Packing Cubes

Jenn got us started on this.

After seeing Jenn's nifty set up for storing all her clothes and gear in the cabin, we decided to cruse the internet in search of packing cubes. We found a neat store called "The Container Store" (containerstore.com)-not a particularly imaginative name, but hey, they are stock full of all sorts of handy-dandy goodies.

They carry the Eagle Creek Pack-It System and it was on sale 'till the end of May-score. They had a location not too far from home, so off we went. We found a good supply of Pack-It items and were especially impressed with the expandable Pack-It Folder 18: a great system for keeping shirts and pants neat and wrinkle free (there is a demonstration video on their web site). Bought four of the folders, two of the Shoe Cubes and two Pack-It Cubes which will be just perfect for undies and socks. We went for two colors: black and blue (the only colors they offered). This please Jim no end, 'cause he doesn't believe in co-educational undies. Go figure.

Shopping on line is handy, but it doesn't compare with actually seeing an item and checking out the quality or lack there of. Another plus is if the store has knowledgeable and pleasant staff. We lucked out with a lovely lady named Barbara. She spent considerable time showing us the products and we spent an equal amount of time giving her a smart phone tour of Spamalot (get ready, Cary: possible future customer in the wings). She was an avid tent camper, but age is creeping up on her, as it did with most of us, and she is considering upgrading. She mentioned her sister has been touring the country for the last two years in a Sportsman RV and loving it. Jenn, you have company on the road.

Anyway-we are going to try this system out on our trip to Kings Canyon around the end of June (depending on the baby-hurry up, kid!) and we'll let you all know how it works out.

Camp On

Jim and Sue

 

Yes she did! ...thanks Jenn.

So here's the route I took after cursing the internet. I went with an ebags 3 piece set http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/packing-cubes-3pc-set/13032?productid=10150076, actually one set for each of us. The three different sizes allow packing flexibility and if not too overpacked will fit nicely in the upper cabinets on each side of the AC unit. There was still a little room left in the large and medium cubes. I probably could have packed another pair of pants and another t-shirt or two. I'd have to rework it a little to get a sweat shirt in there somewhere. But this is way more than I would take on a three day trip.

packed for a little more than a long weekend.

stacked like this they easily fit in the upper cabinets.

Small cube, 4pr. of Skivvies and 4pr. of socks.

M-cube, 7 T-shirts, I packed them flat ...didn't check if rolled would net more shrts.
L-cube, 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of Khakis, 1 pr. of shorts, 1 bathing suit, 1 rash guard, 1 PJ bottoms

We'll get to field test this system next weekend, if there's any interest I'll do a little critique.

 

Hi Jenn, I didn't even catch that. I guess I should correct it …or not. I think most will agree there are times we curse the internet while cruising it.

Sorry Betsey, I know I shouldn't end a sentence with it. Damn, did it again.

 

I love that you roll stuff AJ. I have used these for years in my luggage, and if you roll everything, you get so much more in.

We did something similar where I got each of us 3 cubes. 2 were single cubes, and one was a double cube (all the same dimensions for width & height, but the depth varied with the double pack). We don't have a/c, so we have the luxury of a little more space, so I tend to fill them up (we are always covered in something with our 4-year-old...I swear Kleenex needs to create a full body suit for parents!).

I just packed the lads clothes and mine for the weekend. I don't go too nuts, and we had plenty of extra space. I might need to rethink things a little bit for our 2-week trip. Since Mick won't be joining us, we could use his bags and space too, if needed.

I stack 2 of the bags in the cupboard, and then stand one up in front, and we have loads of extra room for the bunk sheets, etc.

This was a great idea, and one I had been thinking about since the first discussion. Jenn, thanks for reminding us!

 

LOL. Darcy had a cold when we went to Idyllwild this last weekend. I second the Kleenex body suit! We're probably going to move toward packing cubes eventually. We learned this weekend that stashing Darcy's diaper bag in the front storage area by the heater kept her clothes toasty warm for changing in the morning. Thanks for the pics!
--Stelena

 

We aren't in school, so no problems! But if you were in my classroom...

Now, if you were in Minnesota, that's a whole different granola bar..."Want to go with?" Drives me nuts! With who? With what? Don't end your sentences with prepositions!!!!!! :crazy:

 

Just finished two trips using the packing cubes. How did we do this before this product? Absolutely fab and I'm not exaggerating! Thanks, Jenn for cluing us in on those little wonders.

Sue and Jim

 

Packing Cubes on sale at Amazon. Three piece set, lg. med. and sm. from 17.99 to 26.99. Regularly 40.00.

 

I just wanted to let you know that there are some Eagle Creek Packing Cubes available at Sierra Trading Post - I think these might be an older style, but the prices look pretty good – from $5.50 for a 1/4-cube to $13.95 for a two-sized cube. If you can get an additional 20-30% off, hot dog! They also have various-sized shoe bags and travel folders:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/eagle-creek~b~5040/