Space Bags vs. Packing Cubes

[nkereina]

I am the WORST packer on the planet.

After reading the boards, I've invested in two things to try for our next trip in November: Packing Cubes (by eBags) and the Ziplock Space Bags that allow you to roll out the air for flat packing. I only intend to use one but have been indecisive on which method to go with.

Which method do you prefer and why? And do you fold or roll? I can't decide which I'd rather use. I feel like I could pack more with the bags and the amount of space they'd save, plus I love the idea that the clothes are protected if the bags get wet. But I like the cubes for keeping all pants in one, underwear/socks in another, etc. and I like the idea of pulling the cubes out and putting them in the drawers at the hotel - simple unpacking.

For those who use cubes, how do you pack up dirty clothes at the end?

Decisions, decisions

 

[iheartglaciers]

You'll probably fit more with the space bags, but they will wrinkle your clothes. So you'll probably have to iron when you get there (obviously not socks, underwear, etc).

Personally I roll my clothes and use packing cubes. This helps with wrinkling and organization (especially for trips where you're in more than one hotel/location because you can get certain items out without messing up the whole luggage).

I thought I was able to fit more into my luggage without the packing cubes--just rolling. But my luggage was pretty disorganized without the cubes. Eagle Creek makes the Spector cubes which have compression built in. This will help save space, but will wrinkle the clothes (though maybe not as much as the space bags).

So if space is an important issue, I'd go with just rolling and putting directly into the suitcase. If space isn't that big of an issue, I'd go with the packing cubes because they are really nice for keeping things tidy.

For dirty clothes I ended up just putting the dirty stuff in plastic bags and not using the cubes on the way back. Otherwise you could use the cubes and just wash them when you get home.

 

[iheartglaciers]

I'll also add that I find rolling is a big space saver unless you wear large clothes. I tried to pack my dad's suitcase for him and rolling didn't save as much space as it does for my luggage. He is 6 feet tall.

 

[robinb]

I have used both. I have old Space Bags from Samsonite and I also have packing cubes from eBags. I transitioned over to packing cubes. I just didn't think the Space Bags did a particularly good job.

I usually roll my clothes inside the cubes but sometimes I just fold them.

 

[nkereina]

Thanks for the tips!

Any tips on rolling clothes? I find that my clothes come out MORE wrinkled when I've rolled them in the past, but maybe that was because they shifted around? I'm assuming the cubes keep things tight which may help prevent wrinkles...

 

[fairy oma]

I used to utilize the space bags but I was swayed on our last WDW trip to switch over to packing cubes and I will not go back to the space bags except for the dirty underthings. The packing cubes make unpacking a breeze; the clothes are not wrinkled, and as we take off the clothes I place them in the appropriate cube for the return trip home each morning while everyone is getting ready. This makes packing to go home so much less time consuming and leaves more time in the parks.

I try to use a different color of cube for each family member.

I usually throw them in the laundry after unpacking at home (they wash beautifully) and they are ready for your next trip.

 

[iheartglaciers]

Thanks for the tips!

Any tips on rolling clothes? I find that my clothes come out MORE wrinkled when I've rolled them in the past, but maybe that was because they shifted around? I'm assuming the cubes keep things tight which may help prevent wrinkles...

The cubes definitely help. To prevent wrinkling, try to smooth out any wrinkles before rolling. Then roll tight (but not too tight) and then tug the ends of the rolls to take out any remaining wrinkles that you can. That helps a lot.

If there's something that wrinkles easily, I put tissue paper on the bottom and top of the piece of clothing before rolling.

 

[lylone]

I have packing cubes from ebags and they are not at all waterproof. Space bags are. If u use the cubes and your luggage gets left out in the rain during transport, your clothes and the bags will be wet.
I prefer the packing cubes anyway. Squeezing air out of the space bags are a pain!

 

[MataHari22]

I do a combination of rolling and the bundle when I pack. I find the bundle method fits more clothes and has less wrinkles. I started doing this years ago when I traveled with suits and business clothes and it always worked well.
I pack all my undergarments in a space saver bag and then use that for the middle of my bundle. Or, I have used rolled up jeans if packing for cooler weather as the middle of my bundle.

I bring another space saver bag and put the dirty clothes in there and press out all the air, then I have room for any souvenirs in my luggage on the trip home.
Works well, and I only bring one carry on. Never check my luggage.

Here is how to bundle:

http://www.onebag.com/pack.html

 

[cattywampus]

Good old fashioned gallon ziplock bags.

Fit an entire kid or small adult outfit in a bag (shirt, shorts, underwear, socks). Squeeze out the air and go. At the hotel, pull a bag and get dressed quickly. Major bonus: kids can easily dress themselves while you do other things. Reuse zip locks in parks to keep wallets, electronics dry on water rides or rainstorms; store leftovers; etc.

I also can pull out a change of clothes to go into parks in backpack/stroller bag and or keep a sweatshirt flat. At bag check, can easily remove flat ziplock with extra clothes, so CM can see inside and then easily repack bag.

 

[Radiorox]

Space Bags. Especially when I am taking a larger jacket or sweater. Awesome for dirty clothes too. Since it seals, it won't stink up your suitcase.

 

[MarJose]

The packing cubes I use which are by Dot&Dot are double sided. I put clean clothes on one side and dirty clothes on the other. I roll my clothes and put them inside the cube. I used to just use zip lock bags and flatten it to remove the air but my clothes get all wrinkled.

 

[sarahtar]

We use the space bags a lot, but never for clothes. I use them for jackets/sweatshirts. For pillows (when camping). Stuff like that that is both fluffy (thus squishable) and non-wrinkling. I don't own the cubes but have wanted to for a while. I've made my own homemade version, though.