Compression packing bags
 

I just bought two of these and I'm a little puzzled.
What is the theory behind this method of saving space?
These are the ones I bought--one medium and one large, but so far it looks only like I will be adding more weight without gaining more space...
Do you put your clothing in the part with the mesh?
And yes, I should have investigated this more before I ordered them.

Squashing clothing?

I've never seen the benefit, I'd rather just pack lightly.

Those look stupid (sorry). Yes they only seem like they'd add more weight and gain nothing. You could pack several more pieces of clothing rather than those cubes.

And I am a recent packing cubes convert. But I use ones that are not compresssion, only mesh all around, super light weight. You don't gain more room just helps keep this organized.

If you want "compression" just get 1-gallon ziplock bags, put clothes into, then sit on it to get the air out, and zip up while you are still sitting on it. Works a charm.

But... what I learned by experience decades ago is to be careful. I packed a carry-on using compression and the weight was so heavy it was rejected for on the plane even though the size was OK. Basically you are just making a heavier bag, more stuff shoved into less real estate :-)

I looked on amazon trying to find something like what I use to post for you and can't find anything similar. I got them at Daiso (japanese household goods). Mine are more like what you'd use to put delicates in the washing machine, just mesh around all sides so very squishable and no compression.

Clear plastic compression bags do work. I cannot see any value in 'compression cubes'. They would compress things a bit but in the end really just add more weight.

'Space Bags' like these https://www.magellans.com/itemdy00.a...BoCbC4QAvD_BwE do work but the danger is cramming in too much stuff and making the bag much heavier.

They are best used for fluffy sweaters, fleeces, down jackets - those sorts of things that don't weigh much and containg a lot of air,. They will compress a down vest to the size of a wallet. They are also good to to take empty and use to compress stuff coming home to make more space for souvenirs/etc.

You have packing cubes, designed to keep things organised, and compression packing cubes with a double zipper to keep things organised and compressed. With the second it is important not to overpack them or they will damage the zipper. They keep clothes neater than compression bags with less creasing. Roll rather fold the clothes.
I like packing cubes, and can fit a ton of clothing into them - the added weight is minimal, very important when camping or in in a camper van, but I also use them when we are staying in hotels or self catering accommodation. I wouldn't be without mine now.

They work by removing excess air, not magically shrinking your clothes—so the bulk goes down, but the weight stays the same (sometimes even feels heavier because it’s denser).

You usually pack clothes in the main compartment (not the mesh side), then zip the second “compression” zipper to squeeze everything tighter.

They’re most useful for bulky items like jackets, sweaters, or jeans—for thin clothes, you won’t notice much space savings.

Totally normal reaction though—everyone expects more “magic” the first time 😄