Wow Sarge - another great article!
I think I'm going to return my brand new name brand rain gear and fleece and hit the thrift shop!
Thanks for taking the time to put this (and all the other great stuff on hikinghq.net) together for us.
My suggestion: Have you seen the new line of Ziploc bowls? The lids SCREW on! They're "disposable" but seem to be strong enough to take a real beating. Can handle the heat of cooking in a microwave. And best of all - they're light and CHEAP!