Desolation Wilderness · US Forest Service
Is the BearVault BV500 Journey legal in Desolation Wilderness?
Legal
Yes, on the written standard. Desolation Wilderness names no list, and the BearVault BV500 Journey is a recognised hard canister.
Canister required for all food in Desolation Wilderness overnight. 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.
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 Desolation Wilderness
- Requirement
- Canister required for all food in Desolation Wilderness overnight.
- Accepted
- No list named
- Order
- 03-25-05 / 19-25-06
- Dates
- Eldorado order 03-25-05 / LTBMU 19-25-06, 2025-07-18 to 2028-07-17
- 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 Desolation Wilderness
| Canister | Verdict | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| BearVault BV450 Jaunt | Legal | 2 lb 1 oz | 7.2 L |
| UDAP No-Fed-Bear | Legal | 2.4 lb | 8.2 (derived from cu in) L |
| BearVault BV ONE Adjustable | Likely legal | 1 lb 15 oz (895 g) | 8.3 expanded / 4.65 collapsed L |
| BearVault BV425 Sprint | Likely legal | 1 lb 12 oz | 5 L |
| BearVault BV475 Trek | Likely legal | 2 lb 4 oz | 9.3 L |
| Grub Can Wave 6.6 L | Likely legal | 1 lb 15 oz | 6.6 L |
The BearVault BV500 Journey under nearby rules
- Carson-Iceberg Wilderness Bear canisters currently not required (same Stanislaus page). No canister rule
- Sierra NF wildernesses Canister OR counterbalance hang. Allowed, not required
- Pisgah NF - Shining Rock All overnight campers must use commercially made, solid, non-pliable bear-resistant canisters for food, refuse… Likely legal
- Trinity Alps - other areas Elsewhere any bear-proof system designed to prevent access by bears must be used (canister not specifically re… Allowed, not required
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPs - Rae Lakes Loop Canister required in the Rae Lakes Loop. Legal
- Inyo NF - Cottonwood Lakes Canister required for food/refuse in this order area (one of eight designated areas). Legal
Quick answers
Is the BearVault BV500 Journey legal in Desolation Wilderness?
Yes, on the written standard. Desolation Wilderness names no list, and the BearVault BV500 Journey is a recognised hard canister. Canister required for all food in Desolation Wilderness overnight. Area text names no approved list. SIBBG-approved hard canister meets a 'bear-resistant container' standard.
What does Desolation Wilderness require for food storage?
Canister required for all food in Desolation Wilderness overnight. Accepted standard: No list named.
How current is this answer?
We checked Desolation Wilderness'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.