Once compressed, especially for long periods, it’s hard to get them to regain their loft, which compromises their ability to insulate. These items keep you warm by trapping air inside the pockets, so removing all the air can compromise their ability to keep warm air inside. Fluffy items made with down or other feathers should not be vacuum-sealed - especially for long periods of time. Why do some manufacturers warn against putting anything made with down in space saver bags?Ī. TSA officials may open space saver bags if they look suspicious or the contents trigger alarms. Transportation Safety Administration (TSA). Space saver bags are allowed but not encouraged in airplane luggage by the U.S. They should be treated with anti-mold or mildew linings to protect your belongings and possibly include a pump or other bonus items. Bags costing this much should be made of thick, puncture-resistant material and feature reliable double seals and reinforced valve seals.

They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small travel sizes up to sizes that can fit a comforter, and close with a vacuum hose or possibly a pump. All should feature double seals some may have special treatments to protect your items.Įxpensive: Packs of high-quality storage bags cost around $5 per bag. They will mostly hold clothing and linens, although some may accommodate bedding. Bags in this price range typically seal with a vacuum hose or hand pump. Mid-range: Middle-of-the-road storage bags often cost $3 to $3.50 per bag. These bags may feature single or double seals. They will usually be smaller (making them perfect for travel) and be made from thinner materials. Some will accommodate vacuum hoses to remove air, others may simply roll, and others will use hand pumps. Inexpensive: The least-expensive storage bags will cost around $2.50 per bag. Protection like this is especially important for items that will be tucked out of sight for long periods of time. Many bags intended for long-term storage feature protective linings to keep their contents safe from mold and mildew as well as bacteria and microbes. Snap-on caps provide minimal protection caps with a screw-on top create the tightest barrier against valve failure. Some bags have only a single seal around the valves others have two or even three.Īll valves will have some kind of protective cap that provides an extra layer of security against valve failure. Valves are intended to be one-way - only letting air out and keeping it from re-entering the bag.

No matter how you suck the air out of a space saver bag, it must come out of the bag’s valve. Double-sealed bags are generally higher in quality than bags with a single seal. Some bags feature a single seal across the top others offer two layers of protection in case one of the seals fails. Most manufacturers affix a plastic slider that glides across the lock to ensure it’s completely closed.

Overstuffing a space saver bag is one of the easiest ways to break it.Īll space saver bags come with a seal - a thick strip across the top where the opposite sides lock together to keep air out. When in doubt, go bigger - unless you are specifically trying to fit things into a suitcase. Think carefully about the items you are going to store. Some are large enough to hold an entire duvet cover others are designed to fit in a carry-on suitcase. Space saver bags come in a variety of sizes. They are intended primarily for short-term storage or travel. They’re not as efficient as vacuum or pump bags, but they’re even more gentle on your fabric items and are a decent choice if you’re traveling and concerned about losing your pump. You roll these bags up just like an almost-empty tube of toothpaste - pushing the air out of the one-way valve. Compression bags are used specifically for packing clothing.They are better for short-term storage, but, in some cases, can be used longer. Hand-pump bags are not as practical for storing larger items, like bedding, but they are good for packing items like sweaters, coats, and other bulky goods. And since the pump is small, it’s easily packed for use at your destination. However, they are gentler on your clothing.

Hand pumps suck the air out of the bag, but they are not as efficient as vacuum-bag systems. These bags work for both long-term and short-term storage. They’re only helpful, however, if there’s also a vacuum at your destination. Vacuum bags are great for traveling because they can greatly reduce the amount of space clothing items take in your suitcase. They can be used with items like stuffed animals, clothing, towels, and some bedding. They are, however, the hardest on the materials in the bag. They are the quickest and most efficient means of preparing bags for storage. Vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction hose are used to close the majority of space saver bags.

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