Bundle packing

I have used that method, but it did not work for me, as I was on a RS tour where I stayed 1-2 nights in each place. The middle of my bundle was my "bathroom bag", so I needed to get into the middle of my bundle every evening. I am sure I could have planned that better. I do like the packing cubes better. I try to put the same thing in the cubes, so shirts in one, bottoms in another, pjs and undies in another. I put my dirty clothes into plastic grocery bags I bring from home (I bring a few), so when packing up I just shove my dirty clothes bags in any available space. If I am staying for a few nights, I do take the cubes out of my suitcase and put them in the closet somewhere and hang a few things up. If I am only staying for 1-2 nights, I will only hang up what I am wearing the next day. I also roll up my clothes, that has helped me a great deal. If I have an extra sweater or something that does not fit in the packing cube, it will fit somewhere along side of the cubes, or right on top of the cubes (or if it is heavier, right on the bottom of the suitcase. My shoes are stuffed with undies (I usually put a plastic bag inside the shoe, then shove the undies in there, sometimes I put my battery charger into my shoe too), then I wrap the shoe in a plastic bag to keep everything clean. Have a great time.

It may be new to you but it is an old system that is frequently discussed. I don't care for it as I don't think it works very well. If you want one item, you have to take the bundle apart. Probably works best if totally unpacking at each stop. I prefer the folding envelopes. It is very good at wrinkle free but the clothes will have creases from folding. But you can take one item out without disturbing the rest. But try it. You might like it.

Bundle packing isn't new. It is just one way to pack clothes in a carry-on bag. My wife uses it, and I did too for a while, but found if you want womething out of the middle of the bundle you have to unbundle everything on top of it. What you are calling "space saver bags" are compression bags. We use them for raincoats, sweaters, and things we buy to bring home. The medium size will fit convertible carry-on bags. If you use one take two as you can always use the second one on your return trip. The bundle packing method doesn't leave clothes any more wrinkled than any other method. If you use wrinkle resistant travel clothes you will be in pretty good shape. These kind of clothes wash easily in hotels sinks and dry over night. I wouldn't think you would have trouble packing for two adults and a little one in two convertible carry-on bags.

I've used it and the roll up your clothes technique and sometimes use compression bags and packing cubes. The bundle did surprising well and I got a lot of clothes in my carry on. However, it is better if you have some pants or longer items to keep the bundle "wrapped up" I also found I could put some rolled things in the middle of the bundle also. I estimated the halfway point and ed a couple of rolled items in the middle. You do need to unbundle the whole thing to get at various items. If you are going somewhere and staying put, the bundle can work well. The pants stayed fairly wrinkle free for me, and I was careful to keep the creases as the only folds on the pants when I packed. If you are packing mostly t shirts and shorts I think the rolling method would work better because it only works well if you have longer items to wrap around the bundle. So for your toddler's stuff I wouldn't recommend the bundle. Maybe it would work best if you bundled your own larger clothes and filled in the inevitable gaps in the suitcase with your toddler's clothes rolled up. This would also make the toddler's clothes easier to haul out without worrying about the bundle should you need something for them in a hurry. Or put their things in a cube on the top or bottom.

I agree with the others. I did bundle packing for a while, but as the others indicate it works better if you are staying somewhere that you can unpack. I used Eagle Creek sil-nylon cubes (the lightest of their cubes) when I traveled in May and I felt that worked best for me. It was easier to keep things organized, especially in the small Italian hotel rooms. On the way home, as a test since it didn't matter if things were wrinkled, I put the cubes in a medium compression bag which did take up less space. The cubes had shirts (mostly Lands End cotton/modal Tee shirts and a couple of long sleeve sun shirts) and underwear (who cares if it is wrinkled?? lol). I had rolled the shirts before placing in the medium size cubes, and made sure I tugged and smoothed them as I rolled them. I can't believe I am actually admitting this in public, but I didn't unpack for a couple of days and the shirts actually looked fine after several days under compression. Since you are traveling soon in the US, you can try the bundle pack and see how it works for you. If you are staying in a US hotel, you will probably have an iron in the room so if things wrinkle you can iron if needed. (yuck) I also pack a small, empty spray bottle to use with water in case things need to hang out overnight. For me, the key to keeping wrinkles down is the fabric choice. The cotton/modal blend worked for me. I did not find that I saved space with bundle vs well-packed cubes.

I agree that bundle packing would be an unnecessary pain unless you are just going to one destination. Further, I find that I can reach the weight limit (17.6# for Lufthansa) for carry-on before I reach the volume limit (45 L). Your stuff weighs the same no matter how it is packed, so bundle packing is ineffective. In fact a compression bag will add weight. I use a few lightweight mesh bags to organize my stuff in my carry-on bag so I can unpack quickly and easily at each destination. If you feel a need to bundle pack, it's a sign you are taking too much stuff.

I tried the bundle method a long time ago. Same problems as others- not worth it if you are moving around at all. I also found that it didn't really save space- just one way to organize things and keep them from moving around much. I prefer to use large Ziploc bags for undies, socks, electronics, medications, and toiletries. then I roll or fold items compactly. This works a lot like packing cubes. Placing the bags/cubes well will keep clothes in place and prevent wrinkles. Planning wardrobes well, and realizing that you need less than you probably think (clothes and other things) is the key to packing lightly. The toddler may need more than you think, though- they do tend to get dirty faster (and dirtier!!). So bring a few 'extras'- maybe a larger sized day bag, too so you can carry along a spare or too, and extra wipes, etc.

I am really sorry that I know this...but the Eagle Creek Medium compression bag weighs 2+ ounces (62g). While everything adds some weight, the 2 ounces can be offset somewhere else if it's critical.

I tried bundle packing but didn't like it. I'm less worried about the odd wrinkle than I am about having to repack my entire bag every time I want to get an item out of it. If you pick clothes that travel well, wrinkles fall out fairly quickly when you wear them. I prefer the technique of rolling each item. My convertible is very lightweight which also means it lacks structure. I use my spare pair of shoes in the bottom corners and my rolled items to try to give the bag a little more rigidity. It also makes it easy to grab one item without messing up the surrounding clothes.

I have never used the bundle method as it seems like a huge pain to me, unless, as others have said you are going to only one destination. Even when I have a trip like that I personally wouldn't bundle. I use mesh packing cubes. Sometimes I roll my clothes and sometimes I fold. Either way it compresses them into the cube and keeps them organized. When I arrive at each destination I can remove the cubes from my bag and place then in a drawer or on a shelf. I've only used compression bags in the winter for bulky items like sweaters.

Wow, ten postings on this subject. Ten in agreement. A rarity on this board. I think you now know Karen that it is not a preferred method of packing.

Thanks everyone! It was a method I had never heard of and I'm always trying to find an easier way to pack our clothes. I thought it would be a little awkward to put say your socks/underwear or toiletries in the center. I usually try to stack things in order of need and I use lots of compression or 2 gallon ziploc bags. Plus we only take enough for one 6-7 days if we're on a 14 day European trip and then wash in between. Except of course our daughter, I add extras in for her and then wash in the sink if necessary. Thankfully over the past 2 years in traveling with her I have really learned to cut down on what we truly need and buy over there if necessary.