Car Campers & Overlanders Swear By This Pricey, Bear-Resistant Storage Container

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Experienced campers and national park visitors know you should never forget to pack food safely when camping in bear country. And if you've ever lost food or gear to a bear's curiosity — or just wanted peace of mind while sleeping in your rig — bear-resistant storage containers are a game-changer. But with so many versions on the market, you may be scratching your head over which one to rely on. Among the more expensive options, Zarges aluminum containers are frequently mentioned for their durability, convenient features, and size. Crafted with solid aluminum and locking fasteners designed to resist even the smartest bear investigator, it's no wonder Zarges bins are popular among campers and military personnel alike.

On a Reddit thread in r/camping where a user asked the community for bear-proof box recommendations, u/MoogleyWoogley said: "I haven't used them, but apparently this company makes bear resistant containers," and provided a link to the Zarges website. "Depending on your bank and size container you need, may also break bank. (Looks kinda cool, so now I want one XD)." Another user, u/cigarsandbusiness agreed, saying, "Zarges aluminum is the way to go."

Reviewers say Zarges boxes are appealing because they are lightweight and spacious while still offering reliable protection. Three of the K470 models are also certified as bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). That means campers headed to places with strict food storage rules, like Yosemite National Park's massive campground Tuolumne Meadows, are covered when using one of Zarges' "Bear Proof" storage cases.

Perhaps the biggest drawback for the Zarge's K470 series is the price. The smaller size is $378, while the larger box costs a whopping $461. However, many campers would argue that's a small price to pay to protect both yourself and bears from negative encounters. They're also meant to last pretty much forever — Zarges says the fasteners are designed to work for over 20,000 opens and closes. So the investment could be worth it in the long run, especially for frequent campers. As Redditor u/OverclockingUnicorn said about them: "Not cheap. But, very very very high quality."

Reviewers love their durability — Rick Stowe from Overland Expo even said a friend's Zarges case was put to the test by a determined black bear for several hours: "The locked latch had been pulled off, and the case came away with plenty of claw marks, but a five-hour tussle with a bear is pretty impressive." Zarges also says the cases can withstand temperatures from -112 degrees to 302 degrees Fahrenheit, so campers won't have to worry about carting them from Fairbanks, Alaska to California's Death Valley.

If you're willing to fork over a bit more cash, the boxes can be customized with accessories like different colored wraps ($79), a bamboo travel top ($210), and an interior divider for organization ($197). The cases are stackable for space-saving storage, which is a feature overpacked car campers and overlanders can appreciate. So whether you're headed to Yosemite backcountry or just looking for a camping gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life, Zarges K470 storage boxes come highly recommended.