RAE LAKES CANISTER SWAP PROGRAM:
BearVault models BV350 and higher are now fully approved for use in all SIBBG controlled areas and can be used without restrictions in the Rae Lakes drainage basin in Kings Canyon National Park and throughout the Sierras. These models can be identified by a large red decal on the lid with the model number displayed prominently on this decal. If you do not have this red decal on the lid, then you have one of the earlier models listed below that are restricted from use in the Rae Lakes drainage basin in Kings Canyon National Park.

Currently hikers to the Rae Lakes drainage basin Rae Lakes drainage basin in Kings Canyon National Park cannot use the following BearVault bear canister models: BV110B, BV200, BV250 or BV300. There were 8 break-ins during the summer of 2005 and until more experience is gathered this summer, the use of the above models is not allowed in this area. There are currently no restrictions on the use of these model BearVaults elsewhere in SIBBG controlled areas- they can be used throughout the Sierras and all other locations.

To accommodate BearVault customers who wish to hike in the Rae Lakes drainage basin in Kings Canyon National Park and who own one of the earlier restricted model canisters listed above, the following swap-out program is available. Starting in early June, when a hiker shows up at either the Road’s End Permit Station/Cedar Grove Ranger Station (tel 559-565-3790) in Kings Canyon National Park or the Lone Pine Ranger Station (tel 760-876-6200) to pick up their back country permit for the Rae Lakes area of Kings Canyon National Park, you must inform your permit issuer that you need to exchange your bear canister. If the hiker has a BearVault model BV110B, BV200, BV250 or BV300, the ranger will then exchange your existing BearVault with a new full size BearVault model while supplies last. The supply of full size BearVaults will be replenished throughout the summer, however occasionally the permitting stations may run out. This will allow the hiker who already owns an early model BearVault to enjoy the Rae Lakes area with an approved BearVault canister.

This swap-out program is only available for hikers picking up their backcountry permit to hike the Rae Lakes drainage basin in Kings Canyon National Park. If you are going elsewhere, your current BearVault canister is fully approved and can be used without restrictions.

For more information visit the SIBBG web site at www.sierrawildbear.gov/foodstorage/approvedcontainers.htm

CORRECT CLOSING OF BV250/BV300 LIDS:
We want to point out an issue with our newer model BV250s and BV300s which the user needs to be aware of. We use a manual mold for the production of the lid and this can result in some lids being slightly oversized due to cycle time variations. These oversize lids can cause the lid to come down on top of the housing stop bump rather than sliding inside the bump. What this means is if you continue to tighten the lid, the lid will not close correctly and in fact, the lid will bow out at the housing bump if you continue to tighten the lid with the lid on top of the housing stop bump. This results in a lid that is NOT correctly closed; in fact it leaves a gap which a bear can use to pop the lid off and a bulge in the outside of the lid at the location of the housing bump. If the lid is correctly closed it should also be able to unscrew slightly before hitting the housing stop bump; this is another way to check that you have correctly closed the lid. Please do a visual check of your BearVault to ensure you have closed it correctly. All of the lids work as designed as long as the canister is closed correctly.

Incorrectly closing the lid has resulted in at least one incident of a bear gaining access to these models. These incidents are reported to the rangers, and the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group keeps a tally of these incidents. If they feel the number of incidents is excessive they can revoke the approval of that model of canister.

We point out that this can happen in an insert in every unit we sell. The insert points out that this is easily remedied; if you see the lid hit the top of the bump, simply press in with your finger on the lid and it will move inside the housing stop bump. You can then continue tightening the lid until you hear that “snap” which tells you that the lid is closed correctly. The lid will also be touching the housing so there is no gap between the lid and the housing. If you have an oversize lid and you ensure you close the lid correctly, you have a canister that has withstood attacks by 800 pound Grizzly bears successfully. If you do not close the lid correctly you have a vulnerable canister that may fail during a bear attack.

Please ensure you look at the lid and housing when you close these model BearVaults so that you are sure it is correctly closed. We plan on automating the lid manufacturing process this winter so that there are no longer these size variations, but in order to do this we need your help and awareness of the issue so that you correctly close the BearVaults . We are partners with our customers, and we need you to correctly close your BearVaults if they have an oversize lid or else you all may lose the option of buying a larger, lighter, easier to use bear canister.

If you have a friend who uses a BearVault, please pass this on. If you would like a copy of the insert, please email us at sales@bearvault.com .

IF YOUR BV200 LID IS HARD TO TURN:
The operation of the lid should be smooth and trouble free. If at any time you feel this is not the case, all you need to do is contact BearVault and we will ship you a free container of food grade silicone lubricant. Squirt some lubricant onto some tissue paper and rub it all over the threads on the lid and the housing. This should last the entire season, providing smooth trouble free lid operation. Thank you and happy hiking.

FREE LID UPGRADE FOR BV100 OWNERS:
BearVault is aware of several instances where BV100s (the two piece lid with the white inner ring) have failed. We no longer make this lid and the BV100 with this two piece lid has not been offered for sale since April 2004.

As a result of these failures the SIBBG no longer allows the BV100 model to be used in its areas. The SIBBG has still granted approval for the BV110B and the BV200 models as these use the updated, one piece lid.

We are sending out free lid upgrades for anyone who has purchased the original BV100. If you have the two piece lid please contact us so we can send you the upgraded lid which will convert your model into the BV110B (original housing with the free upgraded lid).

BearVault stands by its products and its customers which is why we are providing free upgraded lids for all BV100 owners.

BEARVAULT
5663 Balboa Ave #354
San Diego, CA 92111
E-mail: sales@bearvault.com
TEL: (866) 301-3442 or (858) 204-6164
FAX: (866) 301-3442

Thank you and happy hiking.

Jamie and Cindy

In 2007 one or more bears at Marcy Dam in the Adirondacks learned how to open BearVault models. The bear(s) opened the lids by pressing in the snap on the lid with its canine tooth, unscrewing the lid past the housing lock and then opening the unit. There were no problems with BearVaults outside of this area.

In response to this a new lid was developed for 2008 which had two snaps on the lid which both required being pressed in sequentially- this is the model BV450/500. Testing was conducted during June and July 2008 at Marcy Dam and Lake Colden. We now have the test results. Surprisingly, the bear(s) pressed in the first snap with its incisor, rotated the lid and then pressed in the 2nd snap with its incisor and opened the lid.

The DEC believes that this behavior is unique to this bear(s) as they have not had any incidents of this type of failure of BV350 and higher models outside of this area. They also are doubtful that this behavior will migrate to other bears and BearVault has seen no evidence of this happening. There have also been no problems whatsoever with BV350 and higher models anywhere else in North America.

Accordingly, BearVault recommends against using BearVault canisters in the Lake Colden/Marcy Dam corridor and the Johns Brook valley as these are within the bears' territory. You can freely use BearVaults elsewhere. If this area is your main area of backpacking recreation, return your BearVault to the place you purchased it and use another product. If this area is an occasional location for your backpacking recreation and you wish to continue using your BearVault outside this area, then make arrangements to use an alternative product when you are in this area.

BearVault will be conducting limited testing in this area in 2009 of another lid design, however 2009 products for sale will be the same as the 2008 product due to not having any issues outside of this area.