Anyone use combo packing method?

I roll inside packing cubes. One cube for tops, one for undies and socks, one for bottoms. I also use smaller size packing cubes for all other items (meds, electronics and cords and chargers, toiletries) and have separate ziplock baggies for different types of items.

I use a combo method, like the OP described. But my suitcases open completely, so I don't have that problem. I prefer to layer dresses and slacks. DH prefers to layer his shirts and slacks. But we use bags to hold rolled tee shirts, golf shirts, shorts, underwear and socks. Shoes go into shoe bags. Personal care items go into a bag. Miscellaneous items go into a bag. Then these are organized on top of the layered items and the bundling is completed and the straps are used to secure everything.

Packing light and with most things in containers means unpacking takes less than 5 minutes. Containers go into drawers and the few layered items get hung in the closet to allow any wrinkles to shake out. Since we don't unpack the containers, repacking only takes a few minutes.

Works for us, but we rarely, if ever, do only one night stays.

I have found that bundle packing keeps the wrinkles out while allowing me to pack smaller than if I were rolling. I always bundle pack. I usually take around 10 items of clothing - 2 pants, a skirt or dress, a cardigan, a jacket, and 4-5 tops. That includes the clothes I'm wearing. That's few enough items to stay organized.

I use a combo method when I'm traveling with just a personal item. The personal item is a day pack with no internal tie down straps. That means I need a packing cube to contain my bundle. I create my bundle and then slide it into a packing cube. BTW, the pack is either a 16 or 20 liter pack. There's room for the bundle plus all the other stuff.

On the rare occasions when I travel with a full sized carry on I only bundle wrap. The carry on has internal tie down straps to keep the bundle from unraveling.

I might use bundle packing if I were going to only one destination, but for 8-10 locations over 4-6 weeks I prefer packing cubes / folders so I don't need to unpack and repack everything at every change.

I don't think I ever became fully adept to bundle packing, but since going carry on size, I use cubes and folders, I find the folders compress and keep items from shifting and wrinkling. I always see to have awkward bits, but they seem to fit into the spaces around the cubes and sacks. However, I jate to see valuable space go to waste so will stick in the last minute rolled tee or extra socks somewhere.

As stated, bundle packing is great if going to one location. However, it is a lot of work for multiple locations.

Packing cubes are excellent for organizing and unpacking in multiple locations.

For space between cubes, consider using Ditty Bags or stuff sacks. (Tom Bihn has some nice ones.) You can find very light mesh bags in the RS store. This will keep things like socks, underwear or the smaller items from going all over the bag. And you'll be more organized.

Bundle is ONLY useful to going to one location and completely unpacking. It is useless for multi location changes. I prefer the folding envelopes - keeps clothes wrinkle free (some creasing) and can easily remove one item at a time. Shirts and pants in the envelopes and everything is rolled in large zip lock bags and compressed a little.

LIke Zoe I roll and use packing cubes. I never have trouble with wrinkling and this keeps me very organized. I use 1 medium cube for bottoms, 1 medium for tops, and 1 small cube for undies / socks. All of my trips are at least 3 weeks and this works well for me.

In case anyone is interested, Eagle Creek has come out with something that is a cross between a folder and a cube.

Eagle Creek Specter Tech Structured Cube

I haven''t actually tried it, but it seems interesting. And it compresses.

Packing cubes i think saves more space.

Bundle is ONLY useful to going to one location and completely unpacking

Argh! I'm so tired of hearing this on this board. Bundle packing works just fine - even on one night stays - if you keep your clothing minimal. It takes 1-2 minutes to repack.

I do unpack my clothes (only) when I get to my destination. This eliminates wrinkles and allows them to breathe. But I'm usually only packing 8 items max (wearing 2-3) so repacking isn't that hard.

I have found that most people have only tried bundle packing 1-2 times. That means that they haven't developed the skill set to pack efficiently and quickly. Then because they don't have the skill they claim it doesn't work.

Bundle packing really saves space compared to rolling. That's really critical if you want to travel with a smaller bag such as personal item only.

I've also heard the "it takes too long" complaint. That's the same complaint people use about washing their clothes during a trip. And again, experience lets you do that faster too.

If you want to travel ultra light and small then there are certain things you need to do to get there. Each person needs to decide if the sacrifice is worth the benefit.

BTW - I've traveled up to 5-1/2 weeks bundling while moving locations. Usually I stay around 2 nights (sometimes more) at a location but sometimes I stay one night only.

Cindy H, I appreciate your feedback. Practice makes perfect. Even with packing cubes, I do not roll. Lay things out as flat as possible. I like Frank II's suggestion of the new Eagle Creek cube. I already have Eagle Creek compression cubes, so will try using a folding board with them. When I fly, I like to have my things in a container of some sort. Don't want TSA touching my clothes! When I bundle wrap, the bundle is enclosed in a dry cleaner bag. My new bag is the 21" Travelpro spinner frequently mentioned by other posters. It is lightweight, but the curved bottom takes some getting used to. I appreciate everyone's comments.

It seems to me that all of these techniques - rolling, bundling, packing cubes, structure packing cubes, etc - are just attempted fixes for one basic problem, over-packing. I don't really need any of those "fixes". I particularly don't need to bundle pack. Some people claim that their technique saves space, but none save weight and most add weight. In the past, I found I could reach the weight limit for Lufthansa (17.6#) before I reached the carryon size limit. A structured packing cube holds less than 4 liters and weighs half a pound. Even with my minimal volume, using structured cubes would require 6 of them and would add 3 lb of weight at a cost of $180.

I once measured the volume of the contents of my bag when I returned from a 2 week trip to Europe. It was 1400 cu. in. The inside dimensions of my current bag is 18" x 13", which means my "stuff" fills the bag to a depth of about 6 inches.

The main thing is to pack in some kind of "packages". For shirts (I take four in addition to the one I wear), I use a garment washing bag. it weighs 3 oz and cost about $3. Underwear (2 sets) goes in a mesh bag I bought from this site when I was ordering something else. Batteries, chargers, etc go in a small nylon stuff bag.

None of my outer clothing shows wrinkles, so rolling or bundling to prevent wrinkles is not an issue.

Lee - I know you're a light packer but must take issue with some of your analysis.

Classic bundle packing relies on a bundle secured with internal tie down straps. There is no cube so no additional weight.

When I travel personal item only I do use a Spectre cube as the pack has no tie downs. The Spectre cube weighs 1 oz. This is nowhere near the 1/2 pound you claim.

In bundle packing the undies and socks go in the core. Then the 6-8 other clothing pieces go around that. There is no need for a further cube as that is all your clothing. I don't get how you came up with 3 pounds of cubes. Even if I take a single cube I am only taking 1 oz of cube.

I do use two other cubes. One is a half cube for my travel comfort kit. That weighs 0.6 oz. The other is a quarter cube for my electronics. That weighs 0.6 oz. I have a small nylon sack for jewelry and another for makeup. Together they weigh 0.85 oz. That's a whopping total of 3.05 oz. Add in toiletry kit (2.5 oz) and toiletry bag (0.1 oz) for a total of 5.65 oz. I also like to bring a packable sling bag which weighs 2.9 oz. I'm now up to 8.55 oz packaging total. I can fit it all into a 990 cu in pack.

I do agree with one point - that packaging can be a major contributor to excess bag weight. That's why it's very important that cubes, toilet kits, and other sacks need to be minimal and kept light.

I have the RS packing cubes. The set of 3 he sells - 1 large + 2 small weigh a total of 5.5 oz. Cindy - I'm impressed! I'm also intrigued by the compression packing cubes, but worry it would just encourage me to overpack:)

That lovely compression pack weighs over 8 ounces for those who are counting. Zippers are heavy and that compression zip is long in order to do the job. Zip lockbags anyone?
I agree that compression anything does not reduce weight, otherwise Spanx would be advertising more than just slimming....
But being a little more tolerant about people's preferences and not being driven to pare off ounces in order to say you can pack the lightest is more my style. I like an organized bag, of items I actually use, in a weight that is kind to my aging body and am happy if I fit it in my objective weight or size. Just in case there is room for another Spanx metaphor...Some of us are comfortable with a few more ounces (or pounds). We just want it in a smaller package.

Have to disagree with Lee about overpacking. I take packing cubes for ease of organization. I don't stuff the cubes, in fact I take fewer items since I started using hem, because I am not stuffing things into corners.

The compression-type bags may encourage overpacking, but I don't use those.

P.S. Mesh bags at Dollar Store 3 for $1.

Yes, the structured cube I mentioned weighs 8 oz. I brought it up in reference to those who used folders--most of which weigh at least twice as much.

I know people who travel with less than I do. But that doesn't mean I want to travel like them. Everyone should take what they want. I agree that light travel is good but the definition of light is different for everyone.

If someone wants to use packing cubes, they shoul. If someone wants to bundle pack, they should. If someone wants to take more than 1400 cu in of stuff, they should. If someone else doesn't like it, don't travel with them.

I never understood these contests of who can take the least is best. It's only best for those who like to take as little as possible. And it really gets nasty when one person thinks I'm right and everyone else is wrong.

Travel where you want. Take what you want. Stay where you want. Do what you want. It's your money and our time. You don't have to please anyone but yourself. Nor should you have to defend the way you do things to anyone here.

Okay, I admit it: I was totally clueless. What is bundle wrapping?, I asked myself. I'd NEVER heard of it. So, of course, I just Googled. For any other fellow clueless travelers/packers:

As featured on NBC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--ZrYtRjYfs

While I can understand the logic, I don't think I would bundle pack because it seems if moving from location to location during a trip, it would be tempting to use the LIFO (last-in-first-out) method for everything. And, how do you deal with soiled items? With my luck, my spouse would want the item packed in the middle of the bundle. Makes me wonder what Sheldon Cooper would say about this method ..... LOL!!

Our method is all clothing other than t-shirts/jeans go on hangers placed into a very light-weight garment bag, then folded two times and placed in a RS carry-on. Arrive a hotel, take the garment bag out of the luggage and hang it. I you only need one item, unzip garment bag, take out the one shirt and easy/peasy for the refold into luggage when moving on. All other items folded or rolled into net packing bags (RS brand) into second carry on (each person has just one carry-on). Extra shoes in plastic bags with items stuffed into shoes also in plastic bags, unless shoes can reasonably be flattened to fit within the ribs of the bottom of the RS carry-on. 3 oz items in zip lock baggies and non liquid personals go into those wonderful little flowered zip cases one gets free with Estee Lauder or Clinique promo purchases....LOVE those bags. When department stores have given away the two-piece matching sets, the smallest zip bags are great for the fake pearls or eye drops/ear plugs, etc. and easy to find in carry-on tote. The little zip bags that one gets when lucking up with a reasonable Business Class upgrade are excellent for cameras, camera parts, and charging cords...otherwise put all that in zip locks, too, as that is easier if randomly pegged for a thorough TSA screening vs. having a mess of random wires.

But, thanks for posting about bundle packing, as I am now enlightened. I learn sooo much reading this Forum, and that keeps me returning over and over to read/learn more.

Packing is an art. My spouse is "not allowed" to dig for anything in the luggage since I am the packer (to his delight), because if he starts flinging things around in there, I won't be able to instantly find anything upon demand. Works for us, but I also catch a lot of grief when people learn that I also pack for him. It used to drive me crazy when we would be leaving and suddenly he started remembering things.....so it's evolved over the years to just taking on the responsibility for all but his techy stuff.

That video doesn't do a good job showing bundle packing. Why? Because he's taking too much stuff! Bundle packing would be painful under those conditions.

I like this one as it shows a normal capsule wardrobe:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L_DzSHHc8Uc

But being a little more tolerant about people's preferences and not being driven to pare off ounces in order to say you can pack the lightest is more my style

Preferences are important! I think Lee was making an important comment though. Packing cubes can greatly increase the total weight of your luggage. That's important if you're up against a weight limit (Lufthansa, LAN, etc.).

Lee correctly pointed out that the new cube weighed 8 oz (1/2 a pound). Six cubes would be 3 pounds! Compare that to the specter packing cubes that are 1 oz each. Six cubes would weigh 6 oz or less than 1/2 a pound. That may be the difference between making airline weight or missing it.

Then compare a 7 lb bag Vs a 3 lb bag.

Packaging adds up!

Now maybe you don't care. But if you're looking to shave ounces to make weight it's an area to consider.

I am a weight weenie when it comes to backpacking. It goes back to week long hiking trips where you have to pack shelter, sleeping bag, kitchen, food, clothes and garbage in and out of the wilderness. So I view any extra packaging like cubes as unnecessary weight. Carry on weight limit is a zero sum game. Once you bump up against the limit you have to decide what is more important packing cubes or extra socks or extra batteries. Also, with everything organized in one large compartment, i can unzip and grab something quickly without needing to find and unzip another cube.

Ummmm, it might have been me... Ive been using a combo method in the last few years since we've been taking cruises. Even with just carry on... the clothes I take for wearing while on the ship (really, "evening wear/ dining" are different from the ones I wear during our independent travel pre- and post-cruise. The casual stuff, I roll individually in cubes for ease of access and organization. My clothing that I'm only going to wear when on the ship I bundle wrap within a cube or two. I unpack everything during the cruise, but during the independent travel times, I never unpack anything I'm not wearing. I take so few clothes, my casual stuff
Pretty much fits in one cube.

It's time for me to get some serious packing prep done ... 4 weeks from today will be my 1st day in. Barcelona!

Cheers,
Vivian

First, to the OP.....I make folding boards out of cardboard.....but......you can ask for shirt cardboards at a dry cleaners that may be the right size for your packing cubes or the Container Store sellss the the folding boards that come in Eagle Creek folders by themselves. (Be careful of size as they might be too big.)

Now on to what else was said:

Anyone who takes six structured cubes is not a light packer.

Structured cubes are for items like dress shirts or pants. They are to help prevent wrinkles. There would be no reason to take more than one in a carry on and they are an alternative to folders that weigh more. So this argument that taking six would weigh 3 lbs is ridiculous.

This whole uber light packing is getting to be like a cult. If anyone dares to do anything different, they are attacked. I was even called an overpacker because I take a set of ear buds that weight 5 grams. That's .15 ounces.

I know, it adds up. Today earbuds, tomorrow storm trooper boots.

If you're happy taking less than 10 lbs of stuff that fits into 1400 cu in, then good for you. But that still leaves plenty of room and weight for those who want to take more and can still make a 17.6 lbs weight limit. And even, and I know this will make some foam at the mouth, use wheels.

This happens all the time here. Someone asks a question. Get's responses and then the attacks begin because "you're doing it differrently than me and I don't like it." "I have to prove I'm better than you and it's a contest and I have to win"

And, what really gets me, is that an OP can ask a question and very few actually answer the question. It's mostly I have to show you how I am better, I have to attack you for doing things differently, I have to give a generic answer because I need to show how much I know.

I've asked a couple of very specific questions in the last couple of weeks. I got over 20 responses. Only two actually answered my question.

I feel sorry for some of the new people coming here. They come with hopes of getting answers to a question and then the attacks begin: the uber light packers against anyone who takes more than them, the wheels vs no wheels, the moneybelts vs no moneybelts, and so on.

If you get angry or have to tell people they are wrong because they do something differently than you--and I'm not talking to anyone specifically here--then packing is not the issue. If you have to argue as if you have to win and get your way--then packing is not the issue.

When it comes to packing or travel there is no absolute right or wrong. There is only what is right FOR YOU.

@Cindy H, the segment of my reply you quoted had a word in there 'tolerance'.....which was really the point I was trying to make.
I had much more typed, but I deleted it in case it was just end of week crankiness. But Frank II has much more elequently said what I was thinking.
This wasn't a 'packing light' question, it was a 'how to pack' question that once again got diverted.
I am all for making life easier and packing lighter, but it seems to be an obsession for some, and like other fanatics, feel the need to find any excuse to convert. There are plenty of excellent posts and threads about this already. So, some like folders and are willing to accept the weight. Some want cubes for organization, some bundle, some don't, some combine. Great. Leave it at that. Tolerance.......

Packing light always factors in to how to pack. More so if it is carry in travel.

The Spectre cube weighs 1 oz. This is nowhere near the 1/2 pound you claim.

We must be talking about different "Specter Cubes". According to the website linked by Frank II, the "Specter Tech Structured Cube" weighs 8.2 oz/0.23 kg.

OK, Frank, I can see where if one had a few things that had to be wrinkle free, carrying just one or two structured cubes might be a solution, but, since it only holds 8% of the total volume in a US regulation carry-on bag, it certainly wouldn't be practical for everything.

BTW, it's kind of hard to take the "Structured Cube" website seriously. It says the expanded size of the cube is "17x24.5x9 cm", which is a volume of 3748.5 cc, about 3¾ liters. But they say that at that size it holds 10 l of contents. Since a liter is 61 cu. in., that would make the actual capacity, expanded, 229 cu. in.

Wow, quite the lively discussion. I appreciate the answers and found the non-answers interesting. Packing light is frequently not my goal. My goal is to pack smart, stay organized and be able to handle everything myself (70 y/o, 5'1", weak arms, strong legs!). Upcoming trip is ladies only! There is no right or wrong way to pack and traveling is not a competition. It's a joy!

Hubby and I are so blessed to be able to travel as much as we do. We have 5 kids and their families are in 3 different states, none in Texas. That alone keeps us on the road and in the air! Happy travels, everyone!

One of the reasons for the discrepancy in volume of soft sided bags and travel goods is that the material is so lightweight, it bulges. It is not rigid.

The way they take volume measurements in the travel goods industry has little, if anything, to do with the measurements. What they do is pump tiny, foam pellets into bags, cubes, etc., until they can't take anymore. Then the number of pellets are placed into a large cylinder and the volume of the pellets is measured. That then becomes the maximum volume of the bag. Technically, it can hold that much. In reality, you're never going to pack that much.

That's why I always say not to pay too much attention to maximum volume on soft sided bags because it's not real.

In all fairness, Eagle Creek has been known to have typos on their website when it comes to specs.

The Spectre cube weighs 1 oz. This is nowhere near the 1/2 pound you
claim.

We must be talking about different "Specter Cubes". According
to the website linked by Frank II, the "Specter Tech Structured Cube"
weighs 8.2 oz/0.23 kg.

Yes. There are now multiple Specter cubes. The structured one weighs 8 oz (1/2 lb) the regular one weighs 1 oz. That's 7 oz difference.

Depending on features the packing cube can be heavy or light.

LOL. Just because I eschew packing cubes and avoid what i consider to be unnecessary weight does not make me a light packer. I carry a lot of electronic devices chargers and accessories on my trips. My wife and i always check in a larger bag with full bottles of shampoo, contact lens solution, sun tan lotion etc because we know we will use these consumables and don't want to have to spend time buying tiny bottles during our trip. Once we land i redistribute some of the load from the checked in bag to my carry on back pack which becomes heavier. And my backpack is not ultra light to begin with; it has metal stays and fuller shouder and hip belt padding to make carrying a heavier load more tolerable. If others prefer to use packing cubes to separate black socks from white socks from striped socks, that is up to them. My point is that I save ounces by not using cubes which allows me to add ounces on other items.

My point is that I save ounces by not using cubes which allows me to add ounces on other items.

That's a very important point! Take the 7 oz difference between the heavy and light packing cubes. That's the weight of a heavier long sleeve shirt or two lighter short sleeve shirts.

Everyone makes a choice, but I would rather bring an extra shirt instead of extra packaging.

Husband and I spent 6 weeks in Europe with carry ons. Packing cubes (used a combo of mesh & spectre) really worked for us as they kept things organized & wrinkle free. The cubes made it easy to pack/unpack whether we stayed one or two nights or a week plus. I always knew where everything was and it was easy to get to what I needed. As always it is personal preference and what works for you. Experiment with both ways. What ever you decide I am sure it will work for you. Have a wonderful time!