I also use a stove, but it's because cooking over a fire leaves your pots black and dirty. I bought an Ursack last year. It's a food bag made out of kevlar (or something similar.) It's supposed to defeat bears. I hang my food in it. Whether it defeats bears or not, I figure I'd rather sacrifice it than one of my panniers. I also use it to defeat squirrels and raccoons, and any other little furry creatures that might want to crawl into my food bag.

I used it on one tour last year on the Lewis and Clark. I never saw any evidence that any critter had tried to get in it, so I have no comment on the defeating critters aspect.

I've never lost weight on a tour (I'm 6'4" and have started tours anywhere from 195 to 210.) I eat so much on tour that I sometimes gain weight. But I don't think it's extra fat. I think all the eating makes me keep the fat I have, and all the pedaling makes me gain muscle, which is where the weight gain comes from. I usually eat two breakfasts (one in camp and one down the road) a mid-morning snack, a big lunch, an afternoon snack, and a big dinner.