Bundle packing in the Convertible Carry on

Bundle packing, IMO, would work if you packed once, went to one destination, unpacked for the entire trip, then repacked to return. However, I have been on trips where I spent almost every night in a different place. If I had to unpack the entire bundle to get to one item, it would be a real pain.

The method I have developed, which works well for me, is to use small packing containers, each for an individual type of clothing, for instance, clean shirts, once worn clothes, underwear, toiletries, electronics (camera and laptop chargers, spare batteries, plug adapter). Slacks go on the bottom (unpackaged, just folded once, then the bags go on top. I usually have a sweater, which I place over the top, to hold everything in place with the tiedowns. When I arrive somewhere, I just take out the bags and put them on the shelves of the Kleiderschrank. When I need something, I know what package it is in. When I leave I put the slacks bag in, then the bags, and in a few minutes I'm ready to go.

For the most part, my "packages" are camping/surplus store stuff bags, but I recently found a Tide mesh washing bag that weighs less and is just the right size for folder shirts.

BTW, I have never found creases and wrinkles to be a problem.

I agree with Lee. I see little advantage to the bundle packing. Visualize taking out one item from middle of the bundle -- cannot be done. I use one of the medium sized package envelopes with a Steves' bag -- a small works also -- for shirts and pants. Provides good compression but the clothing will be creased on the folds but not winkled. I generally find that the creases fall out quickly so I don't consider it a problem. Other items are rolled or folded and stored in zip lock bags. Every item in the bag is in another bag. Use a magic marker to id items in each plastic bag. It provides a quick check for having everything when moving to the next place.

Do a trial run at home and see if you like either method better.

The advantage of the the bundle nethod is that you are wrapping the stuff where crease may matter around an inner core so that you are less likely to get a sharp crease at the fold on pants and shirts.

The inner core can be organized in bags etc.

If you are flying within Europe on budget carriers, be sure to check their carry on limits. they are much stricter than on the flights over and back for the most part. Even the major European carriers can be a shock. Lufthansa for example only allows 8 kilos.

I use Steves convertible and use packing cubes to put pants and shirts in.Then the rest goes into stuff bags.My wife goes along with it so it must not look too wrinkled.

I've found that large ziploc bags work very well - and they're cheap! I roll up the items, then sit on the bags to get the air out, zip them, and it's almost like they were vacuum sealed. No wrinkles.

Thanks all. I think I'm going to REI today to pick up one of the Eagle Creek Folders. I watched their video and it looks like it will help out. I "think" all of their folders will fit in a Rick Convertible Carry-on. I'm leaning towards the 18, aiming for the middle. The 20 just seems too big.

Chris

Chris, you should try one of each -- small, medium but the large is too wide. I prefer the small because it does allow for packing along one edge and top -- rolled up underwear and socks work well. The medium is a perfect fit but no space on the edges. I use the small when taking only pants and shirts. If I need a sport coat then I use the medium. A jacket in a small is just too bulky and doesn't fold well. We use both the old style Rick Steve's carry on bag and a similar Eagle Creek bag.

I think bundling is a bad idea, unless you unpack everything at one destination.
I use vacum bags.They work fine as long as you don't put too much stuff in. They come in different sizes, including carry-on size.