How to Open & Close Your BearVault
Opening your BearVault may feel tricky at first, but it quickly becomes second nature. Here’s how to do it right, and what to try if the lid is cold or sticky.
To Open:
- Turn the lid counter-clockwise until the black nub hits the blue stopper.
- Press the nubs inward to guide it past the stopper.
- Wedge the BearVault between your knees for better grip and leverage.
To Close:
- Twist the lid until both black nubs click past the stopper.
- Don’t over-tighten—it only needs to be snug to be secure.
Cold Weather Tips
Cold temps can stiffen the plastic. Try the card trick: wedge a plastic card between the tab and the stopper to help it slide past. Also, warm the lid in your hands before trying again.
Sticky Lid Over Time?
Wash the threads of both lid and canister with mild soap and a toothbrush. Apply food-grade silicone lubricant to help it glide.
Can I Over-Tighten It?
Yes. Over-tightening can make it very hard to open later, especially after exposure to cold or moisture. Stop twisting once both nubs have passed the stopper.
Help! Im Having Trouble
If your new BearVault seems unusually hard to open, contact us. Sometimes, tightness is due to cold weather, debris in the threads, or user error, but we’re happy to help troubleshoot.
Want to troubleshoot on your own? Here is a great blog with tips for opening your BearVault.
How to Pack Your Bearvault Efficiently
Packing smart makes all the difference. Maximize space, reduce weight, and make sure all your scented items are stored safely inside your BearVault, even the unexpected ones.
- Opt for high-calorie and compact foods like trail mix, nut butters, and dehydrated meals.
- Repackage everything: ditch bulky boxes and extra air space. Use reusable zip bags to compress and organize by meal.
- Make room for toiletries and trash. Items like toothpaste, sunscreen, and wrappers all count as scented items.
- Always double-bag strong chemicals like DEET or other bug sprays. Chemicals should never come into contact with the plastic. They will damage the canister.
- Store cookware outside: clean it thoroughly, but it doesn’t need to be stored inside unless you have space left.
| Think Like a Bear: They don’t just sniff out food—they're curious about anything with scent. That includes chapstick, lotion, trash, wrappers, and even lip balm. If you can smell it, pack it in your BearVault.
What foods work best in a BearVault?
Stick to calorie-dense and non-messy foods. Dehydrated meals, tortillas, trail mix, jerky, and nut butters are all good options. Avoid canned goods, fresh fruits, or crumbly things unless you're okay with the mess and weight.
Should I pack my food for the first day inside the canister?
Only if space allows. Many hikers keep their first day’s lunch and snacks accessible outside the canister to save room, then stash all remaining food inside.
Do I need to put every trash item inside?
Yes! Food wrappers, used floss, empty sunscreen packets, and even mints all belong inside. Bring a small trash bag to keep things organized inside your canister.
Packing Your BearVault in Your Backpack
Where and how you place your BearVault can significantly impact your trail comfort and balance. Follow these tips to secure your load and avoid shoulder strain or pack shift.
- Your BearVault is one of the heaviest items you’ll carry. Keeping it inside your pack, near your mid-back, close to your spine, helps distribute the weight efficiently.
- In larger packs, a horizontal position just above your sleeping bag compartment is ideal.
- Prevent shifting by packing clothes or a puffy jacket around the canister to keep it stable and act as a buffer.
- In narrower packs, vertical packing works well; just stabilize the canister to avoid rubbing or hard spots against your back.
- If external carry is your only option, secure the BearVault tightly using the built-in dimples as strap guides. To balance weight, carry your food inside your pack.
- Maintain a low and centered center of gravity. Avoid top-heavy or loose setups that throw off your stride.
Is vertical packing uncomfortable?
Not if you buffer it properly. Use clothes, your sit pad, or soft gear to protect your back and keep the canister from shifting.
Can I strap it to the top of my pack?
Yes, but test your setup first. Top-mounting can work as long as the canister doesn’t interfere with your head or neck motion, especially when climbing or descending.
In this scenario it's best to store food inside your pack. A fully loaded canister may throw off your balance.
Why not hang it from the bottom?
Low-hanging loads can swing, hit rocks, and pull you forward, especially on downhill sections. Only bottom-mount if there’s no other option and you can strap it tightly.
Hiking in a Group?
Food is heavy. Groups can efficiently carry food by splitting the load into each member's pack. As soon as you arrive at camp consolidate it into the canister.
Using Your BearVault at Camp
Your BearVault is more than just a storage container; it's an integral part of a safe and responsible camping routine. Here’s how to use it wisely to keep you (and bears) out of trouble.
- Cook and store food at least 70 large steps from your tent.
- Don’t cook near your sleeping area. Bears often follow scent trails, especially at dusk.
- After eating, immediately seal your BearVault and stash it under a rock, bush, or tree roots.
- Use the canister as a camp stool only when fully closed to protect the lid threads.
- Before bed, double-check your pockets for scented items like lip balm or snacks.
- Never hang your BearVault. It’s designed for ground use and to withstand bear activity without suspension.
- Keep your tent scent-free: no food, no wrappers, no toiletries, no sunscreen or lip balm inside.
Where should I stash my BearVault overnight?
Choose a spot 70 large steps from your tent and cook site—under a bush, tree root, or between rocks. Avoid wide open spaces, cliffs, and water.
Can I sit on my BearVault?
Yes, but only when the lid is fully sealed past both stopper clicks. This protects the lid threads and avoids accidental spills or thread wear.
What if I spill food near my tent?
Clean it thoroughly and relocate your tent if necessary. Scented spots can attract bears even if no food remains.
What if I spill food on my clothes?
Remove and store with stove. It can attract bears even if no food remains.
Expert Advice: Tips from Long-Distance Hikers
Real Stories. Real Miles. Real BearVaults.
Appalachian Trail, Virginia
Hiking with Bears on the Appalachian Trail
—> How a BearVault protected her food and her trip
BearVault Canisters
FAQs
What scented items must go in a canister?
All scented items: food, toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm, menstrual products, utensils, and trash.
A great rule of thumb is to store anything that goes on your skin or in your mouth in the canister.
Even products advertised as unscented will have a scent to a bear.
Even sealed, canned, freeze dried foods, and foods stored in "smell-proof" packaging can attract bears.
Should I fully tighten the lid?
No. Just twist until the nubs click past the stopper. Overtightening will make opening harder, especially in cold or wet conditions.
What if I have trouble opening the lid?
Use a plastic card for extra leverage.
Alternatively you can purchase a Bear Can Key here.
Check out our video on tips for opening the BearVault: LINK VIDEO
Why does my lid feel sticky or hard to open?
Temperature, moisture, dirt, or grime can affect the canister. Clean threads with mild soap and a toothbrush, and consider food-safe silicone lubricant if needed.
Can products damage the canister?
Yes. Avoid DEET, adhesives, paint, solvents, or other harsh chemicals. These can degrade plastic and void the warranty. If chemicals must be stored inside the canister, securely double-bag them to prevent any leakage.
Is my BearVault waterproof or scent-proof?
BearVaults are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. Bears can still smell food; no canister is completely scent-proof. Use dry bags for extra water protection if needed.