Glacier National Park · National Park Service
Is the BearVault BV500 Journey legal in Glacier National Park?
Legal
Yes. The BearVault BV500 Journey is IGBC-certified (IGBC cert. 5340), which is the standard Glacier National Park uses.
Backcountry food may be hung, kept in a designated NPS locker/hanging device, or secured in an IGBC-approved bear-resistant container. IGBC container required at undesignated campsites near or above treeline. IGBC-certified.
Heads-up before you rely on this
Rules change. Confirm with the land manager (links below) before you go.
What this means
This area accepts containers certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). Check the IGBC certified products list, not the brand's marketing, to see whether a model qualifies.
About this model. Discrepancy: BearVault's BV500 page cites IGBC #5339, while the IGBC list (Jul 31, 2026) shows BV450=5339 and BV500=5340. Using the IGBC list.
The rule in Glacier National Park
- Requirement
- Backcountry food may be hung, kept in a designated NPS locker/hanging device, or secured in an IGBC-approved bear-resistant container. IGBC container required at undesignated campsites near or above treeline.
- Accepted
- IGBC-approved bear resistant container
- Dates
- Mar 16 - Nov 30 (compendium)
- Source updated
- 2026-07-30
- Checked
- 2026-10-26 · verified
- Our notes
- Compendium text read directly; canister is not required park-wide.
About the BearVault BV500 Journey
- Volume
- 11.5 L (700 cu in)
- Weight
- 2 lb 9 oz (1.16 kg)
- Material
- Rugged polycarbonate and other resins
- IGBC certified
- Yes (cert. 5340)
- On Yosemite / SEKI list
- Yes
- On Olympic list
- Yes
- Spec source
- manufacturer page fetched directly
Specs come from the sources named in "Spec source" and many are incomplete. See every area where the BearVault BV500 Journey is accepted or not →
What else works in Glacier National Park
| Canister | Verdict | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| BearVault BV ONE Adjustable | Legal | 1 lb 15 oz (895 g) | 8.3 expanded / 4.65 collapsed L |
| BearVault BV425 Sprint | Legal | 1 lb 12 oz | 5 L |
| BearVault BV450 Jaunt | Legal | 2 lb 1 oz | 7.2 L |
| BearVault BV475 Trek | Legal | 2 lb 4 oz | 9.3 L |
| Grub Can Wave 6.6 L | Legal | 1 lb 15 oz | 6.6 L |
| Grub Can Wave 10.0 L | Legal | n/a | 10.0 L |
The BearVault BV500 Journey under nearby rules
- Rocky Mountain National Park Hard-sided, lockable, commercially made canister required for wilderness overnight camping; hanging not permit… Likely legal
- Mount Rainier National Park Hang or use food-storage poles; canister highly recommended in sub-alpine areas, not required. No canister rule
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPs - other backcountry Canister highly recommended elsewhere; hanging/other methods allowed outside the required zones. Allowed, not required
- Big Bend National Park Bear boxes/lockers; a bear-resistant container (300 ft-lb standard) is required only for caching. No canister rule
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPs - Pear & Emerald Lakes Canister required in the Pear and Emerald Lakes areas. Legal
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPs - Rae Lakes Loop Canister required in the Rae Lakes Loop. Legal
Quick answers
Is the BearVault BV500 Journey legal in Glacier National Park?
Yes. The BearVault BV500 Journey is IGBC-certified (IGBC cert. 5340), which is the standard Glacier National Park uses. Backcountry food may be hung, kept in a designated NPS locker/hanging device, or secured in an IGBC-approved bear-resistant container. IGBC container required at undesignated campsites near or above treeline. IGBC-certified.
What does Glacier National Park require for food storage?
Backcountry food may be hung, kept in a designated NPS locker/hanging device, or secured in an IGBC-approved bear-resistant container. IGBC container required at undesignated campsites near or above treeline. Accepted standard: IGBC-approved bear resistant container.
How current is this answer?
We checked Glacier National Park's official source on 2026-10-26. Rules change, so confirm with the land manager before you go.
Sources and date checked
Checked . We link the official pages so you can read the rule yourself.