Ziploc Bags vs Packing Cubes vs Compression Bags: What’s Best for Travel?

No matter how you travel, there are a few things that you need to pack: clothes, toiletries, and electronics. But what’s the best way to pack them so that they don’t become wrinkled or a disorganized mess? Do you use Ziploc bags, packing cubes, or compression bags? In this post, we’ll compare the pros and cons of each and help you decide which one is best for you. Here is our take on Ziploc bags vs packing cubes vs compression bags:

 

Advantages of Packing Cubes

Some of the benefits of using packing cubes include:

Keeps Everything Organized and Wrinkle-Free
Packing cubes are an excellent way to organize your suitcase or backpack. They help keep everything in its place, making it easy to find what you need. Plus, they prevent clothes from getting wrinkled or crushed because you don’t have to squeeze them in.

A Lot of Variety
There are many different types of packing cubes available, so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs. For example, there are cubes specifically designed for storing shoes or toiletries. Others are made to hold electronics or jewelry. Also, they come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can find ones that fit your bag perfectly and use different colors so that you know where to look for a specific item. Here are our favorite packing cube sets for travel.

Cost-Effective
Packing cubes are relatively inexpensive and will last for several trips, so you can buy a few sets to use for different trips.

Easy to Use
You just have to unzip a cube take your stack of clothes, pair of shoes, or bunch of accessories, place them inside, and zip it up. No wrangling with a seal or removing the air.

 

Disadvantages of Packing Cubes

While packing cubes offer several advantages, there are also a few disadvantages to consider before using them for your next trip.

Gets Heavy
One of the biggest downsides of packing cubes is that they can add bulk and weight to your luggage. Packing cubes are often made from sturdy materials like nylon or polyester, which can add a lot of weight to your luggage if you use too many.

Takes Up Space
In addition to adding weight, packing cubes can also take up valuable space in your suitcase if you don’t use a variety of sizes so that every nook and cranny is used effectively.

Difficult to Close Your Suitcase
Packing cubes can make it difficult to close your suitcase. The extra bulk can make it challenging to zip up your luggage, especially if you’re using packing cubes stacked on top of each other. This is because you can’t reduce their depth.

Not Waterproof
Packing cubes are not typically waterproof, especially the ones with a mesh lid, which means that if you’re caught in a rainstorm or your bag gets splashed by a wave, the contents of your cubes could be at risk. If you want to protect your belongings from the elements, you’ll need to use a separate waterproof bag or cover.

 

 

Do Packing Cubes Save Space in Luggage?

By using packing cubes, you can keep your belongings sorted and organized, which can save you time and effort when packing and unpacking. Additionally, packing cubes can help to maximize the space in your luggage, as they can be packed tightly together. This can be especially useful if you are trying to avoid paying excess baggage fees by making do with fewer pieces of luggage.

But how much space can they help you save? According to research, they can save around 5% to 10% space, which doesn’t seem much. Yet, if you are planning a trip and are looking for a way to maximize the space in your luggage without creating too many wrinkles, packing cubes may be a good option for you.

Do Packing Cubes Work in a Backpack?

Packing cubes are a clean way to keep your things organized and compact. They can be used by backpackers or any traveler who needs help staying sane during their travels. Since you have to pack your belongings on top of one another, rummaging through everything to find one item of clothing or accessory will immediately create a mess inside if you don’t use some form of organizers to pack. Travelers have found packing tubes better than any other solution out there.

 

Advantages of Compression Bags

Some top benefits of compression bags include:

Save Space
As packing cube alternatives, compression bags are specially designed to help you save space when packing. By compressing your clothes, you can fit more into your suitcase or backpack, which is ideal for travelers who want to make the most out of their limited luggage space. Even the vacuum type compression bags are allowed on planes, so they work well if you have tight baggage weight restrictions.

Easy to Use
Compression bags are very easy to use. All you need to do is put your clothes in the bag and then seal it. Once sealed, all you need to do is use the built in pump to remove the air from the bag. This will leave you with a much smaller bag that is easier to store.

Durable
Some of the best compression bags for travel are made from high quality materials that are designed to last. This means that you can use them over and over again without having to worry about them tearing or breaking.

Odor-Free
When you use compression travel cubes, you don’t have to worry about your clothes smelling bad if they’re packed along with your laundry or near a food item that’s not in its original leakproof packaging. This is because the bags are airtight and will keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Environment-Friendly
Compression bags are also environment-friendly. This is because they are made from recyclable materials and can be used multiple times.

 

 

Disadvantages of Compression Bags

Some drawbacks of using compression bags include:

Most Expensive
Compression bags are generally more expensive than both packing cubes and Ziploc bags, though there are some cheaper ones available but those don’t last for multiple trips. For a 2 to 4 piece compression cube set, expect to pay around $25 to $40.

Limited Options to Choose From
Most packing cubes come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. But when it comes to clothing compression bags for travel, your options are much more limited. You’re typically only able to choose between a few different sizes, and you won’t get them in different colors.

Creates Creases
Since you remove all the air from a compression bag, all folds, accidental or otherwise, become more pronounced as each layer is pressed down over the other.

 

Do You Need a Vacuum for Compression Bags?

In short, you don’t need a vacuum for all compression bags. How you use a compression bag depends on the type you possess.
If you’re using a compression bag that looks like a large Ziploc bag, fold your clothes rather than rolling and fill it up. Before you seal it, get all the air out of it by rolling the bag like a giant toothpaste tube. Next, seal and flatten before packing away.

On the other hand, if you have compression bags with a built-in vacuum seal or an included hand vacuum pump, you can fold or roll your clothes. You seal your vacuum packing cubes and then use the vacuum pump or valve to remove the air.

Do Compression Packing Cubes Really Save Space?

Based on tests, compression cubes reduce volume by nearly 33%, which is awesome. They won’t form a perfect cube shape when compressed. Bulging a little in the middle, they compress most around the outside. Since they don’t stack neatly anymore, there can be small gaps between them. These bags prove more effective with fluffy clothes.

Do Space Saver Bags Wrinkle Clothes?

Whether or not space saver bags wrinkle clothes essentially depends on what is being packed and how it is being packed, so there’s no straightforward answer to this question. Keep in mind that three factors related to clothing itself impact their wrinkling. They include the fold in the fabric, the vulnerability of the fabric to wrinkling, and the pressure on the fold. Hence, if you can render these aspects right, you should be able to avoid too many wrinkles.

 

Advantages of Ziploc Bags for Packing Clothes

Here are some advantages of using Ziploc bags:

Available Anywhere
You can find large ziploc bags for packing clothes in any grocery store, which makes them extremely convenient. This means that if, during any vacation, your Ziploc bag tears, you can always get a new one from a nearby store.

Waterproof
Ziploc bags are 100% waterproof, so they’re perfect for carrying things like your cell phone or keys when you go to the beach or pool. Plus, you need not worry if your suitcase gets damp or you get caught in rain. This single feature sets Ziploc bags apart from both packing cubes and compression bags.

Transparent
Being able to find things quickly is a critical pain point for travelers. Ziploc bags are clear, so you can easily see what’s inside them. This is great for organizing and finding things quickly. No longer will you need to open up each organizer to find what you’re looking for.

Multi-purpose
Ziploc bags can be used for a variety of purposes, from storing food to carrying clothes, makeup or toiletries when you travel.

 

Disadvantages of Ziploc Bags for Packing Clothes

Not Durable
First, Ziploc bags are not very durable and can easily tear. This can be a problem if you are packing items that can poke through, like a flat iron or toiletries. The last thing you want is for your Ziploc bag to tear and all of your stuff to spill out!

Insufficient Protection from Wrinkles
Ziploc bags do not provide much protection from wrinkles. If you are planning on packing nice clothes that you want to stay wrinkle-free, then using Ziploc bags is not the best option.

Not Eco-Friendly
Are you environmentally conscious? For your information, Ziploc bags are not very eco-friendly because they’re plastic and almost single-use. If you are trying to be more sustainable in your travel packing, then using reusable fabric bags or packing cubes is a better option than using disposable Ziploc bags.

Faint Plastic Smell
One of the biggest disadvantages of Ziploc bags for packing clothes is that they can impart a faint plastic smell to your clothes. This is especially true if you are using them to pack clothes for a long trip.

Difficulty Packing and Unpacking
Another disadvantage of Ziploc bags for packing clothes is that they can make it difficult to pack and unpack your clothes. This is because you have to stuff everything into the bag and then try to seal it shut. Once you arrive at your destination, you then have to fight with the bag to get your clothes out.

 

Packing Cubes vs Rolling Your Clothes

You already have a fair idea of what packing cubes are all about, including the pros and cons of the packing solution. Rolling your clothes and placing them directly in your suitcase, on the other hand, is one of the oldest and most popular methods of packing for travel. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any special equipment.

One of the main benefits of rolling your clothes instead of folding and stacking them is that it saves space in your suitcase. It also helps prevent too many wrinkles since your clothes will be less likely to crease when they’re rolled up. Wehn looking for something, you don’t have to remove something on top in order to get at an item at the bottom. Another advantage of rolling your clothes is that it’s easy to do. You don’t need any special skills or equipment, and it only takes a few minutes to do.

However, there are a few downsides to rolling your clothes. It can be difficult to keep your clothes from unrolling, and you may end up with wrinkles if you don’t do it properly.

So, which is the better option for you: packing cubes vs. no packing cubes? There’s no right or wrong answer – it all depends on your own personal preferences. Consider what’s most important to you and choose the packing method that will work best for you.

 

Conclusion: Should You Choose Ziploc Bags, Packing Cubes, or Compression Bags for Packing?

When it comes to packing for a trip, there are a lot of different opinions on the best way to do it. Some people swear by packing cubes, others prefer compression bags, and there are others who think Ziploc bags are the way to go. These are just three of the different types of travel packing organizers you can use.

So, what’s the verdict? Are packing cubes, Ziploc bags, or compression bags best for travel? The answer is: it depends. If you want to save space in your bag, then compression bags are a good option. But if you want an easy way to organize your belongings, packing cubes are the way to go. If you’re heading to a region that experiences frequent rainfall, perhaps Ziploc bags are the ideal solution for you since they’re waterproof. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of bag you prefer – just make sure you choose one that will help make your travels easier!

We truly hope that this guide helps you make an informed purchase decision and makes your trip convenient and memorable.