With all the great suggestions in packing light and packing smarter threads I thought to find more opinions about packing folders. I don't know if Eagle Creek folders are the only brand out there currently.

I have used 2 gallon zip-loc bags, compression bags and packing cubes but this summer I have to REALLY pack smarter and lighter and wondered if packing folders are the answer or just a travel gimmick.

Any yes, I have done my search and only found a thread from 2002. Has anyone used a folder and can give me an opinion or decided not to use them for any reason. Thanks so much, Deborah

What is the weight of the packing folders? Wouldn't you be adding weight?

I'd stick with the zip-loc bags. you can't get much lighter and the TSA can see through them if they check your bags.

I bought packing cubes but don't use them when flying. They weigh more than a lightweight shirt and I'd rather have the shirt.

I use them for blouses and love them. When moving from hotel to hotel on a long trip, I find that my blouses get wrinkled from my repeated digging into my suitcase and the repacking. A packing folder allows me to keep my blouses freer of wrinkles and easily accessible. I take light weight knits on trips, so 6 or more tops easily fit into 1 folder.

Luisah, my packing cubes are really light, they are from Rick Steves and weigh less than a pair of socks. The packing folder weighs 13 ounces as I recall and you are supposed to be able to pack something like 12 to 15 items and then compress them and they won't wrinkle. Can't you tell I believe most everything I read??? Deborah

I take only carry-on luggage and like to keep the bag under 20 lbs. total.

I use the Eagle Creek "pack-it folders" for shirts and blouses so they don't shift in the bag and arrive wrinkle-free. I can fit about 6 shirts in one pack-it folder.

For the rest of my things I use zip-loc baggies. If my luggage gets inspected, my things can be clearly seen through the clear baggies and the inspectors don't actually touch my stuff.

Also, it makes packing and unpacking in hotel rooms easier too. I just toss in the whole baggie rather than individual items.

Hi D.

After having to roll my suitcase down streets and carry it up and down stairs many times, I've become fanatic about packing light. I weigh my packed suitcase and if it's over 25 lbs. something has to come out, so I wouldn't add a 13 oz folder (that seems high, almost a pound, it may be lighter). I have no doubt that packing cubes are efficient, but the plastic bags work best for me. Weight may not be as much of an issue for women who don't have to handle the suitcase much.

I usually take clothing that doesn't wrinkle, but have read suggestions to use dry cleaners bags to protect your clothes.

I'll be watching for other responses and may check on the packing folder for short trips when I wouldn't be as concerned about the weight.

You need to know how much your bag weighs EMPTY. A lot of bags are heavy even when they're empty. My 22" is the lightest one I could find at 6.5 lbs. It's a cheap old one I bought a long time ago.

Sometimes cheap bags are lighter because they don't have all the fancy doodads attached and because they aren't as well constructed or reinforced. But this is okay if you are not planning to check it.

I pack only one pair of shoes. I use a lightweight travel hair dryer. I examine everything I plan on taking and try to figure out a way to eliminate it or to take a lighter, smaller version.

It becomes an interesting challenge.

I like the packing folders a lot and have different sizes, including the small, deeper ones for socks and undies. They keep clothes quite neat and, as people have said, you can put your things into drawers without unpacking them.

They have mesh tops so airport personnel can see into them, and they can lift them up easily without disturbing the suitcase contents. I've had a number of "contents checked" notes and have never been able to tell anyone had been through the luggage.

carolyn, my packing cubes have the mesh on all sides except the bottom and a zipper that completely opens the top.

Is that what you mean when you say your packing folder? I thought the packing folders were like envelopes in which you place all the items within and you couldn't see inside them.

My problem with the ziploc and compression bags is that the clothing squishes unevenly and there can be gaps that I certainly would like to fill with necessary items. I have been using compression bags/ziploc since they were available and realize how heavy you can get a suitcase. I just wondered if the envelope type of folder would be better for me.

Thanks for everyone's opinions. Deborah

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I have used 2 gallon zip-loc bags, compression bags and packing cubes
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i think you have answered your own question...yes, i do believe they are another gimmick like the others you have tried.

packing and living out of a suitcase is always a little awkward and these gimmicks play on peoples' discomfort with suitcases. however, by introducing all these complications, you are making the whole thing...well...more complicated.

my advice is to get a good quality (but not expensive branded) rolling suitcase, a hanging toiletry bag and take only the minimum (repeat wearings as much as you can).

forget the cubes, spheres, tubes, vacuum packs, dehydrators, folders, binders, rollers, stretchers, and polygons.

simplicity has worked for me all over the world ...for business and pleasure.

Yes, mine are mesh with a solid bottom and fold over four ways with a velcro closer. So it's a cube, I guess, and not a folder. Since I fold the flaps over, I suppose I just assumed the wrong name. At any rate, I love them.

No carolyn that does sound like a folder to me. What brand and where did you find them, please. Packing for this trip which includes a wedding is going to give me an ulcer. Proper packing is going to be what saves me. thanks for the info. Deborah

I use the Eagle Creek packing envelopes, which are just as Carolyn describes them---four flaps that fold over and secure with velcro. Because the bottom is rigid, they keep the folded clothing stable and free from mussing (other than the fold lines). I've used them on more than 20 trips and I wouldn't pack without them. Yes, they do add weight, but they have so many advantages I don't worry about that (and I do carry my own bag, including up and down stairs). I take two sizes---the larger one covers the bottom of my 22" bag; the smaller one goes on top of that with room alongside for 2 pair of shoes, and at the front of the bag for my toiletries kit. The large one take pants (2 or 3 pair) and one dress; the smaller one takes 6 or 8 tops. The top layer consists of a packing cube with undies, plus a hairdryer, a rolled-up fleece jacket, and anything else I forgot.

Packing cubes allow you to pack more in less space and they are convenient. But, more in the same space means more weight.

We went to Germany this year with a carry-on bag & day pack for each of us. I just rolled my clothes and stacked them like logs. The bag had a couple pockets that worked for socks and shorts.

It was nice to have something light that could be easily tossed in the overhead rack on the train.

Regards, Gary

I don't use them - my thinking is they add more weight to a suitcase. Both because they must weigh something themselves but also then you can cram more in, making your overall suitcase weight heavier.

Some people swear by them, some would never use them, some folks in between, some of the ziplock persuasion.

Really it's similar to the backpack vs. suitcase vs. duffle bag or great money belt debate, there's no right or wrong... only what works best for you.

I use the packing envelopes and cubes. On our last trip (1 week), I packed 3 pair of pants and assorted tops in the envelope and underwear in the cube (medium size, probably). I also had a toiletries kit. The bag was light enough for me to carry on and haul around the Metro (we used Roissybus from CDG to Opera and Metro to our hotel).

The envelope keeps clothes from getting too wrinkled. My husband also used one for his shirts.

I have used space bags in the past, but mostly for sweaters when traveling to Germany in December.

I used the ziploc bag packing method for several trips, packing one outfit together (pants, top, jacket). This was handy as I could pull out one outfit at a time and not have to dig through the suitcase to find all the parts. Then I bought one of the Eagle Creek medium size envelopes that velcros and began packing in that. It keeps the clothes very orderly. I use the ziplocs for other items - socks, underwear, etc. One bag for each category. It makes packing and unpacking very easy and keeps everything more orderly as you move from place to place. I find it helpful on trips where we are moving from one place to another every two or three days. Obviously, if you stay in one place, it doesn't matter as much. My husband thinks all that is way too much trouble and doesn't use the ziplocs or envelopes. But the time or two that we have had our luggage searched, mine certainly comes out the better. I think it is a matter of opinion as to what is best, so you'll just have to see what works best for you.

Gary, I sometimes start out rolling my clothes and then switch to another method because I never seem to get everything in that I need. I also get concerned that what I need will always be on the bottom

Thank you, I appreciate reading the comments both pro and con. I think I will try the packing envelopes.

I wonder if there are alternatives to Eagle Creek; they are a bit expensive. Does anyone know any other brands? Deborah

Hi all practical packers:
What are "packing folders" and "cubes"? What am i missing? I'm using zip-lock-bags.
Thanks for the enlightenment regarding packing light,and still packing "all the stuff" I think i "need".

You can buy these elsewhere, but here are links to see what they are:

Packing Cubes at Magellans.com
http://www.magellans.com/store/Packi...ersLB147?Args=

Packing Folders at Eagle Creek.com
http://www.eaglecreek.com/packit_folders.html