Sierra NF wildernesses · US Forest Service
Is the BearVault BV500 Journey legal in Sierra NF wildernesses?
Allowed, not required
Allowed, but Sierra NF wildernesses does not require a canister.
Canister OR counterbalance hang. If you choose to carry the BearVault BV500 Journey, it would be accepted. Area text names no approved list. SIBBG-approved hard canister meets a 'bear-resistant container' standard.
Heads-up before you rely on this
- Source page shows no date. The official page does not show a "last updated" date we could capture. We record the day we read it instead.
Rules change. Confirm with the land manager (links below) before you go.
What this means
The written rule asks for a bear-resistant container (or similar wording) but names no approved list. Hard canisters on a recognised list are the safest reading; the agency has the final say.
Reading note. Sierra NF wildernesses does not require a canister. The verdict describes whether this model would count as an accepted container if you choose to use one as your food storage.
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 Sierra NF wildernesses
- Requirement
- Canister OR counterbalance hang.
- Accepted
- No list named (regulations page says 'bear canisters/pannier')
- Order
- 05-15-00-26-03
- Dates
- Order 05-15-00-26-03, 2026-05-22 to 2028-05-22
- Source updated
- alert page (date not captured)
- Checked
- 2026-10-26 · verified
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 Sierra NF wildernesses
| Canister | Verdict | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| BearVault BV ONE Adjustable | Allowed, not required | 1 lb 15 oz (895 g) | 8.3 expanded / 4.65 collapsed L |
| BearVault BV425 Sprint | Allowed, not required | 1 lb 12 oz | 5 L |
| BearVault BV450 Jaunt | Allowed, not required | 2 lb 1 oz | 7.2 L |
| BearVault BV475 Trek | Allowed, not required | 2 lb 4 oz | 9.3 L |
| Grub Can Wave 6.6 L | Allowed, not required | 1 lb 15 oz | 6.6 L |
| Grub Can Wave 10.0 L | Allowed, not required | n/a | 10.0 L |
The BearVault BV500 Journey under nearby rules
- Redwood National and State Parks Lockers at designated camps; Redwood Creek: hang or canister. Canister not required. No canister rule
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPs - Pear & Emerald Lakes Canister required in the Pear and Emerald Lakes areas. Legal
- Lassen Volcanic National Park NPS-approved bear-resistant container required; hanging not permitted. Legal
- Inyo NF - Fish Creek Canister required for food/refuse in this order area (one of eight designated areas). Legal
- Caribou-Targhee NF IGBC list or hang. Allowed, not required
- Inyo NF - other wilderness Outside the eight canister zones: canister OR counterbalance hang (15 ft / 10 ft). Allowed, not required
Quick answers
Is the BearVault BV500 Journey legal in Sierra NF wildernesses?
Allowed, but Sierra NF wildernesses does not require a canister. Canister OR counterbalance hang. If you choose to carry the BearVault BV500 Journey, it would be accepted. Area text names no approved list. SIBBG-approved hard canister meets a 'bear-resistant container' standard.
What does Sierra NF wildernesses require for food storage?
Canister OR counterbalance hang. Accepted standard: No list named (regulations page says 'bear canisters/pannier').
How current is this answer?
We checked Sierra NF wildernesses's official source on 2026-10-26. Source page shows no date. 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.