Compression packing cubes

[Oikoi]

Does anyone have any recommendations for compression packing cubes (including recommendations not to bother using them)? I’m looking for small sizes/slim format ones because I travel with just a carry on bag. Most sets seem to include massive sizes I don’t want or don’t include slim format ones. If you know where to get the perfect brand, let me know!

 

[TheRealTMA]

Does anyone have any recommendations for compression packing cubes (including recommendations not to bother using them)? I’m looking for small sizes/slim format ones because I travel with just a carry on bag. Most sets seem to include massive sizes I don’t want or don’t include slim format ones. If you know where to get the perfect brand, let me know!

We've been using standard packing cubes for many many years. It's really the only way to pack. There are tons now available. Amazon has multiple sets. A cheap set is available from KMart as

https://www.kmart.com.au/product/7-piece-packing-cube-43116232/

A review and suggestions here Best Packing Cubes: How To Pick In 2022 | Pack Hacker

 

[Pushka]

do you mean the ones that you roll up to squeeze out the air? I think they could be a great idea but mainly at the end of the trip so you don't have to iron everything. But for things like puffy jackets and woollens - they'd be great. If you knew you had access to a vacuum cleaner you could really reduce space. But not weight obviously. You've got me thinking now. I would have loved one when I purchased two reindeer quilts in Finland.

 

[Oikoi]

Compression packing cubes are the fabric ones with a double zip- one to close it and then a second zip to join top and bottom to compress the contents. I already have some of the regular non-compression packing cubes, but I’m wondering if the compression ones are worth it.

 

[k_sheep]

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/space-vac-travel-vacuum-seal-storage-bags-4-pack/p/81556

I'm taking these babies for a spin tomorrow! Will report back.

I've never had such a full suitcase leaving on an international trip - but going from Pole to Pole will do that

 

[SeatBackForward]

Try and get a hold of Eagle Creek Compression cubes. Been using them for a long time and always get good use out of them. The trick I've found is to roll larger clothes into them. Can also double as a mini-pillow if you ever need them!

 

[BCons]

We know of 2 types - folded shirt size, with multiple perimeter zips that progressively compress the pack.
OK for sweaters, shorts, jeans and other clothing that can be folded to regular sizes, to fit the rectangular pack. Good for keeping the contents approx presentable, if you’re careful to fold things well..

The other type, and better for dirty clothes, is the tube type. A circular fabric tube with a fabric cap and several adjustable straps that allow the cap to be tightened down over the tube. Great for stuff that’s next going into the laundry, isn’t reqd and doesn’t matter if it’s crush-packed. Fleeces and down clothes also pack well in this sort of compression pack.

 

[tdimdad]

I purchased two reindeer quilts in Finland.

You brought them to Australia? I have wanted but ditched the idea because I had thought it'd cause "extra discussions" with AQIS. They obviously would need to be declared (right?) but did you need to prepare them in any way or have then radiated at the border?

 

[Pushka]

You brought them to Australia? I have wanted but ditched the idea because I had thought it'd cause "extra discussions" with AQIS. They obviously would need to be declared (right?) but did you need to prepare them in any way or have then radiated at the border?

I'm so sorry to mislead. They were reindeer patterns. I think as long as the skins are properly treated by a commercial process then it shouldn't be an issue. And they can offer a fumigation process in Australia as well. If it is worth it to have this process then maybe it's worth it.

 

[Denali]

Compression packing cubes are the fabric ones with a double zip- one to close it and then a second zip to join top and bottom to compress the contents. I already have some of the regular non-compression packing cubes, but I’m wondering if the compression ones are worth it.

I tried these years ago and made this thread. Overall I prefer the clear plastic type ones from Big W where you squeeze all the air out. Not sure how it compares to ones from Kmart catalogue.

Testing Double zip compression bags.

Part 1 as Im limited in posting photos. A few months ago a kickstarter popped up on my screen and as we're heading to Iceland in a few months, meaning lots of polartec and a couple of jackets, I thought I would give it a chance. I ordered a couple of extra large bags so approx total price was...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[stm1sydney]

I just use el cheapo ebay packing cubes for my HLO and they are fine. I suspect that using compression cubes would enable you to pack more, but then the weight would be likely to exceed the limit. So there is no point.

 

[aussiekid]

I bought these.

https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0C7PGS5JB/

 

[VPS]

I bought these.

https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0C7PGS5JB/

380g for 4 seems heavy - I must go and weight my others. As others have said sometimes weight is more important that space

 

[Lynda2475]

The Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cubes are the best, weigh virtually nothing and come in 2 slimline sizes. Been using them for over a decade but are harder to come by these days, might have been discontinued.

I needed some extra last year and bought some similar ones from Amazon (5 different sizes), they worked OK but weren't nearly as lightweight at the eagle Creek ones.

For me it's not just about creating extra room, it's great for separating clean and dirty clothes (the beauty of multiple colours), they make packing/unpacking super quick (don't open ones not needed for a particular night); and should your bag bust open you won't see delicates circulating on the luggage carousel or if you need to open bag to get something out no one can see what you have packed inside.

 

[muehli3]

I just bought the Antler as a set of 4, see Chelsea 4 packing cubes in slate, when they were in sale at Myer. Pretty happy, especially with the compression.

For dirty clothes we use dry bags (originally from diving / water sports). A bit more flexible and to separate packing of dirty / clean clothes.

 

[tdimdad]

What's Zoomlite like? Especially if you have used also other brands for compressible cubes, how does Zoomlite compare?
I'm looking to compress winter clothing (jumper, jacket, wool socks, etc).

My pillow will go into a vacuum bag (and I find K-Mart bags better than Space Bags).

 

[Franky]

What's Zoomlite like? Especially if you have used also other brands for compressible cubes, how does Zoomlite compare?
I'm looking to compress winter clothing (jumper, jacket, wool socks, etc).

My pillow will go into a vacuum bag (and I find K-Mart bags better than Space Bags).

A bit late to this conversation, however I stopped using any form of cubes, and just roll everything in small bundles and lay them lengthwise in the suitcase. All items come out without creases, and go straight into the drawers where we may be staying. Or you can leave them in the case and they easily seen so no digging around looking for the right pouch.

 

[k_sheep]

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/space-vac-travel-vacuum-seal-storage-bags-4-pack/p/81556

I'm taking these babies for a spin tomorrow! Will report back.

I've never had such a full suitcase leaving on an international trip - but going from Pole to Pole will do that

Apparently I didn't report back

Anyway there are excellent in terms of space saving but definitely not great in terms of durability. The seals let go relatively quickly. Hence me seeing this thread again and seeing what else is about ...

 

[tdimdad]

Apparently I didn't report back

Anyway there are excellent in terms of space saving but definitely not great in terms of durability. The seals let go relatively quickly. Hence me seeing this thread again and seeing what else is about ...

My pillow travels in a K-Mart "space bag". It's done a few rounds now in the last year and performs well. Though, the long-evity is yet to be confirmed.