Plastic compression bag or Eagle Creek Packing Folder?

[pxlbarrel]

So, ok .... what do you use (if you use anything)?

I've been using those plastic bags you squeeze the air out ... I end up flopping on it to get the air out (it's like a belly flop but with no water).

But ... I've been looking at those packing organizers (I was looking at those Coolmax blankets online and the organizers were being sold on this website too)...
They look like they could work too!

So ... plastic bag or packing folder? (or both!??? LOL)

 

[k5jm]

We use the Eagle Creek Packit Folders exclusively. I love them and have used them for years. They have a folding board so that you can repack your dirty clothes in them so save space. They were fantastic when we went to Europe!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I use the e-bags packing cubes and absolutely love them.

 

[OKW Lover]

We don't use anything. We do use a couple of tricks, like filling the inside of shoes with small items (socks, etc) to take advantage of otherwise "lost" room.

This is also a good tip for when you're bringing home those souvenir glasses/coffee mugs.

 

[pxlbarrel]

I have used the plastic compression bags ... mostly because I like my stuff smelling fresh and laundered when I take them out. (Yes, I'm anal about the smells). But what I've found is that when you take all the air out, your nice fluffy clothes becomes hard as rocks and are pretty useless if you're trying to cushion something in your suitcase. And taking a shirt or pants out one at a time is almost impossible ... everything comes out with it.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I don't us compression bags or packing cube, but I do like the fresh smell.

Try putting a dryer fabric softener sheet in between layers of clothing.

When putting suitcases away, I always leave one or two of the hotel sized bars of soap in the suitcase prior to storing them.

 

[OKW Lover]

When putting suitcases away, I always leave one or two of the hotel sized bars of soap in the suitcase prior to storing them.

Never heard of this one before, but I like it!!!! Will have to try that...if we ever stop traveling long enough to put suitcases away. Do you take the soap out of the wrapper?

 

[DisneyKevin]

Do you take the soap out of the wrapper?

We unwrap the soaps and just leave them in the suitcase.

Makes the case smell nice when you re-open it.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I roll my clothes and use ziploc bags for undergarments. I fold them neatly and then sit on the ziplock bag to get all the air out before closing them.
I use one for the clean items and one for the used items. In the one for used items, I put a dryer sheet.

I tuck socks in my spare shoes or along the sides of the suitcase.

If I have something fragile that needs to be protected (like my small magnifying mirror) , I'll put it in a ziploc bag (in case it breaks so I won't have broken pieces in my clothes) and then wrap a clothing article around it.

When I store my suitcases, I put a dryer sheet in them and it keeps them smelling fresh in the attic.

It took me a few years to come up with these but they do work for me.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I don't us compression bags or packing cube, but I do like the fresh smell.

Try putting a dryer fabric softener sheet in between layers of clothing.

When putting suitcases away, I always leave one or two of the hotel sized bars of soap in the suitcase prior to storing them.

I do this too! I leave the bars of soap from the hotel in my suitcase so when I open it again I get a big whiff of vacation.

I use the smaller packing cubes for things, but for clothes I use the compression bags. Have to check out the Eagle packing thing.

 

[mdvlprof]

We don't use anything. We do use a couple of tricks, like filling the inside of shoes with small items (socks, etc) to take advantage of otherwise "lost" room.

This is also a good tip for when you're bringing home those souvenir glasses/coffee mugs.

We don't use cubes, folders, bags, either. Not a clothes horse, so by mixing and matching [and careful packing] - just got back from a 12 day cruise [no washers DCL is so much better in many ways] with a carry-on suitcase. And I'm not a small person.

So did DD and DS [tho Wheel's medical stuff takes a suitcase, too, but there's no helping that].

 

[mdvlprof]

I don't us compression bags or packing cube, but I do like the fresh smell.

Try putting a dryer fabric softener sheet in between layers of clothing.

When putting suitcases away, I always leave one or two of the hotel sized bars of soap in the suitcase prior to storing them.

Good idea. Learn something new every day.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

I bought some Eagle Creek packing folders before our Europe trip and I will never travel without them again. They were great! I just ordered 2 more sets for the kids since they were on clearance.

I love the soap idea, Kevin!

Laurie

 

[sshaw10060]

We're huge fans of the Eagle Creek folding packers. They're great. Especially if you're making multiple stops. You just use one for each stop. We also use packing cubes as well.

 

[mattincanberra]

I use the Eagle Creek packing folders, a well as packing cubes (mine are from tumi but I don't think it really matters).

I use gallon zip lock storage bags to keep cords, medication etc together in my carry on.

My travel often requires a range of clothes for a range of climates so the packing cubes are great for differentiating weekend wear from work stuff. They also help keep things like belts, ties and cuff links together.

I too keep a bar o hotel soap in my bag, and a travel size bottle of magical de wrinkling spray.

Matt