News

Nov 04, 2024

The 6 Best Vacuum Bags for Travel of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Maximize space in your suitcase while keeping your clothing organized and

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Maximize space in your suitcase while keeping your clothing organized and protected.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

We’ve all been there: cramming your favorite outfits into an overflowing suitcase, only to zip it up and realize you still have three pairs of shoes to fit inside. Instead of sacrificing your shoes (never sacrifice your shoes), use this travel hack that will help you save space: vacuum-sealed travel bags.

These bags help you eliminate excess air to compress and flatten your clothes, maximizing space in your luggage — and you can use them to save space in your closet at home as well. The best part? You don’t exactly need a vacuum to make them work. There are various options available, including hand pumps and even bags that require no pumping at all, making them great travel companions.

Our Travel + Leisure team tested 12 vacuum bags for travel over two days to assess ease of use, performance, capacity, design, durability, and value. We packed them full of clothing and other items, compressed the air out using whatever method each brand recommended, and measured the bags to see if any air escaped overnight. We will continue testing them over the course of six months to make sure they hold up during traveling. Here are our top picks.

The range of sizes means that you could easily use these bags to fit inside personal items, carry-ons, or checked bags.

The jumbo-size bag is less practical for airplane travel.

The Hibag Space Saver Bags are the Goldilocks of all the vacuum bags we tried — just right in every way. This set includes ten bags in five sizes (small, medium, large, jumbo, and carry-on) to fit any kind of suitcase and packing need, from everyday clothing to heavier, bulkier items. The included compact manual pump removed air from inside the bag in just about a minute and a half. The pump is also small enough that you won’t notice you’ve packed it and will come in handy on your return trip. The bag remained compressed when we checked it again the next day after we packed it, with very little air leakage overnight.

“My favorite part about this bag set is how effective the manual pump and valve was at sucking out air,” says T+L editor Erin Cavoto. “I could see myself using this on a cold-weather vacation when I need to pack bulky items like sweaters, jeans, and coats and trust that it'll stay compact throughout the travel days.”

The Details: 10 bags included | 15.7 x 19.7 inches (carry-on), 15.7 x 23.6 inches (small), 19.7 x 27.5 inches (medium), 21.7 x 33.5 inches (large), 27.5 x 39.4 inches (jumbo) | Hand pump included

This set has bags with an impressive range of sizes and includes more bags than any other set on this list.

The travel-size bags in this set do not have vacuum seals, so those must be hand-rolled.

If you're looking for a vacuum bag set that truly covers all your packing needs, this one is the winner. It comes with five different sizes (16 bags total), including two jumbo bags (so big that we were able to pack both a winter coat and a comforter inside), two large, three medium, and three small, plus six additional smaller bags that don’t have vacuum seals. That said, those smaller bags still serve a purpose for organizing your smaller items like socks and underwear without taking up too much space.

While the included manual pump does the job, we thought it was a bit of a workout during testing — especially when trying to compress the largest bags — and we would prefer an electric pump for convenience. But once you get the air out, these bags do a great job of staying compact.

The Details: 16 bags included | 23.5 x 15.7 inches (travel roll up), 23.5 x 15.7 inches (small), 27.5 x 19.5 inches (medium), 33.5 x 21.65 inches (large), 39.35 x 27.5 inches (jumbo) | Hand pump included

The included mini vacuum pump makes it easy to quickly compress the bags.

These bags may not be as durable as other options.

This set includes three small, three medium, and two large bags, but claims to have four sizes, which is a bit misleading. The largest size is not as big as some of the others on this list (for example, you wouldn’t be able to fit a comforter or a long parka), but you can still comfortably pack everyday clothing like jeans, sweatshirts, and dresses. The standout feature here is the mini vacuum pump, which plugs into a USB port in a laptop or a wall (the wall unit is not included).

In about a minute and a half, we were able to suck all of the air out of the largest size bag, leaving our clothes tightly compressed and ready for travel. We thought it was simple to use and required minimal effort, though the material of the bags felt a bit thin and flimsy, so avoid sharp objects like high heels.

The Details: 8 bags included | 11 x 8.6 inches (small), 12.6 x 10 inches (medium), 14.1 x 12.6 inches (large) | USB-powered pump included

This bag is made of the most high-quality materials out of all the ones we tested.

There is only one bag included.

This bag isn’t just about looks — it’s built to last. Plus, its sporty design means you can easily toss it in your suitcase or even a backpack for outdoor adventures. The material feels heavy-duty and tear-resistant, giving you confidence that it can handle travel without falling apart. We were able to pack a week’s worth of clothing inside of this bag. It’s also incredibly intuitive to use, featuring a simple twist valve that clearly indicates how to close it and release air, making manual deflation easy.

Though it’s one of the pricier vacuum bag options — especially considering it only comes with one bag — it felt way sturdier and more durable than all of the other plastic bags we tested, and there is no pump required.

The Details: 1 bag included | 30 x 16 inches | No pump needed

Each bag is incredibly spacious, great for seasonal storage or trips where you need to pack a lot of formalwear.

Don’t confuse it with a garment bag — this is for storage, not protection.

Thanks to its impressive length and a five-ring hanger system that keeps everything upright and organized, you can easily fit multiple suits and dresses inside this bag, similar to a garment bag, and then you can hang the whole thing up when you get to your hotel room. “This is a massive bag and would be so perfect for storing suits or long jackets at home because of the 53-inch length,” says T+L associate editor Anna Popp, who tested this bag in the lab. It could also come in handy for destination weddings or business trips.

Each waterproof bag comes with a zip clip that seals everything tightly, and it includes a plug-in electric pump to help compress the bag down in size. Although it took a little longer than expected to suck out the air, it ultimately did a solid job. However, we found that some air snuck back in overnight, which is something to keep in mind because it may not compress as well as other bags on this list. While the material feels a bit thin, it’s still a reliable option for storing your nicer garments in a closet or a checked bag. And at $40 for four bags, it's a solid deal, and it also comes in variations with more bags and multiple sizes.

The Details: 4 bags included | 53 x 28 inches each | Electric pump included

Pump-free compression makes this set easy for travel.

You might not be able to release all of the air inside.

For a travel-friendly vacuum bag, this set really stands out in the ease-of-use department because you don't need a pump to use it. It’s an ideal choice for everything from quick weekend getaways to longer trips, thanks to the variety of three sizes. Using these bags is a breeze: just pop your clothes inside, zip it back and forth a few times to get a secure seal, and roll out the air rather than using any sort of pump.

It’s simple and quick to pack, but you won't get as tight of a compression as the other bags we tried. However, when we checked back on the compressed bag the next day, the clothes stayed neatly packaged without any air leakage, even after sitting overnight.

The Details: 10 bags included | 20 x 14 inches (small), 24 x 16 inches (large), 28 x 20 inches (extra large) | No pump needed

There were additional vacuum bags for travel we tested that couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list due to minor issues but still had notable features that may meet the needs of some travelers.

Relime Vacuum Bags for Travel with Wireless Vacuum Pump, 2 Pack: This bag is impressively durable and waterproof, making it great for outdoor activities, and the portable pump is intuitive to use for easy compression on the go. However, the high price point and difficult zipper may deter travelers who don’t want to spend a lot of time closing the bag.

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Samsonite Compression Packing Bags, 12-piece Kit: We like this set for its variety of sizes and impressive capacity, especially the large bag that easily holds bulky items like jackets and jeans. However, the lack of a vacuum or pump and a flimsy zipper clip make deflating and sealing the bags a bit inconvenient.

Our T+L team tested 12 vacuum bags for travel over two days in the lab to assess ease of use, capacity, performance, design, durability, and value. On the first day, we assessed the material thickness and functionality of the various size bags in each set before packing one bag with clothing and outerwear up to the indicated max line. We recorded the specific items included in each bag and evaluated their capacity for different trip lengths.

After sealing the bag, we measured its dimensions and tested the ease of securing the seal, whether a zipper-lock or valve design. We then compressed the bags and noted the time taken to remove all air. After vacuuming, we measured it again to see how much it compressed and tested how it fit in carry-on and checked luggage. After leaving the bags overnight, we measured the bags again and inspected them for potential air leakage, material damage, and the condition of the packed clothing.

Our ongoing plan includes further testing over six months to track each set of vacuum bags’ long-term performance and durability as we travel with them. We will update our findings as necessary.

First, decide on what compression method is right for you, whether it’s a manual roll-up, a hand pump, or an electric pump. Each method has its pros and cons, so think about where you’re traveling and what you want to prioritize. If you travel often and just need a lightweight solution, a manual roll-up may be best. For longer trips where every centimeter of storage matters, an electric pump could save you time and hassle.

Some vacuum bag sets come with a manual or electric pump, which can significantly simplify the packing process by making it easier to remove air. If a pump is not included, you may need to buy one separately or rely on alternative methods, such as manual rolling, which doesn’t guarantee you’ll get all the air out and requires a lot more effort. Make sure you know what you’re getting before you purchase it to avoid any surprises.

Think about the types of clothing you typically pack, where you’re going, and how long your trip will be. If you often find yourself needing to bring bulky outerwear or multiple outfits, a set with larger bags is best. If you’re a minimalist traveler or only going away for a few days, smaller bags might be all you need. Having a good size range on hand helps you to efficiently pack for everything from weekend getaways to extended vacations, maximizing space in your luggage while keeping your items organized.

Roll or fold your clothes neatly to minimize wrinkles and maximize space. It’s a good idea to start with bulkier items like jackets or sweaters at the bottom and layer in from there, since those tend to take up the most room. Try to avoid overstuffing the bag — you want to make sure everything fits comfortably without putting too much pressure on the zipper seal. Once packed, seal the bag according to the manufacturer's instructions — whether it's zipping, clipping, or using a valve — and then use your chosen method to vacuum out the air.

Yes, you can bring vacuum bags in a suitcase, just like packing cubes. Most airlines don’t have restrictions against vacuum bags, but it's always a good idea to double-check the airline's policies (especially for carry-ons) just in case.

There are definitely some items of clothing you should avoid vacuum-sealing! Generally, delicate fabrics like silk or lace can get crushed and lose their shape when compressed, so it's best to keep those out of vacuum bags. Similarly, items with embellishments, such as sequins or beads, can get damaged during the vacuuming process. It's also a good idea to skip vacuum-sealing anything that you anticipate needing quickly, since taking these items out of a tightly sealed bag can take some time.

An expert on shopping trends and a frequent traveler, Maddie Michalik has been professionally reviewing products for a decade and unprofessionally organizing everything around her since she can remember. For this story, she embraced her inner Marie Kondo, making sure every item on the list makes her organizational heart sing and sparks joy — or at least makes life a bit easier on the road. For this article, she combed through T+L’s detailed testing insights for various vacuum bags for travel, reading through feedback for each organizer, then referenced product descriptions and additional research to create a comprehensive roundup of the best travel vacuum bags today.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.