Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsA Must for All Who Travel Well
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2016
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.
