BearVault Recognizes New Bear Canister Requirement in New Hampshire's Pemigewasset Wilderness
BearVault Recognizes New Bear Canister Requirement in New Hampshire's Pemigewasset Wilderness
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
BearVault’s BV ONE™ Earns “Best New Product” Award from Fat Man Little Trail
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™
BearVault Introduces the First Adjustable Bear Canister, the BV ONE™
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
BearVault Partners With The Conservation Alliance to Support Public Lands and Wildlife Protection
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
BearVault Applauds Boundary Waters Measures to Protect Bears and Visitors
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
Redesigned Shopify Website for a Faster, Streamlined E-Commerce Experience
Redesigned Shopify Website for a Faster, Streamlined E-Commerce Experience
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
BearVault® Springs out of Hibernation With an All New Adventure Ambassador Program
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.
Size Matters to Backpackers: BearVault® Launches Two Smaller Bear Canisters
Size Matters to Backpackers: BearVault® Launches Two Smaller Bear Canisters
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