Travel Accessories - Why packing cubes?
Packing Cubes
have been around for a long time. I did not begin to really use them until security was increased at airports after 9-11. At that time, there was a comic strip circulating around showing TSA security and other passengers laughing over carry-on luggage with traveler’s underwear! So I began to pack underwear, pajamas, socks, vitamins, etc., in packing cubes. It certainly made packing neater, and unpacking a breeze. When unpacking, you would just put the whole cube into the drawer at the hotel. I always hated putting clothing into drawers anyway, and would take the time to line the drawer with a towel. My husband has always used the shirt packing cube for his cotton shirts. It was really the only way to pack them so they came out of the luggage almost wrinkle free. The shirt packing cube comes with a “shirt board” inside. You place the shirt neatly around the board, keeping it tight and straight. Then you pack the next shirt and so on. The board slides out of the shirt so you can begin another shirt. When you are done, you close the velcro flaps, and there’s no shifting or moving around to cause any wrinkles on the clothing. It’s amazing how neat and unwrinkled the shirts are when packed in these cubes. I hang the shirts immediately when unpacking, and never need to iron them. You can also pack slacks or jackets in these cubes. The plastic lined cubes are perfect for cosmetics, creams, and gels that we no longer can carry on to the airplane. Cubes from Eagle Creek are made of Micro-Weave, a water repellent fabric and LinkSeal, a waterproof, see-through polyurethane material laminated to a mesh fabric. They wear very well and are quite durable. Another company that made great cubes is Mosaic Travelgear. Their cubes have mesh openings also, but are made of a lightweight, abrasion and water-resistant nylon ripstop fabric. The Mosaic versions also have four wall supports that provide more structure when in use, and fold flat for storage.This structure actually makes them easier to pack. Both companies make cubes in different sizes to accommodate different items, and these assorted sizes can be used for long or short trips. The cubes also are available in different colors, which is convenient if you’re packing for several family members. Once you have used these handy packing cubes, you’ll wonder how you ever packed without them!
Add comment April 1st, 2008
