Everyone thinks the Swiss Army knife is the universal tool. Not so fast. I’d like to nominate the zip lock bag.

Zip locks can to almost anything for an Appalachian Trail hiker. They help keep any number of things organized and dry – say your socks, food, first aid items and so much more.

Then there’s cooking. From oatmeal to Ramen, you can cook almost anything in them. Put in the food and just add boiling water. Presto!

Just today I was trying to get water from a slow running spring. I couldn’t get my water bottle in position to get any water. Out came my handy zip lock and the bottle was full in a jiffy.

Let’s hear it for the zip lock bag. It’s a hiker’s best friend and maybe his most useful tool.