be sure to click on the http links, not the "Creek.com"--that's not the right place

Parfym, let me tell you what I know ;;) I have packing cubes purchased from Rick Steves site, Eagle Creek also has them.

I have two sizes. Mine is a rectangular "cube". It has a solid black bottom and sides made out of black mesh netting. There is a cover on the top that is attached with a zipper that zips on 3 sides. Inside you can place items you don't want floating around in you luggage. I will stuff the small one with knit shirts, underwear, hose, etc It is 6x10 inches x 4.5 inches deep. My large one is 10x13 x 4.5 inches.

On a car trip for Easter, I used the large one for my curling iron, travel hair dryer, make up bag and jewelry plus belts.

I don't have a folder (envelope) type and wanted to know what kind of experiences people have had with them. Eagle Creek seems to have the only folders. You can get more information (and most likely a better description than mine) on their web site. Deborah

I'm suprised at how many women take hair dryers. I think I've been in one hotel in the past several years that didn't have one in the bathroom and then I borrowed one at the desk.

DeborahAnn, Since you'll be going to a wedding I understand why you're considering a packing folder if they keep your clothes wrinkle-free.

Good luck with the packing.

Luisah, when I go to Europe my preference is rural inns, small B&B's or gites, so I always take a hair dryer because they are seldom provided.

Yes, I am considering the packing folders; although I always try to pack light this trip is giving me nightmares. A wedding in the South of France, followed by over a week in the Alps & Lyon followed by a week in Paris at a language school. There might be a super packer out there to get all that in a carryon---but it's not me ;;) Deborah

Sometimes mid-trip I have sent a box of clothes home (like if you are traveling in two different climates, or for your dressier wedding stuff?). I just sort thru my suitcase and take a shopping bag of stuff to the post office, buy a box from them, pack it, and send it to myself at home.

suze, I considered that but thought it was quite expensive. What has been your experience sending things home? Where were you staying when you did this?

I was just looking at the Eagle Creek website and saw a Pack it folder, full length for two suits and full length dresses. I'm also considering that as our usual garment bag has all the outside pockets which makes it a burly piece of luggage. Appreciate your suggestions, Deborah

For all you Eagle Creek Pack It fans-I just went on the stie and noticed that they are offering a rebate at the moment:

http://www.eaglecreek.com/packit_rebate.html

1. Purchase any Eagle Creek Pack-It® products between April 1 and May 31, 2006.
If you purchase:

* Between $25.00 and $49.99 in Eagle Creek Pack-It® products you qualify
for a $5.00 Rebate
* Between $50.00 and $99.99 in Eagle Creek Pack-It® products you qualify
for a $10.00 Rebate
* Between $100.00 or more in Eagle Creek Pack-It® products you qualify for a $25.00 Rebate

DeborahAnn,

It sounds like a wonderful trip, but definitely a packing challenge considering the climate changes. I would not be able to pack for a trip like that in a 22" carryon.

Two years ago I spent several weeks in Europe and needed a mix of clothing. I mailed two boxes home, one from Arles and one from Marseille.

I think the box from Arles was around $70, but was fairly large and heavy, not only with some of my lighter clothes, but with stuff I'd bought there, including shoes. I did not buy the post office box. The shops in Arles put boxes outside after they'd unpacked the merchandise. There was a variety of sizes of clean--used once boxes.

Just before I left for Prague I was in a store in Marseille and saw a clerk unpacking boxes and breaking them down. I asked if I could have one and she said "sure" so I sent more clothing home. I don't remember the cost, but it was less than the first.

Be sure to specify "economique." It took about a month to five weeks for delivery.

If you're not going to wear the outfit for the wedding again, you might ship it home with whatever else you won't need for the remainder of the trip.

I'm sure you'll work it out and have a great time.

Teeny question, but I'm curious. When you use a box you found or from a store, do you go buy tape? How do you get it sealed for mailing? (That's what was handy using everything at the post office.)

Hi Suze,

It was really funny. Before I had decided to mail stuff home I went to the street market in Arles and saw a table loaded with wide rolls of tape for 1 euro. I bought one thinking I'd use it for something and of course I did.

I probably would have found tape in Monoprix but I'm sure it would have cost more for a smaller roll. I used it for something other than mailing in Prague (probably around bubblewrap) and left it on the table when I checked out. Not a big deal, but I think of it when I have to pay $3 - $4 here for a roll a quarter of the size.

I use my (smaller) pack-it cubes religiously. DeborahAnn, I was surprised at how large yours are! I have one the size of your small one but half as deep, and one half that size (same depth as the other). I don't think I've seen one as deep as 4".

I also bought a folder once as a trial; I do use it, but not on every trip. (I find rolling my clothes is less time-consuming than folding to fit the folder, but that's just me.) It's great for all the reasons stated earlier: no wrinkles, no messing around in the suitcase, and unpacking in multiple hotels is much easier.

I use the cubes for socks/underwear, etc. (And zip-locs for dirty laundry when I have to cart it around.) Especially with the smallest one, they fit in the crevices of my luggage.

It sounds like you might be a little more concerned with getting it all in than overall weight, in which case I'd definitely suggest trying them. As for the garment-bag replacement, I've never seen it, but I do like EC products a lot! Do you have a luggage or outdoor gear store nearby? The ones in my area all carry EC; you could get a good look at it to see what it's really like...

Oh, and I think I may have seen other brands for the folders, but unfortunately I don't remember specifically! Maybe try camping websites, like Campmor.com, REI.com, or EMS.com? Or The Container Store?

P.S. How on earth are you going to manage a hat with all that? ;)

I just purchased a set of 3 Ricardo Beverly Hills brand cubes from Ross for $7.99. This will be my first experience using them, so I can't comment on them yet. But I thought I would pass along that price if you have a Ross store near you.

I roll everything, if it is weight you are concerned about obviously any additional 'packaging' will increase said weight. Be they cubes, folders, ziplocs or magic bags, period. Pack efficiently w/out all the extras (typically appliances & shoes, sorry girls) and you shouldn't have a problem. I don't pack any gadgets, just clothes, & never have a problem.

SAnParis, shoes are my downfall, I can just see myself tottering about Paris in my new lavender slides, however they just wouldn't make it as a hiking shoe in the Alps ;;)

Weight is not the problem for my next international trip, limiting the size of luggage is however. That's the reason for the curiosity about packing gadgets and widgets.

I've rolled clothes, I've folded clothes, I've used the bundling method, I think I've used them all; one form or another. (the least successful was throw the underwear away!!! how does one throw used underwear away I ask?? ;;) It's just not my style)

Thanks, I think I'll order a couple of folders. Luckily I have lots of room in my basement for gadgets, Deborah

Deborah, my folders are Eagle Creek, and they came from a local shop in Louisville, KY, called Taylor Trunk. My daughter gave me the medium-size one and a small one, and then I bought the large size and another small one.

They are not very heavy. I can't think they will add much weight, and I'm not tempted to add more clothes just because they would fit in. For your purposes, I think they will work quite well.

Have a good trip, and do tell us about it.

Nicksgirl--
I called 2 Ross stores (PA & NC) where I have relatives (thinking they could pick them up for me). Neither store had the cubes--well one store said they had so much in their store, there was no way for them to know--which means they didn't want to take the time to look :( That's a great price.