Do I need a bear canister in the UK?

No. There are no bears in the UK. Bear canisters are required in many North American wilderness areas (Yosemite, parts of the Appalachian Trail, etc.). However, this calculator is useful for UK hikers planning international trips where bear canisters are mandatory.

What needs to go in a bear canister?

Everything with a scent: all food, snacks, drinks mix, cooking oil, rubbish with food residue, toothpaste, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, and any scented toiletries. Bears are attracted to any smell, not just food. Some regulations also require fuel canisters be stored in bear cans.

How many days of food fits in a bear canister?

A small canister (8L) holds 3-4 days of dehydrated food for one person. A medium canister (12L) holds 4-7 days for one person or 3-4 days for two. Repackaging food into bags (removing boxes and excess packaging) significantly increases what you can fit in.

Are there alternatives to bear canisters?

Bear hangs (hanging food from a tree) are an alternative where not prohibited, but they are less reliable. Ursack bear bags are lighter than hard canisters and accepted in some but not all areas. Always check specific area regulations — many parks require approved hard-sided canisters only.

CampCalcs

Bear Canister Calculator

Calculate the right bear canister size based on trip length and food volume.

Number of People

Number of people

Trip Days

Number of days

Food Style

Enter the food style

Include Toiletries

Enter the include toiletries

How We Calculate This

Volume Calculation

Volume = People x Days x Volume per person/day + Toiletries

Volume per Person per Day

Ultralight: 2.0L, Dehydrated: 2.5L, Mixed: 3.5L, Fresh: 4.5L. Toiletries add ~0.5L per person.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify conditions and use proper safety equipment outdoors.