So I've talked about how I'm a convert to the packing cube system but now am also intrigued by packing folders and would like to try some. However, I'm not sure what size to buy or how many.
FWIW, I dress fairly casual when traveling - no suits or dress jackets or even dress pants. Mostly knits or cotton tees although I do have some linen shirts and pants, and a travel dress that is a lightweight wool knit.
We have used packing cubes and folders for years. The packing folders are for my husband’s dress shirts and nice casual shirts. They work perfectly and the folder fits easily in luggage.
I agree with Suki, the packing folders are perfect, just make sure your get the right size to fit your bag. Measure the dimensions (length and width) of the inside of you bag and you'll know which size to get. I've used the eagle creek packing folders and three packing cubes and I can take enough clothes for a 2-3 week visit to Europe. The packing folder keeps your shirts and pants looking nice and wrinkle free.
Another user of cubes and folders. My husband only wears shirts with collars, not a T-shirt guy and I do sometimes too. The folder works better then the cubes for these shirts. Ours are eagle creek. The medium size fits a middle size suitcase.
Mardee, I wouldn't want to travel without my Eagle Creek packing cubes AND packing folder (1). We travel for about 4 weeks with a 22-inch suitcase, so the folder I use, takes up practically the whole width and length of the suitcase (not sure what size that is. I think medium). My clothes are super-casual..."sink-washable and wear." In the packing folder, are a couple pairs of pants, as well as ALL my tops. I think the depth is only about 3-5 inches. Honestly. The packing folder is right on top, so if I opened my suitcase in a public area, all people would see is my turquoise packing folder.
When I get to our hotel, I just take out all my packing cubes and packing folder from my suitcase. I take out what I'm going wear the next day, to hopefully shake out the wrinkles. Everything else remains in the packing folder.
How do you keep collars from getting squashed down?
Watching a video on Eagle Creek website seems to show nothing different for collars than what happens in a suitcase.
So I ordered an Eagle Creek medium and large packing folder, which I found on clearance for $10 and $12 respectively at Sierra Trading Post (nka Sierra)! Can't wait to try them out.
Thanks for all of your advice!!
The compression type packing cubes are my favorite! I use them, not so as to take more stuff with me, but to have some extra room for anything I might purchase while traveling. And they provide great organization as well as a neat looking bag that might get opened by TSA or others like that. I often get compliments when that happens. I don't typically bring much back with me but it's nice to have a bit of extra space if needed. It is tempting to pack more when using the compression cubes though! More stuff = heavier bag and I don't check a bag so I have to keep in mind that I will be hauling it myself up and down stairs, on metro, etc. And some European airlines can get a bit "concerned" about bag weight. :)
FYI.....besides Eagle Creek, Sea to Summit makes them as well. I just picked up both sizes and will try one on my next trip.
We travel with relatively few clothes. I rotate shirts daily, and make 3 rotations before laundering. We get our jeans and khaki pants heavily starched, and they look good after a week--if we can stay out of the dirt.
And we do use packing cubes for underwear and socks. Another trick is if you're moving from place to place, stay in an apartment halfway thru your trip that has a washer/dryer.
The whole goal is to keep the bag under 22 lbs. My wife uses a 21" TravelPro ultra light rolling bag with swivel wheels. I use a backpack 21" bag (no wheels.)
goanywhere, I'm always afraid of using too much compression because it is such an invitation to overpack!
Frank, those Sea to Summit packing cubes are nice! I love the bright colors!
David, your wife's bag sounds exactly like mine. I love the TravelPro spinner bags. And yes, a washer is always nice - I'll be gone for a month this trip so it's really essential. Several of the places I'm staying have them and for the places that don't, I'll either wash them out in the sink or find a laundromat nearby (or both).
I always use a packing folder - even though my clothes are casual, it keeps everything tidy and contained. I am petite so I can put my skirts and pants in the medium size folder and they fit fine. I usually pack just one folder with the majority of my clothes, plus a couple of packing cubes for smaller items (my bag has a built in pocket I use for socks and underwear). The Eagle Creek folders have a guide on the folding board that helps illustrate the efficient way to fold clothes, plus they have video instructions if you need a visual: https://youtu.be/kF_vuggyCEw
CL, that's great! I will check out the video as soon as my packing folders get here. Thank you!
I carry a travel blazer (Eddie Bauer) that is light and adds an illusion of dress-up to any clean shirt and pants. I usually hang the blazer in the bathroom while showering to smooth it out a bit. It goes into a large folder that fits perfectly in the Bihn Aeronaut 45L. I like to think the folder prevents it from wrinkling.
Be aware that it's easy to over-equip yourself. As the company reorganizes, some Eagle Creek gear can be found at deep discounts at many shops if you are into power shopping. If you want to try folders, get them as cheaply as you can.
Bogiesan, thanks for the warning, but I’m very good at discount shopping. I recently bought several Eagle Creek packing folders, but I found them for $10 each at sierra.com. My mother was raised in the depression and she would have screamed in horror if she found me paying full price for something like that. 😊
David, I had never heard of starching jeans before! Is that more common in the American south than elsewhere? Are starched jeans comfortable to wear? I'm so intrigued! Googling it brings up a lot of references to cowboys :)
(Sorry to detour from the packing folder discussion).
How much does the eagle creek medium fit. Would it take 5 dress shirts (some short sleeved) and 2 suit jackets?
