Budget Bear Canisters, Bear-proof Bags, and Bear Spray
Table of Contents
Affiliate Disclosure
Sweetspotbackpack.com is an affiliate marketing website providing recommendations and links to sellers, including Amazon, Backcountry, Steep&Cheap, and Decathlon. I receive commissions on most (but not all) items you buy through links in this website. I recommend some items without being paid if they’re the best deals and I’m not affiliated with the sellers.
sweetspotbackpack.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commission fees by advertising and linking to the following web sites.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Bear Canisters
Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a budget bear canister or sack.
Bear canisters are also useful for protecting your food from rodents, and they make good stools.
MSRP $89.95
I don’t receive commisions because I’m not an REI affiliate.
Capacity: 11.25 L (large configuration), 6.75 L (small configuration)
Length: 13 in (large configuration), 8 in (small configuration)
Diameter: 9.1 in
Weight: 3 lbs. 9.1 oz (large configuration), 2 lbs. 8 oz (small configuration)
Pros
- Can be used at large full volume or separated into a smaller, lighter canister
- Adjustable size – volume can be reduced as your food supply diminishes
- Saves money — two cans (large and small) for the price of one
- Certified bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC)
- Includes a case that enables attachment to your backpack
- Reflective material so you can find it at night where you’ve stored it away from camp
Cons
- Heavy – weighs almost a pound more than competitors
- Not approved in parts of the Pacific Crest Trail where bear canisters are required
B425 Sprint S
MSRP $78.95
Capacity: 305cu in
Days of food: 1-2 days
Length: 6 in
Diameter: 8.7 in
Weight: 1lb 12oz
BV450-Jaunt M
MSRP $83.95
Capacity: 440cu in
Days of food: 3-4 days
Length: 8.3 in
Diameter: 8.7 in
Weight: 2lb 1oz
BV475-Trek L
MSRP $92.95
Capacity: 565cu in
Days of food: 5-6 days
Length: 10.5 in
Diameter 8.7 in
Weight: 2lb 4oz
BV500-Journey XL
MSRP $94.95
Capacity: 700 cu in
Days of food: 7 days
Length: 12.7 in
Diameter: 8.7 in
Weight: 2 lb 9 oz
MSRP $79.99
Capacity: 2 gallons
Days of food: 3-4 days (Sweet Spot Backpack estimate based on capacity)
Length: 10 in
Diameter: 8 in
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Bear Proof Bags
Crazy as it seems, bear-proof bags are even more expensive than bear canisters.
Specifications
Weight: 7. 6 oz
Capacity: 10. 65 L (approx. 5 days of food for 1 person)
Odor-proof storage bags should always be used inside the Ursack Major
Odor Proof Storage Bags
Bear Spray
Although bear spray is expensive, you can use it for more than just bears. It’s a non-lethal alternative to a gun for protection against violent criminals.
MSRP: $42.99
Specifications
Weight: 7.9 oz
Range: 30 – 35 ft
Formula: 2.0% Capsaicin and related capsaicinoids (maximum legal strength)