If I vacseal smaller packs of steelcutoats using foodsaverbags can I skip putting oxygen absorber in each if I add absorber2mylarbucket

How long do you plan to stockpile the oats?

I am not sure the Food Saver bags are rated for super long term. If going long, I would get mylar bags that are at least 5 mils thick. They are not too expensive. And most vacsealers can fuse the mylar.

https://www.usaemergencysupply.com/emergency-supplies/food-storage-equipment/mylar-bags-for-food-storage

https://www.usaemergencysupply.com/information-center/packing-your-own-food-storage/oxygen-absorbers-and-long-term-food-storage

https://www.happypreppers.com/oxygen-absorbers.html

Hope this would help.

Hello East Tennessee,

The mylar bags, vac'd, and oxygen absorbed should keep it good for 10+.

I am not sure about the Food Saver bags since they are very thin and am not sure their life span before they start cracking or failing. I think the Food Saver bags are normally used for keeping foods for less than a couple of years and are normally used in freezers.

I will send you the link if I can locate it again. I read that the absrober are designed to take up 3% of the remaining oxgen in the bag, so vaccuum seal is probably a good idea to take out as much out of the bag as possible.

If you are rotating out, instead of putting the food in single serving bags, put them in larger bags so when you break the seal you will consume the goods, say, in a couple of weeks or slightly more depending on the product. This way you will save yourself on the oxy absorbers. This is just a suggestion. Adjust according to your needs, like Bear always reminds everyone. Understand the concept and adapt. :-)

I hope this helps a little more. Let me know. We can discuss further.

Jack

Also, the shiny mylar bags actually has a layer of aluminum as a light barrier.

The enemies of long term preservation are light, temperature, moisture, and oxygen. This is the reason many items are recommended to be store is a cool, dry and dark place.

Best,

Jack