Have you heard the latest craze in travel? It’s vacuum storage bags. People going on holiday are trying to cram as much as they can into their suitcases and vacuum bags are a good option. If you have never used one, it’s definitely worth considering.
When suitcase space feels too tight, vacuum storage bags come in pretty handy. I’ve used them for years to squeeze every bit of room out of my luggage, especially when I need to pack for a longer trip like I did a few years back when going to Japan, and needed to bring bulky stuff like jackets.
Pick The Right Size
Some brands of vacuum storage bags are better than others, and picking the right size or type makes a difference in how much you can actually take on the road. Here, I’m sharing a look into the best vacuum storage bags for travel, how they work, and what to know so you can spend less time fighting with your suitcase and more time enjoying the trip.
Types of Vacuum Storage Bags for Travel
Travel vacuum bags come in a few primary styles, each with its own perks. Your choice depends on your packing style, how much you want to pack, and whether you want to fuss with extra gadgets.
Manual Compression Bags
These don’t need a vacuum or pump. After you fill them up, you push or roll the air out by hand. Really useful if you want something quick, and they can be resealed over and over. I’ve found they’re great for t-shirts, shorts, or other clothes that aren’t too big or fluffy.
Vacuum Seal Bags -Pump or Vacuum
Vacuum seal bags with a valve can be used with a hand pump (sometimes included) or a household vacuum cleaner. These compress your stuff more tightly than manual bags. I like these for winter trips when big jackets and sweaters would otherwise dominate your luggage. The main thing to remember is you’ll need to bring a pump if you want to reseal on the go.
Some brands make ultra-flat bags without any valves. You seal them tight and press or roll the bag to push air out. They don’t get things as flat as pump bags, but they’re the lightest option and have barely any extra weight.
Which Bag Should You Choose? Any Ideas?
Think about the type of clothes you’re bringing and your access to a vacuum or pump. For most trips, I stick with manual compression bags because they’re quick and practical. If I’m packing a heavy coat or plan to do a trip with several stops, I’ll go for vacuum seal bags with a pump.
How Many Vacuum Bags Fit in a Suitcase?
The number of vacuum bags you can fit really depends on their size and the suitcase. After years of mastering suitcase Tetris, here’s what I’ve found works in each type of bag:
Carry-On, Medium or Large? How Many?
For a carry-on (around 22 x 14 x 9 inches) I usually use about 2 to 3 medium sized vacuum bags. You could even fit a rolled up jacket or pants in a large bag, but you won’t get more than one or two oversized bags inside. Always keep airline weight limits in mind! Shrinking your clothes doesn’t make them lighter, just smaller.
For a mid-sized suitcase (around 24 inches), I can usually fit 3 to 5 medium or large vacuum bags, depending on how bulky your items are. I usually squeeze in up to 4 large bags if I’m packing for two weeks or bringing cold weather clothes. Mixing a few small and medium bags is handy to organize socks, underwear, and t-shirts.
With a big suitcase (about 28 inches), you are looking up to 6 large vacuum bags—think coats, jumpers, pillows, or even bedding. Be careful: after compressing everything, it’s easy to go over the airline’s weight limit, even though things seem flat!
Do Vacuum Bags Reduce Luggage Weight?
Packing with vacuum bags doesn’t actually make your suitcase lighter. It just saves space by squishing out all the air. If you fill up that new empty space with more clothes, your suitcase will end up weighing the same, or sometimes even heavier, which can lead to hefty baggage fees. I’ve been tempted to add extra outfits when my suitcase looks half empty, but the scale doesn’t lie at check-in! Check this article for all airlines for weight and size.
Benefits of Vacuum Storage Bags for Travel
Vacuum bags can be a game changer for travelers who want maximum packing space without adding bulk to their suitcase. Here are some advantages I notice every trip:
- Make Bulky Items Manageable: Things like winter coats and sweaters shrink right down so you can pack more.
- Stay Organized: Bagging different categories of clothes keeps everything tidy, making it easy to grab what you need without making a mess.
- Keep Clothes Fresh: Sealed bags block out moisture, dust, and unexpected odors. Great if you’re packing for a spot with unpredictable weather.
- Protect from Spills: If you get a leak in your suitcase (lotion, shampoo, whatever), vacuum bags keep your clothes safe.
- Easy Storage at Destination: When you unpack, vacuum bags double as storage for dirty laundry or souvenirs on the way home.
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Disadvantages of Using Vacuum Bags
Vacuum bags are useful, but there are a few drawbacks to note before you rely on them for every trip:
- Creasing: Your clothes get quite squished, so expect some creases and wrinkles. I often need to hang things up or iron them when I arrive.
- Time to Pack and Repack: Compressing everything takes longer than just folding and tossing things in. Repacks at the airport or hotel can be a hassle, especially if you need a pump.
- Accessing Items Is a Hassle: Once something’s in a vacuum bag, it’s harder to get to. If you need a shirt buried at the bottom, you’ll need to open up and reseal the whole thing.
- Weight Temptation: You might end up packing way more clothes because you have the space, which sometimes means getting hit with extra baggage fees.
- Potential for Leaks: Bags can rip, especially if they’re overstuffed or next to sharp luggage corners.
Should You Roll or Fold Clothes in Vacuum Bags?
Both methods work, but what you choose depends on your priorities. Rolling is faster and you’ll get fewer wrinkles, which I prefer for everyday clothes. Folding is better for getting things really flat and maximizing every inch of vacuum storage space. For bulky items like jumpers or jackets, I tend to fold them tightly before vacuum sealing. For softer things like t-shirts and sleepwear, rolling makes them fit into odd corners.
Will Clothes Go Mouldy in Vacuum Bags?
Mould loves moisture, so as long as you’re packing clean, completely dry clothes, you won’t have problems. This is especially true during shorter trips. Storing damp or dirty clothes in vacuum bags, though, is a recipe for mildew. I always make sure everything is dry before packing, and I don’t leave travel vacuum bags sealed for weeks at a time. For long-term storage, it’s safer to add a silica gel packet or two to soak up any extra moisture inside the bag.
Can You Take Vacuum Sealed Clothes on Plane?
Yes, you can put vacuum sealed bags in your checked luggage and carry-on bag. Security (TSA in the US and similar authorities elsewhere) has no rules against vacuum storage bags. Keep in mind, if your carry-on is inspected, officers might want to open the bags to see what’s inside. That means you could be re-packing in a hurry. I usually keep a hand pump handy just in case and leave anything I’ll need at the airport outside of sealed bags.
What Shouldn’t You Vacuum Pack?
Some items just don’t do well in vacuum storage bags:
- Leather and Suede: These can dry out or get creased badly in an airless bag.
- Down Jackets: The feathers don’t always bounce back well after compression. Storing them long term in a vacuum bag can ruin them.
- Foods or Liquids: Travel vacuum bags aren’t designed for food and can leak if things burst under pressure.
- Anything you need often: If you’ll want to get something out quickly (like medication or toiletries), it’s easier to leave it loose.
Alternatives to Vacuum Bags for Travel
There are ways to save space and stay organized without vacuum bags:
- Packing Cubes: Packing cubes don’t compress clothes as much as vacuum bags, but they keep everything neat and sorted, and you can access stuff quickly.
- Compression Cubes: These look like packing cubes but have a zipper along the outside so you can squish clothes down by hand with no pump or valve needed.
- Space Saver Storage Bags (Non Vacuum): Some brands make lightweight zip bags that you seal and press. They won’t get as flat as vacuum bags but are lighter and easier to use quickly.
Packing Cubes vs. Vacuum Bags
This one comes down to what you need most: space or convenience. Vacuum bags shrink your clothes as much as possible, which is great for winter gear and bulky items. Packing cubes keep things organized and easy to access, and they’re simpler if you need to open your bag often. For most trips, I use a mix: packing cubes for everyday items and vacuum bags for the stuff that takes up the most space but needs compressing. If you want to keep things tidy with less hassle, packing cubes are probably the way to go.
Recommended Vacuum Storage Bags
There are tons of options out there, but a few brands stand out in my experience:
- SpaceSaver Premium Vacuum Storage Bags: These are sturdy and come in all the key sizes. They include a small hand pump, which is a lifesaver if you won’t have access to a vacuum at your destination.
- Ziploc Space Bag: One of the most available options. Easy to use with reliable seals.
- Jumbo Compression Bags by Cozy Essential: These are extra thick and really good for larger suitcases. There’s a mix of sizes, so it’s easy to pack shoes, coats, and more.
- SUOCO Roll Up Travel Bags: No pump or vacuum needed, just roll out the air. Handy for shorter trips or carry-on bags.
All these come in travelfriendly packs so you’ll have plenty of bags for sorting laundry or souvenirs on the way home.
How to Use Vacuum Storage Bags for Travel
STEP BY STEP:
Getting the most from your bags is easy with a bit of practice. Here’s my simple, reliable routine:
- Lay clothes flat and make sure they’re fully dry.
- Fill the bag, but don’t overstuff; leave a couple of inches at the top so the bag can still seal properly.
- Seal the zipper or press seal at the top.
- If the bag has a valve, attach the pump or vacuum hose and suck out the air. For roll up styles, press down or roll tightly to push out air.
- Double-check for leaks by pressing gently. If the bag puffs up again, open, reseal, and repeat.
- Stack in your suitcase with smooth sides facing the bottom for easy zipping.
Tips for Packing With Vacuum Bags
- Use different bag sizes for clothing categories. Small bags for underwear and t-shirts, big ones for jackets and jeans.
- Always weigh your suitcase before heading to the airport. It’s easy to go over the weight limit when using vacuum bags.
- Pack a hand pump in checked luggage if you plan to repack for the trip home, especially if using vacuum seal bags.
- Don’t forget a marker or labels if you’re packing multiple bags, so you remember where everything is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular household vacuum bags for travel?
Some home vacuum bags work for travel, but double check for a strong seal and make sure they fit your suitcase shape. Travel-specific bags are usually lighter and sized for luggage.
Q: Are vacuum bags reusable?
Most vacuum bags can be reused several times, as long as you don’t overstuff them or handle the seals roughly.
Q: Do vacuum bags cause permanent wrinkles?
Clothes come out a bit wrinkly, but most items recover once hung up or lightly steamed. Delicate fabrics or dress shirts may need special care.
Final Thoughts on Vacuum Storage Bags
Packing smarter, not just harder, makes traveling way less stressful. Vacuum storage bags do a solid job freeing up space and keeping clothes tidy for the road, especially when you know how to use them right. Remember to leave time for organizing your clothes, pack a small hand pump if you’ll need it, and double check suitcase weight before you go. Whether you go for vacuum bags, packing cubes, or a mix like I do, the right setup means you’re ready to tackle any adventure, big or small.