Space Bags

HI Everyone,
I just wanted to throw a packing tip out there. I travel quite frequently, often for extended periods of time, and to various regions in a given trip, so packing (though it should be mastered by now) is an issue for me. For example, in one summer trip I can go from Norway to Spain, so packing can be tricky (the north can get COLD even in summer, so you need long sleeves and such, the south, is hot as HELL during summer so you will want to be naked). Obviously everyone says that layering gear is essential, as well as packing basic staples and lightweight gear. But I am a female who tends to overpack and pack for a million “what-ifs”, and like to have some variety in my wardrobe. So, the most important packing essential is the SPACE BAG. I am sure you have seen these on TV or in the store, but surprisingly, I have not come across anyone who uses them and I am not sure why. These things are amazing. You do not need a vacuum for the travel size ones, as all you need to do is stuff, zip, and roll them. The reverse valve squeezes out the air so that your clothes become compressed. I have gotten an enormous amount of clothing and gear into a small backpack and am so glad I discovered these things. The two downsides are 1) this will usually still cause you to overpack since you have more room, but then your bag can get super heavy and annoying to carry (take it form me, I have done this, and budget airlines charge you A LOT for going over the weight limit), and 2) these bags though pretty durable, can pop, tear, or puncture, and thus not being able to squeeze air out and compress, so then mid-trip you can be stuck with a packing situation. That is why is it good to pack an extra one. I am telling you, packing will never be the same once you use these babies.
Happy travels.