When it comes to long-term food storage for emergency survival, few materials rival the effectiveness of mylar bags. As a prepper, having a robust emergency food storage system is one of the core preparedness essentials. Mylar bags play a vital role in creating an airtight, moisture-resistant environment that can keep your survival supplies fresh for years on end.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of mylar bags, their benefits, and review the top 7 options on the market.
Whether you’re stocking up on bug out gear or building your long-term food preservation strategy, this article will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
BEST OVERALL
Pleasant Grove Farm 7 Mil Mylar Bags
BOTTOM LINE: You’ll pay a premium for this level of quality, but it’s worth it for true long-term food preservation. The only downside is they can’t easily be re-sealed after opening. But for initial storage, these are some of the best mylar bags money can buy.
BEST FOR VERSATILE USE
Wallaby Mylar Bag Bundle
BOTTOM LINE: This set is incredibly versatile for organizing different quantities and types of food. While not the thickest material, the 4.5 mil mylar is still plenty sturdy for most uses. If you want convenience and value, Wallaby’s bundle is hard to beat.
BEST FOR BUGOUT
ShieldPro 1-Gallon Mylar Bags
BOTTOM LINE: Despite their toughness, ShieldPro bags remain lightweight for bugging out. Most importantly, the bags are widely praised for their reliable heat sealing and vacuum-sealed storage capabilities.
BEST FOR LONGEVITY
PackFreshUSA 5 Gallon Mylar Bags
BOTTOM LINE: This reputable brand has garnered excellent reviews across the board for quality and longevity. While oxygen absorbers aren’t included, their superior oxygen barrier does an impressive job on its own when properly sealed.
BEST FOR BULK STORAGE
Dry-Packs 10″x14″ Mylar Bags
BOTTOM LINE: These bags are perfect for jumbo quantities of rice, flour, oats, and other staples. Some reviews mention occasional sealing challenges, but overall they’re a quality product for bulk storage. Just be sure to grab some oxygen absorbers separately.
What Are Mylar Bags and Why Use Them?
Mylar is a type of polyester film made from stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It’s characterized by its excellent oxygen barrier properties, making it ideal for vacuum-sealed storage. When combined with oxygen absorbers, mylar bags create an anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment that significantly slows down the spoilage process in dried foods.
Some key advantages of using mylar bags include:
- Blocks out light, moisture, and oxygen to prevent nutrient degradation
- Provides outstanding protection against insects, rodents, and other pests
- Helps preserve flavor, aroma, and texture of dried goods
- Resistant to punctures and tearing for long-term food storage
- Compact and space-efficient compared to bulky buckets or cans
By removing oxygen and moisture from the equation, mylar bags allow preppers to safely stockpile grains, beans, dehydrated meals, and other essentials for emergency scenarios.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Mylar Bags
Not all mylar bags are created equal. To ensure your investment pays off, there are several key factors to evaluate:
Thickness and Durability
Mylar thickness is measured in mils, with 1 mil being 1/1000 of an inch. The thicker the material, the more durable and puncture-resistant the bag will be. Most food-grade mylar bags range from 3.5 mils to 7 mils in thickness.
| Thickness | Durability | Light Blocking |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 mil | Average | Good |
| 5 mil | High | Excellent |
| 7 mil | Exceptional | Excellent |
Size and Capacity
Mylar bags come in a wide range of sizes, from small pouches ideal for herbs and spices to large 5+ gallon bags built for serious bulk storage. Consider your inventory needs and space constraints when selecting sizes.
| Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 gallon | Individual meal portions, snacks, loose items |
| 1-2 gallons | Standard pantry items, grains, beans |
| 3-5 gallons | Large quantities, bulk foods |
| 5+ gallons | Major staples, long-term stockpiling |
Sealability
An airtight seal is absolutely critical for preserving food in mylar. The sealing method and quality of the bag material both impact sealability. Look for bags designed for easy heat sealing or those with ziplock-style closure systems.
Oxygen Barrier
The entire purpose of mylar storage is to eliminate oxygen exposure. Pay close attention to the oxygen transmission rate and oxygen barrier capabilities claimed by different brands. The lower the rate, the better.
Reusability
Some preppers prefer reusable mylar bags with resealable closures. This allows you to open and reseal bags as needed without compromising the contents. Others opt for single-use bags to avoid contamination risks.
Accessories Included
Many mylar bag offerings come packaged with useful accessories like oxygen absorbers, humidity test cards, and printed labels. These can provide added value and convenience.
Price
As with any purchases, price is always a factor. However, beware of cutting costs at the expense of quality – higher-end mylar bags do tend to perform better in the long run.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Research various brand reputations and read consumer reviews carefully. This can provide insights into real-world performance, customer service, and value for money.
Top 7 Mylar Bag Brands for Preppers
- ShieldPro 1-Gallon Mylar Bags
These heavy-duty 5 mil bags strike a nice balance between durability and portability, making them ideal for packing bug out gear. The included oxygen absorbers help lock in freshness for all sorts of dried goods like grains, beans, and baked items.
Despite their toughness, ShieldPro bags remain lightweight for bugging out. Most importantly, the bags are widely praised for their reliable heat sealing and vacuum-sealed storage capabilities.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bag Thickness | 5 mil |
| Size | 1 gallon |
| Included | Oxygen absorbers |
| Rating | 8/10 |
- Dry-Packs 10″x14″ Mylar Bags
When space isn’t an issue and you need serious long-term food storage, Dry-Packs offers these generously-sized 7 mil bags. The thick, puncture-resistant material is designed to withstand almost anything and keep contents safe for years to come.
These bags are perfect for jumbo quantities of rice, flour, oats, and other staples. Some reviews mention occasional sealing challenges, but overall they’re a quality product for bulk storage. Just be sure to grab some oxygen absorbers separately.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bag Thickness | 7 mil |
| Size | 10″x14″ (approx. 1 gallon) |
| Included | None |
| Rating | 7/10 |
- PackFreshUSA 5 Gallon Mylar Bags
If you really want to go big with your emergency food storage, the massive 5 gallon size from PackFreshUSA can’t be beaten. Using strong 6 mil mylar, these bags let you stockpile huge amounts while still being fairly economical.
This reputable brand has garnered excellent reviews across the board for quality and longevity. While oxygen absorbers aren’t included, their superior oxygen barrier does an impressive job on its own when properly sealed.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bag Thickness | 6 mil |
| Size | 5 gallon |
| Included | None |
| Rating | 8/10 |
- Wallaby Mylar Bag Bundle
For those needing vacuum sealed pouches of varying capacities, Wallaby offers a fantastic bundle. You get durable 4.5 mil bags in 1 gallon, 2 gallon, and 5 gallon sizes, plus oxygen absorbers for each.
This set is incredibly versatile for organizing different quantities and types of food. While not the thickest material, the 4.5 mil mylar is still plenty sturdy for most uses. If you want convenience and value, Wallaby’s bundle is hard to beat.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bag Thickness | 4.5 mil |
| Sizes | 1, 2, and 5 gallon |
| Included | Oxygen absorbers |
| Rating | 9/10 |
- Oxy-Sorb Oxygen Absorbers & Mylar Bags
This combo pack from Oxy-Sorb really streamlines the emergency food storage process by including high-quality mylar bags and oxygen absorber packets. You get 20 1-gallon 6 mil bags and 20 absorbers at a very appealing bundle price.
While limited to just the 1-gallon size, these make great options for preparedness essentials like rice, beans, flour, and other dried staples. Some mixed reviews on sealing reliability, but overall a cost-effective way to get started.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bag Thickness | 6 mil |
| Size | 1 gallon |
| Included | Oxygen absorbers |
| Rating | 7/10 |
- Pleasant Grove Farm 7 Mil Mylar Bags
Truly built to withstand anything, these 7 mil bags from Pleasant Grove Farm offer maximum protection for your goods. Their thick, opaque construction creates an impenetrable barrier against light, air, moisture, and even rodents or insects.
BEST OVERALL
Pleasant Grove Farm 7 Mil Mylar Bags
BOTTOM LINE: You’ll pay a premium for this level of quality, but it’s worth it for true long-term food preservation. The only downside is they can’t easily be re-sealed after opening. But for initial storage, these are some of the best mylar bags money can buy.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bag Thickness | 7 mil |
| Size | Various sizes available |
| Included | None |
| Rating | 9/10 |
- Harvest Right 50-Pack Mylar Bags
Created specifically for use with Harvest Right’s acclaimed freeze dryers, these specialized bags let you store freeze dried foods for over 25 years. Each 1 pint bag includes an oxygen absorber and humidity indicator card.
While the small 1 pint size is limiting for certain applications, they’re perfect for maximizing the shelf life of delicate freeze dried items. The quality construction and accessories included justify the premium pricing for serious food preservers.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bag Thickness | Not specified |
| Size | 1 pint |
| Included | Oxygen absorbers, humidity cards |
| Rating | 9/10 |
Mylar Bag Sealing Techniques
Proper sealing is absolutely vital when using mylar bags, as even a tiny pinhole can compromise an entire bag’s contents over time. There are a few different techniques to create an airtight seal:
- Heat Sealing: Using an impulse sealer, a heated wire melts the two sides of the bag together to fuse them shut. This is considered the most reliable sealing method.
- Iron Sealing: You can also use a standard clothes iron on its highest setting to flatten and melt the bag’s seal area. Tricky but doable without special equipment.
- Zipper Locks: Some mylar bags incorporate reusable zipper or plastic zipper locks into the design. These are handy for frequently accessing contents while still maintaining an airtight seal.
For best results, ensure the sealing area is clean and free of debris or wrinkles. Always add oxygen absorbers prior to sealing. A quality mylar bag sealer designed specifically for this purpose is a worthwhile investment for preppers.
- Top Mylar Bag Sealer Picks:
- WOWGO Vacuum Sealer Machine
- BESTMAKE Heat Sealer
- Sportsman Vacuum Sealer (for bags up to 15″ wide)
Integrating Mylar Bags into Your Preparedness Plan
Once you have your mylar bags selected and sealed, organizing them into your overall emergency survival strategy is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Establish a Rotation System: Clearly label all bags with packing dates. Set reminders to cycle through and consume the oldest bags first to avoid expiration.
- Create Storage Levels: Use larger mylar bags for storing bulk foods, while smaller pouches hold portions ready for bug out bags or short-term use.
- Combine with Other Methods: Mylar bags pair very well with food-grade buckets, cans, ammo boxes, or bins for added protection and easy stacking/storage.
- Pack Bug Out Bags and Kits: Have lightweight, calorie-dense survival supplies like energy bars, trail mixes, and dehydrated meals pre-bagged in mylar for grab-and-go kits.
- Consider Accessibility: Place most frequently accessed foods towards the front of your pantry or storage area.
Tips for Maximizing Shelf Life
Even with top-quality mylar, there are crucial steps to ensure your food lasts as long as possible:
- Control Temperature & Humidity: Cool, dry, and dark environments help prevent spoilage and maintain nutrition levels. Around 60°F and 15% humidity is ideal. Learn more about temperature control in food storage.
- Use Oxygen Absorbers Properly: Oxygen absorber packs should always be added right before sealing. Follow package directions for correct quantity based on bag size.
- Prioritize Labeling: Clearly label each bag’s contents, packing date, and expected expiration. This aids with rotation and avoids mix-ups.
- Keep an Inventory: A detailed log helps you track what you have and restock in a timely manner. Check for signs of deteriorating bags as well.
- Inspect Bags Regularly: Look for any punctures, leaks, or condensation inside bags that could indicate a compromised seal.
Conclusion
In the world of emergency preparedness and long-term food storage, mylar bags are an indispensable tool. Their superior oxygen barrier and protection against environmental factors allow you to stockpile a sustainable food supply for years to come.
When selecting mylar bags, be sure to consider aspects like thickness, size, included accessories, ease of sealing, and overall quality. Pay close attention to reputable brands and reliable consumer reviews as well.
With the top picks and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a comprehensive, secure food storage system using mylar bags. Stay prepared, and keep those vital survival supplies fresh!
