Try a foil boat instead of a full wrap. It protects the bottom from burning but lets the top stay exposed to the smoke. You keep most of the bark texture without losing all the juice.

Man, that's rough. I never even thought about the smell of the plastic on new boxes being a problem. My friend's cat refused to use a covered box because it trapped the scent and freaked her out. They had to go back to a basic open tray. Could it be something simple like the texture under their paws, or even how high the sides are to climb over?

You said finding your way back felt more rewarding and that is SO true. Getting lost and then figuring it out with a paper map makes you actually learn the land. Screens just turn your brain off. I keep a folded map in my pack no matter what, it's not about being cautious, it's about staying connected to the trip. Batteries die, phones break, but that map will always work if you know how to read it. That extra two miles you did is now a real story, not just a blue line you followed.