Birdie and I are planning to hit the Sierra High Route in July of this upcoming summer (as there is still five feet of snow at 3000 ft here in Washington, it can't be summer yet) and, I think, are resolved (i.e, whipped) into carrying bear cannisters. The central problem is one of distance. Due to the off trail nature of the SHR, we are planning for something like 8-10 days for the initial push coming from Independence to VVR. Given good weather and easier than expected conditions, we might be able to speed this up a little.
For those of you who have actually used them, how many thruhiker days of food can you generally fit? I've read estimates from 4.5-7 days from users. However, many times these are from weekend backpackers, rather than the more minimalist distance hikers. Also, I'd rather get advice from people I know instead of random people on the web. The main model the FS has for rent is the Garcia one, which is, I think, about 600 ci.
While I'm pretty sure we could get away with just sleeping with our food, especially given the remote nature of the SHR, it seems the feds are serious now about bear cannisters. Also, we'll be moving through in July, whereas when we hiked the PCT in 2003, we came through in June when bears were lower down.