Vacuum Bags??

[lostsheep]

I was thinking ( not an easy process for me).
Since space is at a premium, and mold/mildew is a problem onboard, has anyone used the 'Spacesaver' vacuum bags? It appears that they might be a way to store linens and clothing in a (hopefully) mold free environment.

On the same level, does anyone use a vacuum sealer to store food in? I have one at home, and it works well for making a family-pak of anything break down to solo/duet size.

[remetau]

We have used both. The problem we have found with the Spacesavers is that once they are opened a few times, they don't get the same suction as when they are new.

We use the food savers too and have been quite happy with them. We buy larger food items and break them down for smaller portions and freeze.

[Tim R.]

We use large zip-lock bags(5 gal). Fill them with clothes, linens, etc. Zip them 90%, sit on them and then zip them closed.

[TQA]

Another vote for ziplocks. More reliable that the vacuum bags I tried.

[RobGallagher]

I use them for the things I keep on board but don't wear often. Mostly foul weather gear/jackets that would otherwise grow moldy if left hanging in a damp locker.

[dacap06]

DaWIFE bought some vacuum bags to try around the house and I found they would not seal. After a couple of months they were fully reinflated.

[KBuckley]

I'm using Spacesaver vacuum bags but they are not robust enough. They end up with small holes in no time once you have people and gear moving around onboard. It would be nice to find some that are made of heavier weight material.

[wingNwing]

Vacuum storage bags don't do anything that big ziplocs don't do for a fraction of the cost.

But foodsavers, ah, that's another story. We packed all sorts of things before our Bahamas trip: not just the obvious, like dried beans and rice and coffee in 1-lb packs; but medicines and tools and small paper goods and spare parts. Worked awesome. Except for the fact that every once in a while we'll find a package, still tightly sealed, tucked away in a corner of a locker 3 years later.

[Jak]

I have found the same, the large bags you use with a vaccume cleaner (or just squeeze the air out of) never last. A vaccume sealer on the other hand is a great investment. When backpacking, I always keep one pair of socks and underwear, as well as emergency toilet paper in a vaccume sealed pouch,. I am rough on my pack/gear, and have yet to have one fail, although vaccume sealing hard edged objects can pose issues.

[miatapaul]

Yea, space bags, and the Christmas Tree store cheap copies are not very durable at all. Food saver bags are good, but quite expensive.

One thing I found with the food saver bags, when you have the roll of bags and are sealing up tools or somthing that you will re seal many times is to leave the bag extra long. then when you use it you just snip off the very top, just below the seal. That way you can put the tools back in and seal it again. That way you can seal it over and over again.