Hi. Wondering if anyone has used a Pelican case for their food on a shorter trip, especially if solo? This avoids taking a blue barrel when you do not need the space and could lead to a single pack and single portages. I just thought of this yesterday and figured they might be a great choice for this purpose since they are waterproof, have a bunch of sizes that can work any type of pack you may have, are very solid so food won't get crushed, are essentially smell proof, and are easy to lock or tie to a tree during the night. I like the numerous options that are not very expensive and the variety of bright colors to keep them from getting lost.

Interesting idea. My first reaction was they are heavy. And comparing a small bear canister to a similarly sized pelican case finds that the Pelican case is significantly heavier at 2lbs versus 3 lbs. I don’t find it being waterproof that important because you can waterproof and odor proof your food with an Opsak. But then my preference is an Ursack which is much lighter but maybe isn’t what you want.

Like Andy, my first reaction was interesting idea, but what's the comparison . . . ?

Not really lighter or less bulky for the volume if you're trying to pack down to single portage. If you already own one and don't want to spend money on something else, it's worth a try . . . people have used the Vittles Vault.

If you're going to buy, probably worth just getting an Ursack or a small BearVault, which is approved for using somewhere that requires them, so offers versatility in that regard.

A BearVault will be cheaper and lighter, and can be used where the land managers require bear resistant food storage. I've used the same Pelican case since about 1981--they're well made, but heavy.

Another thought to add to those above is that the handle will give the bear a way to carry it off unless you secure it somehow. Ursacks and bear canisters are pretty hard for the bear to carry away.