Yosemite Forum

However, during your hikes between camps, if you, at any time, are planning on leaving your packs unattended, bear canisters are a good idea, and required. Generally though, HSC users don't carry cans as they go camp to camp (locker to locker) only.

Bear canisters are required, whether you leave your pack on the ground or not. Best practice is to remove your bear can from the pack and place it well away from the pack on the ground. That way the bear won't steal your pack, with the bear can inside, and leave you all alone in the wilderness.