bear canister: yea or nay?

[the goat]

planning for an '07 pct hike. coupla q"s:

1. do i really need a bear cannister?

2. if so, from where to where do i need to carry it?

3. do rangers really stop you and search your pack to make sure you have one?

thanks all!

the goat

[Wolf - 23000]

nay

Hiked the PCT 3 times, never carried a bear cannister. Never had a problem.

Wolf

[bulldog]

I hiked the PCT in 2004 and never had a problem not using a cannister. I never hung my food either.