thanks all!!
looking at the following two, they seem compact and light!!
Bear Vault: $59 shipped
https://www.austinkayak.com/products/4367/Bear-Vault-BV450-Bear-Resistant-Food-Canister.htmlBare contender 101: $69 shipped
http://gossamergear.com/bare-boxer-contender.htmlbtw, i'm leaning towards buying the container as renting is one more thing to worry about. I may have to choose from containers not to my liking in terms of size and weight!!