Yellowstone National Park · National Park Service
Is the BearVault BV500 Journey legal in Yellowstone National Park?
Allowed, not required
Allowed, but Yellowstone National Park does not require a canister.
Canister not required: food-pole hang or IGBC hard-sided container; soft-sided containers not allowed. If you choose to carry the BearVault BV500 Journey, it would be accepted. IGBC-certified.
Heads-up before you rely on this
Rules change. Confirm with the land manager (links below) before you go.
What this means
This area accepts IGBC-certified hard-sided containers. Soft-sided bags do not qualify here, even when they carry IGBC certification.
Reading note. Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park
- Requirement
- Canister not required: food-pole hang or IGBC hard-sided container; soft-sided containers not allowed.
- Accepted
- IGBC hard-sided container (soft-sided not allowed)
- Dates
- Per page
- Source updated
- 2025-04-24
- 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 Yellowstone National Park
| 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
- Rocky Mountain National Park Hard-sided, lockable, commercially made canister required for wilderness overnight camping; hanging not permit… Likely legal
- Mount Rainier National Park Hang or use food-storage poles; canister highly recommended in sub-alpine areas, not required. No canister rule
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPs - Pear & Emerald Lakes Canister required in the Pear and Emerald Lakes areas. Legal
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPs - Rae Lakes Loop Canister required in the Rae Lakes Loop. Legal
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPs - other backcountry Canister highly recommended elsewhere; hanging/other methods allowed outside the required zones. Allowed, not required
- Custer Gallatin NF IGBC list or courtesy inspection container, or a hang. Allowed, not required
Quick answers
Is the BearVault BV500 Journey legal in Yellowstone National Park?
Allowed, but Yellowstone National Park does not require a canister. Canister not required: food-pole hang or IGBC hard-sided container; soft-sided containers not allowed. If you choose to carry the BearVault BV500 Journey, it would be accepted. IGBC-certified.
What does Yellowstone National Park require for food storage?
Canister not required: food-pole hang or IGBC hard-sided container; soft-sided containers not allowed. Accepted standard: IGBC hard-sided container (soft-sided not allowed).
How current is this answer?
We checked Yellowstone National Park's official source on 2026-10-26. 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.