BearVault Recognizes New Bear Canister Requirement in New Hampshire’s Pemigewasset Wilderness

April 30, 2026

Boulder, CO (April 30, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – As a service to customers, BearVault tracks bear canister requirements across North America, and starting May 1, 2026, New Hampshire’s Pemigewasset Wilderness is on it. The U.S. Forest Service’s White Mountain National Forest is implementing a new year-round rule requiring all overnight visitors to store food, trash, and scented items—think soap, lip balm, toothpaste—in an IGBC-certified, hard-sided bear canister.

The rule follows a sharp increase in bear incidents in the Pemi Wilderness in recent years. Nearly all reported bear incidents across the entire White Mountain National Forest occurred in the Pemigewasset Ranger District, with more than half concentrated within the Pemi Wilderness itself. In most cases, the culprit is improperly stored food. BearVault applauds the White Mountain National Forest for taking this step to protect wildlife and promote human-bear coexistence.

Effective May 1st, hanging systems and other alternative storage methods will no longer be permitted in the Pemi Wilderness. The only exception is the bear-resistant food boxes at the Thirteen Falls Tent Site.

The Pemi is one of the most heavily visited backcountry destinations in the Northeast, and visitation continues to climb. The increase in foot traffic has a side effect: bears in the area learn to associate hikers with food, making proper storage less of a courtesy and more of a necessity. BearVault canisters are IGBC-certified and meet the new requirement. For a full list of where bear canisters are required across North America, visit: https://bearvault.com/pages/canister-requirements

About BearVault

BearVault designs innovative bear-resistant food storage canisters trusted by backpackers, thru-hikers, and outdoor professionals across North America. Approved by land management agencies, including the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), BearVault products help protect wildlife and support responsible recreation in bear country.

Media Contact
Meagan Osgood
Digital Marketing
BearVault
pr@bearvault.com
866-301-3442 ext. 105