Vacuum packing bulky stuff

I've seen this mentioned in this forum before, but...

What would be the best vacuum packing system for large, bulky stuff?

I've got a couple of wool blankets that I'd like to store under the bucket seats of the pickup, and then there's that bulky fleece jacket that goes in the BOB.

I've tried the "whoopee cushion" bags where one squeezes the air out through "one-way valves". These may be fine for the traveler whose going to be unpacking in a day or so; but over time, air creeps back in and these things self-inflate.

I've seen the bags that use a vacuum cleaner to suck the air out, are these any better? What about the food sealers? Are these any good for large items?

Thanks, -mark

If it is somethign you are going to repack, use the roll up ones. The way to keep them from getting more back into them is to secure them so they are rolled up, or in a space were they can't expand. Or put something really heavy on them, but that might defeat the point.

I like dry bags, like the WXtex by Pacific Outdoor Equipment.

To store bulky items, simply fold the items and insert them into the bag, then, on a flat surface, roll them up from the bottom to the top. Then, while the item is rolled (helps to put your knees on the roll), close the top. In the case of the WX bags, you have an extra option since they have an air valve.

Simple and effective.

If you are worried about them self inflating over time, you might go to a heavier duty version, maybe even "rubberized" ones intended for more serious water use:

sample

-john

I think you'll find that the "whoopee cushion" bags are no different from the ones you can (optionally) draw down with your vacuum cleaner. The larger of those bags (e.g. Coleman) has a one-way valve that will fit your vac. hose. However, they're no more nor less stable than just rolling it down yourself. No difference, IMHO.

As to the food saver type vacuum packer: I've never seen one you could use for anything as large as a blanket. The largest bag I've found is 12" wide (length is up to you.. on the roll). The largest sealing area on the unit is 12" wide. Unless you have access to some commercial grade vacuum packer, I think you're stuck.

Ah. Thanks, this tells me I should give up on trying to get the blankets under the seats. Would have been nice, but I'll get over it.

The dry bags were a good idea, might work for the jacket. A (sleeping bag) compressor sack (straps around the girth) might be worth a try on the blankets to reduce the volume.

Thanks to all for the input. -mark

Mark,
Look no further.
This economical little gem works like a dream.
Works in the field too with a raft pump.
Visit: www.bagbutton.com
I use mine all the time and I think it's great !
I think this is what you're looking for.
Regards <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hmmm... I've read the instructions and I'm still not sure: What advantage does this device give you over just sticking the pump/vacuum cleaner hose in the end of the bag, sealing the bag to the hose with an o-ring or good rubber band, and tying it off after the air is out? What am I missing?

Actually, I feel like an idiot now for not trying something like this earlier. I really had to put the knees (and butt) into squishing those blankets down with the whoopee cushion bags, guess I couldn't envision a thin garbage bag as being able to keep them squished. But if one can keep the air out, then... Should work.

I might have to experiment with the ol' vacuum cleaner when I get home tonight. -mark

My wife loves the "space bags" that you use the vac. cleaner to suck the air out of a one way valve. I will say that the volume for bulky items is greatly reduced, depending on the item. I have noticed a couple of times that air will leak back in, but we have some that are still tight after a year. I think it is an issue with getting a proper seal on the zip-seal at the mouth of the bag. Your mileage may vary, but worth a try if you can find a good deal on the bags.

Double Posted... sorry.

Ziploc has recently come out with large size bags (for blankets, jackets, closet storage, etc). I haven't used anything but the Space Bags and the old "seal up the ziploc baggie most of the way, smash out the air, then close" trick. But once you get it smashed, rolled and sealed, stuffing it under something should keep it from filling. Just make sure it's not hard to pull out if it does re-inflate!
http://ziploc.com/?p=b8


A complete side-note, I love their twistloc containers (although a few of them haven't been air tight, I'm leaning toward the dishwasher as the culprit). <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The Pnemo bags are awesome, but they're very expensive to use for storage of bulky items. But for keeping gear dry, they're the best things ever invented.

I've had really good luck with the space saver bags sold at walmart. I don't use a vacuum for it, just roll out the air and close. So far air hasn't leaked back in yet, just make sure the sealing surfaces of the valve and zipper are clean and you shouldn't have a problem with long term storage. The smaller size bags are a little fragile though, so you have to protect them to prevent little pinholes which will cause them to reinflate.

In my case, trying to store blankets in a vehicle, the space saver bags (or whoopee cushion bags as I called them before) didn't work out so well. They eventually self-inflated, possibly because of becoming stiff in the cold.

I'll be trying the vacuum cleaner method on a regular plastic bag as soon as I find some heavy gauge ones around the right size. Also, the super-size ziploc bags sound like they'd be worth a go for some other items (thanks, massacre).

No problem 'Meat. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I plan on getting some soon and reorganizing the linen closet, so I'll note any problems and good aspects both back here when finished. But if it's like any of my other projects, you'll have had them in use in your vehicle for a year before I post. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />