I like the two seat idea of the two 30's. If you go that way just make sure to pack them the same weight all the time or the pack will be a pain on portages.

BTW... I don't stash my barrel in the woods anymore, I strap it to a tree in camp & hang my pots & pans from it for an alarm system... as mentioned before they are NOT bear proof, but are scent proof. So unless a bear has found food in a barrel before it will not associate the barrel with food.

Just don't use it to cook on & I also agree that a stove is required gear... wouldn't consider a trip with out one.

Troy