How Do Compression Packing Cubes Work?
Compression packing cubes don’t work like vacuum bags, where the air is sucked out and the bag sealed. Instead, how compression packing cubes work is they have a second zipper to use after the bag is packed, to shrink the size of the bag, compressing the items inside. Rather than being cube shaped, like most packing cubes, compression cubes usually compress into more of a flat packet or envelope shape. Once you arrive at your destination, you can unzip the compression zipper and your clothes will expand back to their original size, making it easier to unpack. Don’t know what to buy and just looking for a recommendation? Check out these Gonex Compression Packing Cubes.
Introduction to Packing Cubes
Regular packing cubes are used to keep your clothing organized on your trip and they let you fit more items into the same amount of space by organizing the items in your luggage. They do this by creating smaller, more compactable spaces that fit together neatly. Think of how packing cubes work like small fabric drawers for storing your clothes, rather than just throwing them all in one bag together. They make it easier to find what you’re looking for, and keep you from pulling out half your clothes to get to the one sock that’s fallen to the bottom of your bag.There are several features to look at when buying packing cubes – size, material, construction quality are the most important.
In the case of compression packing cubes, construction quality is doubly important because of the added strain put on all the seams from the compression. Compression packing cubes are usually made from similar materials as regular packing cubes. There is a bit more emphasis on using lightweight materials, like ripstop nylon or spectra.
How to Use Compression Packing Cubes
how to pack compression packing cubes?
Pack your compression packing cubes like you would any other packing cube. Take special care that the only items you pack inside are flexible enough to compress. The last thing you want is to pierce a hole in the cube from something hard and inflexible.
Once the cube is packed and zipped closed, you’ll use the compression zipper to compress the items inside. This will change the shape of the compression cube, compressing at the sides of the cube – where the zipper is, but leaving the center to bulge a bit. Be careful, if you overpack the cube, the compression zipper can jam or can overstrain the seams. Trying to calculate how many packing cubes you need for your trip? Find the answer here: How many Packing Cubes do I Need?
compression cubes for travel?
Compression cubes are most useful for longer-term travel or travel to somewhere with a variable climate. For these kinds of travel the compression cubes help save space by compressing especially bulky items like sweaters. For longer term travel, they can help free up space so you can take more clothing with you, but still use only a carry-on. In this way compression packing cubes can help save you money on those extra baggage fees. Just be sure to check the weight of your bag – your clothes may be compressed, but they still weigh just as much!
Are Compression Packing Cubes Worth It?
Compression packing cubes are absolutely worth it for specific kinds of travel. If you’re backpacking, and trying to fit more items into one backpack, compression packing cubes can make the difference between having enough layers to stay comfortable in variable weather, and being miserable if it gets cold. In this case, you’d pack the same number of items, but you’d gain more space for other things, like food.
If you usually travel with a checked bag, but want to try the minimalism of the carry-on lifestyle, compression packing cubes can help give you the edge you need without sacrificing too many of the comforts you’re used to. And hey, saving on those checked-bag fees is a nice bonus.
If you’re traveling to someplace you know you’ll want to bring back souvenirs from. In this case, pack the compression cubes like regular packing cubes, and travel to your destination. On the way back home, you can compress the cubes to give yourself more space for that penguin statue. In this case you may find it useful to compress the packed cubes to check how much space you’ll gain before you buy your souvenirs.
The one other use where compression cubes would come in handy, is for people traveling for work or an event where they’ll need several specific changes of clothing. In this case, use the compression cubes to pack your casual clothes and save space, then pack your formal wear using some other method – regular packing cubes, garment bag, garment folder, whatever. This way you can have the space you’ll need for fanciness.
Do Compression Packing Cubes Really Save Space?
Yes, compression packing cubes save even more space than regular packing cubes do. For a cross comparison of how much space you can save check out this article on Smarter Travel. But, how much space they can save depends on how “squishy” the clothes are that you’re packing inside. Sweaters, knitted fabric, or anything quilted – all are more compressible than clothes like jeans, button-up shirts, or fancy dresses.
Do Compression Packing Cubes Wrinkle Clothes?
Compression packing cubes can wrinkle clothing, for that reason they work best for items made of wrinkle resistant fabrics like knits or fabric with spandex in it. You can also reduce the amount of wrinkling by rolling your clothes before packing them in a compression cube, rather than flat folding. If you absolutely need the extra space offered by compression cubes, you can also reduce wrinkles after-the-fact by using a wrinkle release spray or by hanging clothes in the bathroom while you take a shower – heat and light steam will relax away the wrinkles.
Packing Cubes vs Compression Bags
Watch out for home storage compression bags. These are typically clear plastic and are designed for storing clothes long term, not for travel. They’re usually quite large, and you connect them to a vacuum to suck out the air and compress the clothing or winter blankets.
They compress more than any other system, so for freeing up storage space at home, they’re great. But for traveling, not so much. While some manufacturers also sell “travel” compression bags in the same style, they’re not that great for traveling. For one thing, you have to use a vacuum to compress your items, which you probably wouldn’t have while traveling. And if your trip involves stops in several places, you’ll have to recompress your clothes each time.
The only travel-related reason to use these is if you’re moving across an ocean, and you need clothes to wear until the shipping company delivers your things a month or two later. Otherwise, stick with packing cubes or compression cubes.
In contrast, the main purpose of regular packing cubes is to help organize your clothing when traveling. They fit into luggage that is square or rectangular, because they can fit into the corners they use the space better.
What is a Compression Sack?
A compression sack (also called a stuff sack) is a cylindrical bag used mostly by backpackers for bulky but compressible items like sleeping bags or down jackets. Compression sacks usually have a drawstring closure, and four straps that connect the top of the bag to the bottom. They are usually made from water resistant rip-stop nylon and are usually as lightweight as possible for use by backpackers. Compression is achieved by pulling these straps tight against a locking system that keeps the strap from sliding – like one of those belt buckles that just has two overlapping rings. They’re really designed to fit into a backpack and don’t fit well in regular square luggage. They’re also not designed with organization in mind and are usually made in sizes that aren’t that useful for organizing clothing.
Where Can You Buy Compression Cubes for Packing?
You can buy compression cubes from several different manufacturers on Amazon, as well as from the manufacturers themselves. If you’re interested in a cross-comparison of compression packing cubes, check out this review: Best Compression Packing Cubes.