Mebbe not.

There is a new twist on the IGBC certification that might cause me and others a headache. I have an Engel cooler with the IGBC certification stamp on it. (Engel was the originator of the design copied by Yeti.)

The Engel cooler was listed by the IGBC as certified in years past but does not appear in the December 17, 2025, list. That new list does have this new statement at the top:

” Manufacturers of IGBC-certified bear-resistant products are required to verify that their products are still manufactured to their original specifications, and that they are still available to consumers, and to annually pay an administrative fee. This process helps ensure that the information IGBC is providing to the public about these products is accurate and current.

”Products from manufacturers that have completed this verification process appear on this list of IGBC-certified bear-resistant products. If a manufacturer has not completed the annual verification process (including payment of their administrative fees), then their products do not appear on the IGBC’s list of certified products.”

IGBC BEAR-RESISTANT PRODUCTS (December 17, 2025 version)

This raises the question of what happens when a Superior National Forest ranger or a Minnesota DNR conservation officer examines my cooler at a campsite. I suspect the answer will displease me, but I have now requested a contrary and reliable, official response from each agency and will post any responses.

As much as I think the new rules don’t really address the real issues and is just fluff…I don’t think you will have any issues if the FS checks you.

They aren’t enforcing very hard, and if they do check, you will have a cooler that looks strong, is locked, I doubt they will carry a current list with them.

If they say anything, just say it was on the approved IGBC list when I bought it, I didn’t know it was removed. I’d be surprised if you got even a warning…but at worst if ya get a $50 fine…across your whole group that really isn’t mush money.

T

timatkn: "As much as I think the new rules don’t really address the real issues and is just fluff…I don’t think you will have any issues if the FS checks you.


They aren’t enforcing very hard, and if they do check, you will have a cooler that looks strong, is locked, I doubt they will carry a current list with them.


If they say anything, just say it was on the approved IGBC list when I bought it, I didn’t know it was removed. I’d be surprised if you got even a warning…but at worst if ya get a $50 fine…across your whole group that really isn’t mush money.


T"

You do you. ;-)

Me, I’m gonna try to get an answer before deciding my next course of action. (And I’m solo a lot.)

Was the make and model of the containter you purchased on the IGBC list at the time you purchased the containter? Then it conforms to the specifications that were in place at that time.

If IGBC has changed their testing standards and that is the reason why your containter is no longer listed, that could be an issue, especially if the testing standards have become stricter.

If the only reason why your containter is not currenly listed on the IGBC is because of a tardiness in reporting and submitting an admistration fee by the time of publication of the list, I woudn't worry one bit about a ranger citing you.

Minnesotian: "
Was the make and model of the containter you purchased on the IGBC list at the time you purchased the containter? Then it conforms to the specifications that were in place at that time.


If IGBC has changed their testing standards and that is the reason why your containter is no longer listed, that could be an issue, especially if the testing standards have become stricter.


If the only reason why your containter is not currenly listed on the IGBC is because of a tardiness in reporting and submitting an admistration fee by the time of publication of the list, I woudn't worry one bit about a ranger citing you. "

You do you. ;-)

Interested to see your response from the FS, but I agree - you have nothing to worry about and I know....i'll do me, you do you.

The DNR routed my inquiry to a CO in Ely, who told me it’s a question for the feds. I’ve asked for a follow-up at a higher level in the Enforcement Division.

If it has a stamp on it, then it was approved at the time it was sold. I wouldn't go any further than that.

THEGrandRapids: "If it has a stamp on it, then it was approved at the time it was sold. I wouldn't go any further than that. "

Then you would be in non-compliance when checked under the scenario described. You do you. ;-)

What do the winter campers do in the winter when the bears are napping?

JimmyJustice: "What do the winter campers do in the winter when the bears are napping?"

The bear-resistant methods and containers are only required from April 1 to November 30 of each year:


Order Number: 09-09-26-02

gravelroad: "”Products from manufacturers that have completed this verification process appear on this list of IGBC-certified bear-resistant products. If a manufacturer has not completed the annual verification process (including payment of their administrative fees), then their products do not appear on the IGBC’s list of certified products.""

Sounds like half a money grab and half private entities putting their fingers on the scale to make their certification worth more. Stuff like this does absolutely nothing to protect bears or campers, and is 100% for certain businesses to make more money.

I just bought a REI bear canister that meets all the requirements. The way this works, my IGBC-certification is dependent on REI continuing the product and renewing the verification, even when the standards don't change. How does that make any sense? You could get a ticket because a manufacturer stopped making something.

gravelroad: "

JimmyJustice: "What do the winter campers do in the winter when the bears are napping?"

The bear-resistant methods and containers are only required from April 1 to November 30 of each year:



Order Number: 09-09-26-02 "

Thank you for the clarification GR.

gravelroad: "

THEGrandRapids: "If it has a stamp on it, then it was approved at the time it was sold. I wouldn't go any further than that. "

Then you would be in non-compliance when checked under the scenario described. You do you. ;-)"

I have a hard time believing a judge wouldn't side with me. Interpreting laws goes beyond the black and white text and goes to legislative or administrative intent. Read through the FAQs and you get a very good understanding of their intent and purpose for the order, and I think a previously certified cooler, which the IGBC admits may have only been taken off the list because a company stopped paying a member fee, would meet the standards of the intent behind the order and thus be in compliance.

THEGrandRapids: "

gravelroad: "

THEGrandRapids: "If it has a stamp on it, then it was approved at the time it was sold. I wouldn't go any further than that. "

Then you would be in non-compliance when checked under the scenario described. You do you. ;-)"

I have a hard time believing a judge wouldn't side with me. Interpreting laws goes beyond the black and white text and goes to legislative or administrative intent. Read through the FAQs and you get a very good understanding of their intent and purpose for the order, and I think a previously certified cooler, which the IGBC admits may have only been taken off the list because a company stopped paying a member fee, would meet the standards of the intent behind the order and thus be in compliance. "

As someone who used to litigate civil and criminal cases and once hoisted the Forest Service on its own petard (at which point a federal judge suggested I declare victory and let them rewrite a timber sale offering), I am compelled to disagree.

IGBC has a secondary list, Link, of products that have a previous certification but not a current verification. The order does not specify that the certification needs to be from this year. In addition, the explanation from IGBC states that this change is to ensure that the products are still being built to the original specifications, which implies that the certification only certifies the standard the container was build to, not something that needs to be maintained in the field.

There is a strong legal argument that anything in the unconfirmed list that was built when the product was in compliance does comply with the order as it is written.

A1t2o: "IGBC has a secondary list, Link, of products that have a previous certification but not a current verification. The order does not specify that the certification needs to be from this year. In addition, the explanation from IGBC states that this change is to ensure that the products are still being built to the original specifications, which implies that the certification only certifies the standard the container was build to, not something that needs to be maintained in the field.


There is a strong legal argument that anything in the unconfirmed list that was built when the product was in compliance does comply with the order as it is written."

That list was withdrawn when the new list was published in December.

However, I am happy to report that my pessimism was unwarranted. A fed in a position to know called me and stated that I should be fine if I bring evidence of the prior certification. She is also going to chat with the IGBC, and I will report any outcome from that.

Laws change and are updated all the time. I’ll do me.
Your antiquated container is still a legal bear certified container.

Let’s say that the popular bear vaults everyone is buying suddenly is taken off the list because the manufacturer didn’t pay the administrative fee, does that make all the bear vaults non-conforming? Of course not.

Laws change and are updated all the time. When it comes to material goods, they are not required to all be thrown away and repurchased.

Tom

So what we all said was true :)

I get it…you want someone in authority to say it. I do see the difference…ya gotta do you ;)

This has been fun to follow…

T

Interesting information on the certification process. I've often wondered why 2 rotomolded coolers that appear nearly identical are not both certified.

Got to pay to play I guess. Makes me think that many of the non-certified coolers are just as effective but the manufacturers just haven't paid the fee or gone through the process.

OK I will bite. What the FS should have done is legalize cans again.

I am responsible enough to carry them out with me.

Zero chance a bear can smell food in a can, all scents are sealed out.

Cuts down on my meal prep time.

SaganagaJoe: "OK I will bite. What the FS should have done is legalize cans again.


I am responsible enough to carry them out with me.


Zero chance a bear can smell food in a can, all scents are sealed out.


Cuts down on my meal prep time."

I worked with a brand new BWCA Ranger who transferred from a forest out west. She was pretty surprised to hear that cans were not allowed in the BW.
I could probably go either way on cans but I bet alot would be put in the latrines really filling them up quicker, and you would see them in the lake from the campsite. So I'd have to say no because of that.

SaganagaJoe: "OK I will bite. What the FS should have done is legalize cans again.


I am responsible enough to carry them out with me.


Zero chance a bear can smell food in a can, all scents are sealed out.


Cuts down on my meal prep time."

You would be responsible enough to take them out, but many people wouldn't...

LindenTree: "

SaganagaJoe: "OK I will bite. What the FS should have done is legalize cans again.



I am responsible enough to carry them out with me.



Zero chance a bear can smell food in a can, all scents are sealed out.



Cuts down on my meal prep time."

I worked with a brand new BWCA Ranger who transferred from a forest out west. She was pretty surprised to hear that cans were not allowed in the BW.
I could probably go either way on cans but I bet alot would be put in the latrines really filling them up quicker, and you would see them in the lake from the campsite. So I'd have to say no because of that."

I have read that prior to the ban it was common practice to sink food cans in the lakes. (Along with other single use items.). Keep the can ban.

Getting off topic…..If you want to brings cans, just bring freeze dried.
It has all the advantages of cans, but is lighter, smaller, legal, and much easier to handle from a trash perspective.

Thanks for the research from the thread author.

Michwall2: "

LindenTree: "

SaganagaJoe: "OK I will bite. What the FS should have done is legalize cans again.



I am responsible enough to carry them out with me.



Zero chance a bear can smell food in a can, all scents are sealed out.



Cuts down on my meal prep time."

I worked with a brand new BWCA Ranger who transferred from a forest out west. She was pretty surprised to hear that cans were not allowed in the BW.
I could probably go either way on cans but I bet alot would be put in the latrines really filling them up quicker, and you would see them in the lake from the campsite. So I'd have to say no because of that."

I have read that prior to the ban it was common practice to sink food cans in the lakes. (Along with other single use items.). Keep the can ban.


"

That is true. I have a friend who went as a kid in the 60's. Drink a soda, sink the can.

Michwall2: "
I have read that prior to the ban it was common practice to sink food cans in the lakes. (Along with other single use items.). Keep the can ban.
"

Or they were just piled up in a hole or on the ground near the camp sites. Sadly you can still find some "deposits" from the old days if you know where to look.

SaganagaJoe: "OK I will bite. What the FS should have done is legalize cans again.


I am responsible enough to carry them out with me.


Zero chance a bear can smell food in a can, all scents are sealed out.


Cuts down on my meal prep time."

I wish I had video from the time at Flour Lake I watched a bear crushing intact cans to get at the contents. It was not much of a leap for this intelligent species to make:

“Hmm. Those open, discarded cans I found in the dump and the campground trash cans had tasty food residue in them. Whaddya s’pose might be in this identical but sealed can?”

Been there, saw that, remembered that from sixty years ago.

For reasons that escape me, this message from Engel Coolers was routed to my junk mail and I did not notice it until today:

"After reviewing your message and the forum post (https://bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=forum.thread&threadId=1386142&forumID=12&confID=1
), we took a deeper look into the matter.

"We spoke directly with Patti Sowka, Administrator of the IGBA, who confirmed that Engel Coolers are fully certified and remain 100% compliant. Our certification status is unchanged, even though we have elected not to participate in the paid certified listing program.

"We have not yet decided whether we will participate in the new paid program to be included on the published certified list. To clarify, participation in that program only ensures placement on the list; it does not determine whether a product is certified. Our certification remains valid regardless of listing status.

"Patti also confirmed that park rangers are aware of the original certifications, and there is no jeopardy or risk to customers using Engel Coolers.

"Please find our certification attached. This certification remains valid and will continue to do so provided there are no changes to the product’s design, materials, or manufacturing process.

"We would appreciate it if you could update the forum post to reflect this information.

"Thank you

"Kind Regards

"Chris Holloway
Engel Coolers"