Reddit reviews Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Compression Cube Set, White/Strobe, One Size

essential for travel:

• generic-looking ultralight black rolling carryon bag (I have this one, which only weighs 5lbs empty
  
• packable suitcase, so I can check my rolling carryon on the way back - mine is a collapsible longchamp which folds out to a full-size carryon
  
• merino tee - I particularly love this one from Outdoor Voices, in black, and wear it on the plane, and if I get cold wherever I land regardless if somewhere cold or hot and humid — merino releases wrinkles and doesnt smell, and dries fairly quickly
  
• slim fit black or navy nylon pants because they dont wrinkle (I like Prada, or Theory navalane becker pants)
  
• I wear nice black loafers on the plane; mine are either the classic Gucci Jordaan loafer, or the Frye Erica tasseled loafer
  
• barefoot sneakers (I love these in black because theyre comfortable and pack down totally flat, while also being water-friendly, quick-drying, and lightweight)
  
• quick dry shorts (I love the Patagonia barely baggies in black)
  
• I also pack all my stuff in packing cubes; I like these by Eagle Creek
  
  I don’t use a travel-specific handbag, but rather whichever crossbody bag I’m favoring at that time. The only “travel handbag” I own is this fun little Paravel one, which reminds me a lot of Hermes toile, but much easier to not stain or destroy because its waterproof.
  
  also essential:
  
  
• kindle
  
• travel battery to charge my phone (mine are mophie or anker)
  
• in-ear headphones (mine are the etymotic etykids ones w the mic)
  
• earplugs
  
• sheet masks
  
• advil
  
• sachets of my favorite teas
  
• silk sleep mask (mine is like $5 or $6 from Amazon; this one)
  
• large, thick wool or cashmere shawl
  
• nail file
  
• small bobbin (spool) of thread, so I can touch up my eyebrows if needed (tweezers not allowed on planes, sadly)
  
  Edited to add:
  
  
• Patagonia packable micro puff hooded jacket because I am perpetually cold
  
• Patagonia packable Torrentshell rain jacket which I use on pretty much every trip. Whether coupled with the packable puffer (and shawl or merino tee), or worn alone, I’m prepared for nearly any weather situation.

These are the ones I used for a month euro trip with my farpoint 40. They worked perfectly. Highly recommend. Just make sure to practice with them and find out how much you can put in them.

Eagle Creek are supposed to be the best, but there are lots of really inexpensive options on Amazon that work well too. It might be worth at least starting with a cheaper option to see what size combinations work best for you. The combo-size packs aren't always the most useful. For instance, I found I have no use for the large sized cubes—they're just way too big. Three slim cubes are plenty for me for long trips (4+ weeks) in warm weather (similar to these) and two slims are enough for any trips shorter than that. Longer winter trips I use one medium cube + one slim (I need a bit more width for sweaters & heavier fabrics). The mediums are quite large and fit a LOT of clothing though.

There are also compression options too. I've heard great things about Eagle Creek's compression cubes, but I don't use compression cubes so I haven't tried them personally.

You can find them cheaper, but this is what I use. It makes a world of difference! ... another trick to use with or on it's own is the "ranger roll" technique... YouTube has loads of videos on how to perform. Just another way to keep it clean and easy to pack... while not wrinkling your clothing.

1 large for bulky items( pants, sweater, etc)

1 medium (shorts, shirts)

1 small (socks, underware)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BYFC4Z4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CtBxCb1XC0W31

I like them because they're ultra-lightweight, durable, and translucent enough to get an idea of what's inside. They're made.of a siliconized nylon that "slides" very well, so you can actual stuff a decent amount in a small space and be able to drag what you need out easily.

My usual cold-weather packing list uses the compression cubes (linked) and the smaller 2-sided Clean/Dirty cube. The larger of the two compression cubes easily holds a pair of pants, a sweater, and two or three t-shirts. The smaller compression cube holds a down jacket and gloves. The Clean/Dirty cube holds my socks, underwear, and whatever I sleep in.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BYFC4Z4/ref=twister_B00F9T852C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

not a copy in the print, but in the design of the compression bag. pretty sure eagle creek were the first to do compression bags and the build of OPs is spot on with eagle creeks.