Sometimes, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to everyday household items. If you happen to have one of these objects with amazing seconds uses around, then it can come in handy when SHTF. And grocery bags are no exception. 

That’s right, plain grocery bags have survival secrets in them, and here they’ve been discovered for you. These simple plastic bags have so many extra uses that make them extremely helpful when you’re put in a bad situation. When you learn these, you might just be calling the common grocery bag your new survival best friend. 

Sure, these bags carry things well, but these other uses are even more helpful, and potentially life-saving. From a way for helping with sleep, to a method to stay warm, these grocery bags can do so many things, adapting for whatever use you need. They can even become a cheap and easily stored alternative for some survival gear. Better stock up on a few next time you head out into the wild. 

Here are 6 great survival uses for grocery bags, thanks to the folks from Survival Frog.

1 – Makeshift Poncho

To keep dry in the rain, you can cut up a bunch of grocery bags, tape them together and make a DIY poncho.

2 – Cover Your Wipers

If a snowstorm is heading your way, simply tie plastic grocery bags around each wiper blade. You can also use these bags to cover your side mirrors before a storm hits. This will help protect your car from retaining a buildup of snow and ice.

3 – Makeshift Pillow

When you’re getting ready to sleep at night, simply grab your handy plastic grocery bag and stuff it with leaves or soft tree needles (especially Eastern White Pine or Douglas Fir needles). To make a bigger pillow, simply stuff multiple bags and then tape them together.

4 – DIY Insulation

If your bug out shelter gets drafty, you can line the roof and walls with grocery bags. This will help keep the wind and rain out, and keep the heat in. You can also use these around your drafty windows for added insulation.

5 – Waterproof Your Shoes

If you get caught in a rainstorm and didn’t come prepared with waterproof shoes/boots, simply take a grocery bag and slip your foot inside. Tie the bag around your ankle, and this should protect your feet from getting wet.

6 – Tie Down Your Shelter

If you’re using a tarp with eyelets, simply roll up the plastic grocery bag and slide it through the eyelet. Then tie the bag around a tree branch in order to secure your shelter.

That’s 6 incredible survival uses for grocery bags that’ll definitely come in handy when SHTF. Bring a few on your next trek! 

For more survival info and tips, check out Survival Frog.