Blew $180 on a BearVault for the JMT and it was the best money I ever lit on fire

Amy Allen · 2026-09-10T15:45:07.353882+00:00

Did the Rae Lakes loop out of Onion Valley last August and bought a BearVault BV500 for $180 because the rental places in Lone Pine were all out. Turns out the thing doubles as a stool, a table, and a rock for smashing stakes, and the rangers at the junction didn't even glance at it. Meanwhile my buddy borrowed a beat up canister that jammed shut on day two and we had to pry his oatmeal out with a spoon. What's your canister setup for longer Sierra trips, is the BV500 overkill or the right call?

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Blew $180 on a BearVault for the JMT and it was the best money I ever lit on fire | Backpacking Routes - Guest Forum