ziploc bags for packing...

[bnsilly]

Looked for the ziploc bags for packing..only found the XL and XXL sizes...the XL is really big and has a handle..I am thinking that is not the right one...What is the right size and where can I find it??

also, do you just put your stuff flat in it and squeeze the air out, and pack it that way?? new to this, so any suggestions appreciated..Cruising in less than a week.. :D

[GMoney]

I got my bags at REI, an outdoors store. You can get both the Med and Large bags in a single pack for $22.

 

You're exactly right on how to use them. Slide your stuff in, the roll the back to expel the air and create a vacuum. It is amazing how much room you will save, AND, best of all , your clothes do NOT get wrinkled.

 

Best thing ever...

[Murphy]

I haven't tried the new XL Ziploc brands, but I used the Hefty 2 gallon and they were a great size for packing. I either packed an entire outfit in a bag, ei shorts, t-shirt undies, socks., or packed all the swimwear in one bag, all t-shirts in another bag, etc.

[cruisinsince99]

Hi BNSilly,

 

We have used the ziploc packing style on several trips. We got our larger ones from Bass Pro Shop. I think K-Mart carries them, too now.

 

The sizes you have should work just fine - so long as they fit the size of your luggage, so don't fret.

 

You might want to get a few gallon sizes, too. (For personal ware not seen by fellow travelers ;) )

 

I lay the cloths in the bags on the bed, zip half way, press the rest of the air out with my chest - keeping my hands free so I can zip it up the rest of the way. Works like a charm. Rolling the air out seems to make wrinkles.

 

You might want to include a index card saying what was in it so you can put them back in at the end of the trip. Why do this? The airlines are getting pretty tight with the 50 lb per bag rule and this way you have a fighting chance to keep your bags where they need to be weight wise so you don't have to pay the extra money. Just a thought there.

 

Happy packing and have a good cruise!

[LittleBit]

I got my ziplocs at Target -box of 10 for $4 (give or take)

 

I like the ones with the sliders best. I use them for my undies and also if I need to compress clothes. I just went to Florida for a week using just my carryons by compressing my jeans, shorts and shirts. Made enough space to squeeze in the dress shoes (dress was at shop in FL) along with the spare pair of shoes I needed for the week.

 

Make sure you don't overstuff the bags!

 

I sometimes will pack the bags into "outfits" - socks, undies, shorts, shirt - so all I need is to grab and go in the morning! Works nicely for water parks and hikes too - I just put a prepacked compressed bag of clothes into my knapsack and I'm ready for anything.

 

Keep in moind the weight of stuff though!

[GMoney]

BNSilly - I hope I didn't misunderstand your post. I took it to mean you were talking about large size plastic bags that you can use to pack you clothes and roll up to form a vacuum and shrink everything to a smaller size. Please disregard my post if I misunderstood!

[Cape Cruiser 2007]

I always do this for camping too-keeps "outfits" together, and dry if they fall out of tent.

But agreat way to keep kids outfits together! Stuff undies, socks, shirt, & pants/shorts in a large size and squeeze extar air out. It does save alot of space in suitcase!

[JStonie]

Looked for the ziploc bags for packing..only found the XL and XXL sizes...the XL is really big and has a handle..I am thinking that is not the right one...What is the right size and where can I find it??

also, do you just put your stuff flat in it and squeeze the air out, and pack it that way?? new to this, so any suggestions appreciated..Cruising in less than a week.. :D

 

Just got off the Serenade and found a good way to take liquor aboad the ship. Fill up empty water bottles with your drink of choice and put them in zip lock bags and put them in your suitcase. Worked great for us. We had vodka (looks like water), tequila, and drambui. We sat out on our balcony at night and drank drambui and listened to the waves. It was terrific. I know some people will say what cheap people we were, but RCI is one of the few cruise lines that want you to spend a lot of your hard earned money on their booze. They should loosen this restriction. For what it is worth, just wanted to pass this along, since you mentioned zip lock bags.

[AlnzWife]

Found the 2.5 gallon size Ziplocs at Target. Have since found them at Walmart and depending where you live, I have also found them at Giant Eagle. They run about $4.00 for 12 bags. We leave on Monday for our first cruise. YIPPPPEEEE! :) Just to try this out, I packed a few outfits in bags last week and left them sit for a few days to see if they would wrinkle, etc. Took it out after 3 days and there was hardly a wrinkle! Dry cleaning bags work good too. I have used those for land vacations when flying and needing to take dress clothes.

[Treven]

Hi BNSilly,

 

We have used the ziploc packing style on several trips. We got our larger ones from Bass Pro Shop. I think K-Mart carries them, too now.

 

The sizes you have should work just fine - so long as they fit the size of your luggage, so don't fret.

 

You might want to get a few gallon sizes, too. (For personal ware not seen by fellow travelers ;) )

 

I lay the cloths in the bags on the bed, zip half way, press the rest of the air out with my chest - keeping my hands free so I can zip it up the rest of the way. Works like a charm. Rolling the air out seems to make wrinkles.

 

You might want to include a index card saying what was in it so you can put them back in at the end of the trip. Why do this? The airlines are getting pretty tight with the 50 lb per bag rule and this way you have a fighting chance to keep your bags where they need to be weight wise so you don't have to pay the extra money. Just a thought there.

 

Happy packing and have a good cruise!

As well as the number of bags checked. It cost me $80 flying back from Honolulu for a 3rd checked bag.

[Retired not Expired]

What's nice also is after you unpack them, keep one at a time open in the closet floor to toss your dirty clothes in. When it gets full enough, seal it up and toss it in a suitcase and put another one in the closet. By the last day, you are almost packed.

[bnsilly]

Thanks guys for all the input...I am looking for a way to pack them to minimize wrinkles, not necessarily "vacuum" them..LOL I just don't want to look wrinkly..LOL Thanks again! I will call around. My target only had the gallon and XL and the XL seem a little thick and BIG..Will check WalMart.

[SuzieTrue]

I have used two different types of zippered bags when packing. The ziplocs that come in sizes from quart up to 2 gallon and more are great for keeping items together and/or preventing leakage from containers.

 

There are also the special packing zippered bags designed for storage/packing. These bags have a special seal on the opposite side from the slide that allows you to squeeze air out. I use those for bulkier items like sweaters. Those are sold through TV ads as well as at major retailers [Target for me].

[GMoney]

Here's what I use. Same concept, you just get a lot more clothes in them...

 

http://www.eaglecreek.com/packit_compressors.html?ref=hp&t=mn

[Jan_In_Maine]

I find the 2 1/2 gal size in our local grocery store. This size is large enough to put in a full oufit for the day (shorts/slacks underwear, shirt) I press the air out and it keeps everything unwrinkled. Blouses, dresses I put in plastic dry cleaner bags and use a hanging suitcase.

[bnsilly]

I think the 2.5 gal is what I need, just haven't found it yet..will keep looking.. Thanks! :p

[Sheffie]

I think the 2.5 gal is what I need, just haven't found it yet..will keep looking.. Thanks! :p

 

I was very surprised that I found that size at our local grocery.

 

Packing w/ ziplocks is the way to go! You also don't have to think about people pawing through your personal things at the airport. yewwwww

[parrotthead]

Wow, these are some great tips...I always take ziploc bags along...I usually think about the kids putting shells and other trinkets/treasures in them,so they are not all over the place..( the small items,not the kids):p

I had not thought of really packing in them...wonderful idea...Im gonna go look for those large bags today! Thanks guys!:cool:

-Kandy

[bnsilly]

Kandy...United has 2 gallon size...I'm checking Walmart for 2.5 gal size....I'm here in Texas w/ya!

[parrotthead]

Howdy, bnsilly! What part of our fine state are you in...Im (pretty much) in Dallas. :cool:

What is United...we dont have those, if its a store...(which is my guess):p

-Kandy

[bnsilly]

LOL...yes, a supermarket...Albertsons has the 2.5 gal..will go after work...I am in Wichita Falls. :p So we are neighbors..LOL You're the bartender in that hangin' out place on the boards right?? LOL

[parrotthead]

Ahhh, my reputation proceeds me..alas, yes, I mix a mean drink.;) :p

[Francine]

For those of you in Texas, I have found the Hefty Zip Lock Bags in my local HEB supermarket. I have been using this way of packing for years. The only danger to this method is that you can fit more clothes in the bags, taking up less space. However, since the airlines have restricted the weight of your luggage, you need to be sure you do not go over the weight limits.

Another advantage to packing like this is if your suitcase sits out in the rain, at least your clothes inside won't get wet. Also, take some extra ones with you. They are good for those t-shirts we all buy. Also, somtimes one may tear and having extras will help for the return trip.

I have memories of our return trip when we stayed two extra days in Barcelona after a cruise on Millennium. We were randomly selected at the airport and were escorted to a secure area where we had to unpack our suitcases. Luckily, we took out each baggie and easily (but nervously) put them back in the suitcases after we were cleared. I could never imagine repacking under this kind of stressful situation and folding everything back up.

Fran

[parrotthead]

Good point Fran...we dont have HEB either...were deprived.:(

Hey your in SanAntonio:) ...My DB ,SIL and nephews live in SanAntonio!! Love that city...always drag the family to the riverwalk when ever we go visit! (Love RIoRio..its my fav...):p

This is really turning into a TX therad (yehaw)...but all are welcome;)

[Maineac]

Thanks for the great idea. The thought of no wrinkles really rocks my world.:p (I'm one of those folks that irons most everything)

I have a question though.... After you take the air out of the bag, is it better to lay the bags flat in my suitcase or roll the bags up before I pack them?

I'm such a type A:D