Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, a strip of material is employed to assist in evacuating a storage bag. Although this venting strip can be used in vacuum sealing any type of plastic bag, in some preferred embodiments the venting strip is used in vacuum sealing storage bags having one or more heat sealable inner layers and one or more outer layers resistant to gas permeation. The venting strip can be apertured and/or can have a textured or rough surface that creates channels between the inside surface of the storage bag and the venting strip, thereby allowing air to exit from the interior of the storage bag. The venting strip can be made at least partially of heat-sealable material, and can melt with heat sealable inner layers of the storage bag when a vacuum sealer applies heat to seal the storage bag.