Living in New York City, I travel often for work, for holidays, and for an escape from the city noise. And if there’s one constant truth I’ve learned, it’s this: the hardest part of traveling is packing.
I’ve spent too many nights sitting on my suitcase trying to force the zipper shut, only to realize I’d still forgotten something important. And as much as I hate overpacking, I hate paying for checked luggage even more. So when I started using Ekster’s TravelPack™ Vacuum Kit, everything changed. Suddenly, I was packing better and I was traveling smarter.
The Space-Saving Secret
Here’s the beauty of it: these vacuum travel bags let me compress 15+ items of clothing into a single airtight bag, saving up to 60% of packing space. That means bulky winter clothes, sneakers, and jackets all fit neatly into my carry-on without me playing luggage Tetris.
The first time I used the kit, I packed for a two-week holiday trip to visit family and everything fit in a carry-on. No checked bag, no baggage claim. That alone saved me $70 in fees and at least an hour at the airport. Multiply that across a year of trips, and you’re looking at serious savings.
Skipping Airport Stress
Traveling during the holidays means crowded airports and longer lines. The fewer things I have to check in or wait for, the better. With my essentials compressed into one sleek bag, I walk straight off the plane and into a cab, so I don’t have to stand around waiting for a suitcase that may or may not have made the connection.
CNN summed it up best: “I traveled around Europe for 3 weeks with just a backpack thanks to Ekster’s TravelPack Vacuum Bag.” That’s not just a headline; it’s real. Once you try it, you won’t want to go back.
Smarter, Cleaner Packing
Another perk I didn’t expect? Clean, organized packing. These bags are airtight, odor-proof, and waterproof, so they double as laundry bags. By the end of a trip, I separate clean clothes from worn ones, so I don’t open my suitcase at home to find everything smells like the hotel.
Plus, they’re made from durable, anti-rip Nylon with an anti-leak zipper, so they’re not flimsy like the old-school versions. The USB-C rechargeable pump is compact and powerful, with up to 20 uses on a single charge. It’s the kind of detail you don’t realize you needed until you have it.
If you’re debating whether to use packing cubes or compression bags, I recommend checking out Ekster’s guide: “Compression Bags vs. Packing Cubes”. Spoiler: I’m firmly on team compression now.
A Genuinely Useful Gift
Every birthday and holiday season, I find myself asking the same question: what can I give that isn’t another bottle of whiskey or a gift card? The TravelPack Vacuum Kit hits that sweet spot. It’s sleek, practical, and something people will actually use every time they travel.
Whether it’s a friend heading on their next business trip, a sibling planning a vacation, or even yourself (because self-gifting is underrated), this kit makes a statement. As MSA put it: “The smartest thing I packed for summer vacation.” I’d argue it’s the smartest gift for the holidays too.
Don’t Wait Until They’re Gone
Here’s the thing: these kits don’t stick around for long. Forbes has already called it “The game-changer you’ve been looking for” and “A must-have for travelers who never check a bag.” WIRED named it “Best travel tech for families” (and honestly, solo travelers like me would say the same).
Every time Ekster runs a bundle or discount, they sell out quickly. If you’re traveling or want to give a gift that gets real use, don’t wait to order.
My Takeaway
Traveling out of New York can be a circus, but the Ekster TravelPack™ Vacuum Kit has made it smoother, cheaper, and way less stressful. I save space in my luggage, skip baggage claim, and stay organized from departure to unpacking.
Check it out at Ekster.com and don’t miss their guide on how to use vacuum packing bags. Whether it’s for yourself or as a gift, it’s one of the smartest travel investments you can make.
Because honestly, travel should be about enjoying the trip, not fighting with your luggage.
