I would like to cut the bottom out of one bag and fuse or connect it to the top of another bag in order to form a cheap emergency shelter. If anyone has done this or can direct me to a site that addresses this subiject I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

Al

I've done it a time or two. I used duct tape,

todd

Might be easier to just purchase a tube tent?

http://www.redflarekits.com/pc/1030/tt/Tube+Tent-+2-Person

Thanks for your response. I have also used ductape but I would like to reduce the weight and make it easier to fold and carry.
Al

Maybe try clear packing tape? It's a lot lighter than duct tape, yet is still wide and strong enough to hold 2 garbage bags togather <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I would also suggest a tube tent or even a piece of poly, less chance of leaks in the rain
Yukon

You might check out a 'Christmas Tree Removal Bag'. I've found them at the local dollar stores. 90" long x 45" diameter (144" circumference). Not the sturdiest bag, but could be useful. Some are red, some are white.

Sue

Assembling two bags thus in the field is a bit of a challenge, duct tape may be about the only practical option. However, if you are building kit at home and want to make something in advance, try using silicone RTV as the fusing media. It is flexible enough not to break and running a bead under compression would eliminate bulkiness. It may not fold up quite as compactly as the bags did beforehand, but it should be functional.

I would say duct tape also.

But here is another option. Go to a furnature store. Either ask or rumage through their dumpster. Matresses come wrapped in large heavy-duty plastic bags. if you can get a whole obe it should more than meet your needs.

If you want to premake it, look for 55 gallon liners. I can curl up in one, and not much about me is dainty and petite. You might find they work as is.

And if you are relying on something like this, you'll want to curl up to conserve body heat.

I acquired a new mattress bag. The things are very heavy mil, probably greater than my commercial 9'x9' tarp. And thats the 'rub' literally. Trashbags, tube tents, space blankets; these are all field expedient, lightwieght and compact items. We are trading greater performance for availability. Theres a point of becoming 'penny wise and pound foolish' when you might as well acquire a dedicated bivy sack. As to fusing, remember you will need some venting for perspiration. I did the following when I played with 55 gallon bags. The bottom bag came up from my feet and I TUCKED the open edge into my pants like an upside down tshirt. The upper bag, with the all important face opening ( this is a survival, not potential body bag.) went over like a loose anorak pullover. The open bottom provides venting. Again, all of these units are great for augmenting a shelter of natrive or carried material. But at some point a dedicated assembly makes more sense.

Thanks again for you responses. I have tube tents, bivy sacks, and even Ruth Ward's 80"x 52" back pocket clear bags. I was asking for another reason. I may have received the answer on another forum, when it was suggested that I use the battery operated "chip bag re-sealers "available in most grocery stores for under $5.00.
Regards,
Al

The Eurosealer. It's a tiny heat-sealer for plastic bags. It takes some practice, but you should be able to seal trash or even contractor bags together. A lot lighter than even clear packing tape (which would be my second choice).

Someone else mentioned Christmas tree disposal bags. There are also bicycle gift-wrap bags that are huge. Or buy some plastic sheeting and a Eurosealer and make your own bag.

I just heard today that Harbor Freight has 2mil plastic bags, in two packs, which come in three sizes: 40"x72", 45"x96", and 60"x108". I don't have a HF store nearby to check...

Hey OBG:
I purchased the two larger sizes today. Thanks for the heads up.
Al

My pleasure. How do they look? Worth the cost???

Yes, $2.99 & $3.99 for a package of two.

Cool. Wear then in good health...