10 Unexpected Ways to Use BearVault (Besides Storing Food)

I’ve been walking with my bear vault since I started the Continental Divide Trail in April 2025, and it’s been with me every twist and turn since. He has flown with me through airports while juggling my family obligations. It also followed me when I switched to the Pacific Crest Trail in July.

Somewhere between delayed flights and long mountain passes, I realized that this little blue barrel had become more than just a bear canister. It’s been my travel snack jar in airport terminals, a seat when all the chairs were taken, and an all-around reliable companion. Over time, I’ve found countless ways to make it useful beyond its original purpose.

Image source: Paige Combs, “Trekking Through Lordsburg, New Mexico,” April 2025.

BearVault isn’t just about keeping your food and that of our bears safe. It’s about creativity, adaptability and making life on the trails easier wherever you are.

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s worth the weight, here are some fun, practical, and unexpected ways to make your BearVault earn its keep.

Classic use: food storage

Let’s start with the obvious. BearVault’s main job is to protect your food from bears, rodents, and other hungry creatures. Its clear design makes it easy to see what’s inside, and the screw-on lid keeps your snacks sealed airtight.

Image source: Paige Combs, “Lunch Time with BearVault,” November 2025.

• BV425-Sprint (1 to 2 days, 7 liters / 427 cubic inches): Compact and perfect for weekend trips or solo overnight stays.

• BV450 -Excursion (3 to 4 days, 9.3 liters / 440 cubic inches): Ideal for short multi-day hikes or minimalist hikers.

• BV475-Walk (4 to 7 days, 11.5 liters / 700 cubic inches) – A great balance of size and packability for hikers.

• BV500-Travel (7+ days, 11.5 liters / 700 cubic inches) – The ideal choice for longer trips or resupply legs.

If you’re new to using the BearVault, check out my previous post Safe Backcountry Trail Storage on how to properly use and pack your BearVault to prepare for your next adventure.

Off-piste and multipurpose uses

After thousands of miles and too many campsites to count, I discovered that your BearVault is much more than just a food locker. With a little creativity, it becomes a hiking multi-tool.

Here are 10 unexpected ways to wear it, whether on the trail, off the trail, or anywhere in between.

Camp Utility

Your BearVault can easily function as part of your camping setup.

1. Camp stool or seat– When your legs are toast and your trunk is too far away.

Image source: Paige Combs, “Seat for Gear Modifications,” May 2025.

2. Stable cooking platform– For your stove or meal prep, especially when you’re camping on those slopes (just keep it away from open flames).
3. mini table– When you’re ready for an intense follow-up card game, journal, or organize some snacks.
4. charcuterie board– To organize your route snacks by the lake.

Image source: Paige Combs, “Charcuterie Board in Oregon,” September 2025.

Advice: Avoid placing it too close to stoves or fires to protect the plastic.

Water and cold storage

When you’re off the trail or need hydration tricks:

5. rainwater collector– When it is raining leave it outside and let nature do its work.

Image source: Paige Combs, “Water Collection,” September 2025.

6. Trail cooler– Fill it with fresh produce or drinks and simply add some snow or stream water.

Comfort and creativity

Your BearVault can bring a little more convenience and fun to camp life:

7. Footrest or foam roller– Don’t forget to stretch your legs off the trail.

Image source: Chris Harvey, “Break Time,” November 2025.

instrument or bass– Turn it into a drum or you can put your phone inside while playing music to add some bass to your jam sesh.

Image source: Paige Combs, “Bass for Music,” November 2025.

8. Footrest– Support your camera to get stable shots.

Image source: Paige Combs, “GoPro or another stability platform,” November 2025.

In the city or at home

Once your tour days are over (or on pause):

10. Storage containerr- Store pet food, snacks, emergency supplies or reuse them as gear waiting for your next adventure.

Final thoughts

A BearVault may start out as a safety requirement for backcountry trips, but it quickly becomes a reliable companion. Whether you use it as seating, cooler, or creative storage, it’s a reminder that the best gear is the one that fits you. Whether on the road, in the city or anywhere in between.

Image source: Paige Combs, “Prepped and Ready BearVault,” October 2025.

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