Are you tired of wrestling with overstuffed suitcases? Do you find yourself having to sit on your luggage just to zip it closed? Many travelers face the common dilemma of wanting to bring everything they need (and maybe a few extra outfits) without exceeding luggage limits or struggling with bulky bags. The solution? Vacuum Packing Travel Bags.
These ingenious bags are designed to compress your clothes by removing excess air, dramatically reducing their volume and freeing up valuable space in your luggage. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a long international trip, vacuum packing bags can be a game-changer. And the best part is, you don’t always need a traditional vacuum cleaner. Many travel-friendly options come with hand pumps or are designed for roll-up compression, making them incredibly convenient on the go.
To help you choose the best vacuum packing travel bags for your needs, the Travels.edu.vn team put 12 different vacuum bag sets to the test. Over two days of rigorous testing, we evaluated each bag for ease of use, packing capacity, compression performance, design, durability, and overall value. We packed them with various clothing items, removed the air using the recommended methods, and measured their compressed size. We even checked for air leakage overnight to ensure they maintain their space-saving capability. Our testing is ongoing over six months to assess long-term durability under travel conditions.
Based on our hands-on testing, here are our top recommendations for the best vacuum packing travel bags to help you travel smarter and lighter.
Top Vacuum Packing Travel Bags of 2024 – Tested and Reviewed
Best Overall: Hibag Space Saver Bags
Hibag Space Saver Bags at Amazon $20
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PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: The Hibag Space Saver Bags offer an exceptional balance of performance and value. The variety of sizes in this set makes them incredibly versatile for different types of luggage, from personal items to checked bags.
What to Consider: The jumbo size bag might be too large for practical airline travel and is better suited for home storage.
The Hibag Space Saver Bags stood out as the “just right” option in our tests, excelling in almost every category. This set includes 10 bags in five different sizes: small, medium, large, jumbo, and carry-on. This comprehensive range ensures you have the perfect bag for any packing scenario and suitcase size. The included manual hand pump is compact and efficient, removing air in approximately 90 seconds. Its small size makes it easy to pack for your return journey. In our overnight tests, the Hibag bags maintained their compression with minimal air leakage.
According to Travel + Leisure editor Erin Cavoto, “My favorite aspect of this bag set is the effectiveness of the manual pump and valve in extracting air. I can envision using this on a winter vacation when packing bulky items like sweaters, jeans, and coats, confident that they will remain compact throughout my travels.”
The Details: 10 bags included | Dimensions: 15.7 x 19.7 inches (carry-on), 15.7 x 23.6 inches (small), 19.7 x 27.5 inches (medium), 21.7 x 33.5 inches (large), 27.5 x 39.4 inches (jumbo) | Hand pump included
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Demonstrating the manual pump operation of Hibag Space Saver Bags. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-hibag-space-saver-jthompson-0636-7699894733974399a10dfe57fd3a86f6.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Using the included hand pump to vacuum seal a Hibag travel bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-hibag-space-saver-jthompson-0600-42da0a61df854403a52e2948ad8dcf1a.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Displaying the compressed size of a Hibag vacuum-packed bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-hibag-space-saver-jthompson-0614-82b7c73cccd04428bdd339dae72c379c.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Loading clothes into a Hibag space-saving travel bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-hibag-space-saver-jthompson-0639-fdc5b42627c142329319c21d78757b65.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Securing the valve cap on a Hibag vacuum travel bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-aug-24-test-hibag-space-saver-after-jkim-0024-5614d3ab565d42db847fdee3306c4efb.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Clothes tightly packed inside a vacuum-sealed Hibag travel bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-hibag-space-saver-jthompson-0641-ebed9caea285442c80d0d6a4c359655a.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Measuring the reduced size of a Hibag vacuum bag after compression. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-hibag-space-saver-jthompson-0654-33e1435a96c3426089415a57b18dcab5.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Fitting a Hibag vacuum-packed bag into a travel suitcase. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-hibag-space-saver-jthompson-0650-8753d9b4d0e9441f8c2718277b918919.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – A Hibag vacuum travel bag neatly placed in a suitcase.
Best Size Variety: Cozy Essential Vacuum Storage Bags
Cozy Essential Vacuum Storage Bags at Amazon $23
PHOTO: Amazon
$23 at Amazon $30 $24 at Walmart
Why We Love It: For travelers needing bags for every conceivable item, the Cozy Essential set offers an unparalleled range of sizes and a generous number of bags.
What to Consider: The travel-size roll-up bags in this set lack vacuum seals and rely on manual rolling for compression. Using the hand pump for larger bags can be physically demanding.
If variety is your priority, the Cozy Essential Vacuum Storage Bags are the clear winner. This set boasts an impressive 16 vacuum seal bags in five sizes: two jumbo, two large, three medium, three small, and six additional smaller roll-up compression bags without vacuum seals. The jumbo bags are truly massive, capable of holding a winter coat and a comforter simultaneously. The smaller roll-up bags are perfect for organizing smaller items like socks and underwear.
While the included manual pump is functional, our testers found it required significant effort, especially when compressing the larger bags. An electric pump might be preferred for those seeking maximum convenience. However, once compressed, these bags effectively maintain their reduced size.
The Details: 16 vacuum bags and 6 roll-up bags included | Dimensions (vacuum bags): 23.5 x 15.7 inches (travel roll up), 23.5 x 15.7 inches (small), 27.5 x 19.5 inches (medium), 33.5 x 21.65 inches (large), 39.35 x 27.5 inches (jumbo) | Hand pump included
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Compressing Cozy Essential vacuum bags with a manual pump. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-cozy-essential-storage-jthompson-0713-972e2958e91642c7afca8afd71cc96a8.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Demonstrating the roll-up feature of Cozy Essential space-saving bags. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-cozy-essential-storage-jthompson-0722-fc02f2ccac0849fbbee732b8ed408e51.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Loading garments into a Cozy Essential vacuum travel bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-cozy-essential-storage-jthompson-0732-a5a213d460504ea8b452ff3f855c43b0.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Sealing a Cozy Essential vacuum bag after packing. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-cozy-essential-storage-jthompson-0759-e86d33c119bf4e8b945e57f0e3d042f2.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Applying the valve cap to a Cozy Essential vacuum travel bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-cozy-essential-storage-jthompson-0743-07abd5f82c784a3e9586a466a5982dba.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Extracting air from a Cozy Essential vacuum bag using a pump. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-aug-24-test-cozy-essential-storage-after-jkim-0012-cb9ecbaef35d4b34aceeda0e6d3822a3.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Clothing compressed inside a Cozy Essential vacuum-sealed bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-cozy-essential-storage-jthompson-0771-4af5b906580648c8bb964ec612f03e57.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Placing a Cozy Essential vacuum-packed bag into luggage. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-cozy-essential-storage-jthompson-0765-75c57a27b9d7427eba43585ec3f26157.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Measuring the reduced thickness of a Cozy Essential vacuum bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-cozy-essential-storage-jthompson-0736-ac4f19ddaf71402c97ce76f3c839ec7b.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Measuring the compressed width of a Cozy Essential vacuum travel bag.
Best USB Pump: VMSTR Vacuum Storage Bags
VMSTR Vacuum Storage Bags at Amazon $36 $30
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PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: The VMSTR Vacuum Storage Bags set includes a mini USB-powered vacuum pump, making air removal quick and effortless.
What to Consider: The bags themselves are made of a thinner material and may not be as durable as other options tested. The sizing description can be slightly misleading.
The VMSTR Vacuum Storage Bags set offers a convenient and efficient packing experience thanks to its included mini USB vacuum pump. The set includes eight bags in three sizes: small, medium, and large (though advertised as four sizes, the largest size is not significantly bigger than the large). While the largest bag isn’t as expansive as some others on our list, it comfortably accommodates everyday clothing like jeans, sweatshirts, and dresses. The real highlight is the USB pump. It plugs into any USB port, such as a laptop or wall adapter (wall unit not included), for effortless air removal.
In our tests, the USB pump compressed the largest bag in about 90 seconds with minimal effort. Testers found it incredibly easy to use. However, the bag material felt somewhat thin and less robust compared to other bags, suggesting it may be susceptible to punctures from sharp objects.
The Details: 8 bags included | Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 inches (small), 12.6 x 10 inches (medium), 14.1 x 12.6 inches (large) | USB-powered pump included
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Arranging VMSTR travel vacuum storage bags for packing. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-vmstr-storage-jthompson-0098-82c1d55bd97f480ab76c4f0c963dd49f.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Opening a VMSTR vacuum travel bag to insert clothing. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-vmstr-storage-jthompson-0109-6ba2a0f152aa42f5bbd7d77a0cb4a2f8.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Stuffing clothes into a VMSTR space-saving travel bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-vmstr-storage-jthompson-0133-aabdefab63fa47eaa72efbb626fa692d.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Using the USB pump to remove air from a VMSTR vacuum bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-vmstr-storage-jthompson-0159-9a702e8e2f584e49913d3499119a7016.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Packing a VMSTR vacuum-sealed bag into a suitcase. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-vmstr-storage-jthompson-0082-b0bcadc5d6bc49308f1cefc175166f06.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Showcasing the mini USB electric pump included with VMSTR bags. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-vmstr-storage-jthompson-0137-e745c0f44d73425d8b72358e8138e2ea.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Using the electric USB pump on a VMSTR vacuum travel bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-vmstr-storage-jthompson-0155-23d5f5938850490fa9d2904c6a3c2514.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – A VMSTR vacuum-packed bag ready for travel inside a suitcase. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-vmstr-storage-jthompson-0146-942fdde1d9a44f84a471541b0fbf9727.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Measuring the compressed width of a VMSTR vacuum bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-vmstr-storage-jthompson-0095-7da73764f0ae43acb593b0f0061668dc.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Securing the zipper seal on a VMSTR vacuum travel bag.
Most Durable: Nomatic Vacuum Bag 2.0
Nomatic Vacuum Bag 2.0 at Amazon $50
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PHOTO: Nomatic
$50 at Amazon $50 at Walmart View on Nomatic.com
Why We Love It: The Nomatic Vacuum Bag 2.0 is constructed from the highest quality, most robust materials of all bags tested, promising exceptional durability.
What to Consider: This option includes only one bag, which may not be sufficient for all travelers.
The Nomatic Vacuum Bag 2.0 prioritizes durability and longevity. Its sporty, rugged design is suitable for both suitcases and backpacks, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The material feels exceptionally heavy-duty and tear-resistant, inspiring confidence that it can withstand the rigors of travel without damage. We successfully packed a week’s worth of clothing into this single bag. Its intuitive twist valve simplifies air release, requiring no pump for deflation.
While pricier than other options, especially considering it’s a single bag, the Nomatic Vacuum Bag 2.0 felt significantly sturdier and more durable than any other plastic bags we tested. The pump-free design adds to its convenience for travel.
The Details: 1 bag included | Dimensions: 30 x 16 inches | No pump needed
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Carrying the durable Nomatic Vacuum Bag 2.0. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-nomatic-2-xl-jthompson-0389-534175b547434c5cbe08b70f50db4551.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Loading clothes into the heavy-duty Nomatic vacuum travel bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-nomatic-2-xl-jthompson-0375-311a997a8f094c94abd822247b6f0c99.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Securing the closure of a Nomatic vacuum bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-nomatic-2-xl-jthompson-0404-4e4d47b9c5ff4005a8f706dbafce9176.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Compressing a Nomatic vacuum travel bag by removing air. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-nomatic-2-xl-jthompson-0411-a51c49a2dd3d4bf2af1593035b525dc0.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Manually deflating the Nomatic Vacuum Bag 2.0. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-nomatic-2-xl-jthompson-0413-e249eac43d8d4771bbc08987b1482216.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Measuring the compressed width of a Nomatic vacuum bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-nomatic-2-xl-jthompson-0415-5810ffa1f9eb40aa8d2f651deff54930.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Taking measurements of the Nomatic Vacuum Bag 2.0. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-aug-24-test-nomatic-2-xl-after-jkim-0029-10d6a1b632a64c058903cec86e48469c.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – The Nomatic Vacuum Bag 2.0 after overnight compression testing. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-nomatic-2-xl-jthompson-0423-3a2afc3cd03e4ba0b2734c27bed1043a.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Fitting the Nomatic vacuum-packed bag into a travel suitcase.
Best Hanging Bags: Velmade Hanging Vacuum Storage Bags With Electric Pump
Velmade Hanging Vacuum Storage Bags With Electric Pump at Amazon $39
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: The Velmade Hanging Vacuum Storage Bags are exceptionally spacious and ideal for storing seasonal clothing or packing formalwear for travel.
What to Consider: These are storage bags and not designed as garment bags for protecting delicate clothing during transit. Some air leakage was observed overnight in testing.
For those needing to pack suits, dresses, or other hanging garments, the Velmade Hanging Vacuum Storage Bags are an excellent solution. Each bag is remarkably long and includes a five-ring hanger system to keep clothes organized and upright, similar in concept to a garment bag. They can be hung in a hotel room closet upon arrival. According to Travel + Leisure associate editor Anna Popp, “This is a massive bag, perfect for storing suits or long jackets at home due to its 53-inch length. It would also be useful for destination weddings or business trips.”
Each waterproof bag features a zip clip for a tight seal and comes with a plug-in electric pump for compression. While air removal took slightly longer than expected, the pump performed effectively overall. However, some air leakage occurred overnight in our tests. Although the material is somewhat thin, these bags are a reliable option for closet storage or packing in checked luggage. Priced affordably for a set of four with an electric pump, the Velmade bags are a solid value, with sets available in various sizes and quantities.
The Details: 4 bags included | Dimensions: 53 x 28 inches each | Electric pump included
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – A shirt hanging inside a Velmade vacuum hanging bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-velmade-hanging-storage-electric-pump-jthompson-0803-12ac1c21c8a649e28d74493f69a70abc.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Showing the hanger strap inside a Velmade hanging vacuum bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-velmade-hanging-storage-electric-pump-jthompson-0812-64caaf5ec7e941b7abffdbb326f71927.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Loading clothes into a Velmade hanging vacuum travel bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-velmade-hanging-storage-electric-pump-jthompson-0815-abe0987520a14a8fbd670e7b32230d40.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Closing the zipper seal on a Velmade hanging vacuum bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-velmade-hanging-storage-electric-pump-jthompson-0836-690d0bc3eafe4a328479a4d7268fcfbb.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Using the electric pump to compress a Velmade hanging bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-velmade-hanging-storage-electric-pump-jthompson-0840-21fbd62859624d4d89537cfe59904303.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Measuring the length of a Velmade hanging vacuum bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-velmade-hanging-storage-electric-pump-jthompson-0844-cf5ac2bd69fd47eda5e592b2ddb37b7a.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Measuring the compressed thickness of a Velmade hanging bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-velmade-hanging-storage-electric-pump-jthompson-0828-cc64e87a6f5c4a6ab0c9feee4a79cc8e.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Removing the valve cap from a Velmade hanging vacuum bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-aug-24-test-velmade-hanging-storage-electric-pump-after-jkim-0043-447a1d482cb14837982fe01de41b5982.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Clothes compressed inside a Velmade hanging vacuum travel bag.
Best Roll-up Bags: KFYM Vacuum Travel Storage Bag
KFYM Vacuum Travel Storage Bag at Amazon $12
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PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: The KFYM Vacuum Travel Storage Bags offer pump-free compression, making them incredibly easy to use and travel-friendly.
What to Consider: Compression is not as tight as pump-operated bags and complete air removal may be challenging.
For ultimate ease of use and travel convenience, the KFYM Vacuum Travel Storage Bags excel. This set eliminates the need for a pump, making them perfect for quick trips and longer journeys. The set includes 10 bags in three sizes. Using these bags is straightforward: pack your clothes, seal the zipper, and roll the bag to expel air.
Packing with KFYM bags is quick and simple. However, the compression level isn’t as significant as pump-operated bags. Despite this, our overnight tests showed the bags maintained their compressed state without air leakage.
The Details: 10 bags included | Dimensions: 20 x 14 inches (small), 24 x 16 inches (large), 28 x 20 inches (extra large) | No pump needed
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Rolling a KFYM roll-up vacuum travel bag to remove air. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-kfym-space-saver-10-pack-jthompson-0346-9e4f3ec2220849749538f91e0059533d.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Expelling air from a KFYM vacuum bag by rolling. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-aug-24-test-kfym-space-saver-10-pack–after-jkim-0027-e04ca7cf6b9143fc9f85ee5bf8c33329.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Clothing compressed within a KFYM roll-up vacuum bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-kfym-space-saver-10-pack-jthompson-0317-f46d02c78cdb4316bba8ed9f3a4038c4.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Unzipping KFYM roll-up vacuum travel bags. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-kfym-space-saver-10-pack-jthompson-0327-ce2f2e31bca44b88bf9f69c8d1613050.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Packing clothes into a KFYM roll-up vacuum travel bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-kfym-space-saver-10-pack-jthompson-0328-6dfb39b6343349778b5194272ab72ee0.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Preparing clothes for packing in a KFYM vacuum bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-kfym-space-saver-10-pack-jthompson-0360-af549a30e99640d5945a10a9ff71f67f.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Measuring the thickness of a filled KFYM roll-up vacuum bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-kfym-space-saver-10-pack-jthompson-0356-84ce9c3c4efb4559b0ee5765b08ea8e6.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Measuring the length of a KFYM vacuum travel bag. - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-vacuum-bags-july-24-test-kfym-space-saver-10-pack-jthompson-0366-bdaf17613d4e4ad987494fd546cdd7ae.jpeg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure – Fitting a KFYM vacuum-packed bag into a travel suitcase.
Other Notable Vacuum Travel Bags
We tested other vacuum travel bags that, while not top picks, offer features that might appeal to specific travelers.
Relime Vacuum Bags for Travel with Wireless Vacuum Pump, 2 Pack: These bags stand out for their exceptional durability and waterproof construction, making them suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. The included wireless portable pump is user-friendly. However, the higher price and a somewhat difficult zipper may be drawbacks for some.
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Travel + Leisure – Relime Vacuum Bag showcasing its compressed form.
Samsonite Compression Packing Bags, 12-piece Kit: This set offers a wide variety of sizes and impressive capacity, particularly the large bag which easily accommodates bulky items. However, the absence of a vacuum or pump and a somewhat flimsy zipper clip make deflation and sealing less convenient.
Our Testing Process
The Travels.edu.vn team rigorously tested 12 vacuum bag sets in our lab over two days to assess ease of use, capacity, performance, design, durability, and value. On day one, we evaluated the material thickness and functionality of each bag size within each set. We then packed one bag from each set with clothing and outerwear, filling it to the indicated maximum fill line. We documented the specific items packed in each bag to assess capacity for varying trip lengths.
After sealing each bag, we measured its initial dimensions and evaluated the ease of securing the seal, noting the zipper-lock or valve type. We then compressed the bags and recorded the time required to remove air completely. Following vacuuming, we remeasured the compressed bags to determine the volume reduction and tested their fit in both carry-on and checked luggage. After an overnight period, we measured the bags again, checking for air leakage, material damage, and the condition of the packed clothing.
Our ongoing testing plan includes six months of real-world travel use to monitor long-term performance and durability. We will update our recommendations as needed based on these extended tests.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Vacuum Packing Travel Bags
Choose Your Preferred Compression Method
Consider which compression method best suits your travel style. Manual roll-up bags are lightweight and convenient for frequent, light travelers. Hand pumps offer more compression and are suitable for longer trips. Electric pumps provide maximum ease and are ideal when space is at a premium and convenience is key. Evaluate your typical trips and packing needs to decide.
Check if a Pump is Included
Determine if a pump is included and what type (manual or electric). Sets with pumps simplify packing by facilitating easier air removal. If a pump isn’t included, manual rolling is an option, but it requires more effort and may not achieve the same level of compression. Factor in the convenience and effort you prefer when making your choice.
Get the Size Range That Will Benefit You Most
Think about your typical clothing types, destinations, and trip durations. Frequent packers of bulky outerwear will benefit from sets with larger bags. Minimalist travelers or short-trip packers may only need smaller bags. A good size range provides packing versatility for everything from weekend trips to extended vacations, optimizing luggage space and organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How should I pack my clothing inside the vacuum bag?
For optimal space saving and wrinkle reduction, roll or fold your clothes neatly. Place bulkier items like jackets or sweaters at the bottom as they occupy the most space. Avoid overfilling the bag to prevent zipper seal stress. After packing, seal the bag according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use your chosen method to remove air. -
Can I bring vacuum bags in a suitcase?
Yes, vacuum bags are suitcase-compatible and widely accepted by airlines, similar to packing cubes. While most airlines have no restrictions, it’s always prudent to check specific airline policies, especially for carry-on luggage, just to be certain. -
Are there any items that should not be vacuum-sealed?
Yes, avoid vacuum-sealing delicate fabrics like silk or lace, as compression can damage their shape and texture. Items with embellishments like sequins or beads can also be damaged. Additionally, items you might need quickly during travel are best kept outside vacuum bags for easy access.
Why Trust Travels.edu.vn
Maddie Michalik, a seasoned product reviewer and frequent traveler with a decade of professional experience, spearheaded the research and writing for this article. Her expertise in shopping trends and organizational skills ensured a thorough and insightful review. Maddie meticulously analyzed Travel + Leisure’s detailed lab testing data for numerous vacuum travel bags, incorporating user feedback, product specifications, and supplementary research to create a comprehensive guide to the best travel vacuum bags available today.
Edited by Jackie Cucco, a testing editor at Travel + Leisure with extensive experience in product testing and travel-related reviews. Jackie brings eight years of experience covering consumer products and shopping trends, and has made over 100 TV appearances discussing these topics. Her expertise ensures the accuracy and helpfulness of our recommendations.
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