[pct-l] Bear Canister

[Gord Freeborn]

Just wondering - if there are bears most of the way through the entire hike,
which there are,(Oregon, Washington and into B.C.) then why would one not
want to protect themselves and their food supply from Smokey and carry a
canister for the trip?  Also I have read many pieces on losing food or
having tent or gear chewed by critters trying to get at peoples food - Is
the canister really that heavy and unpleasant to accommodate in the
backpack?