Many areas in the west require "bear proof" food storage. There are several models of bear canisters but all are too heavy, rigid so awkward to get inside a pack, and have limited storage space for long trips. The lighter weight ones cost a lot (about $250). There are also "electric fence" wraps/nets with solar powered batteries. So far the total weight is heavier than bear cans. In some areas you can hang food in a tree but it has to be 4+ feet from the trunk and 10+ feet off the ground. Any device to make setting that up easier would be good. There are also fabric (Kevlar) bags that have been provisionally approved, but these have been plagued with approval withdrawn in some areas.

Bear canisters have to be approved by specific government agencies, specific to an area. In general, they put the device in a cage with several bears, and over time see if the bear can get into the food. Some cans now approved for areas with black bears are not approved for areas with grizzly bears.

More broadly, animal-proof food storage is also applicable to campground camping and horse packing, and containers that are suitable for rodents with very sharp teeth.

Animal proof food storage is becoming required in more backpacking areas so are likely to become used more wide-spread in the future.