I was super thrilled to find a Eagle Creek packing envelope at a thrift store for $3. What a steal! I love my usual packing method of rolling my clothing and using lots of zip lock bags but I was pretty excited to try out the packing envelope.
My biggest concern was that I was taking my smaller carry on suitcase on the 5 day cruise and the packing envelope was only slightly smaller that the length and width of the suitcase. I had several fancy dresses, a pair of heels, and a bulky beaded shall that needed to fit in the case along with all my other clothing. Challenge accepted.
Here is a run down of what I packed.
My biggest concern was that I was taking my smaller carry on suitcase on the 5 day cruise and the packing envelope was only slightly smaller that the length and width of the suitcase. I had several fancy dresses, a pair of heels, and a bulky beaded shall that needed to fit in the case along with all my other clothing. Challenge accepted.
Here is a run down of what I packed.
Other than the items above I also had a pair of heels, 2 pair of flip flops and a hair dryer. My back up plan was to put my hair dryer in my moms suitcase. I really figured I would need to do that. I also considered not packing the heels because I basically only wear them for a few hours on the evenings I wear my "fancy" dresses.
I also had a backpack that would serve as my carry on/hotel bag. When I pack for a cruise that includes a night at a hotel I always pack the clothing for embarkation day, all toiletries, electronics and basically anything I might need before the cruise in my carryon/hotel bag. After all my packing work, who wants to mess it up before you even sail away?
A few "fun" details about the backpack. It had wheels and a handle. I did not like it. It was heavy. It hurt my back and then to top it all off the strap broke while we were disembarking at Galveston. But, back to the packing envelope.
I also had a backpack that would serve as my carry on/hotel bag. When I pack for a cruise that includes a night at a hotel I always pack the clothing for embarkation day, all toiletries, electronics and basically anything I might need before the cruise in my carryon/hotel bag. After all my packing work, who wants to mess it up before you even sail away?
A few "fun" details about the backpack. It had wheels and a handle. I did not like it. It was heavy. It hurt my back and then to top it all off the strap broke while we were disembarking at Galveston. But, back to the packing envelope.
All the other clothing would go in the envelope. So basically, I started with the smallest lightest clothing items and placing them in the middle of the envelope. I layered in the longer heavier clothing, tucking and folding sleeves and legs to form a square bundle of clothing. I ended with the long formal dress and the heavy beaded shall. From there it was just a matter of folding the packing envelope around the clothing and closing it with the velcro on the envelope. Super Simple and faster than rolling all my clothing.
To my surprise It fit nicely in the suitcase and I still had plenty of room to tuck my shoes underneath and fit the hair dryer in one of the corners. I am pretty sure I managed to smash in a few other last minute items. The biggest advantage to the envelope was that it was fast to pack. It also forced me to unpack, put away, and hang all of the items. Which is both a plus and minus to me. When I pack in ziplock/mesh bags I often leave some of the outfits in the bags and just toss in the drawer until I am ready to wear which is easier than putting everything thing away. However, I did like that hanging everything gave some of the clothing time to loose a little of that packing wrinkle they sometimes have and it was easier to decide what to wear with everything hanging in the closet instead of in the drawer.
To my surprise It fit nicely in the suitcase and I still had plenty of room to tuck my shoes underneath and fit the hair dryer in one of the corners. I am pretty sure I managed to smash in a few other last minute items. The biggest advantage to the envelope was that it was fast to pack. It also forced me to unpack, put away, and hang all of the items. Which is both a plus and minus to me. When I pack in ziplock/mesh bags I often leave some of the outfits in the bags and just toss in the drawer until I am ready to wear which is easier than putting everything thing away. However, I did like that hanging everything gave some of the clothing time to loose a little of that packing wrinkle they sometimes have and it was easier to decide what to wear with everything hanging in the closet instead of in the drawer.