Aside from my paddling adventures, I’ve done a lot of backpacking, both “locally” in the Adirondacks, the Green and White Mountains, and in the Rockies and Sierras. In many cases, regulations necessitate backpackers use a bear canister - a bear resistant container for storing food; not using one isn’t an option, it’s mandated. As a result, I’ve used them when absolutely required. They are readily rented in some parks, much as you can rent (or borrow) PFDs. I can honestly say though, I’ve never truly liked using them. However, I do understand the ultimate rationale: to protect bears by ensuring they don’t associate people with food, resulting in poor outcomes for both the bears, and potentially any humans involved. In planning my itinerary last summer for what I refer to as my 1st Bucketlist Trip, I realized I was going to be in remote places for many days on end. I was traveling alone, so if my food was taken or compromised in some way by bears (pulled down from a hanging spot up