Seen these things in stores and on TV - will need to pack a down jacket, heavy sweater for trip this summer, but will only be used once or twice. Is this the way to go to save space? Daughter will be living out of suitcase for 10 days (1-2 nights/hotel)

I am not talking about the things you attach to some vacuum device, but the ones they say have a one-way valve and you roll the air out. Is it really better than a big Ziplock bag? Thanks.

This is my third attempt to post this message. ??? If it turns up two other times, that's why...
Yes, definitely better than a Ziplock bag. The system of squeezing out the excess air is better than a Ziploc. They worked wonderfully for us when we traveled last winter to Utah and had ski clothes and woolens to carry. They really do allow for a great deal of volume to be compressed. Once there, we were able to spread our clothes around our son and daughter-in-law's bedroom (ah, the joys of payback!) If we had to re-pack every day after looking for single items, it would have been a bit cumbersome.
So, if it's just for her jacket and sweater and she doesn't have to keep rummaging through the bag and re-folding (not that it's THAT hard), then I would vote a strong yes. If you have one of the "As Seen on TV" stores near you, they were cheaper there than Linens 'n Things, which is the other place we saw them.

They work and I like them a lot. Just keep in mind the stuff still weighs the same even if it's compressed so I tend to pack more stuff and next thing you know I have a suitcase that weighs a ton, gotta keep an eye on luggage weight limits. You can get them at Samsonite outlet stores if you have on near you.

I first used these bags for the first time when I went to New Orleans last March.They work very well - our clothing was literally compressed to half its size. As a previous poster noted, however, the weight stays the same. (I even think things got heavier without the air, but perhaps that is only my imagination) With all that empty space in your suitcase, you are tempted to pack "just one more thing" until you can no longer lift the darn thing. This happened to me.

I would recommend them, but only as a tool. Don't use them to simply find a way to pack more into a suitcase. Oh, and the items do come out relatively wrinkle-free which is great!

Yes! They are fabulous they save space and reduce wrinkles! I use them espically when I do carry on only. My last trip I fit a weeks worth of clothing (bathing suits, casual day wear and evening wear + 4 prs of shoes). I highly recommend them.

I don't know about the space bags... but I must ask, are those space pants that you are wearing? They must be, because your body is out of this world!

Thanks for endorsements. Daughter is 13 and going to multi-country Scandinavian trip with school group. Will have wheeled duffle and I like the idea of plastic-packaged items such as coat she will need only once or twice. Then they can just stay at bottom of bag until they are needed

As for not packing too much - tell that to a teenage girl! I think I will make her carry the bag around the house for a while before she leaves - that may prompt her to leave some stuff home.

The best prices on those bags comes from www.qvc.com
Try Pack Mate as the search terms. Way cheaper than the bags you buy at the travel stores

I sit and the ziploc and it works well - LOL!