When I first started tripping, I read about hanging the food in a tree...this was 30+ years ago. I tried it and didn't see how it would help.
When we went far north, there were no trees. Or no suitable trees. So we packed everything up and piled it together in a pile and put a tarp around it secured by bungy cords. We set this stuff far away from the tent. We never had problems with bears. Hardly ever saw a bear. These were very much untraveled waterways at that time.
I don't carry fresh food and everything is sealed up. I'm sure some smell gets through, but its not overwhelming like bacon and eggs, hot dogs or steaks would be.
I also tend to put food, medicine, clothing, whistles, knives, etc. in each pack. At least some. That way, if a pack is lost (I was thinking mostly white water here, not critters), I would at least have something. That may change this upcoming trip as I need to keep weight down.
So, if I really go with Marshall Kap, and mem says the bears there are afraid of people, I will probably be okay with my system.
I have got to work today. I would so rather spend time canoeing....