Very Easy and Quick Stuff Sack from Used Postal Tyvek EnvelopeEnvelope

**Pipsissewa** · 05-31-2012, 05:53

Does anyone wash the Tyvek envelope to soften it before making a stuff sack out of it?

Thanks for this idea. I'm going to have to try this!

**oldgringo** · 05-31-2012, 06:15

Back in the day, I was flying off of a patrolling Coast Guard Cutter somewhere between Port Au Prince and Miami, when I located a boat loaded with Haitian refugees...nearly 200 wretched, desperate, souls. The boat was wooden, small...maybe 50-60 feet long, and open. No more than a skiff, really. The mast was the trunk of what looked to be a pine tree, the bark still on. And the sail: a bunch of canvas sacks that had been cut open and then crudely hand-stitched back together. You guessed it: U.S. Mail.

**thesergeant** · 05-31-2012, 12:32

^^that's wild!

"Does anyone wash the Tyvek envelope to soften it before making a stuff sack out of it?"

I don't wash it, just hand crinkle it to soften it up. Depending on how much you're working with it can take a little bit of time. Some guys on BPL have made Bivys and hand crinkled the tyvek. That would take forever.

**Tonks** · 05-31-2012, 12:52

The zippered ones look great! The zipper is beyond my capabilities right now. Are they heavier or lighter than velcro?

I don't usually wash the envelopes because they are pretty soft from mailing. I just gor another one today.

**thesergeant** · 05-31-2012, 14:19

Originally Posted by Tonks

The zippered ones look great! The zipper is beyond my capabilities right now. Are they heavier or lighter than velcro?

I don't usually wash the envelopes because they are pretty soft from mailing. I just gor another one today.

Thanks. putting the zipper on it's bad actually. Give it a shot!

I'd say the #3 is extremely close in weight to velcro, #5 probably a little heavier. I didn't want to use velcro because the hook side would catch on the noseem snake skin on my tarp. A draw string bag would be just as effective though.

**SoundMan** · 05-31-2012, 14:53

I have just secured (2) nice FedEx Large envelopes from our shipping department.

**dave p** · 05-31-2012, 20:08

Originally Posted by thesergeant

I made a zippered storage bag for my tarp/hammock/suspension out of tyvek (same materials as USPS envelopes). I ended up replacing it with a Ripstop version but there really wasn't a need to. Tyvek has held up great. Also made a frame bag out of used envelopes. You've reminded me I need a few drawstring stuff sacks. Nice tutorial!

That Fargo frame bag is awesome! Might have to try a half bag for my crosscheck, this summer.

**Tonks** · 05-31-2012, 20:57

That is an awesome bag.

**JBRanger** · 05-31-2012, 21:32

Mine isn't as fancy but it's for my Zelph Woodgaz stove.

**PowderKEG** · 06-01-2012, 00:12

I just made one of these. I am sitting at the office babysitting some computers and decided to raid the supply cabinet. One brand new tyvek(non postal) bag, 1 ID lanyard, some masking tape and a scissors and voila I have a new stuff sack. The masking tape sticks rather well even after scrunching the bag up to soften it. I know this is now long term bag but it is a good cheap scout project. I even squared off the bottom so it stands on its own.