REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister – 686 cu. in. Capacity, Certified Bear-Resistant, Modular Design

(8 customer reviews)

Original price was: $89.95.Current price is: $80.95.

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Product details

Description

Features

  • Modular design: canister sections nest together as you empty them, saving space in your pack.
  • Customizable size: choose between 11.25 L for weeklong trips or 6.75 L for shorter excursions.
  • 2-step closure system: keeps bears baffled and requires no tools—audible clicks let you know when the lid is securely locked.
  • Easy to open: to unlock, press the tab marked “1”, rotate the lid, and press tab “2” to unscrew the lid. You can also use a key or a pen to help.
  • Translucent material: allows you to easily see what’s inside the canister.
  • Scalloped lid: provides an easy surface for you, not the bears, to grab and open.
  • Multi-purpose: can double as a stool when you arrive at camp.
  • Bear-resistant: certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee and the Wildlife Management Institute (black bear resistant certification #BB00014).
  • Carry bag: made from recycled ripstop nylon with durable water repellent (DWR) treatment to shed moisture (PFAS-free); weighs 3.2 oz.
  • Reflective trim: on the carry bag for easy visibility at night.
  • Climate-conscious: REI Co-op is certified to The Climate Label, actively funding carbon reduction projects globally.
  • Imported.

Technical Specs

Best UseBackpacking
Gear Capacity11.25 L (686 cu. in.) or 6.75 L (412 cu. in.)
Material(s)Canister: Polycarbonate; Carry bag: 100% recycled ripstop nylon
DimensionsLarge: 9.1 x 13 inches; Small: 9.1 x 8 inches
WeightLarge: 3 lbs. 9.1 oz.; Small: 2 lbs. 8 oz. (excluding carry bag)
SustainabilityFrom a Climate Label Certified brand

Customer Reviews

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Customer reviews

4.38
Based on 8 reviews
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REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister – 686 cu. in. Capacity, Certified Bear-Resistant, Modular Design photo review
REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister – 686 cu. in. Capacity, Certified Bear-Resistant, Modular Design photo review
REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister – 686 cu. in. Capacity, Certified Bear-Resistant, Modular Design photo review
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Kevin H
October 13, 2025
The Traverse Modular Bear Canister is affordable, well build, straightforward and easy to use. I love the ability to use for longer multi-day trip and...More
The Traverse Modular Bear Canister is affordable, well build, straightforward and easy to use. I love the ability to use for longer multi-day trip and also size it down for a weekender. The material and quality of the build is great and the carrying case is a nice plus, if not necessarily needed. I wish the smaller configuration was a little smaller but overall I am satisfied with getting the two size for cheaper than competitors offer for their smallest bear cansters or sack. The orange color also helps the canisters visibility. Other reviews seem to have issues with the opening mechanism but following the instructions I have no problems opening or closing the canister.
Robert R
October 4, 2025
I've been using bear bags in the Northeast US for well over a decade, mostly because I never wanted to haul around a big canister. When I got this bea...More
I've been using bear bags in the Northeast US for well over a decade, mostly because I never wanted to haul around a big canister. When I got this bear canister, I was really impressed with the flexible design. It's 3 pieces which allow you to use it as a small canister or a larger one. As you can see in my picture, you can easily fit enough for 3 day / 2 night trip for 1 person in the small configuration. The larger configuration would roughly double the capacity so would probably be good for a week (for 1 person). You could probably do even more if you are really thoughtful about food choices. Getting it open takes 2 hands and some effort (but that's the point, right?) but it's easy once I got the hang of it. It takes some pushing with your fingers so you will definitely have to have your gloves off. It isn't too wide and easily slipped into my 40L backpack (pictured). Packing with it (esp the small configuration) is easy. I like how it's bright and easy to see. And I also like how it's clear so you can see what you packed
REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister – 686 cu. in. Capacity, Certified Bear-Resistant, Modular Design photo review
Christopher R
September 29, 2025
The REI co-op traverse modular bear canister is impressively strong. I have no doubt it will withstand any bear encounter. I particularly appreciate i...More
The REI co-op traverse modular bear canister is impressively strong. I have no doubt it will withstand any bear encounter. I particularly appreciate its modular design, allowing it to be configured into two different sizes based on the trips needs. The included soft, travel bag is also a great boat, making it easier to pack and carry. However, opening and closing this canister is a real challenge. While I understand the need for security against wildlife, the locking mechanism is so cumbersome and tough on the hands that it becomes frustrating to use. It would be nice if there were a way to improve the usability while maintaining bear proof integrity. Overall, it’s a solid choice for campers who prioritize security, but be prepared for a struggle when accessing your food.
Thomas M
August 31, 2025
I just got back from my first trip with this canister and didn’t have any issues with it. I’m confused how others had difficulty with opening it. It’s...More
I just got back from my first trip with this canister and didn’t have any issues with it. I’m confused how others had difficulty with opening it. It’s quite simple and doesn’t require tools. Press in “1”, turn slightly, press in “2”, and continue turning lid until it comes off. I used it in its smallest configuration. I had enough room for food for 3 days / 2 nights and my cook set. I repackaged my mountains houses into ziplocs and fit it without too much trouble. I’m 175lbs and it supported my weight as a stool. Never used another bear canister so I can’t compare it to anything else. I just wanted to report that it isn’t difficult to open.
Gary R
August 13, 2025
I liked this a lot. I found it pretty easy to open for what it was. You do need to twist lid at the same time as pressing button 1 then the same for b...More
I liked this a lot. I found it pretty easy to open for what it was. You do need to twist lid at the same time as pressing button 1 then the same for button 2 which is slightly odd but not bad. A bear would not figure it out is the point. The numbers are a bit hard to read so I will probably put a sticker to mark #1. I could see folks with long nails having issue but I did not have a problem. The see though plastic is really nice so I could check the thing I want is really in there before taking the time to open. I may get some cheap battery powered light with a remote so i can see it glow at night next time. It was nice that I didn't need to bring the middle bit on my short trip to safe weight, but I can totally see it being nice for longer trips or if I am with someone where are spreading the weight and I carry their food and them something of mine. Only issue is that I came across is since the lid screws into the container and there is a slight inner lip where it stops small things can sometimes get a bit wedged there and not allow the lid to screw all the way. No bad just need to pay attention if you are really packing the thing full.
Bryan A
August 7, 2025
This design is like having two cans for the price of one. I love that we can omit the middle section to use it as a small can for short trips, and I l...More
This design is like having two cans for the price of one. I love that we can omit the middle section to use it as a small can for short trips, and I love that, on longer trips, as our food supply reduces, the mid section can be removed and nested to reduce the can size in our packs. I almost didn’t buy this can because so many reviewers said they struggled to open it. All I can say is READ THE DIRECTIONS. I’m a little old lady with weak hands and fingers and have no problem opening this can without the use of tools. (However, I did take a black marker and make each “1,” “2,” and arrow easier to see.) This design if this can is far superior to others we have used and more reasonably priced than any other option.
Philip P
July 30, 2025
I just purchased this item, it was difficult to open at first, the tension on the buttons was very stiff. After several openings and closings the stif...More
I just purchased this item, it was difficult to open at first, the tension on the buttons was very stiff. After several openings and closings the stiffness went away and became pretty easy to open and close. I do like the high visibility color, I do wish it was a little lighter.
REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister – 686 cu. in. Capacity, Certified Bear-Resistant, Modular Design photo review
Philip B
July 16, 2025
Don't buy this unless you're smarter than the average bear. Follow the instructions and it's easy to open, and close. The trick is to first push butto...More
Don't buy this unless you're smarter than the average bear. Follow the instructions and it's easy to open, and close. The trick is to first push button "1" in and slightly to the direction the lid needs to open, then do the same to button "2" and unscrew the lid. Easy-peasy. The cannister seems very strong and I have no doubt it'll resist any bear. I especially like the soft bag that comes with it, that's a big bonus, and I also like that the cannister can be configured into two different sizes. All-in-all it's a great product. IF you're smarter than the average bear.