I've heard about this product called pack-it cubes. Supposed to make packing a breeze.
Where can I buy these?
Anybody out there use them?
Thanks.

Jennine: Go to the packing & accessories forum and do a search for pack-it cubes - several people swear by them.

Most luggage stores should have them, also some camping stores like REI. LL Bean and lots of the travel retailers sell them by mail.

I think that their usefulness depends upon your packing style, e.g., what kinds of things you pack, whether you'll be living out of a suitcase or unpacking at your destination and staying at a single place. I sometimes use one or two for keeping some things together and organized, but usually I'd rather have the freedom to cram things into the corners and odd spaces rather than creating more compartmentalization which actually limits your flexibility. But other people love them, and I can see why.

Now when they create a packing product that will actually decide which things to pack, I'll go running to buy it. That would really make packing a breeze!

I used Pack-Mates on a two week trip to China and a winter trip to Montana.
I just ordered more of them for camping stuff and home storage.

Pack Mates look like big zip lock bags but they have a one way valve at the other end. You pack them and them roll them up or sit on them to force the air out.

I wouldn't want to use the kind that you have to have a vaccuum to suck the air out except for storage at home.

Pack Mates has both kinds as well as lots of size choices.

www.packmates.com

My previous response was about the zip-up nylon and mesh containers in which to stack packed items. I just assumed that's what you meant by pack-it cubes. If you meant the ziplock packing bags, I apologize for muddying the waters.

Another cheaper option is to buy big ziplock bags, zip the bag almost closed, kneel on the bag to whoosh the air out and close it. I did this for our last trip to Europe and it did save me lots of space. I put kids' outfits together, and it was useful for keeping the dirty clothes separate from the clean ones.

I use them just to keep small items organized in my luggage (underwear, socks, t-shirts, etc). Because most of my traveling involves moving around quite a bit and, literally, living out of my suitcase, i've found that these cubes are great for keeping things in order. They're really not needed if you're going to stay in one place for your entire trip.

One plus i've noticed recently is that if your carry-on gets searched at the airport, your bag won't be completely disorganized afterwards if you have these. My cubes are the see through type with the plastic window or mesh exteriors. So if I pack them loosely enough, the people at the airport can usually squeeze around the contents of the pack to do a thorough search. They won't actually have to open them up and sort through your unmentionables.

You can go online to Eagle Creek and find a distributor or online retailer.

I have an Eagle Creek Pack-It Envelope. It comes with a plastic "folding board" which gets your shirts and pants just the right shape to fit snugly into the envelope so they don't wrinkle. Works much better than tie-down straps in a regular suitcase, and about as well as hanging things in a garment bag.

Instead of pack-it cubes, thrown your socks and undies into two separate make-up bags, you know, the ones that are 'free' with purchase from Lancome, Clinque, whatever. works the same, so, they're not square, they're freeee! I have the big ziplock bag type things but I bought them from QVC years ago for way cheaper than Eagle Creeks sells them for. While their products are great, they're certainly not original or economical.

We have been using the Eagle Creek packets for about five years now and LOVE them. The ones we use are the same ones that Carol described. They come in small, medium and large, but we find for shirts, blouses, pants, that the medium size works best for us.

You can buy them at luggage or travel stores, and REI. Eagle Creek, 1-800-874-9925, will send you a catalog and will give you names of dealers in your area.

We are not 'gadget' travelers, but wouldn't leave home without our packets. You can put them right into a dresseer drawer without unpacking them. If you travel with duffle bags, they are invalueable, no rummaging around your bag.

The packet _cubes_, are mesh and nylon (?) bags that are very handy for underwear/socks, cosmetics, medicines etc. We use those too.

Eagle Creek products are made very well and last forever, and they have excellent customer service if something should break or tear. They will repair them for free - can't beat that.

By the way, I don't work for Eagle Creek, but I wish I did. We have so many of their products, luggage etc, that I'd love to get a discount ;-)

Boy am I behind the times. I'm still using 800 numbers instead of thinking to check web sites. Eagle Creek has a great site, thanks Jenny. Lots of dealers listed.

Thanks to all who responded!!
I'm going to check out the Eagle Creek site now. I think using a Pack-it type product along with some large zip lock bags will be perfect for us.
Will be travelling for 2 weeks ~ with hubby & 2 kids, staying at 6 different destinations. So, being organized will definitely be helpful!
Thanks again everyone.

The problem with zip lock bags over pack mate type bags is that you can't buy zip locks anywhere near as big.

Also, you are putting a lot of pressure on them and the seams are going to blow out.

you can buy them at Organized Living.
they carry about 4 or 5 different sizes.

I have a couple of the Eagle Creek Pack-It envelopes that Carol mentioned, and I have found them to be invaluable for keeping my clothes organized and unwrinkled. Not only do they keep your clothes neat and compact, but you can easily retrieve the article of clothing you want and not disturb everything else - you simply slide the plastic board underneath the item above it, lift up, remove the item you want, and put the rest of the pile down again without unfolding anything else. It is quite ingenious, and has made my life so much easier when traveling (especially when changing locations frequently).

I forgot to mention the best feature of the Pack-It envelope: for a one-night business trip you can just slide it in your briefcase ... no luggage!