I have many articles about getting outdoor gear on the cheap. Many of them I use myself.
And one item I’ve used for years and for so long I forget when I initially started using it? A Tyvek mailing envlope.
The type you can get or receive from the post office, a FedEx, or a UPS mailing center.
Durable, light, water-resistant, and just the right size to store maps or as a ditty bag. My 12″x15″ envelope does not even register on the scale.
There’s not too much more to write other than it works. It makes an excellent budget solution for those looking for something more durable than a Ziploc bag. As with all my favorite pieces of gear, I like it because it works. And after many nights out in the backcountry with this envelope, I can say a Tyvek envelope ditty bag exceeds my expectations for its use.
Sometimes when I get tired of packing padded posterior pads like the Z Seat, I revert to my cheaper alternative – a cut open Tyvek shipping envelope. No padding, but waterproof enough, almost weightless, quickly stuffed into random pockets, and easily replaced since I pass the Post Office or UPS store daily.
Never thought of using one as an actual, you know, lightweight container. I even have a roll of Tyvek tape somewhere in the garage to make custom sizes.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Brilliant! Will be appropriating this one. I’ve used empty sandbags (salvaged from landscaping or bought at Home Depot), but the weave on those is pretty loose for a ditty bag.
What a great idea, love the sit pad one in the comments. Brilliant.
Also great for tent stakes.
Nice idea 🙂 Been wanting something better for my stakes.
Pretty durable so probably works well!
How do you close the bag up?
I just roll it up and it stays well enough. A paperclip probably works well enough too.
Tyvek envelopes are great. Have one in my cook kit and use it as a placemat so I am not prepping and eating dinner in the dirt. Can turn it inside out for a clean version mid-hike.