Backpackers rejoice! REI's Modular Bear Canister offers sturdy protection for your goods during wilderness adventures – but don't forget to outsmart Old Smokey to access it!
Strutting into action as the cherry blossoms bloom, the rivers swell with snowmelt, and in parts of North America, those darn bears are up and about, yawning, stretching, and rubbing their eyes with their pesky paws. As we find ourselves pondering over more trekking escapades, guess who's already thinking about their next big meal? You got it – bears! But fear not, trusty REI has got a new ace up its sleeve – the REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister, a cleverly designed contraption to keep your food, and in turn, yourself, safe in bear country.
At first glance, the Traverse Modular Bear Canister looks like an oversized version of any ordinary canister, but take a closer look, and you'll spot its brains. This modular canister consists of two separate sections that can be used individually for shorter trips, screwed together for one giant canister for a lengthy expedition, and nestled one inside another as your food allowance dwindles over the days.
In case you're scratching your head, a bear canister is a godsend for keeping your food – and yourself – safe in bear country. The good news is that this modular canister maintains those very attributes we've grown to love, as well as offering increased versatility, particularly for long-distance hikers. A prime example is the traditional plastic tub method, like the Bear Vault, which a bear can scarcely pick up and is unable to open.
You'd be wise to know that this canister has passed the rigorous test of bear-resistant approval from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, despite requiring a bit of finesse to get to your delicious backpacking grub. To access it, you'll need to press two buttons. REI claims you can operate it with the snap of a finger, and perhaps most importantly, audible clicks let you know when the lid is securely locked, giving you the peace of mind that your snacks will remain untouched by those pesky bears.
Now, this canister hasn't yet achieved a lengthy tenure on the market, but it's long enough for some campers to have given it a whirl and pass along their thoughts. While some campers might have found it nigh on impossible to open, others report that they had no problems once they familiarized themselves with the instructions. We can't stress enough the importance of giving those instructions a gander, or, better yet, taking a gander at the helpful video below, especially if you're feeling fumbly. After all, we've got to be smarter than bears to operate it.
When deployed at its maximum capacity, this baby becomes 11.25 liters, more than enough to last for a week on the trail. When you're getting closer to your next resupply point, it shrinks down to approximately 6.25 liters. When it comes to packing, this bear canister smartly compresses to be roughly 9in X 8in, making it smaller than the Bear Vault and just the right size to perch atop your sleeping bag inside your pack. And don't worry, it's got a bag with reflective trim, so you can easily store it a safe distance from your tent and locate it quickly when night falls and you need to retrieve it, even with your trusty headlamp.
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Available now on REI for $79.95, the REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister leaves other canisters in the dust in terms of affordability.
Be sure to check out our articles on the best camping stoves and the best solo tents while you're here!
- Embracing a lifestyle that blends outdoor-living and home-and-garden, this new REI bear canister is an ideal addition for those preparing for a long-distance hiking adventure, particularly for people who enjoy sports like trekking and camping.
- With the ability to adapt to different trip durations, the REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister, priced at $79.95, could be an excellent investment for maintaining a secure home-and-garden for your backpacking snacks, keeping you protected during your sports-filled outdoor-living experiences.
