When packing for a trip, we often face multiple challenges: optimising volume and space, packing in a practical and easy-to-navigate way, and protecting certain belongings. There are of course plenty of tips and tricks for this, starting with a good sense of organisation and common sense. But a few years ago I discovered an accessory that has been simplifying my life ever since — and one I simply cannot do without! These are the special travel air vacuum bags. Let us look together at their advantages and how to use them in a practical and optimal way.
How does it work?
Vacuum bags are plastic bags that have a zip closure at one end (the side through which you insert your clothes) and another side fitted with one-way air escape channels. You put your clothes in, close the zip and compress by gradually rolling the bag onto itself. Within a few seconds, the vacuum is effective and the clothes are compressed. To open again, simply pull the zip and let the air back in. It is very simple and practical, requires no effort or additional accessories, and takes only a few seconds.
Space saving
The first advantage of travel vacuum bags is the space saving. You save roughly 70% of the original volume! You will agree that this is remarkable, and it allows you to fit far more into your backpack or suitcase. What's more, you will quickly realise that not only do you compress the overall volume of your belongings, but the compactness of the bags once full also means you can pack your bag more efficiently, fitting the bags tightly against one another with no wasted space. It is hard to quantify exactly, but it is a genuinely significant advantage.
Protecting your belongings
Once stored in the vacuum bags, your clothes (or any other belongings) are protected from moisture, dust, sand, insects and odours! This too is a major plus I would not want to go without today… I have too many memories of damp clothes in very wet destinations, or clothes filled with a fine, insidious layer of sand dust that gets everywhere! Moreover, the clothes you are not using stay neatly in place inside the bags.
Optimised storage
One point I think is well worth mentioning is that these bags also allow you to sort and organise your belongings by use or type. It is incredibly practical and quick to grab a marker and write "t-shirts" on the bag containing them all. You save time and gain efficiency! On top of that, if you can buy vacuum bags in different sizes, it makes it even easier to optimise your storage in a more tailored way.
At home too
Personally, I also use plenty of vacuum bags at home to store clothes or belongings in wardrobes. Some items go unused for a whole season, and this helps protect them and store them efficiently while saving space. That way your (modest) investment will be doubly worthwhile and not just useful when travelling.
With a little imagination, you can find a host of advantages in special travel vacuum bags, making them indispensable and affordable accessories! For example, with the rise of low-cost airlines charging for hold luggage, it has become essential to optimise your cabin bag for a short trip. With my vacuum bags, I easily fit more into my cabin bag and avoid the costly check-in of an extra bag! I am sure you will find plenty of undeniable — and even original — uses for them. But above all, remember that they are key items for your travels, and if companies like CimAlp now sell highly functional and effective versions, it is because they are a true must-have on your packing list for your next treks or long-haul trips.
