If you are staying overnight anywhere on the trail, you need a canister -- NOT for the bears, but for those pesky marmots and mice. They chew through packs and tents to get into your food.
Don't leave any food anywhere inside anything fabric!
When you head for the summit, leave your pack unzipped so the curious critters that sniff out old food smells won't have to chew through to find the food gone.
I don't think a tent is as vulnerable as long as you don't keep any food or lotions, etc inside.
