Packing between the handles

I haven't seen a product like that, but I recall reading a suggestion about using a piece of foam board cut to the shape of the suitcase to create a flat base for packing. I've thought about trying that myself but am a bit concerned about what would happen if the suitcase got really soaked. (I use soft-sided bags.) This definitely wouldn't be as convenient as what you're looking for.

Eagle Creek makes a slim packing cube meant to go between the handles. You’d probably need two to fit the length of a suitcase. I found a set on eBay of a discontinued style, big and little cube. I put the little cube in my day bag, with a scarf and hat.
You couldn’t pack them firm enough to make a flat surface, but it does keep things organized.

I'm getting ready for a trip using a new carry on bag and have a similar need. The Eagle Creek one listed already looks like a good option. I found a similar Baggallini one on Amazon (some colors on sale today!) that may also suit the situation, and it is a compression bag too https://a.co/d/0i1M4lba To make a flatter surface you could insert a piece of cardboard on the bottom before zipping it up.

Thanks for the idea, Frank - and the link, Ualagirl. I was having a hard time visualizing what Frank was talking about. Now I get it. 😊 That's actually a good idea. I have the same issue, although usually I just put stuff down in there without it being in an organizer.

The one thing I don't like about packing cubes, although I recognize their efficiency, is that it adds weight to the bag. Not a lot, but some. Although I think I'm going to try it again on this trip since I'll be staying in a lot of places for only one or two nights.

At any rate, I also found this Baggallini one on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Baggallini-Long-Compression-Cube-Lightweight/dp/B0FYQPXM5V/ref=sr_1_1

CL, you beat me to it. 😊 The Amazon one is a nice deal. I just ordered three of them.

Frank, thanks for the idea. I never even thought about something like this, but it makes perfect sense.

Mardee I also ordered one to try! Thanks for enabling the shoping, Frank II :) And FWIW there are some other options on Amazon that look possible, I searched on "slim packing cube" and got quite a few options.

I just ordered a few as well! I also found these and have them on order. The Baggallini ones weigh 4.6 ounces each and these are 2.5 ounces each. Plus they are 4 for $17. They all arrive tomorrow, so I will compare then.

https://a.co/d/0ckasz9h

That is my favorite packing cube. A neighbor in our Buy Nothing Facebook group gifted one to me. It perfectly fits a pair of airline slippers. Or socks.

Mine has the semi rigid perimeter and doesn't really fit between the rails. I'm going to check out the style that doesn't have the edge trims.

I have the Eagle Creek one which fits between the rails. They have a couple versions. I think mine is the isolate one:
https://eaglecreek.com/products/pack-it-reveal-slim-cube-m
https://eaglecreek.com/products/pack-it-isolate-slim-cube-m

The Eagle Creek ones are much lighter. The Baggallinis are 4.6 oz vs 2.3 oz for the Eagle Creek ones that I looked at.

That's a great price on the Baggallinis when weight isn't a primary consideration.

The Isolate ones that Laura linked are even lighter, at 1 oz.

ETA: I just ordered a 3 pack of the Eagle Creek Isolate style for $54 from Amazon, a bit less than the $20 individual price. They'll arrive in 2 weeks.

I have a few of the Eagle Creek slim cubes. It’s amazing just where you can squeeze this size. They are great for socks , undergarments, pj’s etc. Also, as I move clean items out I eventually move the dirty ones in.

My spouse has an It-Luggage World's Lightest spinner with a full-width U-shaped tubular handle which telescopes into the bag at the far corners leaving the interior flat rather than twice disrupted in the middle. Only downside is typical trolley sleeves on personal items won't fit. Perhaps that's why the maker discontinued the design.

On topic, should I ever find myself forced to use the RS rolling bags I picked up as-new for half RRP on ebay I'll probably just use zip-lock bags to stash small items between the handle humps.

The Eagle Creek ones you can't see what is inside. I like to see since I don't always remember what I packed.

I do have these GOX cubes which I love. The small one is just a touch too wide to fit perfectly between the handles, but it only weighs 2 ounces. The small one is only 11 inches long, which makes it not ideal for this space in the suitcase, but I use it all the time. I have had these for several years and they are very durable. I can see what is inside each one, and they come in a variety of colors so my husband and I each have our own color and know at a glance whose is whose.

https://a.co/d/04n91I5M

Thanks for all who replied.

I had planned on getting a flat piece of pastic cut to fit over whatever I put between the handles. I had something similar in another bag I owned but found things shifted.

I had one of the Baggalini long cubes mentioned. It wasn't bad but too thick for my liking.

The Amazon ones are too wide for my bag. They are exactly the same as ones made for Ebags years ago.

I have a few older Eagle Creek slim cubes and may give them another try when I get back home. They are the softest and mold the easiest into the channel.

The ones I originally mentioned were seen about 20 years ago on one of the shopping channels. I can't remember which one. They must have not been popular as they no longer exist.

The Eagle Creek ones you can't see what is inside. I like to see since I don't always remember what I packed.

Ha ha, that is so true with me as well. I definitely need reminders or clear windows or something.

The enabling is real lol. I will be measuring the gap between my carry-on rails now...and have bookmarked several of the options mentioned...

I have 3 long packs. I don't remember what brand. They are mesh on one side. I like them and they do help to smooth out the handle side, though I don't always take 3.

The enabling is real lol. I will be measuring the gap between my carry-on rails now...and have bookmarked several of the options mentioned...

The Eagle Creek isolate version works great with a Travelpro Maxlite 5 rollaboard.

The Eagle Creek ones you can't see what is inside. I like to see since I don't always remember what I packed.

While I like to see inside other cubes, it is not an issue for me with the slim cube. I use it to pack socks and underwear. Since I only have one cube of this shape, I know what is in it.

The enabling is real lol.

😂 😂 😂

I've been using these for years and love them. I'm not sure what exact measurement you are looking for as mine are also the older Ebags, but they work well in my suitcase. I usually only start with two, vertical, in my suitcase, one for bottoms and one for tops. I take a third for my dirty laundry later, but with PJs and change of clothes for the transport days. It is on the side of the suitcase near the zipper, not under the compression straps, and so I can quickly pull it out if my bag is being checked and I can put it in my personal item. These clothes have been removed from the other two cubes before the trip after knowing these clothes will fit without the third cube. I want to know all my clothes fit in those two original tubes (weird, but it's me) in my suitcase. I use them like vertical drawers. I have a very small compression cube for unders and scarves. My entire pack can fit in my suitcase should I want to do so. I split stuff out into my Personal Item for transport times only.
--Compass Rose used to also sell these, but I don't know what their status is now. (Travel Fashion Girl's company)

The Amazon ones are too wide for my bag. They are exactly the same as ones made for Ebags years ago

Frank, I stand them on their short edge on the two side divits, and they fit perfectly there...in my compact Traveler. The one in the middle fits flat, but I don't usually use it that way...but that's just preference, obviously.

Yes, Wray, I think that is how mine fit---sides and flat.

Update: I got the Baggallini slim cube today. It has a plastic see through cover which is nice but does add some to the weight compared to other options cited above. I put socks and undergarments from two separate cubes into it, so it is basically the same weight as using two separate ones. I tried the compression feature but it made the cube too rounded on the top - it fits better between the handles uncompressed. I use a ultralight Eagle Creek packing folder for the rest of my clothing, so I think the long cube filling up that hollow space in the middle will help. I will find out how well it works, I leave next week!

CL--I received mine yesterday as well, along with the Amazon ones. I am returning the Baggallini ones and keeping the Amazon. My husband and I compared both and it was not a hard decision. I like the bright red color as it would be harder to accidentally leave behind, and the fabric was lighter. I did not care for that compression zipper in the other one either. We will try these out on our trip that is coming up very soon. That will be the real test;)

Keep us posted, CL. I'll be leaving in a month, and my order from Amazon is coming tomorrow.