I'm putting together my gear list for an upcoming section hike on the AT as well as my summer thru hike on the Colorado Trail. Most of my hiking last year was in the Sierra Nevada where bear canisters are required and I have a Bearikade for when I travel in such areas. Even in areas where canisters are not required, like nearby areas on the AT and other trails, I have at times been lazy and accepted the two pound weight penalty of the Bearikade for short overnights where my pack weight is a non-issue due to limited food and I kind of liked having the canister as a camp stool as well. However, I will most definitely not be accepting that two pound weight penalty for my longer hikes this year.
I already have a zPacks bear bagging kit so if I add an opsak as well, it is going to be more for odor proofing my food than for keeping it dry. I intend to bear bag using the PCT method both along the AT and CT where feasible to do so. However, I am certain that there will be times when for whatever reason bear bagging is not feasible (arriving at camp after dark, very poor weather conditions, being above treeline (for the CT), etc).
Knowing the controversy over sleeping with food, I am not entirely comfortable with the idea but am resigned to having to do so at times. So it is for that reason that I am considering buying opsaks but since I know that bears are super sensitive when it comes to smell, I wonder whether it isn't just a false sense of security for people who choose to sleep with their food. Does it even make a difference? I'd be willing to spend the money and carry a small amount of weight for some additional protection but not for a false sense of security.
Any thoughts welcome.