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Bear canisters are an absolute necessity once they’re required on a visit, however choices are few and much between. Generally, BearVault canisters are the go-to alternative for a dependable, cheap possibility, whereas Bearikade canisters shave off just a few ounces with carbon fiber building and a giant improve in worth. That’s why REI’s new bear canister, the Traverse, is so intriguing. Not solely is it a brand new addition to a really brief record of choices, nevertheless it additionally guarantees to be the primary modular bear can, in addition to one of many least expensive choices obtainable at simply $80. Right here’s what we’ve present in our preliminary testing.
The Design
The Traverse is made fully of polycarbonate, the identical super-tough plastic that was initially utilized in Nalgene bottles. It has three sections, together with a lid, a base, and a detachable center part. They lock into place with threads and a double tab mechanism, a system that appears completely safe, however does have a slight rattle due to the play that’s inherent within the design. With the center part in place, the Traverse measures about 9 by 13 inches, with a capability of 11.25 liters. Eradicating the center part reduces the dimensions to 9 by 8 inches and the capability to six.75 liters. In its smaller configuration, the canister also can nest inside the center part, permitting customers to downsize throughout a visit and achieve some pack area again.
That modularity makes a giant distinction. Carrying a full-size bear canister is flat out annoying. Anybody who’s been on a multi-day journey is aware of the satisfaction of seeing your meals bag shrink as the times move, and having a bear canister that will get smaller as effectively is a critical improve. The modular design may very well be the distinction between strapping the bear can awkwardly on the skin of your pack, or becoming it neatly inside. In its full-size setup, the Traverse is simply too giant to suit horizontally in most 40-45 liter packs, although it does slot in a number of 50+ liter packs that we examined. However with the center part eliminated, the canister has room for 3-4 days of meals for a solo hiker and can slot in practically any in a single day pack.
Lastly, it’s value noting that the Traverse is accepted as bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, which suggests it’s accepted in most locations that require bear canisters. Nonetheless, it’s not at the moment accepted to be used in a number of areas alongside the Pacific Crest Path that require canisters, like Yosemite and Kings Canyon. It’s probably that will probably be accepted to be used sooner or later sooner or later, however for now, we will’t advocate the Traverse to PCT thru-hikers.
The Weight
The largest draw back to the Traverse is its weight. In its full-size configuration, it weighs in at 3 lbs, 9 oz. With the center part eliminated, it weighs 2 lbs, 8 oz. That’s a full pound heavier than its rivals. It’s about the identical measurement because the BearVault BV500, which ideas the scales at 2 lbs 9 oz. The ultralight possibility, the Bearikade Blazer, is barely bigger however saves much more weight, at simply 2 lbs, 1 oz.
Weight-conscious hikers would do effectively to purchase a lighter full-size canister, even when it’s awkward to hold. Carrying a big bear canister on an ultralight pack isn’t enjoyable, however there are methods to handle, like opting for a bigger quantity pack that matches a canister internally, or a purpose-built possibility just like the Nunatak Bears Ears that’s designed round carrying a canister externally. For any ultralighter keen to spend a whole bunch of {dollars} to drop just a few ounces in a tent or sleeping bag, the Traverse’s further pound of weight is solely a non-starter. An ultralight bear canister may not be essentially the most thrilling improve, however there aren’t many purchases the place it can save you a pound for simply $15, as you’ll be able to by choosing the BearVault BV500 as a substitute of the Traverse.
Usability
An enormous perk of the Traverse is the convenience of use of its locking system, which we had no situation working even in chilly climate and with frigid digits. We by no means needed to resort to utilizing instruments to open the container, as we do with different canisters (Bearikade cans require utilizing one thing like a coin to open the screws on the lid, whereas the Bear Vault system might be finicky until you have got a bank card useful to assist the tabs slide easily). The Traverse’s system contains two steel tabs on every threaded part, which must be pushed and turned within the correct order (they’re numbered) earlier than you’ll be able to unscrew the canister. Cutouts on the bottom and lid give further handholds throughout opening and shutting. The tabs additionally must be pushed in to suit underneath the lip on the canister when reattaching the lid, they usually lock in place with a satisfying click on as soon as all the pieces is screwed down. The method isn’t precisely simple—the tabs are a bit onerous to entry and require some power to function—however most individuals shouldn’t have a difficulty utilizing the Traverse. In case you do have issue accessing the tabs, a key or pen may enable you get into the small opening.
We discovered that protecting the threads freed from grime was pretty vital in relation to opening and shutting the can. We examined it towards sand, grime, and dust, and located that any overseas materials within the threads makes it more durable to open and shut. Nonetheless, we by no means received to the purpose the place the tabs and threads wouldn’t function—it simply took a bit extra elbow grease to get issues shifting. Nonetheless, for peace of thoughts, it’s value wiping the threads down with a bandana earlier than tightening all the pieces into place if it’s soiled or dusty.
Who’s the Traverse for?
The Traverse is a superbly succesful bear canister, even when the added weight might be a non-starter for a lot of hikers. The truth that it primarily serves as two cans in a single for less than $80 is by far its largest perk. For many of us, a bear canister is a purchase order of necessity greater than something, so an inexpensive bear can that’s suited to each in a single day and weeklong journeys is fairly interesting. The modular design is actually helpful for shorter journeys the place lugging alongside a full-size bear can could be merely annoying, and shopping for two canisters from one other model could be far dearer. A set of enormous and small cans from Bear Vault would run about $180, whereas two separate Bearikade cans would value you north of $600. The underside line: if the one-pound weight improve doesn’t scare you off, the Traverse can prevent each cash and area inside your pack.
