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#4 on this list
Backpacker's Cache 812
Garcia
The original ABS canister approved everywhere. Overbuilt and cheap in the long run.
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#5 on this list
INSIDER Bear Safe
Frontiersman
The largest common canister at 11.5 liters — a week of food for two.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Backpacker's Cache 812 | INSIDER Bear Safe |
|---|---|---|
| Material | ABS Plastic | High-impact polymer |
| Capacity | 812 cubic inches (approx. 13.3 liters) | 11.5 liters |
| Weight (Empty) | 2 lbs 12 oz (1.25 kg) | — |
| Dimensions | 9" D x 12" H | — |
| Approval | All US National Parks & Wilderness Areas | — |
| Opening Mechanism | Coin-slot screw lid | Tool required |
| Weight | — | Approx. 2.9 lbs |
| Certification | — | IGBC Approved |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Backpacker's Cache 812
- Universally approved for bear-resistant food storage in all wilderness areas
- Extremely durable, built to withstand determined bear attacks
- Simple, proven design with minimal failure points
- Excellent value for its long-term reliability and approval status
- Coin-slot lid is highly secure and virtually impossible for bears to open
- Heavier and bulkier than many modern alternatives
- Rigid cylindrical shape can be awkward to pack efficiently
- Narrow opening makes it challenging to access items deep inside
- Requires a coin or tool to open, which can be inconvenient
INSIDER Bear Safe
- Largest common capacity, ideal for long trips or groups
- Extremely durable high-impact polymer construction
- Simple, reliable tool-operated opening mechanism
- IGBC approved for peace of mind in bear country
- Heavier and bulkier than other options
- Requires a tool to open, which can be inconvenient
- Less packable in smaller backpacks
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