The front pannier sorta popped up in the late 70s or early 80s. There is a long history of rear pannier only touring, and there is a trend back in that direction. Front panniers also add a lot of unecesarry weight. One large bag is a lot more efficient than 4 small ones, assuming one can carry it. Of course another option that saves both weight and money is ultralite camping based on a single small/light pack. There was at least one thread on that in the past week.

My main interest in hammocks was the wonderful opportunities they provide for stealth camping. On various pre-hammock trips I camped on jungly hillsides where a hammock would have been way preferable. I'm another one of those people who just isn't comfortable on them. And my chiropractor eventually recommended against them, because if you have a dodgy back you need to be able to shift into many positions throughout the night. Hammocks are not really simple, they combine all the needs of a tent or tarp system, with the need to hang in the air. That is one more thing, not any less things. Tarps are far cheaper and simpler, and even if they depend on trees the requirements are easier, and they can be set-up without trees but with the same quality of pitch.

Ray Jardine used to promote corn pasta as the miracle energy food. I just found it hard to get. I have to say the eat well and cheaply thing is tough on a bike. Fast food isn't cheap, or healthy. Many expedients like ramon are super unhealthy. Getting good food cheep unless you juice dandelions, or dive into produce dumpsters, is going to be tough. Once the doc forces you on a healthy diet in middle age, it's tough to do even at home. I have some ideas, but it starts t get real specific, as to what healthy means to each individual, and what a person would be willing to actually eat.