View Full Version : Are freezer bags re-usable?
pattydivins
02-23-2011, 21:23
Do people ever re-use their freezer bags for FBC?
Thanks
BigHodag
02-23-2011, 21:59
I don't as there isn't a reliable method of cleaning them on the trail. Also, the heat and poking with sporks and spoons leads to failure. Been there, cleaned that up!
I pre-pack all my FBC chow in its bag before hitting the trail. As I resupply at least once on a 2-week trip, I carry extra bags to pre-bag my resupply.
Used freezer bags are for trash & litter. Drop 'em in the first available trash can, usually at parking areas.
Slosteppin
02-23-2011, 22:46
Yes. My FBC is soup I make and dehydrate at home. Each serving is stored in a quart Ziploc or Glad freezer bag, in the freezer until I pack to go.
I clean and re-use the bags about half the time. The bags are trash until I get home (I take all my trash home). I wash the bags when I get home.
I am not a thru hiker. The longest I go for is about two weeks.
300winmag
03-13-2011, 23:38
I use Ziploc pleated bottom 1 qt. bags. They are too difficult to get teh pleated part ealy clean. I toss 'em so my carbon footprint is a bit higher than those who re-use freezer bags.
But its' the driving to and from backpacking trips that really makes the carbon footprint, even with my 27 mpg. RAV 4 V6.
I reuse much as I can. I usually cook the meal in the freezer bag, cozy it, then dump it into my bowl, thus saving the bag from fork holes if possible. I keep used bags w/ my trash and sort & wash at home. I'm a section hiker at present.
dottie
Pack one of those ziploc plastic bowls, pour in the dry contents, shake out particles and store the empty bag in the bottom of the food bag/bear can. Wash the bowl after every meal. Wala.
I usually re-use one ziploc bag for trash I can't re-use (torn salt packets, olive oil packets, pb packets) and toss that away when I get to a trash can.
Are they reusable? Sure, but isn't part of the reason for going FBC to minimize time and washing? I only reuse mine as trash bags.
For me FBC is so I don't have to wash stuff. It's sorta like washing paper plates at a picnic. But, I think that the Glad freezer bags are a little stronger than the Ziplock brand, if you intend to try washing them.