Compression packing bags
May 1st, 2026 | 08:41 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 25,329
Likes: 0
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.
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.
May 1st, 2026 | 11:18 AM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,210
Likes: 12
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
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
May 1st, 2026 | 11:36 AM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,210
Likes: 12
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.
May 1st, 2026 | 12:56 PM
#5
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,025
Likes: 50
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.
'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.
