I`ve been using zip-lock type freezer bags for odor reasons when in bear or varmint country. As for bag size dilemas, there isn`t a huge penalty for going with bigger than you need because you can always roll the bag down to a smaller size. You need to do that anyway as you use up the supplies.

+1, excellent post. It`s a good demonstration of how much packaging is involved in food straight out of the supermarket.

Hmmm... good idea. I already carry a small Rubbermaid-type bowl with lid as my eating bowl and soaker, but never thought about presoaking beans or lentils for faster cooking. Until now, I`ve always just avoided them because of my limited cooking capability, but will see if presoak + one shot of boiling water is enough. It might add a lot to my possibilities.

That`s how "dry sacks" come. The collar is a semi-rigid strip of plastic that helps keep a nice seal when you roll up the top. Important if you have possibility of precip, but you can save a few grams and a few bucks if you`re sure you`ll be dry or if it`s otherwise waterproofed- everything zip locked inside or the whole bag is going into something else that`s already waterproof.