Joining the packing cube cult?

The first time I used them my bag was about 5 pounds heavier than it needed to be; I had all that space left, so why not use it? Right?

Must be a Corollary to Parkinson's Law!

Your initiation instructions will be in the mail soon.....!!!

It'll take a few times of using them to figure out the best way to pack them. I'm glad you are starting with a weekend trip.

When I first started using the Eagle Creek compression cubes I tried rolling my shirts but that made the compressed cubes a weird humped shape that I didn't like so I wound up doing a flat fold. What worked best was that I finally made a template out of a new thin plastic cutting board (picked up one free at the Farmers Market from the Lentil Council, lol) then I could fold exactly to the size of the cube.

I changed to a different cube for my spring trip and had to work out another folding method and a different way to pack my suitcase.

There is a learning curve so don't give up.

I never liked the ziplocks because they slide around so much!

Totally NOT needing anyone to enable me (see the travel bin thread, hahaha!!) but would you be comfortable sharing the brand?

Jane,
You are not the only one who has used ziplock bags for packing. But I only use them for things like a down jacket or vest, my raincoat or a nicer light coat or sweater. I started using the packing cubes in 2010 on a trip to Italy and now I use them every time I pack my bag, wether it be for a 3 or 4 day getaway or a 77 day adventure. My husband loves how I pack his clothes and how easy it is for him to keep things organized. They have been a lifesaver and they don't slip around like the plastic bags do!!! I even have ones that are used for clothes that need to be washed. Enjoy them!
Kathy

Jane,
This is Kathy again. I like the cubes that the Rick Steves store sells the best. I use a flat fold as well...except for underwear!

Yep, I am a devoted RS cube fan. On our recent Venice/Adriatic Tour I used one large cube and one med. This was perfect for 3.5 weeks. I do use a couple gallon zip lock bags for pj's and other lingerie items to place in the the outside zipper compartments of my TravelPro baggage. It packs flat! This was a great tip I received years ago at a RS packing class. Let us know how cubes work for your Appenzell backpack!

Jane, I was a die-hard 2 gallon ziplock bag person for years. My first RS tour, I ordered the packing cubes from his store to use up some of the $100.00 you use to get. I LOVED them! Much to my surprise, I became an instant fan. I use three for whatever trip, whatever length of time. I use the large one for pants, shorts and tops if there is room. My tops go in another one along with scarves or other small items. The third one is for underwear and pj's. I fold everything and then roll each item, trying to smooth wrinkles away as I roll. This has worked very well for me.

There is no turning back from packing cubes! I am not sure how I lived without them.

It actually makes me be even more aware of limiting what I bring. You can try to stuff the cubes, but you don't want to break them.

I don't have the compression kind. Unless it is winter and I need to bring heavier clothes, I just make sure that I keep my bags packed as lightly as I can.

Love packing cubes. If you are packing too much use smaller packing cubes. I have a large packing cube and it fit all my clothes including underclothes and it’s still too big. Instead I use smaller cubes to separate tops/dresses, bottoms and the underclothes for great organization and no wrinkles! Gallon bags are now relegated to holding dirty underclothes. I use ebags.

Pam, the brand is Suntribe. There are three cubes: small, medium, and large, as well as three variously sized fabric bags, each clearly labeled "SECRET POUCH" which I think is hilarious.

I have a clear plastic cutting board I use when we go camping, but I think it's smaller than the largest cube. Which reminds me of a lentil story: One of my friends stopped by one day and in conversation asked what I was fixing for dinner. "Lentils." "Oh," she cried, "you've gone vegetarian!" When I said no, she was even more excited "Vegan!!!"

Actually, we just like lentils.

Thanks for the tips, everyone, I'll start practicing with the cubes soon.

Oh, one of the things I like about the ziplock bags is that you can shape them when packed. Usually I pack them flat, or actually slightly concave/convex, so they ride more comfortably on my back. The secret, of course, is to get almost all the air out by squeezing, then sit on the bag to get the last bit out and to shape the bag. Which my DH thinks is hilarious, as he watches me pack.

I don't find I save any room by using the cubes (I don't have compression ones). I actually had cubes for a few years before I used them on a trip (ignoring them for two trips). Now - I love them for keeping things organized - shirts in one, bottoms in another, underthings in the small one, no digging and tossing clothes everywhere to get that one pair of pants I want or trying to find that extra pair of socks that I used to stick in the bottom of the suitcase.

It's not so much about saving space, because I don't feel they do that, but I like the organization and ease of pulling out a cube to get at what I need and not having a mess in my suitcase. I also use the compression bags if I'm traveling just carry-on.

I have the RS set and one small cube holds my undies, bras, socks, nightie and slippers. The other small one is for tops, and I roll them to cut down on wrinkles. The big one is for my spare jeans--folded--sweater, and possibly light jacket, and depending on the weather possibly a couple of long sleeve tops.

FYI , one of my friends, who recently joined this cult and does not travel carry-on only, organizes an entire set of clothes for each day of her trip in a packing cube. She raved about how great it was. I think most of us pack our cubes by categories-underwear, tops, misc.

Love my packing cubes. I use the Amazon basics ones, which are all the same size.

I use them in 2 different ways. If we are traveling and staying in one place the whole time, I pack by type. All tops go in one, bottoms in another, undergarments in another, etc.

If we are staying at 3 or 4 different places, maybe for 2-3 nights each time, I pack one cube for each stop. E.g., each cube might have 1 pair of pants, 2 tops, and all the underwear/socks needed for that stop. When I get to each place I then only need to open one cube. I also finds this helps to force me to rewear pants and tops, since I know I am only wearing them in that stop.

I don't find packing cubes save room, but they definitely help keep me more organized, which has the side benefit of enabling me to take less.

Thanks for the link! Nice colors!

It's hard to tell looking at the pictures and the dimensions but they look a bit big to me and may not work well in a smaller suitcase. You'll have to play with them to see if they work for you! For instance, the latest ones I've got and really like are 13"X5"X2.8" so quite a bit smaller than some of the cubes in this set.

Still, a lovely thing for your friend to do!

I used to use zip lock bags but they slipped around a lot. I use RS's medium cubes, 2. Recently, I've added two ebag cubes simply because I felt like some color...(I know rather sick, but what the heck). I have one like Pam's that I have to say I haven't figured out how to use it. I'm likely to give it to my husband if I can't figure it out.

I'm a roller. I roll my clothes in my cubes, so maybe that's why the long one doesn't seem to work...but I haven't given up on it yet. I even have my clothes rolled in my bureau as I like to see immediately what is available to wear.

After amassing quite a packing cube collection, my addiction has progressed to the "compression" type cubes from EagleCreek. It often makes a difference in suitcase space.

I love mine! I also used to use the 2 gallon Ziploc bags and found that they slid around everywhere. I really like the cubes, mostly for the organization as other people have said. It’s especially nice if you are staying in a hotel with drawers because you can pull the whole cube out of your suitcase and put it in the drawer and just take out what you need. I’m generally gone for several weeks at a time so I pack by category, skirts and dresses together, shirts together, underclothes etc. I don’t have the compression type but may have to look into trying these!

I’ve been using Osprey’s StraightJacket compression sacks for many years. Not as convenient as cubes, only one edge is zipped, but I can yank on the compression straps and turn the package into a smaller and tighter brick. These sacks are leftover from my days of cycle touring. They come in 8, 12, 20, and 32 liter sizes. Osprey also has several different types of cubes.

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/straightjacket-compression-sack-32-liter-SJCMPSK32_610.html

Thanks again to all. I've been hoping Mahlona (who sent me the cubes) would chime in; she does occasionally post on this Forum. That's how I met her; she and her DH were on our recent 21 Day BOE, and she posted about being on the same tour before it started.

I had the “pleasure” of being randomly selected on the flight back to the States from Milan to have my suitcase searched. The man in the queue before me had his stuff out on a table. I’m a very organized person, so the thought of everything in the suitcase being loose on the table was a really annoying thought since they want the table cleared immediately afterwards.

They wanted to see my iPad from my daypack, and they asked me to unzip my carry-on suitcase. When I opened the suitcase, the inspector lifted up my sweater that was lying on top of my packing cubes, looked at the organized suitcase and said I could go. My packing cubes are the mesh ones from RS.

What I love about them rather than just rolling my clothes in the suitcase is the organization. I can leave things in their packing cubes, and done feel I have to hang everything up. I also like that nothing is tossing around in the suitcase...nice and snug in the cube.

I also like them better than baggies because they zip up like a suitcase and you can get what you want without having to take lots of things out and put them back in again.

I love them so much, i went and bought more.

Jean! I've seen that same scenario where the entire contents of someone's suitcase are laid (or thrown) out on a table for all to see. That's the stuff of nightmares for me as well. Yes, if I get pulled for that, i want them to take a look, see complete organization and wave me thru.

A packing cube is just stuff. Stuff has weight. Stuff takes up room. Packing stuff into other stuff takes more time.

Pack less stuff.

I am agnostic.

I don’t know about other people’s packing cubes, but the ones I have weight about as much as a pair of underwear...that few ounces or grams really isn’t going to put me overweight.

I'm a firm believer in packing cubes and have used them since 2006. I usually use the RS mesh packing cubes. They fit perfectly into my RS rolling suitcase. On a weekend trip of 2-3 nights I have an Eagle Creek tote bag and an Eagle Creek packing cube that fits in it vertically. The EC cube is mesh on the top. The sides and bottom are nylon. I actually prefer the all mesh cubes. I don't leave home without packing cubes.

I got the RS cubes 2 weeks ago, can't wait to used them.

I went yesterday to Marshalls and of course I got more cubes! I found the Sharper Image Compression Set (comes with 2) at $9.99... couldn't let it pass!

My name is Lo and I've been a packing cube addict for at least 6 years. It all started with some black mesh ones on sale at REI. Then I got some others online in hard-to-leave-behind bright colors. Those were supplemented by some equally bright compression cubes.

Later I put myself in temptation's way at Summit Hut where I bought one bright green Specter Tech non-compression large cube. I loved the ultra light weight, and the color. The hook was finally and irrevocably set when I got my first 2 - piece set of Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Tech Compression cubes, 14x10 and 10x7. The weights listed are 2 and 1.5 oz respectively. I don't think they weigh that much. I now have 3 sets like that in blue, red and green.

I recently used my Appenzell backpack with them inside. (Don't tell my orthopedist.) The larger ones can fit flat side-by-side next to each other on the back of the pack or side-by-side vertically stacked at the bottom of it.

Now I wonder if any of my compression cubes could make my shoes smaller. That would be real magic.

Lo! There you are! Any trips planned? I didn't know you were a cube addict.

Well, we just got back from our long weekend in Houston, and I did indeed use the cubes. Pam, I see what you mean about the size of the cubes; the large one in this set is about 12x9x5.

I didn't use my Appenzell backpack; since this was a car and hotel outing, I used my RS Euro bag. The large cube barely fit in the bottom of the bag. In fact, it was such a tight squeeze I left the cube in the bag until we got home this afternoon.

Since there were two "dress up" events this weekend, I used the large cube for: one heavy long dress, one long skirt, one top and one jacket for the skirt, and two shawls. They fit easily, with room left over.

I used the medium cube for undies and "comfy clothes:" one pair of flannel pants, a heavy t-shirt, several pair of socks and underpants, hose, and a long slip. Again, plenty of room.

As some of you have noted, I didn't save any space using the cubes, but I did LOVE how organized I felt. Everything I took - except my second pair of shoes - was either on my body or in the cubes. But the two packed cubes all but filled the Euro bag. I did manage to squeeze in two bags with various bathroom items (bottles of supplements; when we go to Europe we decant all our supplements into small baggies, but for most US trips we just toss the bottles into our luggage) as well as miscellaneous grooming items, toiletries, and OTC medications (I came down with a nasty cold just before we left.)

I definitely need more practice, and I may use the smaller cubes for lighter items, but as of now I'm not ready to convert. In fact, someone in our local travel group has asked me to do a packing demonstration this weekend, and I'm using the 2-gallon plastic bags.

But as I said, I loved having everything organized, and right at my fingertips, so I promise I will continue to experiment with the cubes. Thank you all for your tips and encouragement.

Jane-

I don’t use cubes but I will bring what I use to our meeting Saturday

Kim

Hi, Jane!

I haven't been monitoring the Forums much lately. Sorry about that.

Yes, I am a compression cube nut. I like the way they flatten what's in them and I like the organization.

I did use freezer zip-loc plastic bags in the past, and as someone else mentioned, I hate the way they slide around. I do still use a few, or real-zipper, oddly-shaped heavier versions of them, for some things. I mostly tuck them in crevices around and between the cubes, but sometimes I put a group of them in the cubes.

As for the trip question, depending on results from some tests tomorrow, I plan to sign up for back-to-back RS tours -- Heart of Portugal and Best of Spain -- for next June. As with Scandinavia this past summer, this choice is prompted by learning that 8% of my DNA is from the Iberian Peninsula.

My planning includes 3 flights within Europe: Amsterdam to Lisbon, Lisbon to Barcelona and Sevilla to Amsterdam. The flight prices are very good, but the carry-on restrictions are daunting. So now I'm weighing the costs of paying extra to check my 22x14x9 "big" bag vs. getting a much smaller bag that I can still roll.

At the moment, paying extra to check is winning because the size, weight and number of carry-on items vary so much among the airlines with the best flight schedules.

Whatever I do, my compression bags will visit the Iberian Peninsula with me.

Hi, Lo, glad to hear from you. I'm still running behind here, but I'll send you an email or PM soon - we need to catch up. Lots going on in our lives right now.

Jane! Thanks for the update on your cube use!

For me it took several times to work out how to use them effectively -both in how to pack them and how to divide stuff up. AND it took several different kinds of cubes, lol. I know these are special to you because they are from a friend but I wondered if the size would be a limiting factor.

Lo....sometimes it's better to go ahead and pay for the checked luggage if you are flying a LCC even if you don't know if you are going to use it, lol!

I started using packing cubes a couple of years ago and am a convert. The organization factor is unsurpassed and unpacking is easy at a hotel. Just throw the bags into a dresser drawer and hang up appropriate items. Great for multi- destination travel.

I own a set of RS cubes and some from Ebags. Both have held up well. I also bought a six piece set of Gonex compression cubes from Amazon for $27.99. They’ve been fine, too, but I think the zippers are probably a little flimsier than comparable bags from Eagle Creek. However, since you pay around $40 for two EC bags versus the full set from Gonex, it’s probably a better overall deal.

Where the compression bags really shine is when traveling with a backpack, particularly with a simple, one compartment pack. The cubes not only take up less space than regular packing cubes, you have separation from other stuff you might throw in the bag. I can fit 2-3 days of clothes in them with plenty of room for 3-1-1 and Dopp kits along with my electronic stuff in a mid size backpack if I do it right.

The only downside to the compression bags depends on how efficiently you fold your clothes. I’ll admit that I’m not the neatest in this area, and the wrinkle factor can kick in if you cram too many items in a cube. I generally roll T-shirts and polos, and try to “flat fold” more wrinkle prone shirts. Undershorts and socks are obviously no problem.

The packing cubes have made travel a whole lot easier. My wife, who travels often for business, now swears by them as well. Great innovation.

Hello! I'm glad to hear you're eager to try your new packing cubes. They are very useful for keeping things tidy and organized. For those who might not know what packing cubes are I invite them to read this article on what are travel packing cubes?

I was actually going to post a new thread but I saw this one still on the front page so I figured I would just add to it. Just got back from two weeks in Thailand.

I've been using packing cubes for a few years now and I've been to Ireland Scotland Iceland Italy Greece Spain, the Caribbean and quite a few places around the United States since then.

I can absolutely tell you that it has changed my life. I'm serious. I'm OCD about some things and the stress of packing and being unorganized on vacation just drove me absolutely nuts.

I try to share this with my friends but they don't seem to get it. But most people aren't that anal and don't like to think about these kinds of things for whatever reason.

My wife likes it but doesn't love it. But she doesn't tend to be overly excited about much of anything and just goes with the flow.

I found a heck of a deal one time on Amazon basics packing cubes and ordered a bunch. They came in two different sizes and they're just about perfect.

I'm now looking at getting my kids their own packing cubes since there now adults and they seem to really like it on the Scotland trip we took them on. My daughter who's in medical school Is just like me and loves them. My son is just like my wife and can take it or leave it and doesn't dwell on things like this too much.

To each their own but I can tell you it is game changer for me.

It seems that large portion of people who post on this forum tend to be wired a little more like me and less like my wife when it comes to organization etcetera

Ikea has a great set for $10. Used them last year in Europe
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10328177

I'm late to this party, but I also really like packing cubes, mainly for organization. I don't find that they save space per se, but I love how they keep me better organized. I started with a set of the RS cubes and then received a set of five cheap ones of different sizes as a Christmas present. I generally like the RS cubes better, but the other sizes come in handy, depending on the trip.

My wife isn't much interested in trying the cubes, though she did pick up a set of the compression bags on our October visit to the RS offices and store.

I gave my son a set of the RS cubes this Christmas that I thought he might want to use as he packed for a semester in Scotland and/or to use on weekend trips elsewhere in Europe while he's over there.

We sent him on his way last week and he's enjoying his first few days in Edinburgh. I went in his room yesterday and found the packing cubes, unopened. So I guess I've only succeeded in adding to my collection. :-)

Stoutfella....those kids! Totally OT but nephew did a summer university term in Barcelona a couple of years ago. About 2 weeks in his parents got a frantic text that he needed NOTEBOOK PAPER and a PEN because, gasp...he had to take notes!! They told him surely there was a store in Barcelona where he could buy such stuff..... ohhhh, the horror.... PS Enjoy your new cubes!

I always use the cubes but had avoided compression bags because of the inevitable wrinkles. Lately I have been taking 2 very large ones I place flat on my carry-on's bottom liner. As the trip progresses I start to put laundry in them and seal. I really like this new system! Then the items in the cubes are still clean and I can quickly see what's left. By the end of the trip I put the 2 compressed "blocks" into the packable duffle I use for purchases and can check it, if needed. Once home the whole UNpacking process is so much easier, too.

I like the 2 sided cubes- clean clothes on one side, dirty on the other. Everything packs the same without segregating dirty clothes from clean.

The cubes make it a breeze to repack when changing hotels.

Thumbs up for packing cubes, great way to stay organized.
For folding, try these tips - https://twitter.com/ValaAfshar/status/1086457881560518656

What is SSSS?
( Not sure we have that in Canada?)

SJ, Secondary Security Screening Selection. Here's a link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_Security_Screening_Selection

Evidently people with one way tickets or who have paid cash for their ticket are more likely to be chosen, but TSA isn't divulging all the criteria for selection.