I'm trying out these pack-mates compression bags (they're not quite as great as their commercial!)After putting some things in these bags, I was wondering if they ever have to be opened for searches at security and/or customs.Some of these bags have writing and color on them making it hard to see what's in them.THey're not so easy to get compressed and I don't want to have to be doing this at the airport!Anyone experienced this?
Posted by
Northern, Italy
208 posts
My husband and I have both traveled extensively with the compression bags and we have never had a problem with them. Actually, I can't remember the last time someone actually looked in my bags and I spent all of 2005, 2006 and part of 2007 going in and out of foreign countries.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
First I think they are over price and worthless --- but personal opinion. I use two gallon heavy duty freezer zip lock. Given the clear plastic of the zip lock bags I have never had a problem. I don't think you would have any problem either.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I've never had a problem with them at security. I usually travel to Europe in the colder months, and at this time, there are quite useful for bulkier clothing like sweaters.
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
just dont compress anything they dont want you to carry! :) Just use 2-gal ziplocks!
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
I have never had a problem with them.I find them?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I always use the two gallon ziploc bags, myself. They are cheaper by far, and adaptable for a lot of uses. On my last trip I overnighted at Heathrow. When I couldn't get comfortable on the bench with just my jacket as a pillow, I pulled an empty bag out of my suitcase, puffed it full of air and it served as a great pillow. Even held the air all night without leaking.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2792 posts
Your biggest issue is that these things can dramatically increase the weight. I have seen luggage get overwieght pretty quickly using them.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Those ziplock type bags makes the packs heavy. I use the Rick Steves packing cubes. Not only do I keep organized, they keep my pack must lighter... and the TSA can just peek and see thru the mesh.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
A whole box of ziploc bags weighs only a few ounces. I fail to see how they can cause luggage to become overweight "pretty quickly" unless you put every item in a separate bag!
Posted by
Nederland, CO
1530 posts
Nancy, the bags add weight because the compression feature allows you to put a lot of clothing into a smallish bag. They are great for sweaters and such.
We used the RS compression bags on our last trip. I found that the zipper kept coming off. I bought packing cubes for our upcoming trip, although I'll still take a couple of compression bags or large baggies to help with dirty clothes.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Ah, well, that makes sense. I don't use them for compression, as such, mostly as an organization tool. It also gives me a little peace of mind that if the bags are opened and searched, strangers won't be pawing through my clothing. They can see what's in there without opening them.
Posted by
Seattle, USA
120 posts
I've (so far) never had a problem going through security - domestic or international - with the compression bags.
My problem with Ziploc-type bags, as opposed to specifically compression bags, is that the Ziplocs fill with air again at some point after I've squeezed the air out. How do you guys who use Ziplocs prevent that from happening?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
I have never had a problem with the zip locks reinflating. We always use a named brand freezer rated bag because it is a little heavier and just make sure the seal is complete. We like to mark the plastic bags with the content. When traveling with two sons it made for a quick check to make sure everything was accounted for and repacked where it was supposed to be.