I'm interested in picking up a bear can for solo or backpacking with a +1 on weekends. Currently have a Garcia, but being a 10L can, it's overkill for 1 - 2 nights, which is now the majority of my backpacking. I was debating between the Bare Boxer or BearVault BV425. They're almost the same weight. Bare Boxer seems more secure but the BV425 is more comfortable to carry from what I've read online. Wondering if anyone has an opinion or suggestion?
425 might be a bit small for 2 for a weekend.
Bare Boxer is approved everywhere and should easily be large enough for two people for a weekend.
I’ve got the 425 as an extra can for a kid to carry on weekend trips. I think it’s tight but doable for one person for two nights (or two for one night), but you do need to pick your food bulk carefully.
When it’s me and the kids and friends, it’s the snack (bear) bin. :D
I have a BV450 and can fill it to the top for 3 days/2 nights with me and my dog's food. Though his food is a bit more bulky.
I have a Bearikade scout. And it is sort of expensive for a half pound in weight saving. Some I am not saying I would recommend it. But it works fine. I live in fear of losing my spoon because it is attached to my ability to eat. I have been thinking of tying a small washer to a section of string and tying it inside my pack somewhere as a backup.
I will also add that it is be very smooth on the outside and this can make strapping it down on top your pack a little more complicated if that is where you choose to carry it. Volume wise it is 500 cubic inches. Which places it between the BV450 and 475.
Not sure why anyone would say the Bare Boxer is uncomfortable to pack. Its small enough to fit any which way you please. I pack mine vertically to one side of my bag, with my tent vertically on the other side. Its not heavy enough to throw off the balance, and I like that I can get into and out of the can without removing it from my pack.
Two nights for two people will be tight a squeeze in the Bare Boxer - you'd have to choose very compact foods, (and toiletries) and pack cleverly - but it can be done. Assuming your meals are not the standard freeze dried ones. Freeze dried food is too puffy. Dehydrated is smaller. When solo, I can get a lot in the Bare Boxer if everything is either couscous or dehydrated lentils! Maybe one night only if everything is mountain house.
I haven't used the BV425 so I cant compare. If you don't want to struggle, I agree with others that the BV450 is worth looking at. Try gathering all the food and toiletries you expect to bring, and stuff it into gallon ziplocs to get a volume approximation. Then you'll know which can to buy.
I think the BV450 is gonna be your sweet spot. Packing smart I tend to max it at five nights, which is perfect for two nights x two people with a bit of wiggle room.
Solo two nighter, the 425 for sure, but it ain’t gonna work for two people.