Has anybody tried Pioneering Concepts, Inc. Pump-N-Seal ?
They are a lot cheaper and more powerfull than the electric variations and can use any bags!
http://viworld.net/pumpnseal/

they say nothing about bags, only about jars, tins, etc. So you won't shrink anything.

Yeah it does http://www.viworld.net/pumpnseal/pumnseal2.htm

Read the how to use guide

I like the Tilia and plan on buying one in the near future. But there are so many variations and combinations of features. The Pro II has it all, but I don't want to put that much into it. Any suggestions on specific model numbers?

Say, this is a great idea. Mama has been wanting one of these so it would work great. What mama wants mama gets. Where is the best place to look for a food saver?
JimOK

I just received my pump'n'seal for $20 it can't be beat.
Shrank down my sleeping bag to half its volume.
The pump is small enough to take with me on the trail.
Good to use best quality ziplock bags and tape them after vacuuming out air.