After reading the many ways to utilize a contractor’s trash bag, you’ll probably agree that they should be given a different name. It’s true that something that was initially meant to hold trash could actually save your life!

Shelter/ Outer Garment:

I wasn’t the first person to wear a trash bag as a poncho and I certainly will not be the last. However, the one thing that my experience has taught me is that Not All Trash Bags Are Created Equal…

When I was a Scout leader, we always had a box of contractor bags staged in our trailer. Our patrol leaders would also have trash bags as part of their patrol kit. The difference was their bags were standard kitchen trash bags that weren’t comparable to the contractor’s bag’s construction.

Ground Cloth:

The contractor’s trash bag makes an excellent ground cloth. The trash bag can be opened up, covering the area for 1-2 people. It can be used with a tent as well as with your sleeping bag or roll. The ground cloth can be used to protect your sleeping gear from rocks and sticks. It is also ideal as a moisture barrier.

Backup Carrying Equipment:

At times, even the most high-speed, expensive equipment fails. The failure could arise from a manufacturer’s defect or just nature being unforgiving in certain unexpected situations. When it comes to your backpack, we need to do what we can to keep it serviceable during our mission.

Having a contractor’s trash bag gives you a quick-fix if your backpack becomes unserviceable.

Rain Fly/ Sun Shade:

The contractor’s trash bag can easily be affixed as a fly to protect against rain. It also doubles for providing shade from the sun. It can be mounted as part of your shelter or just on it’s own with some guy lines.

Keep in mind this this application can be used for protecting your gear from the elements. Using your trash bag as a layer of protection can go a long way in keeping your gear safe and dry.

Water Gathering:

The fact that a contractor’s bag is made of heavy-duty material, it can serve as a water container in a pinch. In a survival situation, you may come across a water source while on the move. You can purify some water and top off your canteens. If more water is needed, you can use the trash bag to gather a couple of gallons that you can bring with you to basecamp.

You can use the water for cooking, drinking and even to do laundry. These contractor bags are not designed for these purposes so do not make this a common practice. The harsh chemicals from these bags can be diluted into your water. When consumed, it can wreak havoc on your nervous system with prolonged exposure. But in an emergency scenario… It can serve you quite well for your water gathering needs.

Bear Bag:

The animals, including bears, will be aware of you way before you become aware of them. Your food, deodorant and even toothpaste can be smelled by them from miles away. You want to do whatever you can to be proactive and reduce the chances of unwanted visitors.

You can put all of your consumables and other items that have a sweet smell, in your bear bag. You can then hang that bear bag from a tree, at a distance from your campsite. This will not only protect your goods but it will also go a long way in keeping you a bit safer from the animals.

Floatation Device:

It can be filled with air to help you wade across a body of water with your gear. It can also aid you in a scenario where you have to tread water.

If you need to spearfish during an emergency, the trash bag can make a good temporary float. It can let others in your group know where you are while spearfishing. You can also attach gear to the float, that can assist you on your fishing mission, while you are in the water.

Dry Bag/ Pack Liner:

Dry bags are a standard part of my survival kit. But even my biggest dry bag left a good deal of my equipment exposed due to it’s smaller size. The contractor’s trash bag is huge and can accommodate all of my gear.

If I need to move out during a downpour, I can line the interior of my pack with the trash bag. I can then place all of my gear inside the trash bag and seal it.

Do you carry a contractor’s trash bags in your survival kit? Are there any other uses for it?

Article and Photo Source: Survival Life