Hi all Thanks for the speedy advice everyone I think I will go for the bear vault as it is a good price for the BV500. I am sure my pack will be up at 50lbs in the Sierras...so another 2lb will not hurt (much) See you 'out there' Andy For more info http://www.andywestactive.com/ http://blog.andywestactive.com/blog Activate yourself!