Vacuum Storage Bags

[michimoper]

Trying to save space, while packing for a scooter trip. Bought these vac bags off Amazon. Around $30, I think.
Since I have downsized from the Goldwing to the Kymco GV, I no longer have 2 big saddle bags and a big trunk. The first pic will show the Scoot's top box with as many vac bags as I could fit in.
Then you see the vac bags laid out.
Next, I've emptied the bags and laid out the contents.
8 sets of t-shirts and shorts, 2 pair of jeans, a few pair of socks.
This is not the way I would pack for a trip, but, I bagged up 10 sets of cloths and put what I could into the top box.
Looks like I could get a week's worth of clothes into the top box, if I was careful about how I bagged them.
Of course, other things need to be packed, as well. Toiletries, maybe rain gear, sweatshirts, jackets.
Anyway, I wanted to see how much I could fit in the box.
I am disappointed in the product. It included 8 bags, (4 different sizes), and a small electric vacuum pump. 3 of the bags proved faulty. They lost vacuum as soon as the pump was removed. Plus, the vac process for each bags takes several minutes. It is a rather tedious process.
The product claim is to shrink the contents of the bag by as much as 70-80%. That's very optimistic. More like 30%, but that really does make a big difference, when you're limited on storage space.
If I were to do an Amazon review, I think I'd give it 2 stars because 2 of the bags were bad.
I'm sure I'll use the bags for scoot trips later on, spring or summer.

[bluegoatwoods]

It's a cool idea. How will you re-pack after using them? Carry a vacuum pump with you? I guess that makes sense.

It's too bad there were defects and less than promised delivery. But you're right: when packing light every little bit helps.

[michimoper]

Feb 24, 2020 14:05:47 GMT -5 bluegoatwoods said:

It's a cool idea. How will you re-pack after using them? Carry a vacuum pump with you? I guess that makes sense.

It's too bad there were defects and less than promised delivery. But you're right: when packing light every little bit helps.

The vacuum pump is pretty small. Fits in the palm of your hand. You can see it in the last pic. I read in a travel mag, someone saying that they bought extra bags at the Dollar Store. I haven't looked for them, yet. That might make the purchase worthwhile. However...if the bags are prone to failure, what if I get good bags, but, the pump fails while packing for the return trip.

[claydoh]

I use the Harbor Freight ones, they look very similar, and much cheaper. though requiring a vacuum cleaner. I used them when I traveled to Australia for a three month stay. I brought my bicycle with me, so I had only one checked suitcase, so I used it to save space. My gigantic bathrobe shrunk down so much it was amazing. I had room for all my clothes and gear already, but the robe was an added bonus.

It was summer down there, so the robe actually stayed sealed for most of the trip, maybe two months. No issues with the sealing.

[jloi]

I've used some of the HF bags before too . with a vacuum . no issues , worked fine with my small Stinger shop vac .