It looks as if frequent sense, however the Depart No Hint precept I see violated most often is Quantity 6: Respect Wildlife. Why? As a result of a part of respecting wildlife is guaranteeing they don’t have entry to human meals. Whereas some campsites make this straightforward by providing bear lockers and cables to safe meals in a single day, you received’t all the time have entry to these facilities.
Enter: the lately launched REI Traverse Modular Bear Canister. The Traverse is REI’s spin on the standard bear canister and integrates some revolutionary new options.
Opening REI’s Traverse Modular Bear Canister at camp. Photograph courtesy of Anna “Magic” McKinney Smith.
REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister
MSRP: $79.95
Supplies: polycarbonate
Giant configuration specs:
- Weight: 3lbs 9.1oz (57.1oz)
- Inside quantity: 11.25 liters / 686 cubic inches
- Diameter: 9.1 inches
- Peak: 13 inches
Small configuration specs:
- Weight: 2lbs 8oz (40oz)
- Inside quantity:6.75 liters/412 cubic inches
- Diameter: 9.1 inches
- Peak: 8 inches
Circumstances of Evaluate
I work as a backpacking information within the southeast and have carried bear canisters on journeys in Pisgah Nationwide Forest and Large South Fork Nationwide Recreation Space. This canister was examined throughout in a single day journeys alongside the Appalachian Path via North Carolina and Tennessee.
REI Traverse Modular Bear Canister Options
REI’s new bear can is made up of three items: the lid, the center part, and the underside. Utilizing all three creates the massive configuration of the can. Utilizing simply the lid and the underside creates the small configuration. Photograph courtesy of Anna “Magic” McKinney Smith.
Giant and Small Configuration
The largest promoting level for this will is definitely the truth that it’s principally two in a single. This could was designed with a big configuration appropriate for longer meals carries (roughly 3-7 days), and a small configuration for shorter journeys (1-2 days).
The canister has three components: the lid, the center part (wanted for the massive configuration), and the underside. To make use of the massive configuration, a person connects all three items. To make use of the small configuration, merely take out the center piece and join the lid to the underside of the can.
Two-Step Locking System
The Traverse Modular bear canister was designed with two easy-to-operate locks. They arrive within the type of small buttons {that a} person pushes down, then turns the lid. There’s a clearly labeled “1” and “2” that, when pressed within the right order, makes it simpler to take away the lid. The buttons additionally make an audible click on to let you realize when the lid locks shut.
Scalloped Lid
A function distinctive to the Traverse is its scalloped lid, which makes it simpler to grip when turning the lid. Comparable merchandise have flat and easy lids. I discovered this function notably helpful within the chilly.
Colourful and Translucent
Designed to be vivid and stand out, REI’s bear can is a vibrant orange colour. This makes it straightforward to see round camp. The polycarbonate is translucent, so whereas it’s extremely seen, it’s additionally mild sufficient to see inside. This ensures you may spot what you want from the surface of the can with out having to blindly dig via your whole meals.
Digging via the Traverse bear can to search out dinner. Photograph courtesy of Anna “Magic” McKinney Smith.
Licensed Bear-Resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee
Testing by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) has develop into the business customary for bear-resistant meals storage merchandise. The ICBC is a committee with members spanning quite a lot of companies, from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Nationwide Park Service, and extra. All of them work collectively to preserve grizzly bear populations and habitats by selling “interagency coordination of coverage, planning, administration, analysis and communication.”
The IGBC affords product testing for producers to see if their containers can maintain up in opposition to a real-life grizzly. The objective of this program is to reduce human/grizzly bear conflicts by correctly storing gadgets that may entice wildlife. You will need to notice that this approval implies that a product is grizzly bear RESISTANT. There is no such thing as a 100% assure {that a} product won’t ever be breached by a bear.
Merchandise that obtain IGBC approval have gone via rigorous testing and meet requirements established after consulting human/bear battle consultants and bear biologists. “Testing” occurs with grizzlies in Montana and Washington with the assistance of the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Middle and the Washington State College Bear Middle. The IGBC has an inventory of over 500 merchandise which have been examined and authorised for bear-resistant storage.
Working laborious to get the lid of the Traverse bear can off throughout a snack break. Photograph courtesy of Anna “Magic” McKinney Smith.
REI Traverse Modular Bear Canister Execs
Two Cans for the Worth of One
The largest attraction of the Traverse over different bear canisters is the truth that it’s principally two cans in a single. With the massive and small configurations, a person can select a measurement that’s appropriate for the size of their journey. Customers of different manufacturers should buy giant and small bear cans individually to have that sort of selection. That may get costly shortly! I like the modular idea and assume different manufacturers will observe swimsuit.
Accredited by the IGBC
REI’s Traverse Modular Bear Canister was licensed bear-resistant by the IGBC on June 27, 2024 (Certification No. 245491). In my thoughts, if a product has been examined in opposition to a grizzly, it means that it’ll maintain up in opposition to different wildlife I could encounter within the backcountry. On the AT, for instance, hikers have to guard their meals from black bears, mice, squirrels, and raccoons, simply to call a number of.
Meals saved in a bear can is protected against all critters and ensures that these animals aren’t uncovered to meals that might be dangerous to them or trigger them to constantly search meals from people. The saying “a fed bear is a lifeless bear” applies to ALL wildlife!
It may be difficult to search out one of the best place in your pack for a bear can. I discovered it simpler to safe it to the surface of my pack. Photograph courtesy of Anna “Magic” McKinney Smith.
Learn Subsequent: The Case for Bear Canisters on the Appalachian Path
It Will get Simpler with Apply
At first I struggled to determine the locking system. You’d assume with simply two buttons it might be easy, however possibly I’m not as sensible as the common bear. Fortunately the Traverse comes with a carrying case that has directions printed on the facet. After consulting the directions, I found the “1” and “2” which are conveniently labeled on the facet of the can.
First you press the button labeled “1” and switch the lid. This will get the lid to show sufficient to line up with the second button, labeled “2.” After urgent down this button and turning the lid once more, the canister is now not locked. From right here, it’s straightforward to untwist the lid. The method turned simpler the extra I used it. I feel the repeat turning helped to interrupt the threads in just a little bit as nicely, and the lid appeared to show extra easily.
REI Traverse Modular Bear Canister Cons
Heavier with Much less Area
Bear cans on the whole are heavy and hulking. It’s largely within the identify of base weight that many hikers argue in opposition to carrying a bear can. Many nationwide parks and nationwide forests require a bear canister, so they’re turning into a crucial piece of drugs. For that motive, many corporations give attention to making their bear cans as mild as doable whereas nonetheless holding up in opposition to wildlife.
Bear cans generally is a ache to hold, however they’re a crucial evil. A fed bear is a lifeless bear! Securing the REI Traverse Modular Bear Canister to the surface of my pack. Photograph courtesy of Anna “Magic” McKinney Smith.
I used to be shocked after I learn the load and carrying capability of the Traverse Modular bear can. It weighs practically a complete pound greater than its rivals, whereas providing much less storage even in its giant configuration. I had beforehand used BearVault’s BV500 and BV450, and this was the model I in contrast the Traverse to essentially the most.
BearVault’s BV500 is 41oz and has a capability of 700 cubic inches. As compared, the massive configuration of the REI Traverse weighs 57.1oz and has a capability of 686 cubic inches. That’s a complete pound heavier and with rather less area!
The saying “ounces make kilos” involves thoughts. Pack weight performs an enormous function in being snug whereas backpacking, and persons are prepared to spend just a little bit more cash if it should save them weight. I feel whereas the value level is extra inexpensive for the REI Traverse, there are sufficient ultralight hikers within the backpacking group that these further ounces will decide which product they buy.
Learn Subsequent: Why I All the time Carry a Bear Canister When Via-Climbing
Tough To Open within the Chilly
I discovered that whereas the buttons on the REI Traverse Modular bear canister have been straightforward to search out and function more often than not, they didn’t need to budge on chilly mornings after I was in determined want of scorching espresso. Different customers of this mannequin complain about related points, stating that until you have got dexterous fingers, it’s practically not possible to get your finger within the right place to disengage the lock. I discovered utilizing my pocket knife to press the buttons made it just a little simpler, but it surely’s an annoying further step.
This isn’t an issue that’s distinctive to this canister. Opening a bear can, particularly in chilly temperatures, is difficult regardless of the model. There’s even a market now for “bear can keys” the place cottage corporations have designed merchandise to make opening bear cans much less of a trouble.
Attempting to press the buttons to unlock the REI Traverse bear canister turns into tougher within the chilly. Photograph courtesy of Anna “Magic” McKinney Smith.
Not Accredited for Use on the PCT
I’m getting ready for a via hike of the PCT and was contemplating bringing the Traverse with me on the path. Per the Pacific Crest Path Affiliation, “meals storage canisters are required in components of Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Parks, Inyo, Sierra and Humboldt-Toiyabe Nationwide Forests, and in all of Yosemite, Lake Tahoe Basin, Desolation Wilderness, Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Parks and are crucial in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Nationwide Forest.” It’s strongly inspired to hold a bear can for your entire period of the PCT, as is the case on the AT and CDT.
Even if the Traverse bear canister has been licensed bear-resistant by the IGBC, this bear can isn’t on the allowed container record for the PCT. At first I believed possibly this was simply because the Traverse is a more recent product, but it surely was authorised by the IGBC in June 2024, whereas the allowed meals storage container record was most lately up to date in December 2024. In search of steering, I reached out to a ranger at Yosemite Nationwide Park. In accordance with Ranger Jeffrey, “the allowed containers record continues to be correct and I don’t anticipate any adjustments within the subsequent few months.”
That solved my conundrum of which bear canister I might be taking up the PCT. Alas, the Traverse Modular Bear Canister might be staying dwelling.
Conclusion
This bear canister is sweet for what it’s. Bear cans are cumbersome and generally is a ache to open, however they’re a crucial evil. The largest promoting level, to me, is the truth that it’s principally two cans in a single. For that motive, I feel will probably be a preferred alternative as a primary bear should buy. Ultralight hikers will possible gravitate towards lighter choices.
The translucent polycarbonate was designed to make the Traverse bear can straightforward to see within. Photograph courtesy of Anna “Magic” McKinney Smith.
Total I do assume it is a good, albeit heavy, product that’s price contemplating when looking for a bear can, particularly in case you’re on a funds and need to get essentially the most bang to your buck.
Store the REI Traverse Modular Bear Canister
Comparable Meals Storage Containers
BearVault BV500
- MSRP: $94.95
- Materials: “Specialty rugged polycarbonate and different sturdy resins”
- Weight: 2lbs 9oz (41oz)
- Inside quantity: 11.5 liters / 700 cubic inches
- Diameter: 8.7in
- Peak: 12.7in
URSACK Main
- MSRP: $119.95
- Materials: UHMWP (UHMWPE Extremely-Excessive-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene is a sort of polyethylene)
- Weight: 7.6oz
- Inside quantity: 650 liters / 10.65 liters
- Diameter: 12.5”
- Peak: 18”
The Blazer Bearikade Wilderness Meals Storage Canister
- MSRP: 384
- Supplies: 6061 T-6 aluminum and “proprietary composite carbon-fiber cylinder with excessive energy epoxy”
- Weight: 2lbs 1oz (33oz)
- Inside quantity: 12.3 liters / 750 cubic inches
- Diameter: 9”
- Peak: 12”
The REI Traverse Modular Bear Canister was donated for goal of evaluate.
No responses yet