If you’re an avid backcountry adventurer heading into bear country, safety is always top of mind. Meet your next line of defense—and your new favorite sleep aid: the BEARWATCH Systems Standard UL Kit. It’s the peace of mind you’ve been waiting for.
Just the Facts:
Standard Ultralight Fence System
Get the Best Sleep in Bear Country, Guaranteed! The Standard Ultralight electric bear fence is ideal for the ultralight backpacker wanting the most lightweight system on the market. Let your Bearwatch Systems fence deter the wild while you sleep: stop listening for every nighttime sound and start sleeping.
Shock strength is what sets it apart. The shock strength of energizers is measured in Joules, and our 0.5 Joule energizer represents a powerful shock strength in accordance with bear deterrence guidelines for portable electric fences. 0.5 Joules balances effective shock strength with back country runtime. The fence protects a 20 x 20 ft camp (400 sq ft) yet weighs just 2.08 lbs.
Bearwatch fences are non-lethal and conservation-minded: the bear learns to avoid camps, and you keep your food, gear, and peace of mind. Designed and developed in Vancouver, BC. Every system comes with a one-year warranty and a 30-day Best Sleep Guarantee.
SPECIFICATIONS:
– Weight: 2.08 lbs (0.95 kg)
– Perimeter: 20 x 20 ft, 400 sq ft area (6.1 x 6.1 m), other sizing options available
– Packed size: 15 x 5.5 x 3.5 in (39 x 14 x 9 cm)
– Energizer output: 0.5 Joules (0.7 Joules stored)
– Powered by: 8 AA batteries or rechargeable batteries; any 12V power source (such as a car, ATV or motorcycle battery) using the included alligator cables; a USB power bank using the USB to 12V Adapter; or a lithium-battery solar panel that connects straight to the fence through its 12V output, no adapter needed
– Estimated Runtime: up to 43 hours on lithium AAs (about 5 eight-hour nights); up to 37 hours on a 10,000 mAh power bank; solar panels with a built-in battery run up to 62 hours on a charge while the sun refills them by day
– Fast and slow energy modes and low battery alarm
– Configurable as 3-hot-wire or hot-ground-hot (better performance on dry ground)
– In the kit: light yet powerful 0.5 Joule energizer; 105 cm (41″) lightweight carbon fibre perimeter fence poles that fold into 3 sections; electrical poly wires in bright orange colour; special design insulator clips; lightweight aluminum grounding rod; connecting wires; alligator cables; reflective electric fence warning signs; convenient water-resistant carrying bag; waterproof user manual; free voltage tester
– One-year warranty
My Story:
Now, let’s go over some features. This system includes a power energizer, poles, insulators, wire, ground rod, voltage tester, and storage bag. The weight of this system is out of control at only 2.08 pounds. If peace of mind only weighs 2 lbs, that is more than an acceptable trade. When all packed up, the system is about the size of a small 1-person tent at 15×5.5×3.5 inches.
So, what kind of punch does this little guy pack? Well, that is a great question, and I’m going to do my best to plain-speak this. The system boasts a .5 Joules output, and the company claims that most others offer ten times less at .05 joules. If that means nothing to you, you’re not alone. How many Joules is enough to scare off a bear? Well, the answer is simple… all you need is .5 joules. Trust me!
As I type out this story, I am thinking of nothing but bears. Last night, in my doomscrolling, I came across a Facebook post about a bear attack. Nothing super special, really, as I have seen these before. Something caught my eye, though; the victim was from my hometown. Now you have my attention! If I am honest, I have never really given much thought to bears. It’s not that I haven’t had my encounters; it’s more that I have an unhealthy lack of fear of bears. I live in the PNW, and our brand of black bear is not exactly the ferocious beast that the stories portray. In fact, more often than not, the attacks we see are not even from black bears. So, my personal safety has never really been the question. That said, black bears are like giant raccoons, and they will get into just about anything. So, while I have almost no fear for my safety, I fear for my gear. It would not be beyond possibility to return to a wrecked camp and a compromised food supply.
For most of my life, I felt comfortable with the minimal risk of a bear encounter; while I have a few stories, I had nothing significant to report. However, as circumstances and priorities evolved, my perspective shifted. The primary catalyst for incorporating bear safety into my planning was a change in location. As my adventures expanded into Idaho, Montana, and Alaska, the prospect of encountering formidable bears—the legendary giants once faced by historic mountain men—became a reality.
Reliable protection is essential in this region of bear country. The need became even more critical following the addition of pack goats, which effectively turned our camp into an attractive target for predators. In response, we developed creative security measures, including 12-gauge blank trip-wire alarms and traditional electric fencing systems equipped with heavy-duty poles, power units, and reinforced wiring.
While browsing online one evening, I discovered Bearwatch Systems and immediately recognized it as the solution I had been seeking. Its exceptionally lightweight design makes it ideal for transport to remote campsites and, crucially, provides an extra layer of security for my pack goat herd. Although record-breaking wildfires in the Pacific Northwest have temporarily postponed my field testing for safety reasons, I have successfully utilized the system at home. This allowed me to familiarize myself with the setup and verify both voltage and runtime in a controlled environment.
Setting up this system is straightforward. Begin by removing all components from the carrying bag and assembling the poles. Once assembled, position the first pole, then walk approximately six paces to set the next, repeating this process for the remaining poles.
Next, attach the insulators. These snap directly onto the pole for quick and easy installation.
Next, install the wiring. The kit includes three individual wires and tensioners, and the setup is straightforward.
Finally, install the ground rod and connect the powerhead and clips to energize the wire.
Once setup is complete, connect the power source and press the on/off button. The fence will then be electrified, and you may hear a clicking sound as it pulses. Use the included voltage tester to ensure the system is receiving the appropriate power level. For your safety, do not touch the fence while it is active, as the resulting electrical shock will be significant.
My only significant concern with this system is the size of the screws securing the battery compartment. They are quite small and could easily be misplaced, which requires extra caution—especially when working in tall grass or snow.
I tested this system using both the AA battery and the 12V adapter, which supports a rechargeable external power source. Both performed excellently and deliver a very unpleasant shock.
If you are a backcountry hunter or hiker seeking peace of mind in bear country, this is definitely worth investigating. Weighing only two pounds, it is a simple addition to any kit; the improved sleep you will gain far outweighs the minimal energy required to carry it.
Find it Here:
Standard Ultralight Fence System:
https://bearwatchsystems.com/s/ultralight-ireviewgear
All fence systems:
https://bearwatchsystems.com/s/ireviewgear
What could be done better?
I wouldn’t change a thing. While the screws aren’t ideal, they are likely the best available option. Ultimately, this is an excellent system that is easy to set up and performs exactly as advertised. At $350, it is a significant investment, but one designed to last a lifetime. While it may require some forethought, it is absolutely worth it.
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Summary
If you’re an avid backcountry adventurer heading into bear country, safety is always top of mind. Meet your next line of defense—and your new favorite sleep aid: the BEARWATCH Systems Standard UL Kit. It’s the peace of mind you’ve been waiting for.
Pros
Very Lightweight
Large footprint
Powerful shock!
Easy to setup
