I've settled on a similar system to several of the posters, though maybe a bit more costly than some.  Last year I purchased a poly food box from BWJ ($105).  At about 3600 cu.in., it fits nicely inside a GG Superior (or whatever it is called), with room for a few other items, like cutting board and a tarp.

The box adds some weight to the system, but it corrals everything nicely, has a frigerator-type gasket on top and a good closure system for the top.  Will easily carry two weeks worth of food for two.  Can be used with or without foam insulation.  I used an old piece of ensolite on a fall trip last year, and everything stayed nice and cool.

Since I am a hider, the box is mostly critter proof, though certainly not bear proof, and I wrap it up tight in a tarp, with an alarm system perched on the top.  Have had no problems so far, knock on wood.

With improvements in kitchen containers, I use more semi-hard-sided Glad-type units and fewer plastic bags than previously.  As others noted, crackers, and in my case fresh veggies, really carry well in these.

I experimented with carrying a couple of water filled and frozen 20 oz. gatorade bottles last fall, thinking maybe we could have ice in our evening cocktails for a few days.  It worked, but paddled/carried 40 oz of ice about 20 miles.  Not sure if it was worth it...

I agree that the markup on the poly box is absurd.  I figure it will last for the rest of my tripping career, and it just seems to do the job nicely. I personally lack the required creativity, and I'm guessing many of the readers here would be able to go with a home-made solution, a la db.

What I find interesting is how food storage and portage hauling have evolved during the last ten years or so.  When I recall some of the food containers we used in years gone by, I shudder at the memory.  Perhaps worst of all was a giant-sized two-handled cooler-type unit that two guys (the two who insisted we bring it) stumbled on every portage from beaverhouse to prairie.  Excuse, I have to take an Aleve...

Fun to read everyone's idea's, Lord knows we are all unique.  I use bear Vaults. The BV500.  I repack everything in zip locks, much like dd.  I double package some items, so they don't come open.  A lot of times, I package two paper towels around noodle product or dehydrated meats.  This doubles for two things.  The towels keep the noodles, meat, or whatever from poking through the zip locks, and I use the towels to clean up after I am done with dinner.  I use small nalgene products for soaps, honey, etc. works peachy.  SunCatcher

There is a major environmental issue with burning plastic.  I don't know what chemicals are produced, but I do know the toxins released by burning plastic are very bad.  So while many may burn some plastic, it would be best to minimize (eliminate) how much we burn.  Ideally, all plastics would be packed out.

Westwood

Really Mat? Is that true? That is so disappointing to hear. I am always a bit leery of burning trash as the fumes seems especially noxious. I try and stay upwind.