Seamus

Another vote for zip lock (whatever brand is on sale) when packing. I tried a couple brands of the advertised vacuum bags and they offered no additional benefit that I could see. There is a risk of packing more into a bag with resultant increased weight, a concern now that airlines are getting stricter about bag weight and charging sometimes significant fees (on some intra European carriers, for instance.) Still, it's helpful to have things compacted and the water protection is a bonus, too. Just check the weight of your bag before you get to the airport.

bettyk

I think you have to use a little restraint with the Ziploc bags or you can end up with too much weight. I like them because it keeps my suitcase more organized, making it easier for me to find things. I can also pack like items together like underwear and also pack complete outfits together. Just be sure you're only taking what you would have anyway so you keep the weight manageable.

dina4

We have used the bags you squeeze the air out of, but only for our return. Always have more stuff that can't squeeze into the bags, and dirty clothes are perfect for those kind of bags.

enpleinair

I average 15-16 trips a year & never go without using my ziplock bags -all sizes for everything.

Yes! they can be reused several times too. I keep them in a spare drawer in my closet laundry area.

I've packed a ski parka & enough warm clothes for a winter in Switzerland for 2 weeks in a small suitcase. The weight was not exceeded either.

Everything is folded after being pressed, then laid into the bag, zipped & the air pressed out. The articles inside the bags look like they are freeze dried. I travel with a small empty spray bottle. After hanging 'freeze dried' clothing, mist with water & gently shake, the wrinkles disappear - no ironing at destination!

This is a great way if you are travelling with children. Place each days outfit inside baggie- when used, return to bag for return trip home.

raz1024

Maybe I missed a comment on this, but don't your clothing get quite wrinkled when packing so compactly in these compressed bags??

BlueSwimmer

I use the rolling method within the Rick Steves compression bags to try to prevent wrinkles. Smoothly roll each item, then line the rolls up in the bag, then squeeze the air out. This works pretty well with everything but very easy to wrinkle fabrtics.

If you just throw everything in without rolling and then compress, you can get deep wrinkles, especially when you are on a long journey and everything stays compressed for many hours.

I actually "test pack" and weigh everything, then de-compress the bags until right before we leave for the airport, just to lessen the time the clothes are compressed. For things like underwear, socks, etc. that don't wrinkle, these bags are wonderful.

I have had sets of the Rick Steves bags for three years and many trips. They still work perfectly. You do need to watch the weight.

BTW- I just found the XL Ziplocks at K-Mart yesterday.

TMWeddle

raz1024 - I mentioned above but it may be easy to miss - we pack all kinds of items in the zip-loc bags, sit on them to expel the air then zip closed while still sitting, In addition to knit things like under wear and turtle necks we put in dress shirt, sweaters, light jackets, you name it - and wrinkles don't happen - we were very surprised the first time that things came out so nice - and continue to be pleased..

nancy1652

I notice no one has mentioned the Eagle Creek "envelopes" that I have used for years and like very much. You can get enough pants and shirts in one medium size envelope for a 2-4 week trip. You simply put the envelope in a drawer when you arrive, pick out what you want to wear, and leave the rest in the envelope. Other brands make these as well. I am intrigued by the ziplocks though and will try them as well.

formerpackrat

My suggestion for packing shoes...use the plastic bags in which the newspaper is delivered, or supermarket veggie bags which work just as well - both go to recycling when I return.

suze

Yes, using ziplocks to fit more in makes the same size suitcase much heavier. Beware.

Regarding getting the air out, using normal type ziplocks, just put the stuff in, sit on them, and zip.