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The "Poor Man's Vacuum Packing System" - Packing tip

by Melanie Zoltan (RSS feed) on Aug 8th 2010 at 5:37PM

Try the "poor man's vacuum packing system" to make more room in your suitcase or carry-on:

Get a gallon-sized or two-gallon-sized zipper storage bags (Ziplock, Glad, etc.) and a plastic straw.
Fold the clothing and put it in the bag.
Insert the straw and seal the bag around the straw.
Suck the air out (use your mouth -- it's free and no heavy vacuum cleaner to pack!) using the straw, then quickly remove the straw and finish sealing the bag.
Pack the straw to repeat when coming home.

Bonus: if a toiletry leaks, everything is safe in the plastic bags.

[Photo: Flickr | Artnow314]

Filed under: Gear, Budget Travel

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Patti Oct 18th 2010 4:34PM

I've done this with a microfiber raincoat (wrinkles smooth out after unpacking) and it is amazing how it can flatten out and fit inside of a carry-on bag very easily. Used a 2-gallon Ziploc bag.

schurrbc Sep 17th 2011 1:11PM

You can get more air out by leaning against a wall with the bag between you and the wall, and zipping the last section closed as the air is expelled.

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