Best Bear Canister
BearVault BV500
$80
Weight2lb 9oz / 1162g
Capacity700 cu in
TypeRigid polycarbonate canister
Crush protectionYes
ApprovalWidely accepted
Price$80
TrailCraft score 9.2/10
Read Full Review →Best Bear Bag
Ursack AllMitey
$190
Weight13.0oz / 369g
Capacity~650 cu in
TypeCut-resistant fabric bag
Crush protectionNo
ApprovalVaries by area
Price$190
TrailCraft score 8.7/10
Read Full Review →
Bottom line: The BV500 is heavier and bulkier and is accepted everywhere canisters are required. The AllMitey is lighter, packs into odd spaces, and resists both bears and rodents — but it is not approved in every area, and it does not stop your food being crushed. Check your destination's rules first; that usually decides it.
Head-to-head differences
Weight
BearVault BV5002lb 9oz
Ursack AllMitey13oz — roughly a third
AllMitey wins by a wide margin.
Packing
BearVault BV500Rigid cylinder dictates how your whole pack loads
Ursack AllMiteyPacks flat when partly full and conforms to space
AllMitey wins.
Approval
BearVault BV500Accepted essentially everywhere canisters are required
Ursack AllMiteyNot approved in all areas — verify before every trip
BV500 wins, and this can be decisive.
Crush protection
BearVault BV500Food arrives intact
Ursack AllMiteyA bear can crush the contents even without opening it
BV500 wins.
Choose the BearVault BV500 if:
- →Your destination requires an approved hard canister
- →You want your food to arrive uncrushed
- →You want a container that doubles as a camp stool
Choose the Ursack AllMitey if:
- →Your area permits bear-resistant bags
- →Weight and pack space matter most
- →You also want rodent protection, which the AllMitey provides
See all Best Bear Canisters reviews
Full rankings, specs, and scores for every product in this category.
View Full Category →Common Questions
How do I check whether a bag is allowed?
Contact the specific ranger district, park, or forest unit you are entering. Rules are set locally and vary between adjacent areas.
Does the AllMitey stop mice too?
Yes — the AllMitey adds rodent-resistant material, which is a genuine advantage at shelters where mice are the real problem.
What actually goes inside either?
Everything with a scent — food, trash, wrappers, toothpaste, sunscreen, and lip balm. Not just food.