The REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister is a thoughtful alternative to conventional, fixed-size bear canisters. A traditional bear canister can be frustrating when its capacity does not match the length of an outing. A large model may be excessive for a weekend trip, while a small model may not hold enough food for a longer expedition. The Traverse addresses this problem with removable sections. You can carry the small configuration version for shorter trips and add the extra section to create the large configuration. That flexibility can appeal to backpackers whose food-storage needs change from trip to trip.

• Large configuration (minus carry bag) weight: 3 lbs 9.1 oz
• Large configuration capacity: 686 cubic inches (11.25L)
• Large configuration dimensions: 9.1 x 13 inches
• Small configuration (minus carry bag) weight: 2 lbs 8 oz
• Small configuration capacity: 412 cubic inches (6.75L)
• Small configuration dimensions: 9.1 x 8 inches
• OGBC-Approval: Yes
• Materials: polycarbonate
• Nylon carry bag weight: 3.1 oz

You can remove the middle section on the right to create the small configuration on the left

Design and Construction

The Traverse uses a hard polycarbonate body, a material known for its impact resistance and durability. The canister is designed to withstand attempts by bears and other animals to access food, toiletries, and scented waste. Its rigid construction also protects food from being crushed in a backpack, a problem for soft bear-resistant containers like Ursacks.

The modular body is made of separate sections that screw together. In its smaller configuration, the canister measures 9.1 inches in diameter and 8 inches high. With the additional section installed, it measures 9.1 inches in diameter and 13 inches high.

All three components separate – the middle section on the left, the base unit in the middle and the lid on the right

While it is not 100% waterproof, the Traverse will keep its contents dry in the rain if it's positioned upright. The bottom section is tall enough that water or moisture will not seep into the container if a puddle forms around it or if it sits in water sloshing in the hull of a canoe or kayak.

The canister can also serve as an improvised seat at camp. Its sturdy shape and 9.1-inch diameter make it useful when no convenient rocks or logs are available.

The orange color of the Traverse also makes it much easier to find in the morning, since it stands out well in a forest. Blue or black bear canisters can be much more difficult to locate. Except in autumn, when they all become invisible.

The Travere comes with a nylon case that  has daisy chains on the outside

Capacity and Organization

The smaller configuration provides 412 cubic inches of storage (6.75 liters). This is a reasonable size for an overnight trip or weekend trip with 4 person-days of food capacity. The larger configuration provides 686 cubic inches (11.25 liters), or about 7 person-days of food. For planning, it requires about 100 cubic inches per person-day of food, though you can often carry more if you remove excess packaging.

Weight

The smaller configuration weighs 2 pounds, 8 ounces, and the larger configuration weighs about 3 pounds, 9.1 ounces, not including the carry bag. That is substantial for backpackers who closely monitor every ounce.

For hikers prioritizing minimum weight, a smaller fixed-size canister may be more attractive. For hikers who would otherwise purchase two different containers, the Traverse’s flexibility may justify its weight.

The sections of the Traverse lock in place using tensioned pins.

Opening the Canister

The Traverse is designed to open with your thumbs, something bears and other critters don't have. While this should be easy, the two buttons are highly tensioned and very difficult to press down. It's worse if they're wet.

I've found it gets a little easier with practice, but the process can be hit or miss

1. Press one button and turn the lid so that the plastic just covers that button.
2. Next, press the other button and quickly twist the lid (or lower section if removing it) so it comes off

The twisting direction is indicated on the canister's exterior but can be difficult to see depending on the light. If you don't twist quickly, the threads can seize, even though the buttons have depressed and unlocked.  This happens way too often, and you'll be screwed if it happens in the field and you can't open it.

The only cure I've found is to run the threaded section under hot water until the plastic expands and you can unthread the sections. I've also seen mention of using a silicone lubricant on the threads, such as Uberlube, but that didn't work for me. It does make the canister hilariously slippery though!

My advice: don't put anything in this canister that you might need in a hurry, like your Nitroglycerin pills, other vital meds, Quickclot, driving glasses, or car keys. I recommend buying a different bear canister. You don't want this kind of grief in the backcountry.

The locking buttons are highly tensioned and hard to depress.

Carrying Comfort

The Traverse’s cylindrical shape is typical of many bear canisters, but it can be awkward in some backpacks. It is generally easiest to carry the canister vertically and close to the center of the pack. Placing it high or far from the back can make the load feel unbalanced.

If you've decided to strap the canister to the top of your pack, the included carry bag has daisy chains sewn on the exterior, which can make lashing it down easier, although scrunching it down under a floating lid is your best option if your pack has one. One trick to make a top-heavy canister manageable is to take all the food out and pack it in a stuff sack in your pack, so you can strap the empty canister on top. This keeps the center of gravity low, the canister is less likely to throw you off balance, and keeps the weight exactly the same as before.

Competitive Products

If you're trying to reduce the weight you carry, I'd recommend the BearVault BVOne and BV500 bear canisters instead of the REI Traverse. They're also much easier to use. Like the Traverse, the BVOne is modular and can be reconfigured on the fly for different volumes (see the comparison below.) Its lock mechanism is much easier to use, and it is significantly lighter. For larger volume needs, the BV500 is also much lighter.

Final Verdict

While the modular REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister was a good idea on paper, it's quite difficult to use and frequently seizes up when you try to open it. For these reasons, we recommend getting a different bear canister that opens reliably, even if it means buying two canisters for short and long trips.

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