Knowing how to fold a bag is as important as the bag itself. Hear me out. How many times have you been to the grocery store only to tell the cashier you forgot a bag, therefore rendering your “reusable” bag useless. I think the old adage applies here — “the best knife [bag], is the one on you.” I’d like to equip my readers with systems and knowledge —beyond all of the glitz and glam of flashy gear — to carry smarter and more effectively. At the core of everyday carry (EDC) is having access to the right gear at the right time. While I understand the desire to go light as possible, it is finding the balance of gear to weight/real estate that’s the magic sauce. This is where a folding bag shines.

A folded bag takes up little space and can be nested within another bag or pocket until called upon to expand your carry volume. This may not be a glamorous topic but putting in the time and effort to fold a bag at the end of every use, changed my entire outlook on carry — being able to segment the loads as much as possible.

“Not preparing, is preparing to fail.”

Folding a humble plastic bag is what inspired this post. It’s the type of simple, elegant, functionality that I love and everyone can use more of. So why are we talking about this shit? Well quite simply, it’s about optimizing your available space. For example, when I’m at a grocery store, I can have up to 4-5 of these little triangles in my back pocket. I just pop them open as needed — no fumbling around, and no new bags to bring home. This is a must for those carrying slings or purses — I just keep one or two in a pocket in case I swing by the local taqueria or hardware store on the way home, etc.

Beyond the plastic bag, there are totes if you have larger carry demands. So if you’re loading out a larger bag, throw in a folded tote for the additional volume, and for slings /pocket carry a triangle or two of the plastic bags.

How to Fold Plastic Bags

1. Begin by folding the bag in quarters, length-wise — so that the two edges meet in the center.

2. Fold the handles over — the handles will be used as “adjusters” to add or remove length later at the final step.

3. Fold the bag down the middle, so the bag should be a quarter-wide now.

4. Fold one corner over to start the triangle. Continue folding — end over end —until you have about one section left.

5. Test fold the last section over the triangle to see how much adjustment you’ll need — we’re aiming for at least half or ¾ insertion depth

6. Fold the remaining portion, roughly the same shape as the triangle (hypotenuse angle is the most important), then tuck it into the outer-most fold.

How to Fold Totes

1. Fold the handles down

2. Fold the bag into thirds, length wise

3. Next, fold the tote into thirds, width wise

4. Tuck one end into the other, by opening the top fold

5. Adjust and smash as flat as possible

Tips of the week:

A plastic bag has a million use cases, ranging from mild everyday stuff to hardcore survival situations. It’s smart to have a few of varying sizes/materials on hand. For example:

Survival

1. Water filtration

   • Solar evaporative still

   • Particle filtration

   • Condensate collection from trees/shrubs

2. Additional PPE (personal protective equipment): keeps your head and feet dry in a downpour and torso warm (trash bag)

Everyday

• Barf bag

• Butt protection when sitting/kneeling on dirty surfaces

• Dirty laundry/shoes catch-all

• Strangulation tool (jk)

• Groceries / purchase hauling

• Foraging

• Defensive weapon (doubled up, filled with something heavy)

Carry News

Notabag

This Notabag is not new in Europe but I have yet to see it discussed in American-EDC circles. It’s a clever bag that folds into itself, but can also be worn as a back pack or shoulder carry tote — just by pulling the straps. I had one on a trip to Taiwan a few years ago and the lightweight really saved me from back-sweats. Check it!

Dangle Supply x Topo Designs

Two of my favorite companies come together for a special musette bag, constructed of Dyneema. Dyneema, by weight is strong as steel, but is ultra light weight, weather proof, and packable. Fold this up and toss it into your bag for travel. Check it!

Dump of the Week

I like the uniqueness of this carry. From the added “impact ring,” of the sharpie cap to the “french fry fork,” rocks_79 on Reddit keeps it fun and quirky

• UG-Tools Sharpie cap

• Victorinox Pioneer Alox with UG-Tools Skull Bead

• UG-Tools French Fry Fork

• UG-Tools Tiny Sheepfoot fixie blade

"Always carry the extra bags. Sometimes they’re full of stories, sometimes survival."