Review - Gerber "Seal-n-Go" bags for survival kit water storage.

[bruner]

Moderators, this didn't start out as a review, but quickly evolved into one. Should it be moved to the review section? Sorry for any inconvenience. Dan 10/13/06

Many of you probably know about this already, but it was new to me and I though worth posting about...

As I have read (at various survival forums) these Gerber "seal-n-go" bags are perfect for use as a water storage device to be included in your survival kit or bug out bag (as opposed to a condom). These are stronger and more durable than a condom and definitely more reusable.

I recently posted in the BST thread that I was looking to procure one of these and one of our gracious Moderators Malcontent was kind enough to send me five of them. They are available at any Walmart or grocery store, but you have to purchase several of them at once... I only needed one for my personal survival kit.

These bags are "ziplocked" and intended to hold milk (or whatever else you feed a baby, don't know, don't have one of those yet) and the "ziplock" appears to be very rugged. It actually looks like there are three or four "seams" in the ziplock mechanism which are meant to insure that you can fill this bag with fluid and not be concerned that it will leak out.

The bags are graduated up to 6 ounces, but will hold 12 ounces when fully filled. On another forum, I had read that they can only hold 10 ounces... Here is a picture to shows 12 ounces to be true.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6220/dsc00298wg5.th.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00298wg5.jpg)

These bags can easily be rolled up and tied to take up a minimal amount of space in your survival kit, EDC back or BOB. First, though, I decided to tear off the extra tab at the top as it is not required and would only add to the space requirements.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5535/dsc00300pk2.th.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00300pk2.jpg)

If you carefully roll up one of these bags (I tied mine up with two ordinary garbage bag twisties, trimmed and folded), you can get it down to the diameter of an ordinary pencil.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3308/dsc00301pp2.th.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00301pp2.jpg)

I plan on putting two of these in my personal survival kit, which will be part of my bug out bag. That way, I will have the potential to store and carry (and purify with iodine tablets, if required) up to 24 ounces of life saving water.

UPDATE (01/10/07):

Froze the bag shown in the above photos for 8 hours while at work the next day. Freezing did not compromise the bag or the ziplock seal. The following photos show frozen/thawed photos.

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/8867/dsc00304mb3.th.jpg (http://img356.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00304mb3.jpg) http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/5602/dsc00309zt3.th.jpg (http://img356.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00309zt3.jpg)

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/4323/dsc00305mn6.th.jpg (http://img356.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00305mn6.jpg) http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/9189/dsc00311nr4.th.jpg (http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00311nr4.jpg)

Inexplicable, there is a bubble of air that developed after thawing, but I could detect no leak in the bag...

I did some drop testing of the bag after it thawed and was very impressed! Starting off at 6" and using 6" increments I managed to eventually drop the previously frozen bag from a height of 7'-3" (in our bathroom shower, the ceiling prevented me from going further) and it refused to break. This test was done by dropping the bag while holding it from the top, insuring that the bag landed bottom first.

Strangely enough, on my second round of tests which was to be dropping it on it's side, it burst open at only 1'-0". I attribute this failure to the stress of being frozen and having survived the previous bottom-drop testing. Here is where the bag failed.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/4060/dsc00318nb2.th.jpg (http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00318nb2.jpg)

I have two bags left and intend on doing a drop test on an unfrozen bag tomorrow. I expect that the results will be much better.

Also, upon closer inspection (after the test failure), I can report that the "ziplock" is made up of no less than 4 interlocking grooves shown in this cross-section here.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/5813/dsc00322tv0.th.jpg (http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00322tv0.jpg)

If you look closely at that last photo, the top part of the "Y" was the interior of the bag. It is evident that the designers of the bag cleverly used the pressure of whatever was to be contained in the bag to assist in keeping the bag seal sealed. Notice how the "ziplock" portion protrudes into the interior space of the bag...

To follow... Drop tests of an unfrozen bag :)

END OF UPDATE (01/10/07)...

UPDATE (01/13/07):

Well, have a few updates...

First off, I decided to use thread to tie off the rolled up bags instead of the garbage bag twisties. I started thinking that the ends of the twisties are pretty sharp and might eventually poke a hole in the bag. Also, those twisties are just paper covered steel wire, which is prone to rust if it gets damp. I did however keep the twisties on until I had retied them with string. I imagine that doing that made things much easier, otherwise the bags would have wanted to unroll.

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/8564/dsc00323az0.th.jpg (http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00323az0.jpg)

Also, I did another round of drop testing on an unfrozen bag. In the previous test, I dropped the bag making sure that it landed on it's bottom and it passed with flying colors. So, this time around, I skipped that test alltogether and went straight for the side impact test. I started at 6", making sure it landed on it's side and only got up to 30" when the bag broke in the same location as the previous bag...

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/8445/dsc00341hq1.th.jpg (http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00341hq1.jpg)

My conclusion is that I find these bags are more than strong enough to handle normal carry when full. I would feel safe putting them in a pack and carrying them without worry of any leakage. If it falls out of your pack and lands on it's bottom, you're ok, but if it lands on it's side, you're probably out of luck.

END OF UPDATE (01/13/07)...

Hope this hasn't been covered and hope it finds value with a few of you. It was an enjoyable test :)

Thanks for looking,
Dan

[Cain]

Excellent! I've also read about these on various forums, but haven't actually used them (or seen them, for that matter).

I was wondering what size they rolled up to, and how much they held, and now I know. :yoga:

How durable do you think these are? Figure they'd survive a drop or two without loosing any water?

Thanks for the informative review!

[bruner]

Thanks,

Well, as of 8am EST this morning, I put it in the freezer to see what happens ;D

I'll post pictures of that later tonight.

They appear to be pretty strong material with a good seal and I think they could take a few drops.

I'll take one of the the extras that I have and do some drop tests for you too ;)

EDC empirical study is fun :whee:

Dan

[magnus]

Wow... I already have these around the apartment as my wife uses them to feed breastmilk for our infant. I'll have to *ahem* procure a few from her.

[Stutoffee]

I recently bought some for my kits (25 cost me about £3.00), theyre not Gerber, but they look very similar including the tab at the top.Ive also found some food bags called "pour n store" bags, which are 8 for £1.39 at Aldi. These are even tougher than the milk bags but bigger and abit heavier, but theyre very well-made & almost feel like Platypus water bottles albeit with a big ziploc opening. I can see me using these in larger kits and the milk bags in mini-kits, sheath-pouch kits etc.

[magnus]

:D My wife is telling me she has a number of them she's not using so they will be finding their way into my tobacco tins, my manpurse, etc. :D

[greenLED]

If you know somebody working in a research lab, as them for a couple of "Whirl-Pak" bags.

[bruner]

Updated first post to include freeze test and initial drop testing of previously frozen bag.

Drop testing of unfrozen bag to follow ;)

Dan

[Cain]

Cool!

Thanks for doing this Bruner, I love reviews like this.

Looking forward to the unfrozen bag drop results :popcorn:

[bruner]

Updated first post to include side impact drop testing.

Moderators, this didn't start out as a review, but quickly evolved into one. Should it be moved to the review section? Sorry for any inconvenience. Dan 10/13/06

Dan

[Malcontent]

First off, I decided to use thread to tie off the rolled up bags instead of the garbage bag twisties. I started thinking that the ends of the twisties are pretty sharp and might eventually poke a hole in the bag. Also, those twisties are just paper covered steel wire, which is prone to rust if it gets damp. I did however keep the twisties on until I had retied them with string. I imagine that doing that made things much easier, otherwise the bags would have wanted to unroll.

You can also use a piece of tubing, just roll up the bag and slide it into the tubing. This is reusable also.
Great review on these bags!

[magnus]

If it falls out of your pack and lands on it's bottom, you're ok, but if it lands on it's side, you're probably out of luck.


Unless you're carrying a roll of duct tape, that is.

[VWTim]

Looks like something I'll have to pickup. I already have a Nalgene foldable "jug" in my BOB, but these would fit in perfectly in my Get home pack.

[bruner]

Unless you're carrying a roll of duct tape, that is.


Excellent point. That would be a great idea. Say after the bag is full, wrap the bottom and then sides in duct tape, leaving the ziplock uncovered.

That would definitely improve the survivability of a fall. It would also help prevent any puncture wounds to the bag.

Thanks magnus!
O0

Dan

[noosphere]

My conclusion is that I find these bags are more than strong enough to handle normal carry when full. I would feel safe putting them in a pack and carrying them without worry of any leakage. If it falls out of your pack and lands on it's bottom, you're ok, but if it lands on it's side, you're probably out of luck.



Thanks for the great review, Dan. I am interested in trying out these bags, but am concerned about filling them with liquid and carrying them inside my pack.

Is it possible that in such a situation the zip lock on these bags might get bent by some of the other objects inside a pack and be forced open that way? Have you tried bunching up or otherwise ruffling the closed zip lock in a filled bag (in a way that might happen inside a pack) to test this possiblity? And what about the bag's resistance to puncture?

Not that either of these concerns would stop me from putting one of these bags in my EDC kit. I'd just hesitate before putting a filled one in my pack along with anything I wanted to stay dry.

::noosphere::

[magnus]

Thanks for the great review, Dan. I am interested in trying out these bags, but am concerned about filling them with liquid and carrying them inside my pack.

I think the ideal way to carry something like this would be outside the pack, perhaps in something like a Maxpedition Rollypoly. That way the rollypoly is out of the way when you're not packing water but if you need it, it's there and you just unfold it and drop the bag(s) in.

[bruner]

Thanks for the great review, Dan. I am interested in trying out these bags, but am concerned about filling them with liquid and carrying them inside my pack.

Is it possible that in such a situation the zip lock on these bags might get bent by some of the other objects inside a pack and be forced open that way? Have you tried bunching up or otherwise ruffling the closed zip lock in a filled bag (in a way that might happen inside a pack) to test this possibility? And what about the bag's resistance to puncture?

Not that either of these concerns would stop me from putting one of these bags in my EDC kit. I'd just hesitate before putting a filled one in my pack along with anything I wanted to stay dry.

::noosphere::



noosphere,

I only have one extra bag left (aside from the two in my PSK (http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=6814.0)) and I hesitate to use it up for one more test...

I can tell you though that I took that last bag and twisted/bent at the seam and was unable to make it pop open.

These Gerber bags aren't puncture resistant. I think you could consider it to be of a similar material to an ordinary ziplock bag. That is, aside from the ziplock itself, which is far stronger than an ordinary ziplock.

I think magnus's suggestion of using duct tape to reinforce the bag would greatly improve it's resistance to puncture and it's ability to survive a fall. I wouldn't hesitate to carry it inside of a pack, so long as there are no sharp objects or too much pressure being exerted on the bag itself.

Dan

[123]

I live in the UK and really want to obtain these bags anybody know where I can get them?

I only need about 5

Thanks guys

[parnass]

:welcome: Welcome to EDC Forums, 123.

[bruner]

Welcome to EDC Forums 123!

You should be able to find them in the "baby isle" of your local grocery store.

Hey, when you find some free time, please consider introducing yourself HERE (http://edcforums.com/index.php?board=49.0).

Thanks,
Dan

:)

:db: - bruner

[Stutoffee]

I didnt find them in the "baby aisle" of any stores over here, but an internet search for breast milk storage bags yielded plenty of online stores able to supply them.
I just chose the one with the cheapest postage & packing.

[molawns]

Since this thread has been "dug up" from the past, I'm wondering if more tests have been conducted since the last one?

There's also a new product out on the market that was designed specifically for survival kit water storage...

http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/Aqua-Pouch%20-%201%20Liter%20Water%20Storage%20Container.htm

http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/The%20Aqua-Pouch%20Plus%20Water%20Purification%20Kit.htm

I don't have one, yet, but they're supposed to be excellent...way more sturdy than the Gerber bags! (I would hope so! They're 5.2 mils thick!)

Anyone have one? Comments?

[ThChrMn]

Wow, I just got lost in that site for 45 minutes. Thanks for posting.

[bruner]

Since this thread has been "dug up" from the past, I'm wondering if more tests have been conducted since the last one?

There's also a new product out on the market that was designed specifically for survival kit water storage...

http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/Aqua-Pouch%20-%201%20Liter%20Water%20Storage%20Container.htm

http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/The%20Aqua-Pouch%20Plus%20Water%20Purification%20Kit.htm

I don't have one, yet, but they're supposed to be excellent...way more sturdy than the Gerber bags! (I would hope so! They're 5.2 mils thick!)

Anyone have one? Comments?


I think the appeal of the Gerber bag is it's very small size, which makes it ideal for very small kits.

The Aqua-Pouch you linked to looks great, but it's very large (1 Liter).

I haven't done any further tests on the Gerber bags. I don't think there's much more to cover.

Dan