What’s the best contractor bag size and thickness for bug out bags?

Jonnie PekelnyContributor - September 1, 2021

AdviceGear

This is hopefully a simple question. I’m upgrading the trash bags in my BOB to the contractor bags recommended on this site. I’ve never bought contractor bags, so I don’t have a feel for their bulkiness or weight or even size really. I know that the premium ones are 42 gallons and 3 mil. Is this what’s recommended? I don’t want to overkill and carry more weight and bulk than necessary. What kind of contractor-type bags do folks carry?

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What are the bags for?

 

I’m assuming they are for a variety of uses in bug out situations. As hikermor said, tarp, poncho, extra carrying “pack” or whatever. I’m just trying to assemble the recommended BOB, as per advice on this site. I haven’t thought through all the possible uses.

 

Apparently, you can also use them to stoke a fire! 😀

https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/odmz9x/getting_a_fire_going_by_blowing_air_from_below/

 

As we’ve mentioned in our BOB list, we recommend them because they can be useful for human waste, as an additional poncho or tarp, bedding (filled with leaves or trash), or clothing layer, something you can use to go scout for supplies without taking your whole pack, and so on. 

 

I had mentioned this on another post, but using these bags as a backpack rain fly is a good use for trash bags.

I’ve been impressed with the puncture resistance of the textured Glad trash bags like this. They can withstand quite a lot of force before being punctured. You can have one good sized contractor bag, and then a lighter and smaller Glad trash bag like this.

 

I use a variety of sizes – everything from sandwich size bags to 55 gal contractor bags which basically can cover my entire pack.  They are used for everything from keeping my lunch sandwich dry to serving as emergency shelter.  Thee larger sizes can be fashioned into ponchos or tarps, etc.  Very versatile, especially with aa roll of duct tape or similar….

 

Yeah I get there use and versitility, I was wondering what role he wanted these bulky HD bags for?  all my gear is in ziplocks, but I use lightweight trashbags for the other roles.

 

I only have experience with Husky 42 gal. They are really super sturdy (although I have not compared them with other brands). One bag roughly weighs 5 oz, and if you fold it flat it doesn’t take much space.

 

You want at least 3 mil.

 

Ayuh, I always get the heaviest I can find.

 

unless it’s a dangerous SHTF situation you want orange/red color – if you can find them – more versatile including safety & rescue …

 

That’s actually a good idea that I hadn’t thought about before. Buying a pumpkin orange halloween bag this time of year might be a good idea.

Or asking the prison where they get theirs. I always see inmates with orange trash bags up and down my freeway picking up trash.