Using a trash compactor bag as a liner

[he.who.forgets]

My biggest challenge with using a trash compactor bag, specifically for keeping sleeping bag dry, is getting all of the air out of it. For those who use trash bags, do you pack your sleeping bag separately or in the same bag as everything you want to keep dry? How do you get your sleeping bag to compress when not using a stuff sack? Do you let the weight of everything on top of it do the compressing?

[bangorme]

My biggest challenge with using a trash compactor bag, specifically for keeping sleeping bag dry, is getting all of the air out of it. For those who use trash bags, do you pack your sleeping bag separately or in the same bag as everything you want to keep dry? How do you get your sleeping bag to compress when not using a stuff sack? Do you let the weight of everything on top of it do the compressing?

I keep hearing this, but where do you buy these things? I can't find them locally.

[saltysack]

Most all grocery stores sell packs of 4...work good easy to see in due to being white


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[squeezebox]

Sears! or send me a message and I'll send you 2. please pay postage, I'm poor.

[Coffee]

Wal-Mart sells compactor bags but I've only been able to find scented bags. Not wanting a scented bag, last year I purchased a zPacks cuben liner with a rolltop closure for around $40. Obviously more expensive than a trash compactor bag ... but more durable and may be worth it for you. Something to consider.

[Rocket Jones]

Any hardware store should have them. Get the white ones, and definitely unscented.

I put the open compactor bag into my empty pack, then add all of my sleeping gear in first - quilt, pad, pillow and sleeping clothes. You can crunch most of the air out, then twist the top to close the bag. Next I double over the twisted 'tail' and secure it with a girl's pony band (stronger than a rubber band). Anything else that needs to be dry goes into ziplocs.

[dangerdave]

I use 3 mil construction trash bags in my garage. I'm going to shorten one and use it as a liner. Same weight and strength as a compactor bag, and unscented.

Who needs scented bags on a construction site?

[12trysomething]

I will offer this. Good luck.

http://youtu.be/HTTon3JunJY

[Starchild]

Just a note if you happen to get the scented ones, you can mitigate the scent by leaving them unrolled and open for a few days.

[saltysack]

Just a note if you happen to get the scented ones, you can mitigate the scent by leaving them unrolled and open for a few days.

Fresh scent might be a good buy..after few days on trail I staaaaaaank!


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[HooKooDooKu]

Just a note if you happen to get the scented ones, you can mitigate the scent by leaving them unrolled and open for a few days.

Not the ones I bought from Wal-Mark the 1st time I tried this. I event went so far as to wash a few of the scented bags in the washing machine and still didn't do anything to lessen the smell.

That's why I now buy the Ace Hardware Store brand trash compactor bags; they are unscented. But for some reason, not every Ace Hardware Store stocks them.

[overthinker]

Anyway, to answer the original question:


I put my top and bottom quilt into the same stuff sack, which I then put into the bottom of the trash compactor bag. Then I pile my hammock, clothes, other dry stuff on top. Then, I gather the top of the compactor bag together in a fist and lean onto everything in the compactor bag, which slowly squeezes the air out. After that, I just quickly roll the top over a few times and jam the tail down in between the outside of the compactor bag and the inside of the backpack. Never had a problem with air in the bag.

[Darwin13]

So I just finished my PCT Thru hike and one of the biggest, glowingly positive gear reviews I will give, is for the off brand trash compactor bag I got at a regular grocery store. I used THE SAME trash bag from Campo to the Canadian border and there is not a single rip in the bag. Thats the entire trail, being used every day, so it is durable. I would stuff it into my pack, then stuff my 20 degree enlightened equipment quilt in the bottom with my neoair pad. i dont put my down in stuff sacks as i think it crushes the down, but also because I like that it will spread out and fill all the nooks and cranies at the bottom of the pack.

[daddytwosticks]

Over the past few years, I have ordered stuff from Gossamer Gear. When I do, I always purchase a couple of their plastic pack liners with my order. I don't know if they are as durable as trash compactor bags, but they get the job done. They typically last for a year or two of hikes for me.

[July]

Over the past few years, I have ordered stuff from Gossamer Gear. When I do, I always purchase a couple of their plastic pack liners with my order. I don't know if they are as durable as trash compactor bags, but they get the job done. They typically last for a year or two of hikes for me.

I use these also from time to time, still using smae pair for 3rd year (over1200 miles), just elephant roll and tuck...

[saltysack]

Am I the only one who solely uses a compactor bag and no pack cover? I use a ula circuit w compactor...never had any items get wet inside ...anything on outside of pack doesn't matter if wet or in ziplock...inc waist belt pockets..


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[bangorme]

Am I the only one who solely uses a compactor bag and no pack cover? I use a ula circuit w compactor...never had any items get wet inside ...anything on outside of pack doesn't matter if wet or in ziplock...inc waist belt pockets..

I think that's what everyone is doing? Isn't that the function of a pack liner?

[saltysack]

Lots use both from what I've seen


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[Studlintsean]

Am I the only one who solely uses a compactor bag and no pack cover? I use a ula circuit w compactor...never had any items get wet inside ...anything on outside of pack doesn't matter if wet or in ziplock...inc waist belt pockets..


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Same pack with same approach

[saltysack]

Even after lots of rain I never really notice any getting in my pack


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