ITW Space Bag BRS-9212ZG Travel Roll Bags: 4 Pack – 2 Carry-On and 2 Suitcase Size Bags

I bought the Space Bag Travel Roll Bags four years ago when I moved to Texas from Florida. I have since moved four times and for each move these bags were invaluable. I felt compelled to write because someone complained they were impossible to get the air out of them. I follow the instructions on the bags and don’t overfill them, and run the plastic tab over the opening until it’s really sealed. Then I roll them and sit/kneel on them on a rug or similar surface to get resistance…and I’m no Amazonian woman, but I can get the air out of them. They’re actually a lot of fun to own. I’ve used them while camping and air traveling too. I watched my suitcase from the plane get completely soaked, but I wasn’t worried about my clothes b/c I knew they’d be dry, and they were (it was everything else in the bag that was soaked). So… in short, I recommend them.
Rating: 5 / 5

I purchased these since I travel a lot. I always prefer to travel all carry on. Sometimes my bag needs a little more space. These seem to help. They are basically like a very large ziplock bag with a special zipper. The zipper allows you to roll up your clothes to get our all of the air from the bag. By doing this, your bags become a lot thinner. They are very easy to use. Although in the process of using them, I made a few observations:

1. In a smaller suitcase (like a carry on) you may not get the full value from these. They work better in a larger suitcase.

2. Most airlines have a 50lb weight limit on suitcases. Compressing out the air out of your clothes doesn’t remove weight. So you may want to verify how heavy your bags are before you get to the airport.

3. Since I was able to get so much more in my carry on bag, TSA had to hand check it. They claimed that the machine couldn’t see through everything I had in there. Fortunately, they didn’t want to open up and look in all of these space bags. During this hand check I realized that it is possible that the may want to and how big of a pain that would be.

None of these things are deal breakers for these. You just need to use them a few times and figure out the best way that they can work for you. I am anxious to see how they are going to work for an upcoming family Vacation for My wife and I are taking our three kids on.

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UPDATE: MAY 2010

I have noticed that these rip easily. I mean, it is a glorified ziplock bag. I went on a trip and the bag ripped, so now all the stuff that fit into my carry on bag had to be really shoved back in to get home. YMMV
Rating: 4 / 5

One of the things I like best about the Space Bags is that everything in my suitcase is contained. Not only are my clothes compressed to save space, but should my bag be opened for inspection, it is less likely that my stuff will be disturbed. I don’t know about anyone else, but it just makes me feel weird to think of TSA agents tossing through my undies! If they can see what’s in the plastic bag, they usually won’t open it up.

The bags work multiple times, but eventually seem to lose their ability to seal up. I’ve had some pop because I smooshed on them too hard and fast while trying to push the air out and I’ve had the zip top stop sealing. But only after multiple satisfactory uses.

All in all, Space Bags are definitely handy, both for getting more stuff in less suitcase and for keeping it safe and contained.
Rating: 4 / 5