So, there I was throwing away stuff when I noticed the cheapo plastic zippered thingy that our new bedroom ensemble came in. You the ones; comforter, fru-fru pillows, and shams. We bought it last week. It cost $79.99. I looked at it. It has two zippered compartments. This lead me to think about a vehicle bag for the stuff we all like to have "just in case". Because, like a lot of you, everywhere I look I see survival stuff. That leaves this question: Is this bag $79.99 (plus tax) or free? I would lean towards free. Also, I would suggest keeping an eye for these things.

I've got some around the house.

Consider it free. I've used them too, but not for the vehicle kit. I found a 5 gallon bucket fits nicely in the back of the trunk.

I don't have one yet, but I'm considering buying a 120MM ammo can to go in the Jeep.

Definitely free; and you get full points for repurposing a useful item.

I have some stuff stored in repurposed kitty litter pails. Very handy, and also unlikely to be tempting to thieves. Unlike a nice, fat backpack ...

Free. I have a couple I keep meaning to use to carry extra gloves, hats etc. in the vehicle. I need to get on in winter's just around the corner.

They seem to work well enough, tougher than trash bags and easier to see whats inside than nylon stuff sacks, for storing extra clothes and winter wear in a vehicle. I'm often impressed by the general level of quality. The vinyl is usually nice and thick. The unit is often well assembled, stitched well with a cloth binding tape, or welded strongly. The zipper is typically sturdy if not exactly overwhelming sturdy. Zips may be the one common weak spot. They all seem to be squarish shapes that stack well and fit more easily in a trunk or behind a seat.

I've entertained the notion of using some thin flow-able silicone, commonly available as windshield sealer, to try to seal the seams and stitching to make them more water tight. But in a vehicle they seem waterproof enough to shed casual splashes and blown in rain, and easily keep dirt and dust at bay.

You're not going to storm Everest with them but they do have uses. One use not mentioned is as equipment covers. Typewriters, anyone here still have typewriters?, sewing machines, and printers can all benefit from use of a cover to keep dust and dirt off and these thick vinyl boxy units work pretty well if you get the right size and cut off the flap end. Purpose build covers for these things typically goes for about $20. Free is good. Sure beats tossing an old towel over the equipment to try to keep the dust off.

It's amazing what so many people thow away can be used for other purposes. Maybe that's why we save so much stuff you never know when you'll need something.