DIY Desiccant Packs

I make my own desiccant packages, not only to save a ton of money but also to make them specific to the space I want to control the humidity.
With very basic sewing abilities, you can make your own. You can scale this basic design up or down as you wish, making this system perfect for small spaces like camera bags and ammo cans, to large spaces such as gun safes.
And all the material is available locally for very little cost.
#BackPackHack #Desiccant

[@jimmesser4412]

As far as drying, I prefer the microwave. A couple of minutes on high, put the pack under a Pyrex bowl or something like that, and when the bowl doesn't fog up, you're good to go.

[@sarahgodbout8372]

Everything about this video is awesome but I especially LOVE that you know how (and are willing) to use a sewing machine. Very impressed! Thanks for the easy DIY. I'm going to use a stapler and staple my edges... or perhaps try hand sewing.

[@jimmesser4412]

I'd advise against staples. If you staple it closed, you can't use the microwave to dry it out.

[@jimburianek685]

Cut the top off a soda bottle and you will have a better funnel. Nice project, thanks for the idea.

[@roderickconstantino5354]

Exactly what i was looking for. Thank you!

[@eschybach]

Awesome, thanks!

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Awesome idea. KISS. Thank you.

[@jasonchance9952]

Have you thought about selling these? I'd be willing to buy because I'm sure most people can't or don't such as myself and besides that they are much better quality than the typical cat litter and coffee filter version. Great video!

[@BackPackHack]

I don't want to start selling them. They're so easy to make that most people would make them themselves.

[@sherylldupuis4330]

If it just says silica. But doesnt say gel. Is it the same. ???? Great video. TFS. ❤️

[@HuntingCreatures]

Now I'm curious, would this desiccant powder work with the same results on a dry fly to absorbe the water and dress it ready for another trout battle? I guess I will get a bag and give it a test.

[@philrc1]

Use knee high stockings and just tie in a knot when you put as much silica in it as you want. It costs a little more ,10 pair (20 stockings) is around $5-$6. Also, white rice has tested to be just as effective as a desiccant, if silica isn't available (and it's a hidden food source when all else fails(LOL))

[@joebrewer5885]

Great idea, I would like to know how to verify it's working. Since it is in a enclosed bag are you just guessing that it works, when to regenerate, was kitty liter dry to start with, since they aren't selling it for a dessicant it may already be full of moisture.

[@BackPackHack]

Weight. If you take some dry granules and weigh it with a scale, then add some tap water, you'll get more weight. I found these little packets can hold up to a tablespoon of moisture. As they absorb moisture, they get heavier. Being closed in the ammo cans most of the time, they don't have much moist air they're exposed to. I just take them out every year and dry them out in a 175° oven for a couple hours. The bags aren't 'enclosed', it's just plain cotton fabric. How much to use depends on how often you plan on drying them out. If it's going to be a long time, you'll need more material.

[@steevegirard8264]

How do you open these bags to put the gel in the oven? Coton will get fire iguess, directly like that...

[@BackPackHack]

Turn the temp setting down.

[@mikerocha172]

Thanks for a great money saving video. I use desiccant packages in the way you talk about in your video ... toolboxes, closets, etc. Can you comment on desiccant for food use cases?

[@joebrewer5885]

How do you determine size of bags needed for the space you put them in?

[@BackPackHack]

Originally it was strictly a guesstimate. I figure there's far more in one of these DIY packages than the little paper packages you get when you buy a electronic items like a printer or such.

[@dinodon1]

How long does it need to be changed or can you recharge?

[@dinodon1]

Also, 12 hours???? Many say 2 hours in the oven??

[@BackPackHack]

@@dinodon1 : I do 2-3 hours in the oven at 170°F annually. You may need to do it more frequently as it would depend on how much humidity they're exposed to.

[@tcarpenter386]

can these be used to store books

[@JodBronson]

YES!

[@MK-mj9gx]

Have you tried leather?

[@SeymourKitty]

How do you know when it's time to change it?

[@BackPackHack]

I put all of them into the oven once a year.

[@undefined--]

What's the tissue?

[@BackPackHack]

What tissue?