Vacuum bags to save space

[dav316_1999]

Hey everyone

 

I often take a small suitcase and put my clothes in it, I don't like to carry a large one. I was talking to my friend who recommend these vacuum bags you place your clothes in and then suck the air out with a Hoover. It saves a lot of space and allows me to bring more bag home.

 

Just thought I share guys!

[Vortex]

I've seen this suggested before and although it is not something I plan to use, I have wondered where you might get the vacuum cleaner to reseal the bag for your return journey.

 

I have met some girls that could probably suck a golf ball threw a garden hose but I think they might struggle with sucking the air out of one of these bags, so not sure that is an option.

[hombremestizo]

There are also these bags that don't suck 100% of the air out, but as you roll the bag the air is pushed out at the bottom and it's another option.  Compression bags

[kundai]

try buying a large light wheeled suitcase, one you can easily sit on and you have a place  to comfortably rest anywhere ,plus room to pack anything bulky you wish to take home, theres no need to fill it

.My carry on has enough clothes and extras to last me a week (with laundry).

I usually pack a small travel kettle, medicine kit,toiletries, a few extra shirts & trousers, dictionaries, gifts etc.  plus a camping knife in main case . I often seem to bring back most of my Xmas gifts without getting near  weight allowance

[GorGuy RIP]

There are also these bags that don't suck 100% of the air out, but as you roll the bag the air is pushed out at the bottom and it's another option.  Compression bags

 

A compression bag is probably a more practical solution, as finding a Hoover (Vacuum cleaner) in Thailand is not so common. Most hotels have tiled floors and the cleaners use a brush and a mop.

[Little Evil]

I've seen this suggested before and although it is not something I plan to use, I have wondered where you might get the vacuum cleaner to reseal the bag for your return journey.

 

I have met some girls that could probably suck a golf ball threw a garden hose but I think they might struggle with sucking the air out of one of these bags, so not sure that is an option.

 

Excellent point--never thought about that.  Although, I bet a hotel maid would be more than willing to let you use her vacuum for a hundred baht or less tip.  

 

Wonder what those vacuum bags do for bag weight.  If you can pack in twice the clothes, could you potentially go over your weight allotment and have to pay extra, or does all that removed air weight from your clothes/bag make up part of the difference?  For example, ever pick up a bike wheel without the air pumped into it?  Feels noticeably lighter.  

[Guiness]

Excellent point--never thought about that.  Although, I bet a hotel maid would be more than willing to let you use her vacuum for a hundred baht or less tip.  

 

Wonder what those vacuum bags do for bag weight.  If you can pack in twice the clothes, could you potentially go over your weight allotment and have to pay extra, or does all that removed air weight from your clothes/bag make up part of the difference?  For example, ever pick up a bike wheel without the air pumped into it?  Feels noticeably lighter.  

 

i hope you are  winding us up !!!!     

[Little Evil]

i hope you are  winding us up !!!!     

 

Embarrassingly, I wasn't.  I was thinking pressurized air.  Ambient air is only 1.29 ounces per cubic foot (.08 pounds).  Luggage isn't pressurized last time I checked, so I was way off base. 

[s77656769]

I just use light weight packing cells.  Two double sides ones about A4 size for clothes, and a couple of small ones for toilet kit and one for charger / cables etc.

 

I don't have a laptop, just a large phone.

 

I have 6 changes of clothes in the bag, and struggle to keep the weight under the 7kg carry on limit.  It is often 8-10kg, but the last few years I haven't been forced to weigh it.

 

The bag/pack, a MEI Voyager, is carry-on size and 1.8kg and can break out shoulder straps and good hip belt for when you have to walk a while.  I generally just use the shoulder straps since the weight is < 10kg.  Fits nicely in the front footwell of a scooter.

 

I usually travel in a Scottevest tropical jacket, with zip off sleaves, and long trousers, both light weight cloth, but have numerous and large pockets.

 

I prefer to travel without checked luggage, so if the gate agent is being problematic, I can offload 3-5kg from the bag to the jacket/trousers.

[par47]

You dont need to take so much. Clothes are almost throw-away cheap in LoS and there's a laundry on every street in Patts. Travel light!

[patman322]

You dont need to take so much. Clothes are almost throw-away cheap in LoS and there's a laundry on every street in Patts. Travel light!

 

agreed. Suitecases are even cheap enough if you buy something big enough, Ive just bought a cheap suitcase to get it home. My first trip I bought alot of gifts and a large wood carving for myself. these days I dont really buy anything so can travel pretty lite. but I have used the roll type shrink bags for long trips to multiple countries and they did work really well. 

[LASportsNut]

Due to the cheap laundries, there is no need to pack for more than 5-7 days.

[casinoclub]

I've used them before.   They work great.  Problem is that you end up packing in a lot more then you allotted weight.  And a bitch on return when you don't have the vacuum cleaner handy to pack in again.

[wackyjacky]

I've used the space bags and they work great, but you don't need to take all that shit. I come for a month at a time w/a carry on. If I check a bag it's because of all the wine I have to smuggle in for my expat buds. Stealing a quote from 'the Graduate'- "plastics young man, plastics". I bought a lot of those miracle fabrics that dry fast & I wash them in the sink w/shampoo. The added advantage is that you don't sweat through them like cotton.