i often hang my food (no canister to carry)- but i urge you to consider a canister. i would not even think of hanging in grisly bear country! it's way to dangerous! nothing worse than loosing all your food (and gear) to a bear and having to hike out hungry- or have a physical encounter.

hanging food is also a learned skill- takes practice and patience. i can easily spend a half an hour wandering around looking for a suitable tree (in an area full of trees!), then another 15 minutes trying to huck that rock over the right branch at the right place.

check with the agencies for the area you are going to- some have bear canisters to use for FREE!