Originally Posted by
colorado_rob
If you don't mind spending (quite!) a bit more, like around 3 bills, consider the wild ideas berikade series.... significant weight savings, the equivalent model in volume to the BV500 is about 10 ounces less, PLUS a big bonus is that it is easier to open, plus the lid seals with a gasket, meaning more odor and waterproof than the bear vaults.
Another bonus is that you can dial the exact size you want in increments of 1" in length. We wound up buying the Weekender, $288, 31 ounces, 650 cubic inches, perfect size for myself for 7+ days, or with my wife for 4+ days (assuming you carry your first day's food NOT in the canister, because you'll eat it before retiring).
From your trail name, looks like you might like hiking in Utah, where bears aren't much of a problem, but rodents are, which makes carrying a canister nice. Same deal for Grand Canyon hiking.
So, yeah, steep $300 investment, but if you plan on hiking a lot out west longer-term, so many places now require canisters, like parts of the PCT (and JMT, make that a must-do!) and lots of areas in Colorado.
If you're a relative rookie hiker and not sure if long distance is your thing, go cheap with the BV500, as said, not much heavier than the 450. If you know you'll want to do a lot of other long distance hiking, consider the $300 investment.