Garbage bags - extra strength for the backcountry

A lot of folks carry garbage bags when hiking and climbing for all sorts of things - emergency rain poncho, bivy bag, nightime pack cover, solar shower water warmer, solar powered snow melter while in camp, and to contain food smells from bears.  Problem:  most cheapo thin garbage bags fall apart after the first use.

Two solutions:  trash compactor bags (for smaller items, like stuffing a sleeping bag) and contractor’s clean up bags (for pack covers and ponchos.)  The contractors clean up bags are available from larger hardware stores, are a full 3 ml thick, and are really tough.  Buy a box (about $10 for 30 bags, I think) and share with your hiking pals. This is a great emergency shelter survival item to stow in the pack for dayhikes. 

Need a pack cover for hiking in the rain?  Put the bag over the pack, cut two vertical straps for the shoulder straps, and you’re set!

Thanks to Mazama Jim Brewer for sharing this tip