BearVault BV500 Journey Bear Canister Review

Bottom Line

The popular BearVault BV 500 is a lightweight bear canister that provides an excellent capacity-to-weight ratio, fits easily inside most packs, and features a flat lid that can double as a camp stool or table. Its transparent walls allow for easy viewing of contents, and the bumps and ridges on the exterior help keep it secure under backpack straps.

Our frustration is the screw-top lid which can be tricky to operate, especially when the plastic stiffens in cold weather. Though the BearVault BV 500 isn’t specifically singled out, transparent cans are sometimes discouraged in areas with persistent, clever black bears.

Tested over thousands of trail miles in dense black bear country during peak hyperphagia season, the BV500 has proven to be a reliable choice for multi-day trips. For hikers seeking a lightweight, practical, and typically secure canister, it’s an excellent value. For the full picture, see our guide to the best bear canisters.

How We Tested

Our team has used the BV500 for at least 20,000 miles of backpacking over the years.

We tested the BV500 over weeks of backpacking trips in dense black bear country across the Rockies, including during peak hyperphagia season. We evaluated its ease of use, weight, capacity, and security, and compared it to other canisters. We also gathered insights from hundreds of personal accounts about its real-world effectiveness. 

Weight & Packability

The BV500 is a very reasonably weighted bear canister. At 2 pounds, 7.4 ounces, it achieves an excellent capacity-to-weight ratio. When hard-sided bear cans are required, this is one of our top choices for its light weight.

As one of BearVault’s larger models, the BV500 does take up noticeable pack space, although it’s still smaller than some heavier canisters on our list. It stands about 12.5 inches tall with an 8.75-inch diameter, fitting vertically in most packs or strapped horizontally outside.

Unlike completely smooth canisters, the BV500’s ridged and grooved surface makes it much easier to secure with backpack straps, so you won’t have to worry about it slipping throughout the day.

Ease of Use

The BV500’s ease of use depends on your finger strength and whether your fingers are cold. Its screw-top lid has two tabs that need to be pressed down while twisting the lid past the matching locking tabs on the body. That’s easier said than done on the BV500’s slippery plastic, especially in cold temperatures when the lid stiffens and fingers lose dexterity. This has been our main issue with this can for years. 

On the bright side, the transparent walls make it simple to see what’s inside without digging around, and the wide opening lets you reach in and retrieve or organize items easily.

Its wide base also ensures the bottom sits flat, and the completely flat lid provides a perfect surface for a table or stool. The canister’s height is ideal for both purposes.

Security

The BV500 is secure enough for most backcountry situations. The polycarbonate construction is thinner than that of other models in the lineup. 

The BV500 is still our go-to. Its gnaw-resistant plastic easily keeps out all other curious critters that lack the strength and ingenuity of a bear. For hikers seeking a lightweight, reliable canister capable of handling typical bear country conditions, the BV500 offers a good balance of practicality and protection.

We strongly recommend pairing any canisters with a Smellyproof bag to better deter curious woodland creatures.

Permit CompatibiLity

The BV500 is approved by both the IGBC and SIBBG, which is enough to meet the requirements of most backcountry zones, including Yosemite National Park. However, you should always double-check regulations for the specific area you are going to.

Capacity

The BV500’s 11.5-liter capacity provides enough space for about 4-6 days of food for one person, possibly more if you have really space-efficient meals and organize carefully. We managed to fit 20 dehydrated meal pouches inside the BV500. It’s one of the roomiest canisters on our list, and the wide opening allows for the use of a Smellyproof bag. 

Should You Buy the BearVault BV500 Journey?

The BearVault BV500 is perfect for hikers and backpackers seeking a reliable, lightweight, and versatile bear canister without the burden of a heavy tank. It’s best suited for solo adventurers, couples, or small groups traveling in bear country.

Its light weight and excellent capacity-to-weight ratio make it a strong choice for longer trips. Its flat lid and tall design also serve as a sturdy stool or table, adding extra usefulness at camp.

For those who like the screw-top lid and want a canister that balances usability, weight, and versatility, the BV500 delivers excellent value, providing peace of mind without unnecessary bulk.

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

See our complete guide to backpacking food storage for many other options.

BearVault BV450 Jaunt Review: The BV450 is the smaller sibling of the BV500, holding about 3 to 4 days of food and packing down much smaller. It has the same screw lid enclosure and a handy table-like shape.

Grubcan Carbon 6.6 Review: Interested in the lightweight design of the BearVaults and looking to upgrade? The Grubcan Carbon is the lightest hard-sided canister we’ve discovered, and it even has a clever locking mechanism. It’s very expensive, but the rental program offers a great deal.

Smellyproof Bags Review: For less than the cost of a cup of coffee, these items are a no-brainer to significantly boost food security by reducing the smell of your food. Considering the stakes, it’s worth taking this step.