When I started purchasing and organizig the four separate bug-out-bags for my children and their families, I started by categorizing the materials and grouping them in heavy 4 and 6 mil plastic zip loc bags (www.royalbag.com) . The categories were divided per use e.g., fire starting, cooking, sleeping, navigation and signaling etc., and the white panel on each bag allowed me to list the items within.
I showed the kits to a very savvy friend and he asked if I was going to vacuum seal these bags to eliminate the air space within the bag. I had thought of this previously but am unsure of the advantages. The MRE's are already sealed as are the SOS high caloric bars. If one were to have to cross a river or find themselves in the drink with one of these bags (probably 30 pounds within a Maxpedition pack) the airspace within the ziplocs would keep the bag afloat. Yet these are long term packs and, with the exception of those items that need rotation (Batteries, MRE') I want the materials in them to last a lifetime.
Let me hear your input on vacuum packaging, buoyancy, longevity and other factors related to vacuum packaging. Thank you.