer of security.