Dweste -

Others have said this as well, but a lot will depend on the regulations for where you're going. If you are going to Yosemite, SEKI, or other locations requiring bear canisters, you absolutely must bring them (you can rent them for cheap at REI and other places - sometimes at the ranger stations too - so buying isn't an absolute must). It's as much for the health of the bear population as for you.

You can skip the bear spray in California - that's for Grizzly bears.

Canisters are so much easier than hanging, I use them in bear country even where they're not required (and sometimes an Ursack, a kevlar bag that can be used in some areas). But hanging is an option in areas where it's still allowed, as long as you know what you're doing and have a bit of extra time to get everything all set up.

I wrote the article on bear canisters and food containment in the fall issue of Backpacking Light magazine, and did interviews with many agencies about bear behaviors, requirements, testing and so on. Ping me off list if you want more info.

- Steve

In griz country there are two rules of thumb:

My daughter, before they came to visit us in Alaska a couple of years ago, did some research, and found that there are apparently no documented cases of a brown/griz attack on a group of more than two people. That would be rule number one: observe the rule of three.

Rule number two: If you ignore rule number one, always travel with someone you can outrun...

Group size:
The Chilkoot Trail (Alaska-BC) staff tells us to hike preferably in groups of 5 or more.

Smelly food:
A bush friend of mine never carries fish tins, oranges, peanut-putter and bacon in the field.

Good sight picture, steady hands, slow squeeze on the trigger.

CA black bears-

Defend your food, if they get it they will likely defend it from you.