I have a bear vault (of course I do) and I like it very much. Since I stash and don't hang a little protection is a comfort. The other thing I really like about the vault is how it sets up my pack to begin the packing process.

The vault always goes in first. It anchors my pack and its rounded shape rides well next to my back. With my pack somewhat anchored and some structure assigned to it, it is an easy task to place the following item in next to it.

The rest of the pack loads itself while I drink one more cup of coffee and ponder the sky wondering what the day will bring.............

Yes, I am an odd sight to go tripping with. One eye looks upward all the time and the other eye looks straight ahead. By the end of the trip my hunchback is a bit more noticeable and with the crazed grin I have been told I resemble some sort of outdoor Igor (although I try and hide the limp).