BearVault 400
| Page Type | Gear Review |
|---|---|
| Object Title | BearVault 400 |
| Manufacturer | BearVault |
| Page By | Vic Hanson |
| Page Type | Jun 4, 2007 / Jun 9, 2007 |
| Object ID | 3332 |
| Hits | 12156 |
| Vote |
Product Description
Lighter for backpacking when every ounce counts!BV350 Solo Only 2 lbs 1 oz.
BV400 Only 2 lbs 9 oz.
Larger capacity for the space you need!
BV350 Solo has 4 days capacity
BV400 has 7 days capacity.
Super rugged transparent polycarbonate housing resists impacts without shattering!
Innovative patent pending design so you can open and close the lid without tools!
Extra wide, rain proof opening provides full access for loading, unloading, and finding items!
Built in guides keep tie down straps in place so extra carrying case is not needed to attach to backpack!
(From the BearVault Website)
BearVault
Rental Program
BearVault also offers a rental program, however it costs almost as much to rent one as to buy one. However if you are sure you will only use it once, and don't want to bother with buying one and finding something to do with it at the end, it may be an option.Worry Free Bear Canister Rental Program for PCT Thru-hikers
BearVault is proud to offer a new service to PCT thru-hikers. This service provides a Sierra approved BearVault bear resistant food canister for pickup at Kennedy Meadows. Upon reaching the Echo Lake Resort near South Lake Tahoe (or Tuolumne Meadows if you wish) you would return the BearVault. All shipping and packaging is included on both the south pickup and north drop-off points. The reverse routes can also be accommodated.
BearVault Rental
My Experience
The BearVault has a couple of advantages over other brands. 1) You can see the food inside so it is easier to find a particular item. 2) It doesn't require a coin to open like some other makes. Instead there is a pressure release tab to push. It can be a bit tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is no problem. The BearVault appeared to be the most common brand on the PCT in 2006.
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Reviews
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csmcgranahan - Jul 1, 2007 12:00 pm - Hasn't voted
Satisfied
I use this for overnights above or near tree line. Longest use was for a trip into Titcomb Basin in the Wind River Range. I have been very satisfied with this product to date and would recommend it to other members.
Grampahawk - Jul 13, 2007 4:20 pm - Hasn't voted
hard to open
My 20 yr old son used one of these recently and had a hard time opening it several times. In fact I had to hold it while he worked the tab mechanism and tried to unscrew the top because he couldn't do it himself. The first time it may have had something to do with the air pressure. He packed it at 2,000 ft and opened it at 11,000. Then didn't seem to have any trouble. The second time we had had lunch in about 80 degree weather, then it dropped to the 30's so maybe the cold did something.
kwag - Aug 6, 2007 1:13 am - Hasn't voted
great
I have the one with the new lid which is easier to open than the first version. The capacity is indeed about 7 days. I've left it out in the rain and all that was inside was dry. No bear problems while I've used it all over SEKI.
Ol Walsher - Sep 19, 2007 11:22 pm - Voted 5/5
I like it
This sure beats the old black standard bear canister. It holds alot and is lighter. I was able to fit in all my food for a 3 day trip.
nartreb - Sep 21, 2007 3:15 pm - Voted 3/5
human-resistant
Compared to other bear cans I've used, this model has both pluses and minuses.
I believe it's among the lighter cans for a given capacity.
It's got a wide mouth and transparent body so you can find things more easily.
When closed, it's watertight, or close enough that I don't worry about leaving it out in the rain (other cans have to be positioned upside down).
Like any can, it makes a nice seat (very handy in winter).
It is not, however, easy, or always possible, to open this thing without tools. (I use the 'biner clip on my knife handle -- and I still need to use both hands and sometimes both feet.) But it IS easy to close it improperly if you're not paying attention. The coin-lock type of cans are easier and faster to open and close, and less prone to error. Since opening and closing are practically the only things a can needs to do, I'm not too happy with mine.
I believe it's among the lighter cans for a given capacity.
It's got a wide mouth and transparent body so you can find things more easily.
When closed, it's watertight, or close enough that I don't worry about leaving it out in the rain (other cans have to be positioned upside down).
Like any can, it makes a nice seat (very handy in winter).
It is not, however, easy, or always possible, to open this thing without tools. (I use the 'biner clip on my knife handle -- and I still need to use both hands and sometimes both feet.) But it IS easy to close it improperly if you're not paying attention. The coin-lock type of cans are easier and faster to open and close, and less prone to error. Since opening and closing are practically the only things a can needs to do, I'm not too happy with mine.
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Viewing: 1-15 of 15 |
tarol - Jun 11, 2007 6:11 pm - Voted 5/5
I own the first Bear Vault w/ the retrofitted lid