Space Bags

[MikeBW]

I just bought some of those Space Bags for use in packing. Has anyone used them? Any opinions?

 

[snowgooseltd]

I'd like to hear this asnwer as well. I was under the impression that a vacuum was needed to use them. I think they would be ideal for dirty clothes. Anyone else......?

 

[CarolA]

The packing ones you just roll up to squeeze the air out.

I have used these and was not pleased with the quality. By the second or third use the air was leaking on the seals. I now use Hefty 2.5 gallon zip lock type bags. Work just as well and the seals seem to hold better.

 

[llp479]

I use a combination of the space bags, and the 2.5 gal ziplocks. I use the space bags for the super bulky items, like sweatshirts and jackets, and the ziplocks for clothes. I did this on our last trip with my clothes using a duffle bag, and DH was so impressed with how well things stayed, he's using them for a trip this week.

 

[mikayla'sMom]

I have used the original Space Bags and they were horrible!!! I have used the ones with Samsonite name attached and they work better. I would suggest the kinds that you can roll up and the air escapes throught the bottom. You can still use a vacuum and this actually works better. Seal up top as much as you can around the nozzle and quickly pull nozzle out and seal. Have a great vacation!

 

[songbert]

the 2.5 gal ziploc bags?

 

[madge]

Originally posted by songbert
the 2.5 gal ziploc bags?

 

[doombuggy]

I bought some from QVC called Pack Mate. I have over a dozen of these bags & think they are great! I have been using them for over a year, and mainly use them to store off season clothing. I have traveled with them twice, and the first time I did, I couldn't believe what a difference it makes (re: space in the suit case). You do not need a vacume for these and they come in 4 sizes. I have gotten two sets of the multi packs. I don't have the item number, but you can do a product search on QVC's site. I highly recommend them.

I have seen other brands for sale at places like Bed Bath & Beyond.

 

[sewnmomma]

I'm leaving in 3 weeks for WDW,want to use space bags,but what do clothes look like when you take them out? Are they terribly wrinkled?

 

[llp479]

My clothes weren't any more wrinkled that they are when they're not in bags. I too used the ones from Samsonite.

I buy the 2.5gal ziplocs at my grocery store. Target used to carry them, but they haven't lately. I can get several trips from one bag.

 

[heart4dis]

They keep coming up on these boards. They are hard to find. I've heard of people finding them at Target, Wal-Mart, and various sundry other places. I tried several Target and Wal-Mart locations as well as grocery stores and pharmacies. I discovered that you just have to keep trying. And mention to a manager that you are interested. Wal-mart finally had them in one time I was there. They are now gone. Luckily I bought about 7 boxes!

 

[snowgooseltd]

doombuggy....I was interested in your response. Using these bags for storage would be ideal because I always wash and iron clothing after it's been stored for a period of time anyway so the wrinkles wouldn't matter at that point. Travel is another thing. Although I wouldn't mind wrinkled undergarments ( they take up little room anyway ) and sleeping clothes, I'd be afraid of what my shirts and shorts would look like upon arrival. I always pack our stuff folded so even if they are compressed, they still are presentable. If you used the bags for outside clothing, what were their appearances upon removal from the bags?
Thanks for the idea to go to QVC.com abd do a search. They came up immediately.

 

[doombuggy]

Ok, I found my packing slip for this product, which i ordered from QVC.
Item #F29226 Pack mate Set of 12 space saving storage & travel bags $26.86 [ordered last November, 2nd order]
2 jumbo, 4 large, 4 medium & 2 small.


snowgooseltd: I have found that if the clothes are in there for a few days to a week (I don't pack much earlier than that), they are just fine. After 7 years at TDS, I can fold a mean shirt!
If you are packing something that is linen or even a linen blend, you might have to iron it, but the stuff i have taken with me - mostly 100% cotton & denim - comes out fine. I fold them nicely and put them in the bags, and I don't over stuff. I squeeze as much of the air out as possible (it looks quite comical actually, when I do this) and put the bag in the suitcase. I did find that after being in the bags for months (ie November - early May), the stuff needed to be ironed. Hope this helps!

PS: I believe that QVC sells smaller sets of these bags for under $20 if you want to try them. They also have a 30 day money back guarantee.

 

[yesdisneyfool]

We use a medium space bags for all our dirty laundry. It works great and this allows for those "Disney Treasures" to fit in the suitcase with no problem.

 

[ilovediznee]

No one mentioned Bed, Bath and Beyond and that's where I bought my roll-up Space Bags. I did a trial run to see how many t-shirts I could fit in the medium size bag. I got six in and they came out looking better than just in a suitcase. I personally hang up most items when I get to my hotel, including t-shirts so they have a chance to "de-wrinkle" on their own if needed. I also put together my outfit for the next day so hanging stuff is always easier.

If you have a BBB near you, you also should be getting coupons. I got two boxes at 20% off each with coupons.

Hope this helps!!

 

[Taja]

I have several brands of the travel and storage bags. One set of PackMate bags from QVC has been in service for four years, with a dozen or so trips per year.

So far, the PackMate bags are my favorite brand. When packing clothing for travel, fold or roll your clothing carefully and insert them in the bag as evenly as possible. Close the bag and remove the excess air.

I've used them for everything (including silk separates) except formal gowns, and garments actually wrinkle less in the bags if packed properly than when loose in my luggage. Linen probably would wrinkle significantly, but it wrinkles if you breathe on it!

For my December trip to WDW, I'm planning to wear my jacket (reversible sweatshirt fleece/water repellant shell) to the airport (very early morning), then compress it into a travel bag and tuck it into my carry-on bag for the flight before boarding. I have a bad habit of losing coats and jackets!

Hope this helps!


Taja

 

[frannn]

months ago, but have seen them there afterwards. I don't recall how many or what I paid, but Costco prices are pretty decent. I also won a set of about 30 various sizes from ebay at a great price! I noticed the air tends to somehow expand the bag a bit after a day or so, but I did overstuff them. They seemed more for organizational purposes then to make room, because I found that even though I had extra room in my luggage, the bag was at the weight limit. So, be careful with the bag's weight, even if you have lots of extra room.

 

[Pixied Dusted]

I hate those space bags - they leak and the "zippers" break. Wish I saved the receipt from my purchase at BB&B. Never used them for travel -only to store blankets and clothing.

Love the 2.5 gallon bag idea Try looking for them on ebay or the Internet. It's amazing the stuff I've found there that I could't find elsewhere.

I roll tee shirts and find that keeps wrinkles to a minimum. I also pack slacks in dry cleaning bags and then fold -that is a good wrinkle buster too.

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by Pixied Dusted
I hate those space bags - they leak and the "zippers" break. Wish I saved the receipt from my purchase at BB&B. Never used them for travel -only to store blankets and clothing.

Love the 2.5 gallon bag idea Try looking for them on ebay or the Internet. It's amazing the stuff I've found there that I could't find elsewhere.

I roll tee shirts and find that keeps wrinkles to a minimum. I also pack slacks in dry cleaning bags and then fold -that is a good wrinkle buster too.

I agree with the leaking. I bought the kind you use the vaccum with (for things around the house) and I sealed them tight with the zipper and they have all leaked!! I'm so dissapointed. I'm sending them back to QVC on Monday.

I have also ordered the Packmate bags from QVC and was not impressed with those either. I found it nearly impossible to fit a lot of clothes in the bag and still be able to roll the air out. I returned those as well. I'm going to try the 2.5 gallon bags If I can find them!

 

[doombuggy]

I have seen space bags at Bed, Bath & Beyond, as previously mentioned, but I did not buy them there.

I have never had a problem with leaks with the Pack-Mate bags. There are directions on the bags for use (instructions), and it does say "Leave at least four inches of space between the packed items and the zipper. Avoid overstuffing the bag." I usually do that, so that is probably why I have had no problems. As I mentioned, I use them mostly for off season storage, in plastic bins, and my larges suitcases. I sure don't want any attic "critters" getting in there!