SpaceBags SUX
But PackMate Roxs
Not all storage compression bags are created equally.
Imagine our annoyance when we inadvertently ordered SpaceBags instead of our favorite, PackMate. Even the Samsonite Compression Bags are superior to SpaceBags. Our beef with SpaceBags is on several levels.
First off, they have an awful website that doesn’t allow you to check your order, it simply goes through.
As we were checking out, “special offers” popped up. We chose one of the options. We also made the horrific mistake of spending big bucks to ship them quickly. When the order came through, only the one set $12 special was on the list, yet we were charged $16 expedited shipping (of course, that part went through).
An immediate call, an email and even a snail-mail letter went unanswered. Actually, the call resulted in a woman who sighed impatiently and repeatedly and kept saying it took 24 hours for orders to go through. She made ABSOLUTELY no effort to rectify the situation. The subsequent email was answered the next day, saying they needed 48-hours to check orders. Eventually, the bags arrived, and nothing was ever resolved. They Sux.
Now onto the bags themselves. Say you’re even given the bags and don't have to deal with the ordeal of ordering them. They still sux. Big Time. For one thing, there isn’t a vent at the bottom when you roll the bags to compress. The ziplock feature at top never works and continually pops open. The vacuum ones are even more of a joke. Literally one use and the ziplock portion tore off from the top. They never compress like you see on television, even if you do use a good vacuum.
BeansTalk advice: DON’T EVER ORDER SPACEBAGS, SpaceBags, Space Bags or whatever they call themselves.
Despair not, if you really want compression storage bags – we love love love them and our linen closet, with all our prized quilts is full of them. BUT we use Pack-Mate. They’re completely worth it, and can be reused repeatedly, come in a variety of sizes and work like a dream. Check out their website for more info.
Here’s some scoop from their site: www.packmate.com
Simply roll your clothes inside these patented, reusable travel bags to create up to 75% more packing space. As you roll, air escapes through the one-way valve, greatly reducing the volume of bulky garments or linens. PackMate bags are airtight and waterproof. Ideal for dirty laundry - odors can't penetrate.
PackMate Travel Products
Do I need a vacuum to remove air from the PackMate Travel Bags?
No, the PackMate Bags are the original “pack, zip, roll and go”. They require no vacuum. You simply roll the air out of our exclusive, patented one-way valve to create up to 75% more space in your suitcase or backpack.
What about other space-making bags that don’t have valves?
Bags without valves will limit the amount of air that can be rolled out. If you roll out too much air, you risk blowing open the zipper. The PackMate, with our patented one-way valve, allows you to remove all of the air from the zipper end of the bag, shrinking the bulk to greatly increase your packing space.
What is the best way to compress items in the PackMate?
Simply fold the items to the approximate size of the bag. Place the items in the PackMate and roll the trapped air out from the valve end of the bag. After one roll, turn the bag over and roll again. This method literally shrinks your bulky items by removing the air to triple the available packing space.
Are the PackMate bags reusable? Will they wear out?
PackMate is triple laminated with bi-axle nylon. The ultra-tough construction is resistant to tears or punctures. There are no mechanical parts to wear out. PackMate bags can be reused hundreds of times.
Can I wash the PackMate?
Yes, wash in mild detergent and line dry. If dust or sand gets in the valve, run water through the valve to remove any dirt.
Will air ever return to the PackMate?
After repeated use, the zipper may cause some leakage of air. This is normal with most zipper products; the bag is not damaged. Simply roll the air out of the bag and it will compress and create space as needed.
Can food be stored in the bag?
This is not the intended use of the bag and we do not recommend it.
Can I keep my clothes wrinkle-free in the PackMate?
When clothes are folded and placed neatly in the bag, they will compress neatly. You will discover for yourself many ways to prevent wrinkling the more you use the bag.
What is the difference between the original PackMate Travel and Storage Bag and the PackMate Outdoor/Sport bag?
The original PackMate Travel and Storage bags are made for use in luggage and home storage. They are durable, puncture resistant and reusable. The new PackMate Outdoor/Sport bag is designed specifically for use in extreme conditions. Made from ultra-durable Nylo-Web mesh with permanent built-in locking sealer. These bags are virtually tear proof and ideal for the outdoor sportsperson. www.packmate.com
