happytourist

We used to use Ziplock bags, but it was always a pain reaching in and trying to find something. The packing cubes are much better. We seem to get more into the suitcases (important with carryons today) and as the top lifts up, you can easily get into what you want. We often just put the cube in the dresser drawer and never unpack it. Clothes are less wrinkled with cubes than with bags. We use the ebags brand.

LSky

Another fan of ziplock bags. I like that the zip locks are transparent so the security people don't have to open anything in my suitcase.

almcquiggan

On my last trip I used the large space saver vacuum bags (found in the storage section of Target) and I felt they helped with organization.

I packed whole outfits together and made a master list of what was in each vacuum bag and then just took them out day-by-day and checked them off the list. That way I did not have to sort through all the clothes to find the outfit that I wanted.

I put "dirty" clothes in a separate vacuum bag with a dryer sheet (which helped reduce any smell issues).

They came in handy when it was time to pack near the end of my vacation and I had acquired a few more articles of clothing than I had brought.

ParisAmsterdam

I like the ziploc type bags but the ones designed for packing as they can squeeze out more air. They are more robust, have a special air release valve and a double ziplock closure.

The first trip I put trousers in one, shirts in another and underwear and socks in a third.

I realized the error of my ways when I went to change for the first time... had to open all 3 bags. Since then I pack a couple of full outfits... shirts, pants, socks underwear per bag and have another spare for worn items.

2 weeks of clothes no problem and in a 21 inch roll-a-board bag I have never hit a weight restriction.


Rob

mabern2

We also use large FREEZER ziplock ... they tend to be a little stronger than regular. Pack by outfit and squeeze the air out.

I like that they are see through for security inspection and ease of access during the trip.

They come in handy for other uses during the trip as well, separating dirty clothes from clean, keeping electronics safe if out and about in the rain, keeping picnic leftovers for a later snack ... Several uses.

aliced

I use the all the above depending on where we're going; used the folders/envelopes last fall while out for 3 weeks at 8 hotels-- I put in my two blouses that were intended for the end locales; didnt want to rummage over them in earlier pack/unpacks. They were great. They are sold in numerous places but I picked up mine at a national discount chain (TJM). I would use them anytime I want something staying unwrinkled and unpacked. If you can unpack and hang at every stop, you can probably do without. Also purchased a hanging multi-zipped bag designed for smaller items but not cosmetics-- used it for all underwear & socks and scarves, just grabbed it out and hung it over doors. Ziplocks work great however, as do zippered bags that sometimes come w/ bedding, tablecloths, that I keep for many uses. You see through the stack and makes finding things a dream. Also keeps your clothes out of questionably clean drawers etc.

tuscanlifeedit

I have old Eagle Creek packing folders that are half mesh. I got them years ago at Marshall's and I love them.

I agree that they keep clothing more organized and help fend off wrinkles. I also use a little tissue on certain likely to crease or wrinkle items. Not too much, because I travel with a 20 or 21" carry on, and like to keep it light.

I love when I can just lift the folder out of my case and put it in a drawer.

We are staying 3 places in 9 nights next month, and the folders will come in handy.

lukehead

I have just returned from a holiday where I used packing cubes for the first time. I am a convert!

I have always thought I was a good packer. I usually fly carry-on and expect to be able to easily manage my own gear (I am 5'2", mid-60s, female). My travel wardrobe is well edited/coordinated to cover my planned activities without looking like I'm living out of a suitcase.

I was amazed at how much the cubes could hold and maintain neatly. I bought a set of three zippered mesh bags from Magellan. The larger bag held 2 cashmere sweaters, three long-sleeved blouses, 2 pairs trousers, 1 polo shirt. One of the small bags was used for underwear, sox and nightgown. The other held the small loose stuff that usually gets tucked into corners - flashlight, first-aid items, tape, brush, umbrella, market bag, electrical adapters, batteries, gloves, extra eye-glasses, scissors, phone charger, et al. I had liquids in a separate 1 qt zip-loc as required by TSA. A second pair of shoes was in an outside pocket. This all was a perfect fit in my roll-aboard bag. And there was space to spare for travel treats and gifts. For the first time ever, I did not need to use the expansion area (which might not meet the carry-on size restrictions) coming home.

Unpacking/repacking was quick and easy. Nothing was tucked in a hidden/forgotten spot.

The cubes enforce the editing process but I didn't find that I was missing anything I needed.

I also bought the cubes for my husband. He did NOT use them because he is a real stickler for well pressed shirts and trousers and thought the cube size wasn't going to work for him. Hemay also be a convert however. At the end of this trip he commented on how my things were not wrinkled but my pants had maintained their crease.

For those who are concerned about the extra weight (for extremely light packers), the 3 cubes weighed less than the one more shirt you want to add "just-in-case".

travelgourmet

We use packing cubes. We have some of the Eagle Creek ones, as well as some from Samsonite and Ikea. The Eagle Creek bags are the best. The Samsonite ones are okay, but have a flexible "frame" that is a bit of a hassle and of little use. The Ikea ones, on the other hand, are so lacking in structure that they don't keep things as neatly in shape.

We also have the envelopes. We use these less regularly, but they are very nice if you have dress shirts, or even suits to pack.

In addition to helping organize, I think they do save space and they make packing and unpacking easier. They also work well for us, as our wheeled carry-ons are ultra-light and don't have any internal organization, just straps on each side to hold stuff in. Two cubes fit perfectly on each side.

I've never been much of a fan of either ziplocs or the vacuum bags for packing clothes. For toiletries, we use purpose-built travel "ziplocs" that are much more rugged. We have some that are mesh-reinforced for checked luggage, as well as carry-on specific bags.

Traveler28

I like using packing cubes. They do help to organize items, but also seem to hold things in place better so they don't shift around and get wrinkled.

bucksguy14

I've been rolling since I started a heavy travel job in 1991. My wife uses plastic organizers that she sits on to get air out of so she can stuff more into them. We're currently on vacation. I convinced her to let me roll her stuff this trip since she was up to 2 bags and would have to check one for $35. I got everything from both bags into one that easily went into the overhead. She's now a convert to folding!

spcfa

I use packing cubes and envelopes (Eagle Creek - they're at least 10 years old and have been around the world many, many times) in addition to mesh bags (Rick Steves) for dirty laundry. It's the only way to be able to pack/unpack quickly when you are moving around, and to keep his/hers stuff separate if you are sharing a bag. If you are taking so much stuff that the weight of these fantastic gadgets would put you over the limit, you are doing something wrong. Edit edit edit. Also, the envelopes are the really the only way to keep shirts from wrinkling, especially if you are on business.

If you're going to invest in cubes, I would try Rick Steves mesh cubes, but go with the Eagle Creek envelopes.