Why do you want to vacuum pack your gear? I'm always going over my bags, modifying things, changing them, replacing things. I guess I can see vacuum packing perishables but why the rest of the stuff? I pack foodstuffs in ziplocks, but the rest of my gear goes in either silicone impregnated stuff sacks (very lightweight) or nylon mesh sacks.<br><br>My tarp, for instance, fits nicely in a nylon mesh sack and I can tell at a glance that it's my tarp. Why would I want to vacuum pack it? If you do it to reduce bulk, the next day after the first night of bivouac, you will have a bunch of gear that won't fit in your pack. Soooo...I guess I'm interested in knowing what the advantages are to vacuum packing your gear.<br><br>Thanks from a new guy,