North Cascades National Park Complex · National Park Service
Is the BearVault BV500 Journey legal in North Cascades National Park Complex?
Legal
Yes. The BearVault BV500 Journey is IGBC-certified (IGBC cert. 5340), which is the standard North Cascades National Park Complex uses.
IGBC-approved canister required at nine named camps and in cross-country zones (page says six zones but lists seven). 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.
Seasonal rule. The requirement applies on the dates in the source: Jun 1 - Nov 15. We do not have a recorded rule for other dates, so check the current page for shoulder-season trips.
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 North Cascades National Park Complex
- Requirement
- IGBC-approved canister required at nine named camps and in cross-country zones (page says six zones but lists seven).
- Accepted
- IGBC-approved canister
- Dates
- Jun 1 - Nov 15
- Source updated
- 2026-04-02
- Checked
- 2026-10-26 · verified
- Our notes
- Camps: Desolation, Fisher, Hooter, Monogram Lake, Pierce Mountain, Sahale Glacier, Sourdough, Thornton Lakes, Thunder Basin. Zones: Boston Basin, Eldorado, Hidden Lake, Sulphide Glacier, Tapto Lakes, Trapper Lake, Terror Basin. Page count discrepancy (six vs seven) needs verification.
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 North Cascades National Park Complex
| 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 North Cascades National Park Complex?
Yes. The BearVault BV500 Journey is IGBC-certified (IGBC cert. 5340), which is the standard North Cascades National Park Complex uses. IGBC-approved canister required at nine named camps and in cross-country zones (page says six zones but lists seven). IGBC-certified.
What does North Cascades National Park Complex require for food storage?
IGBC-approved canister required at nine named camps and in cross-country zones (page says six zones but lists seven). Accepted standard: IGBC-approved canister.
How current is this answer?
We checked North Cascades National Park Complex'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.