Is anyone out there using a home vacuum sealer for waterproofing gear? GMG and I were considering this option for some of our stuff and were wondering what models people are using and any feedback on the process and the end result.
Anyone vacuum sealing their gear? Looking for info
(10 posts) (9 voices)-
DockWater
MemberA very affirmative yes! Various brands- but we have vacuumed packed our daily meals ( each day - breakfast, day snacks and dinners in one bag - open one a day) and various things such as batteries ( small packets for headlamp , GPS, nav lights etc). Some are stowed ,some are in lifejacket pockets, emergency supplies ( medical, water filter, etc) for NCC 2014, EC 2015 and multiple outings and trips. Some things like batteries, last packed a long time. There is a failure rate but it is tolerable either through poor seal or more likely puncture.We were even able to take vacuum packed fresh bread on the EC ( looked really flat but amazingly, expanded well) and tasted fresh if a little crushed with the fresh gravy. Pretty nice breafast down in the Everglades.
Dock Water
Posted 4 years ago # -
ZTH,
I use a FoodSaver to seal flares, my laser flare, and various other safety bits. Works great. For some items I will install a small brass grommet along the edge to attach a lanyard.
Keep in mind that if your hands are wet and very cold that it might be impossible to open a sealed packet. One option is to use your PFD knife (and spare), but for a worst case scenario I like to have another option. Salty Frog's solution is to seal a nail into the packet to make it easy to puncture and open. I usually just cut a short slit along the sealed-edge with scissors to allow a means to open when needed.
Greg
Posted 4 years ago # -
Ibis
MemberBought a FoodSaver from Costco on sale for hubby to seal fish. He loves it! It has a retractable handheld sealer which makes it more versatile but not absolutely necessary. The rolls of plastic or precut bags are easy to find in most stores now. Foodsaver.com has BOGO sales 3-4 times a year.
I used it to make a mini survival kit with fire starters, matches, energy gels, etc., for PFD. Works great for batteries and flares. Also sealed pita bread successfully. There is a lot of waste involved when learning to get a good seal while minimizing the bag size, but is worth it.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Bosun
MemberWe went to Cabellas and got their 11 inch model and use it all the time in the kitchen.
I did the mini-hypo and fire starting pack pack for the PFD. I like the nail idea! We also did dry clothing packs so there will be less madness when I discover condensation or spray has gotten into the hull and the "waterproof" sak has decided to take a break and my dry socks aren't. I used the vacuum bags to increase vibility of the items inside (first aid kit, repair kit, tools etc.) and try to get more weight out of the boat by getting rid of boxes and bags and packaging. I know that it is ounces but it gives me somthing to obsess on in the winter months. Now if I can just get 30LBS off of me before March......
Bosun
Posted 4 years ago #
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