BearVault’s BV ONE® Named a Finalist in the 2026 ISPO Excellence Awards

The world’s first adjustable bear canister is internationally recognized for its innovative design in the Camping/Outdoor category. 

LOUISVILLE, CO (Oct. 22, 2026)

BearVault  BV ONE® Adjustable Bear Canister has been named a finalist in the Camping/Outdoor category of the 2026 ISPO Excellence Awards. The awards recognize outdoor products for innovation, design and functionality. Winners will be announced at the ceremony in Amsterdam on November 4th.

ISPO Amsterdam is an international outdoor and sporting goods trade show that brings together brands, retailers, distributors and media from around the world. The ISPO Excellence Awards are among the most prestigious in the outdoor industry and take a truly global approach. BearVault will be at booth BNA02 on Nov. 4 and 5. 

“ISPO brings together people from across the global outdoor industry, so this recognition means a lot to our team,” said Tracy Twist, CEO and owner of BearVault. “Moving to an adjustable mechanism required years of design and testing to ensure it maintained strict bear-resistance standards. To have an international panel of judges validate the BV ONE® is a defining milestone for BearVault.”

Bear canisters have long been the gold standard for protecting food in the backcountry, but they have always come in one fixed size. The BV ONE changes that. Its telescoping design adjusts to individual needs. Backpackers can start with the canister expanded and shrink it as their trip progresses, or carry it collapsed to save space from the start. It keeps the animal-resistant protection backpackers rely on at 1 lb 15 oz. The tool-free, soft-touch buttons make it easier to open for people with less hand strength, and the opening mechanism remains functional after a bear or animal tries to get into the canister. 

The BV ONE is available to order online in the United States, Canada, and 31 countries across Europe. You can order it at https://bearvault.com/products/bv-one.

About BearVault
Founded in 2001, BearVault® designs innovative bear-resistant food storage canisters trusted by backpackers, thru-hikers, and outdoor professionals across North America. Approved by land management agencies and certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) and the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), BearVault products help protect wildlife and support responsible recreation in bear country. Learn more at bearvault.com.

Media Contact
Meagan Osgood
Digital Marketing
BearVault
meagan@bearvault.com
866-301-3442 ext. 105

Interviews and Assets
Mitch Frechette, product developer of the BV ONE, is available for interviews. The full press release and product imagery are available here.

BearVault BV ONE® Wins 2026 Cottage Gear Innovation Award

The world's first adjustable bear canister earns recognition from Garage Grown Gear and Backpacking Light for rethinking how backpackers carry food on the trail.

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (Oct. 20, 2026)

BearVault’s BV ONE® Adjustable Bear Canister has been named a winner of the 2026 Cottage Gear Innovation Awards, presented by Garage Grown Gear and Backpacking Light. The awards recognize innovative backpacking products for their originality, performance, and benefits to people on the trail.

Chosen from hundreds of products nominated by the backpacking community, the BV ONE is one of only six winners this year. Judges praised its simple, easy-to-use adjustability. Backpackers can carry the canister collapsed during the day, expand it to secure food at camp, and save pack space on their trips. 

“An adjustable bear canister design seemed both obvious and incredibly challenging,” said Mitch Frechette, product developer at BearVault. “To get there, we set aside what we thought was or wasn’t possible and went back to engineering fundamentals. Five years of development and refinement made adjustable volume possible without compromising strength, while also reducing weight and improving usability. We’re excited to see it embraced by the backpacking community.”

Traditional bear canisters have a fixed capacity, which means backpackers end up carrying unused space as their food supply shrinks. The BV ONE, the world’s first adjustable bear canister, takes a different approach with a telescoping design that adjusts to changing needs on the trail. Backpackers can start with the canister expanded and shrink it as they eat, or carry it collapsed to save space from the start. Easy-open buttons, center access, and transparent walls make it easier to open, reach items, and identify what's inside.

“BearVault has always been about making an easy system for people to responsibly store their food in bear country,” said Tracy Twist, CEO and owner of BearVault. “The BV ONE builds on that mission by rethinking how a bear canister can work for backpackers throughout their trip. We’re proud to see that innovation recognized by Garage Grown Gear and Backpacking Light.”

About BearVault

Founded in 2001, BearVault® designs innovative bear-resistant food storage canisters trusted by backpackers, thru-hikers, and outdoor professionals across North America. Approved by land management agencies,and certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) and the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) , BearVault products help protect wildlife and support responsible recreation in bear country. Learn more at bearvault.com.

Media Contact
Meagan Osgood
Digital Marketing
BearVault
meagan@bearvault.com
866-301-3442 ext. 105

Interviews and Assets
Mitch Frechette, product developer of the BV ONE, is available for interviews. The full press release and product imagery are available here. 

BearVault Adds WMI Certifications to its Full Canister Collection 

BearVault has now certified its complete lineup of canisters through the  Wildlife Management Institute’s dedicated black bear testing program.

BOULDER, CO | August 13, 2026

BearVault® is proud to announce that its complete lineup, the BV425 Sprint, BV450® Jaunt, BV475 Trek, BV500® Journey, and BV ONE®, has earned certification through WMI's Black Bear-Resistant Product Testing Program. Launched in 2023, the protocol puts products up against determined black bears under controlled conditions, requiring at least 60 minutes of continuous interaction without loss of function or access to contents.

WMI Certification Numbers Issued

• BV425 Sprint: BB0009
• BV450 Jaunt: BB0022
• BV475 Trek: BB0021
• BV500 Journey: BB0010
• BV ONE: BB0018

“We’ve always believed in putting our products to the test,” said BearVault CEO Tracy Twist. “As testing programs evolve, we’re committed to continuing that tradition and developing products people can rely on in bear country.”

Before WMI: The SIBBG Legacy

Dedicated black bear testing has a history that goes back decades. Before WMI, the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group (SIBBG) conducted black bear-specific testing in California’s Sierra Nevada.

At the time, the BV450 and BV500 were the only BearVault canisters on the market, and both successfully completed SIBBG testing. The program evaluated bear-resistant products through visual inspection, structural testing, captive bear testing, and field evaluation before ending in 2011.

For more information on BearVault’s canister testing history, certifications, and products, visit https://bearvault.com/pages/bear-testing.

About BearVault

Founded in 2001, BearVault® designs innovative bear-resistant food storage canisters trusted by backpackers, thru-hikers, and outdoor professionals across North America. Approved by land management agencies, including the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) and the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), BearVault products help protect wildlife and support responsible recreation in bear country.

Media Contact
Meagan Osgood
Digital Marketing
BearVault
meagan@bearvault.com
866-301-3442 ext. 105

BearVault BV ONE® Approved for Use in Olympic National Park

BOULDER, CO  | July 2, 2026

BearVault® today announced that the BV ONE™ has received official approval for use in Olympic National Park as an Animal Resistant Food Container (ARFC). The BV ONE adjustable bear canister may now be used in designated wilderness areas where food storage is required.

As of 2026, Olympic National Park has updated its food storage requirements, requiring all food and scented items to be stored in an ARFC in all wilderness areas of the park, making a reliable, adaptable canister essential gear for anyone heading into the backcountry.

We know, from many studies, that ARFCs are one of the proactive approaches that reduces conflicts with wildlife," wrote Jerald Weaver, Superintendent, Olympic National Park. "We appreciate your contribution and efforts to assist us in protecting National Park Resources. “

The BV ONE is the first adjustable bear canister on the market. Its telescoping design expands for longer trips and compresses as food is consumed, reducing wasted pack space. Combined with its lightweight build and easy-to-open lid, it provides backpackers in Olympic National Park new flexibility, critical for the roughly 50,000 visitors who travel into Olympic's backcountry each year, where reliable food storage is crucial.

The BV ONE is available now at bearvault.com and through BearVault retail partners.

About BearVault

Founded in 2001, BearVault® designs innovative bear-resistant food storage canisters trusted by backpackers, thru-hikers, and outdoor professionals across North America. Approved by land management agencies, including the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) and the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), BearVault products help protect wildlife and support responsible recreation in bear country.

Media Contact
Meagan Osgood
Digital Marketing
BearVault
meagan@bearvault.com
866-301-3442 ext. 105

BearVault Recognizes New Bear Canister Requirement in New Hampshire's Pemigewasset Wilderness

Boulder, CO | April 30, 2026

As a service to customers, BearVault tracks bear canister requirements across North America, and starting May 1, 2026, New Hampshire's Pemigewasset Wilderness is on it. The U.S. Forest Service's White Mountain National Forest is implementing a new year-round rule requiring all overnight visitors to store food, trash, and scented items—think soap, lip balm, toothpaste—in an IGBC-certified, hard-sided bear canister.

The rule follows a sharp increase in bear incidents in the Pemi Wilderness in recent years.  Nearly all reported bear incidents across the entire White Mountain National Forest occurred in the Pemigewasset Ranger District, with more than half concentrated within the Pemi Wilderness itself. In most cases, the culprit is improperly stored food. BearVault applauds the White Mountain National Forest for taking this step to protect wildlife and promote human-bear coexistence.

Effective May 1st, hanging systems and other alternative storage methods will no longer be permitted in the Pemi Wilderness. The only exception is the bear-resistant food boxes at the Thirteen Falls Tent Site.

The Pemi is one of the most heavily visited backcountry destinations in the Northeast, and visitation continues to climb. The increase in foot traffic has a side effect: bears in the area learn to associate hikers with food, making proper storage less of a courtesy and more of a necessity. BearVault canisters are IGBC-certified and meet the new requirement. For a full list of where bear canisters are required across North America, visit: https://bearvault.com/pages/canister-requirements

About BearVault

BearVault designs innovative bear-resistant food storage canisters trusted by backpackers, thru-hikers, and outdoor professionals across North America. Approved by land management agencies, including the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), BearVault products help protect wildlife and support responsible recreation in bear country.

Media Contact
Meagan Osgood
Digital Marketing
BearVault
pr@bearvault.com
866-301-3442 ext. 105

BearVault’s BV ONE™ Earns “Best New Product” Award from Fat Man Little Trail

Boulder, CO | April 2026

BearVault's BV ONE™ Adjustable Bear Canister has taken home "Best New Product" honors from Fat Man Little Trail's annual Fatty Awards — the first bear canister to shrink with your trip, eliminating the dead space traditional canisters leave behind.

Early Recognition by a Trusted Voice in the Hiking Community

The Fatty Awards are presented at outdoor trade shows by Greg Sakowicz, founder of Fat Man Little Trail. Awards span categories including Best New Product, Most Innovative Product, Best Presentation, and Overall Best Brand, selected by Sakowicz with input from fellow reviewers at fatmanlittletrail.com.

Fat Man Little Trail was built to encourage unlikely hikers to get outside and experience the physical and mental health benefits of hiking. The site features trail reviews from an average hiker's perspective, gear reviews, a getting-started guide, and spotlights on locally owned restaurants near trailheads. Sakowicz also writes Fatman Ramblings, a blog about life outdoors as an overweight and middle-aged hiker.

The award was presented by Sakowicz at the Outdoor Market Alliance (OMA) show, ahead of BearVault's official launch. — an early signal that the product is resonating with the people who matter most: real hikers who care about what goes in their pack.

"When I saw the BV ONE at the OMA show, I knew we had a winner — it will change backpackers' trips for the better."

— Greg Sakowicz, Fat Man Little Trail

Meaningful Evolution in a Long-Standing Gear Category

Bear canisters have always been built to do one job: keep food safe. The BV ONE™ does that, and then some. Its telescoping design compresses as food is consumed, so the canister adapts to your trip rather than the other way around, improving pack space and reducing bulk when you want it most.

Key features include:

• Adjustable size that adapts to your trip length
• Easy-open, soft-touch buttons for quick access
• Center access design for better organization
• Improved weight-to-volume efficiency vs. traditional canisters
• IGBC-certified bear resistance (#255500)

The BV ONE™ Adjustable Bear Canister is available for preorder, with shipping expected to begin in late April: bearvault.com/product/bv-one. 

About BearVault

Founded in 2001, BearVault designs innovative bear-resistant food storage canisters trusted by backpackers, thru-hikers, and outdoor professionals across North America. Approved by land management agencies, including the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), BearVault products help protect wildlife and support responsible recreation in bear country.

Media Contact
Meagan Osgood
Digital Marketing
BearVault
pr@bearvault.com
866-301-3442 ext. 105

BearVault Introduces the First Adjustable Bear Canister, the BV ONE™

The new adjustable bear canister reduces pack bulk, increases usable space, and maintains certified bear-resistant protection 

Boulder, CO | March 26, 2026 

BearVault introduces the BV ONE™, the first adjustable bear canister built with a telescoping structure that expands when full and collapses as food is consumed. The ultralight design, weighing under 2 pounds, features easy-open soft-touch buttons built for outdoor adventurers. 

Traditional bear canisters remain the same size from the first mile to the last. As food volume decreases, unused space builds inside the pack. The BV ONE™ adjustable bear canister solves this by shrinking as meals are eaten, reducing wasted space and improving pack balance throughout a trip.

The BV ONE™ expands to 8.3 liters (505 cubic inches) when fully loaded and collapses to 4.65 liters (282 cubic inches) as food is consumed, shrinking from 8.5 in tall to 5.6 in. Compared to the BV450, the BV ONE™ offers more internal volume while weighing 2 ounces less at 1lb 15oz (895 g), improving carry efficiency without compromising durability or certified protection. 

Developed over several years, the BV ONE™ was engineered using more than two decades of documented bear-interaction data. Historically targeted areas were reinforced, and the structure, constructed from rugged polycarbonate and high-performance nylon,  was optimized to maximize strength while reducing unnecessary weight.

The BV ONE™ Adjustable Bear Canister Highlights

• Expands to 8.3 L (505 cu in) / compresses to 4.65 L (282 cu in)
• Weighs 1 lb 15 oz (895 g) — 2 oz lighter than the BV450
• Easy-open system with soft-touch buttons and smooth threading
• Certified bear-resistant (IGBC #255500)

“While customers love our durable, wide-opening, tool-free bear canisters, the public consensus is that change was needed. Easier to open, more lightweight, and versatile. We took those suggestions seriously. With our intimate knowledge of bear resistant design, we dedicated years to development, trials, and testing a completely new concept. We’re incredibly excited to introduce the innovative BV ONE™ adjustable bear canister to the world today!” — Tracy Twist, Owner, BearVault

Launched in BearVault’s 25th year, the BV ONE™ signals the company’s next evolution in food storage. While its classic line of canisters remains core to the lineup, BearVault positions the adjustable bear canister as the future of modern backcountry travel.

The BV ONE™ adjustable bear canister is now available for pre-order at bearvault.com/bv-one.

About BearVault

Founded in 2001, BearVault designs innovative bear-resistant food storage canisters trusted by backpackers, thru-hikers, and outdoor professionals across North America. Approved by land management agencies, including the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), BearVault products help protect wildlife and support responsible recreation in bear country. Learn more at bearvault.com.

Media Contact
Meagan Osgood
Digital Marketing
BearVault
pr@bearvault.com
866-301-3442 ext. 105

BearVault Partners With the Conservation Alliance to Support Public Lands and Wildlife Protection

Boulder, CO | March 19, 2026 

BearVault has partnered with The Conservation Alliance, the outdoor industry’s leading business coalition working to protect public lands and waters across North America. 

BearVault’s partnership underscores the role gear manufacturers play in supporting responsible recreation and wildlife protection. For more than two decades, BearVault products have helped reduce human-wildlife conflict by promoting responsible food storage practices in bear country. Built for real-world use, BearVault canisters have become a standard for responsible food storage.

As outdoor participation continues to grow and land managers implement stricter food-storage policies, the company views conservation as a natural extension of its work.

As a member, BearVault will contribute to The Conservation Alliance’s work in two areas: funding grassroots conservation projects led by local communities and supporting business-led advocacy efforts that help protect the landscapes and waterways on which outdoor recreation depends.

“Protecting wildlife and protecting access to public lands go hand in hand,” said Tracy Twist. “Our products are built to reduce human-wildlife conflict in bear habitat. Supporting The Conservation Alliance is a way for us to stand behind that work beyond the product itself.”

BearVault joins a network of outdoor companies investing directly in the long-term protection of the places that shape outdoor experiences across North America.

About BearVault

Founded in 2001, BearVault designs innovative bear-resistant food storage canisters trusted by backpackers, thru-hikers, and outdoor professionals across North America. Approved by land management agencies, including the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), BearVault products help protect wildlife and support responsible recreation in bear country.

Media Contact
Meagan Osgood
Digital Marketing
BearVault
pr@bearvault.com
866-301-3442 ext. 105

BearVault Applauds Boundary Waters Measures to Protect Bears and Visitors

Boulder, CO | January 27, 2026

After a successful year with fewer human-bear conflicts, the U.S. Forest Service has extended mandatory food storage rules in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) through 2031. The mandate requires all visitors to secure food, trash, and scented items by either hanging them at least 12 feet above the ground or using a certified bear-resistant container. Since the temporary order was put in place last year, bear encounters have dropped significantly.

“The Forest Service is improving safety and helping wildlife thrive with these measures,” said Tracy Twist, CEO of BearVault. “When bears and other wildlife are prevented from accessing human food, they stay wild and out of trouble. That’s a win for bears, and it makes the wilderness a lot safer for people recreating in the area.”

The Boundary Waters are a part of Minnesota’s Superior National Forest, one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country. With its extensive network of lakes and canoe trails, it offers paddlers a unique opportunity to experience true wilderness. When proper food storage isn’t followed, bears quickly learn to associate people with easy meals, a habit that usually ends poorly for the bear and can create dangerous situations for hikers and paddlers.

Keeping human food inaccessible protects natural bear behavior. BearVault remains an advocate for these common-sense practices that keep wild spaces open and accessible for everyone.

About BearVault

BearVault designs innovative bear-resistant food storage canisters trusted by backpackers, thru-hikers, and outdoor professionals across North America. Approved by land management agencies, including the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), BearVault products help protect wildlife and support responsible recreation in bear country.

Media Contact
Meagan Osgood
Digital Marketing
BearVault
pr@bearvault.com
866-301-3442 ext. 105

BearVault Unveils Redesigned Shopify Website for a Faster, Streamlined E-Commerce Experience

New platform improves shopping, guidance, and education while supporting future initiatives.

Boulder, CO | January 15, 2026

BearVault, a leader in backcountry bear-resistant food storage, today announced the launch of its redesigned website, now built on the Shopify platform. The updated BearVault.com delivers a faster shopping experience, clearer product guidance, and more accessible educational resources to support responsible outdoor recreation.

What’s New on BearVault.com

• Faster, easier shopping: Shopify-powered performance delivers a smoother path from trail prep to checkout
  
• Clear product guidance: Improved tools help customers quickly choose the right canister size for their trip
  
• Simplified navigation: A cleaner layout makes it easier to explore products, resources, and gear guidance
  
• Expanded education: Readable content on bear safety, proper food storage, and Leave No Trace principles

The redesigned site is built to serve both first-time buyers and experienced backcountry travelers, whether they’re planning a day hike, weekend trip, or multi-night expedition.

“Our products are designed to be dependable and easy to use in the backcountry, and we wanted our website to reflect that same experience,” said Tracy Twist, Owner & CEO of BearVault. “The new site provides a smooth shopping experience  while assisting customers in finding the right canister and learning about best practices in the backcountry.”

In addition to improved shopping functionality, the site offers clearer educational resources on bear safety and responsible food storage.

Looking ahead, BearVault will continue to build on its commitment to the backcountry community with initiatives focused on conservation, partnerships, and innovative solutions for outdoor enthusiasts.

The redesigned BearVault.com is now live at www.bearvault.com

About BearVault

Founded in 2001, BearVault designs innovative bear-resistant food storage canisters trusted by backpackers, thru-hikers, and outdoor professionals across North America. Approved by land management agencies, including the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), BearVault products help protect wildlife and support responsible recreation in bear country.

Media Contact
Meagan Osgood
Digital Marketing
BearVault
meagan@bearvault.com

866-301-3442 ext. 105

BearVault Springs out of Hibernation with an All New Adventure Ambassador Program

Louisville, Colorado – BearVault, the leading outdoor brand in portable bear canisters, today launched its new Adventure Ambassador Program. BearVault will award $500, a free BearVault, and swag to each of its chosen ambassadors for use on their outdoor adventures in 2023. 

Intrigued by varied trip stories, photographs, and video footage, BearVault is sponsoring social media-savvy explorers on their own epic journeys. The scope of qualifying adventures is broad, as long as the destination is in bear country. BearVault will broadcast ambassadors’ stories, pictures, and videos through its own channels. Applications are available online at https://bearvault.com/ambassador/

“While we’d love to go on all these adventures ourselves, it is just not humanly possible – so why not join outdoor enthusiasts on their amazing trips through a sponsorship program!”, exclaimed Grant Breidenbach, Marketing Manager at BearVault. “Our bear canisters can travel with ambassadors on their journeys, while we can share the joy of their diverse adventures vicariously.”

 With the 2022 launch of two new bear container sizes, BearVault’s “Can Fam” provides safe food storage options to many types of outdoor participants, from the weekend warrior to the legendary thru-hiker. The Adventure Ambassador Program seeks to spotlight a wide variety of BearVault food storage systems in use, from keeping lunch at the base while fishing or climbing, to storing food at camp while paddling, hiking, hunting, or bikepacking.

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.

BearVault Applauds Boundary Waters Measures to Protect Bears and Visitors

Boulder, CO | January 27, 2026

After a successful year with fewer human-bear conflicts, the U.S. Forest Service has extended mandatory food storage rules in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) through 2031. The mandate requires all visitors to secure food, trash, and scented items by either hanging them at least 12 feet above the ground or using a certified bear-resistant container. Since the temporary order was put in place last year, bear encounters have dropped significantly.

“The Forest Service is improving safety and helping wildlife thrive with these measures,” said Tracy Twist, CEO of BearVault. “When bears and other wildlife are prevented from accessing human food, they stay wild and out of trouble. That’s a win for bears, and it makes the wilderness a lot safer for people recreating in the area.”

The Boundary Waters are a part of Minnesota’s Superior National Forest, one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country. With its extensive network of lakes and canoe trails, it offers paddlers a unique opportunity to experience true wilderness. When proper food storage isn’t followed, bears quickly learn to associate people with easy meals, a habit that usually ends poorly for the bear and can create dangerous situations for hikers and paddlers.

Keeping human food inaccessible protects natural bear behavior. BearVault remains an advocate for these common-sense practices that keep wild spaces open and accessible for everyone.

About BearVault

BearVault designs innovative bear-resistant food storage canisters trusted by backpackers, thru-hikers, and outdoor professionals across North America. Approved by land management agencies, including the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), BearVault products help protect wildlife and support responsible recreation in bear country.

Media Contact
Meagan Osgood
Digital Marketing
BearVault
pr@bearvault.com
866-301-3442 ext. 105