How to Pack a Suitcase

Step 5 Step Five - Compression/Make it smaller

In this step, I dumped the smaller bags into a large compression sack. Some people go out and buy a super-duper vacuum operated compression sack - that works if you happen to pack a vacuum with you sleeping bags or tents. I paid $20 bucks for mine and accidentally got a size too large. But it still works.

If you don't want to shell out the bucks for a compression sack, don't worry. A compression sack is just a stuff sack with some webbing that squeeze it together. I have made some in the past as follows:

Version one  normal bag or stuff sack and a belt or a strap. Pack the bag as you normally would and then squeeze it down to size. Then run the belt around the bag and fasten it so the bag can't expand back to its full size.

Version two  put your clothes in a grocery bag and then squeeze it tight  wrap once with ductape horizontally and once vertically. Be sure to pack extra bags because the ductape is sure to rip them to pieces when you unpack at the hotel or basecamp.

Some people can perfect the art of rolling clothes - this works well too - when I am going super light on a trip, I just roll my clothes and then tighten them up with a strap. This keeps them from 'growing' while I am trying to pack the next thing.