What is the Bearikade made from?
The patent pending Bearikade canisters principally consist of 6061 T-6 aluminum hatch, locking collar, and end fittings securely bonded to a proprietary composite carbon-fiber cylinder with high strength epoxy.

Is the Epoxy Holding the Locking Collar and End Cap to the Cylinder Strong?
The epoxy used to bond the Bearikade together is adapted from other applications such as masts for Americas Cup sailboats and stealth Aircraft. The epoxy is very strong.

Why does it cost so much?
Every ounce counts for lightweight backpacking gear. The Bearikade is hand crafted in the USA using metal parts and composite cylinders made in the USA.

Is the Bearikade water resistant?
The Bearikade utilizes O-rings between the fasteners and hatch and between the hatch and locking collar. When sealed properly (the seal must not have any debris on the O-rings), the O-rings are under compression and offer a very tight seal against water. We randomly test a canister from time to time by weighing it with bricks and submerging it in a swimming pool 10 feet deep overnight. The results - not a drop inside.

How hard (for humans) is it to get inside a Bearikade?
The Bearikade features 3 quarter-turn fasteners that are equally spaced around the hatch. With a quarter, key, screw-driver, etc., it only requires a modest turn to open/close the fasteners. The force is similar to opening a deadbolt with a key.

How well does my food fit inside a Bearikade?
We designed the Bearikade with you, the user, in mind. The inner diameter of the Bearikade cylinder is 9". The locking collar fits over the cylinder with a very small amount of overhang in the useable area. This allows you to pack those large freeze-dried foods with ease. No more small hatches to mess with.

Has the Bearikade been tested with bears?
The Bearikade has been subjected to the ultimate test - hungry bears! The Bearikade has passed both captive Grizzly and Black Bear testing. It has also passed machine based standardized structural testing. The Bearikade has experienced over 2000 nights (and counting) of rental service, in Olympic, King's Canyon and Sequoia (including Mineral King) National Parks. In a four year period, not a single failure occurred (this includes documented attempts by Bears to enter the canisters). That is a test regimen far more rigorous and meaningful than anyone could possibly simulate in the lab or in tests with Zoo animals.

How do I use the Bearikade in camp?
1. Place food in plastic bag before loading in canister
2. Toiletries and other items with odor can be stored in canister
3. Always lock all three hatch screws when stowing
4. Store away from tent, but do not attempt to secure in place (this will only give leverage to bears and other animals)
5. Place away from fast moving water and ledges
6. Smooth ground before using as a chair
7. Never use your food canister as a cookpot over a stove or campfire. Service temperature of the high strength adhesive is from -67F to 180F.