The Packing Battle-Final Round: Packing Bags vs. Flat Packing vs. Rolling

This post is #4 in a series on packing issues. Look at the previous posts for earlier battle rounds.In this post I will share my process for perhaps the biggest problem in packing: How To Fit It All In.

It seems that you need the right packing gear and the right packing methods. Given that each trip requires different clothes and also probably different luggage, there are a few steps for successful packing.

Here are some of my conclusions and an example of how to pack.

PACKING GEAR:

When packing envelopes and cubes got popular, I used them on every trip. Eagle Creek has popularized them, and so have other companies, including Rick Steves.  I love the cubes because everything stays organized and clothes go from suitcase to hotel drawers easily. I did find the envelopes for slacks and jackets to take up too much room and add too much weight.

When vacuum bags got popular, I tried them, too. The Container Store has loads of these. I have found these are hard to use and the smaller bags don’t hold enough to make them worthwhile.

The best solution so far are the packing bags that have compression zippers. I’ve bought several of these in the different sizes and they are great. Check them out here. They hold a lot of clothing and pack down easily.  They come in a set of two-smaller and larger and are lightweight. I use these exclusively now.

PACKING METHOD:

The debate continues on whether Flat Packing is better than Rolling Clothes and how to do it. There are many many articles about the pros and cons of each method. An article from Conde Nast Traveler did an “unscientific” experiment and they say Flat Packing wins.

My packing method combines the two! Very simple, very easy.

Here’s how I pack my suitcase:

Step 1: Make a list of clothes to take, noting number of days of your trip, activities you plan to do, and the weather forecast.

Example: I’m traveling with a group to Italy for 2 weeks in March. I know I’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing via car and on foot. There will be lots of eating out. No sports or extreme activities. Weather should be mild and might rain.

I’m packing in a 22″ carry on bag.

Step 2: Lay out the clothes on your list.

My list: 3 pair slacks, 5-6 tops for daily sightseeing, 2-3 thin tanks for layering, 2 silk/rayon jackets for evenings, lightweight sweater, walking shoes, evening shoes, nightshirt, underwear and socks (5-6 pr each), lightweight rain jacket with hood, 3 scarves, toilet kit and tech bag, cross body bag, folding shopping tote, makeup in plastic bag.

 

Not in the photo: extra pair of shoes, nightshirt.

Step 3: Pack Compression bags:

Use the compression packing bags for underwear and socks, scarves (smaller size) and use the larger compression bag for tops, and even a pair of slacks. You can roll the items or flat pack the items when putting them in the bags. Zip closures to compress.

I think it’s important to use the bag for underwear because when TSA goes through my luggage, I don’t want them handling my underwear. (At least it’s in a bag.)

Step 4: Pack and Roll:

I put shoes on the bottom on outer edges, fit toilet kit and small compression bag in the center. Next start rolling the slacks and fit them around the edges. Put the larger compression bag on top, add in the rest of the rolled clothes and tech bag.

This is the bottom layer. White bag is small compression bag, toilet kit, shoes. Slacks will go around the white bag and on top of shoes.

 

Second layer with rolled clothes, tech bag and green compression bag.

It’s important to put the tech bag near the top, as all those cords and plugs can trigger a TSA search and you don’t what them going through all your stuff to find that. (See Step 3.)

Step 5: Flat pack

The silk jacket goes on top, along with whatever else doesn’t roll easily. The rain jacket will go in the front (outside) zipper pocket. My nightshirt, the day bag and tote will go on the zippered inside compartment.

Step. 6: Close and weigh:

10 KG or about 23 lbs. Plenty of room for souvenirs!

The Winner!

For me, the win goes to the right combination of gear (compression bags) and using both rolling and flat packing methods for the most efficient way to fit it all in.

I’ve loved the comments and suggestions about packing tips. Please add yours!