State guide
Alaska bear canister rules
5 Alaska areas. 3 require a canister everywhere in the area; 1 do not require one. Rules are set by each land manager, not by the state.
- Denali National Park & Preserve BRFC required in backcountry units 1-21 and 23-43. National Park ServiceCanister required seasonally
- Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve Approved food storage required; BRFCs loaned; purchases must be IGBC approved. National Park ServiceCanister required
- Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Canister or hang; canister highly recommended; personal canisters must be IGBC-listed. National Park ServiceCanister not required
- Katmai National Park & Preserve Bear-resistant food container mandatory; IGBC or ADFG-approved; soft-sided cannot substitute. National Park ServiceCanister required
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve BRFC required; IGBC-approved plus named PVC/aluminum canisters (Garcia, Wild Ideas, Purple Mountain). National Park ServiceCanister required
Check a canister in Alaska
Legal
BearVault BV ONE Adjustable in Denali National Park & Preserve: accepted here.
IGBC-certified.
Area rule BRFC required in backcountry units 1-21 and 23-43.
See every canister for Denali National Park & PreserveChecked 2026-10-26. Always verify with the land manager before you go.
Other states: California · Wyoming · Colorado · Montana · Washington. Or browse all areas.