For almost three weeks in January and February, we'll be in Lofoten, Norway (68° North, above the Arctic Circle) and then in the Swiss Alps (13,000+ ft elevation). For a deep winter trip to both destinations, I ordered two Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cube Sets and two Eagle Creek Specter Compression Cube Sets.
In 40+ years of traveling all over the world, we've only checked our luggage once. This time, as almost always, we will only have carry-ons. My husband will carry a Kestrel 48, and I, an Osprey Kyte 36. For personal items, we will have a Think Tank Retrospective 20 camera bag and an Induro tripod. That's all.
When *not* being filled to the maximum capacity, both backpacks will be within the carry-on allowance on a cheap European budget airlines. Still, I want to be certain that what I ordered from Eagle Creek will compress everything and in turn, making the backpacks look more compact to airline personnel.
I only used 3.5 sets to pack this long list of clothing and accessories (based on the thickness, some clothing were rolled, some were folded):
3 pairs of Woolx heavyweight merino middle layer leggings
1 pair of Woolx heavyweight merino long johns
3 Woolx heavyweight pullovers
1 Scottish cashmere sweater (very thick)
2 pairs of ski pants
1 North Face down-filled parka (incredibly thick)
1 Rab down-filled parka
3 sets of silk base layers (long sleeve tops and long bottoms)
8 items of merino underwear
4 pairs of heavy weight merino wool socks
2 pairs of silk sock liners
2 pairs of Hestra ski gloves
1 Smartwool neck gaiter
2 merino/cashmere knit caps
1 trapper hat
1 roller fur hat
1 Stormy Kromer hat
toiletries, cosmetics, medicines, and electronic accessories.
With the compression sets inside, both of our backpacks are still within the airline allowance with a few inches to spare. I was very impressed.
The difference between the two models:
Pack-It Compression Cube:
Slightly heavier weight: 4 oz
Larger dimensions: 14×10×1.25” (which means larger capacity)
Top zipper opens up three sides
Pack-It Specter Compression Cube:
Featherlight weight: 2 oz
Smaller dimensions: 10×7×1”
Top zipper only opens half way
I liked both models, but have found that the original Pack-It compression model was much better for larger and bulkier items (down parkas and heavyweight merino base layers). The Specter model was perfect for lighter clothing and everything else.
I *highly* recommend both Eagle Creek Compression Cube models for all travellers who pack light and pack effectively.
From the manufacturer
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| Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube Set | Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Luggage | Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel Bag | Eagle Creek Tarmac Wheeled Luggage - Softside 2-Wheel Rolling Suitcase | |
| Sizes | M: 14 x 10 x 3 in | S: 10 x 7 x 3 in | XS: 7.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 in | 12.5 x 21.5 x 10.5 in | 40L: 10.25 x 18.5 x 9.5in | 60L: 11.5 x 23.25 x 11 in | 90L: 13.5 x 25.5 x 12.25 in | 21.5 in: 13.75 x 21.5 in x 8 in | 22in: 14 x 22 x 9 in | 26: 17.5 x 26 x 13.5 in | 29in: 18.5 | 29.5 x 14.5 in |
| Volume | M: 10.5 L | S: 5 L | XS: 1.2 L | 43 liters | S: 40 liters | M: 60 liters | L: 90 liters | 21in: 33 L | 22in: 38.5 L | 26in: 77L | 29in: 106L |
| Weight | M: 1 oz | S: 0.6 oz | XS: 0.5 oz | 2 lbs 1 oz | 40L: 2 lbs 1 oz | 60L: 2 lbs 8 oz | 90L: 2 lbs 15 oz | 21.5 in: 6lbs 9 oz | 22in: 6 lbs 12 oz | 26in: 8 lbs 8 oz | 29in: 10 lbs 8 oz |
| Material | 30D Silnylon Ripstop | 100% Recycled Poly Neo Diamond , 1000D Helix(TM) Poly Twill, 210D Exo Skeleton | TPU 900D Poly Twill , 1680D Ballistic Poly Recycled PVB | Bi-Tech (TM) Heather, 1000D Helix(TM) Poly Twill |
| Additional Colors | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Additional Sizes | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Compression | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ |
Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2016
Color: Strobe GreenVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2017
Color: Brilliant BlueVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2015
Color: Strobe GreenVerified Purchase
Stash the bulk
By Bitsmith on February 7, 2015
Proof is in the pictures...A full-length, wool trenchcoat and scarf compressed down to the size of a legal sheet of paper. Hard as a brick and very difficult to zipper, but it worked. I travel between cold and warm climates and there is nothing worse than lugging a wool coat all around CA because my latter week appointments are in NYC or Boston. I can now stash the whole coat in my computer bag. On average, I would say this compresses clothing to half size. I have 2 bags -- an overnight barding bag and a 21" -- where I can pack 2 & 5 days in each respectively. I was able to get 5 tees, undies, and socks along with 3 dress shirts into my overnight now. I don't think it will be life-changing, but should allow me to avoid the gate-check on the small commuter jets. I bought a second set to segregate dirty clothes.
By Bitsmith on February 7, 2015
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2017
Color: White/StrobeVerified Purchase
The concept of being able to compress your cubes is great. Unfortunately
By Amber on July 21, 2017
I was really excited when I received these cubes. The concept of being able to compress your cubes is great. Unfortunately, the fabric of the cubes keeps getting stuck in the zippers. Also, the zippers keep pulling.
By Amber on July 21, 2017
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2017
Color: White/StrobeVerified Purchase
So much space
By Ls on August 5, 2017
I wasn't going to buy these b/c of the price for such a small lite weight package. I went to the store and felt them and thought they want how much for this crap! I read many reviews on Amazon and decided to purchase a set and test them with the tags on, so when I hated it, I could return it. Wrong! Loved what I saw when they arrived and I stuffed them. I went back to order another set, but the price had gone up on Amazon, so I went back to the store and bought them on sale. I am now on my first trip with the smaller of the 2 bags and I'm looking to buy ANOTHER set for my big trip at the end of the month. That's 3 sets people! I will b packing for a 17 day trip and I want to c if I can just take the medium sized suitcase instead of the large. I can't wait to start packing. Trust me if u judge this product on how flimsy it feels u won't buy it, but if u read the reviews and try it u will want more. My dad just bought the kind u have to use a vacuum to use that's all fine and dandy while ur at home with a VACUUM, but what happens when u r at the hotel and need to repackage it every nite? R u going to go to housekeeping at every hotel and ask to use theirs? I've included my first ever photos. #1 3/4 length raincoat and my down feather pillow (it's very old and not that stuffed anymore, but it does take up a lot of room in my big purse). #2 the larger bag zipped once #3 zipped twice. I put a tv remote in the photo so u could compare the sizes as it compresses. This bag is going rt in my large purse as my carry on item!
By Ls on August 5, 2017
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2017
Color: White/StrobeVerified Purchase
Quality bags, worked just as expected
By Alessa Elizabeth on April 2, 2017
Now I know why this brand is always mentioned, the quality is phenomenal. I bought another brand of bags and the zipper broke before we had even left on the trip! These Eagle Creek ones seem much more durable so I felt confident they wouldn't fail on me part way through my travels. I was able to get 3 pairs of pants/leggings, 4 tops/sweaters, and a dress in the large bag without a problem. It made re-packing every two days less of a chore during my trip. I'll never travel without these!
By Alessa Elizabeth on April 2, 2017
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Read the measurements
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 12, 2018Verified Purchase
DD
Love these - so practical, useful and space saving
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 25, 2019Color: Brilliant BlueVerified Purchase
Sonya Blazek
Zipper already broke on second use
Reviewed in Canada on March 15, 2019Color: White/StrobeVerified Purchase
Joe
buenos pero por el precio hay mejores opciones
Reviewed in Mexico on May 25, 2018Color: White/StrobeVerified Purchase
Becca
Perfect for light packers
Reviewed in Canada on October 15, 2019Color: Brilliant BlueVerified Purchase
