MRE pouch

**RichJ** · 02-03-2010, 11:35 AM

I have found that an empty MRE pouch makes a handy container.

I carefully cut the very top part of the bag off with scissors, just under the seal to maximize volume and get a clean cut. I then folded a crease about 1.5'' from the top. The plastic is very stiff so I ironed the crease with a medium-hot iron. I put a dish towel over the crease so it wouldn't melt it and put a piece of aluminum foil between the plastic folds so they wouldn't stick together when heated. I then rubbed an ice cube over the crease while it was still hot to set it. The crease turned out very sharp and holds the fold nicely even after you open/close it many times.

It makes a great splash-proof container and is extreamly durable. It's also free! You can easily make it totally waterproof if you duct-tape the fold.

I measured the volume by filling it with water and pouring it into a graduated cylinder. It held 2,800 mls. or about .74 gallons of water or.... 140 cubic inches of volume. Not bad.

**mcgyver** · 02-03-2010, 11:43 AM

Very good Idea!!!
I will probably never throw one away again.
Once again I've been struck with a "why didn't I think of that" moment.

**RichJ** · 02-03-2010, 12:37 PM

^^^^ Also, I'm thinking of ways to make slide-on clips to hold the fold down instead of using duct tape for the all-waterproof option. I was thinking of a plastic tube that is cut lengthwise on one side making a closed "c" that you can just slide on.

It should probably be about a half inch in diameter and cut in 8" sections. It needs to be stiff, yet slightly bendable so you can get it on. If anybody thinks of a good material to use, let me know.

**Sam** · 02-03-2010, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by RichJ

^^^^ Also, I'm thinking of ways to make slide-on clips to hold the fold down instead of using duct tape for the all-waterproof option. I was thinking of a plastic tube that is cut lengthwise on one side making a closed "c" that you can just slide on.

It should probably be about a half inch in diameter and cut in 8" sections. It needs to be stiff, yet slightly bendable so you can get it on. If anybody thinks of a good material to use, let me know.

I think white PVC pipe would work for the clamp you want.
-Sam

**finallyME** · 02-03-2010, 03:32 PM

Or.....you could fill it with water and drop it off of a 23 story building onto concrete. What a load noise.

**crashdive123** · 02-03-2010, 03:38 PM

My concern would be bacterial growth if the bag was not cleaned well enough.

**RichJ** · 02-03-2010, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by crashdive123

My concern would be bacterial growth if the bag was not cleaned well enough.

All the contents of an MRE are individually packaged. If there was bacterial growth inside, it wouln't be fit for consumption. Spray a little Lysol in it if you feel that's a concern.

I was thinking more of stuff you wouldn't eat anyway. Like maps or a first aid kit, or anything that doesn't go in your mouth. I put a 2 t-shirts, 2 pair of undies, and 2 pairs of socks in one bag. I suppose you could put food in there too if you wanted. You could put granola bars and snack-sized stuff that is prepackaged or in sealed baggies. The idea is to make use of a very very strong plastic pouch that you probably already have on hand.

**RichJ** · 02-03-2010, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by Sam

I think white PVC pipe would work for the clamp you want.
-Sam

I thought about that, but PVC is too thick. You couldn't cut it down the middle. PVC is pretty strong.

**Rick** · 02-03-2010, 06:52 PM

What about those slide and grip binding bars that come on binders?

http://www.amazon.com/C-Line-34441-S.../dp/B000J05HFY

http://www.c-lineproducts.com/produc...roject-folders

**crashdive123** · 02-03-2010, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by RichJ

All the contents of an MRE are individually packaged. If there was bacterial growth inside, it wouln't be fit for consumption. Spray a little Lysol in it if you feel that's a concern.

I was thinking more of stuff you wouldn't eat anyway. Like maps or a first aid kit, or anything that doesn't go in your mouth. I put a 2 t-shirts, 2 pair of undies, and 2 pairs of socks in one bag. I suppose you could put food in there too if you wanted. You could put granola bars and snack-sized stuff that is prepackaged or in sealed baggies. The idea is to make use of a very very strong plastic pouch that you probably already have on hand.

Oops. I was thinking that you were talking about the retort bags that had the food, not the outer bags. My bad.

**RichJ** · 02-04-2010, 06:22 PM

UPDATE: The report binder slides worked great! I went to Office Depot and picked up a box of these. For reference I used the large half-inch size binding bars and they fit just right. Don't get the flimsy ones as they won't be strong enought.

This will make it easy to open and close without using tape and it's totally waterproof. I did a submersion test to make sure.

**hunter63** · 02-04-2010, 06:34 PM

I think it's a great idea, but I seem to low on empty MRE bags.
If I had them, I'm sure I use them.
The sealer idea is a good one, and should on chip bags, as well.