I own one and really like it.  Here are some random thoughts on the food barrel:

1. Don't make the mistake of thinking it's really bear-proof.  I call it bear resistant, in that it will take the bear a bit of time to tear it up....long enough for you to get up and chase it off.  

2. I try to manage odor by not using the lid as a cutting board, and by wiping it down every night with a handwipe.  

3. We also tie the barrel to a tree to keep a bear from carrying it off.  We set pots and pans on top as an alarm should something try messing with it.  

4. Don't leave it exposed to the hot sun...it works like an oven and will really cook.  Just cover it with cloth, or put it in shade seems to work.

5. The weak link is the lid.  Gotta make sure you get the lid on right!  I had a bear get into it on Polly Lake a number of years ago... because one of our group didn't put the lid on right and the bear just popped it off!  Getting the lid on can be a bit of a chore, but it's really no problem.  Just make sure the lid and barrel flanges are secured in the metal band when you tighten it.

6. We have found that using nylon sacks inside the barrel helps to organize the food.  So we have a breakfast, lunch, and dinner sack.  Way better than rummaging through it every time.  

7. I bought custom made sacks at 'copia last year thinking it would be a good help to organize the food.  Complete waste of money.  These things are just fabric "buckets" with no way to cinch up.  Save your money and just use nylon stuff sacks.  

All in all, it's a wonderful addition to my gear.

Enjoy.

prouboy