Cool challenge! I think those Wally World thermals were made by a brand called Rocky. Good value and lasted me the whole way. Also agree that those trekking poles do the trick for cheap. They used to carry a tiny day bag that came in a little box. It was great for laundry runs or use as a food bag - for like $3.
Using scrubs for hiking pants is a very cool idea that I've never considered. But it totally makes sense, so I'll be checking that out 👍 As far as a stove and fuel, I think I probably would've gotten a drink in a can, picked up some Heet in the yellow bottle from the automotive department, and fashioned myself an alcohol stove.
As long as you're in an area that allows it and you're very careful not to spill, then that is a great cheap option. I typically use the bottom of a drink can but with solid fuel (no fashioning needed) and then set 3 rocks around the outside to set my pot on. This is the most ultralight/ multi-fuel "stove" I've come up with. Thanks for the input!
