Roll or Fold in Packing Cubes?

[DrewDT]

I am new to the concept of packing cubes and have watched various videos illustrating various methods of utilizing them. I've seen a technique on how to roll a suit and come out wrinkle free and I've watched the new Tri-Star video where the emphasis was folding clothes to place in packing cubes. Which way do you prefer and why?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[Badger]

I roll what can take rolling (T-shirts, workout shorts, etc.) and fold what needs folding (dress shirts, dress pants). Whatever method you pick, I think the important thing is to try to achieve maximum consistency throughout the cube, which means avoiding lumps in the middle. If anything, aim to have the ends a little more full than the center, since that prevents the middle of bags like the WF or TS from bulging out.

[Frank II]

I agree with most of what Badger has to say although.....I've been known to roll dress pants. It's really an individual thing. Why not try both ways and go with the one you prefer. I do a mixture of both: socks, underwear, sweaters, t-shirts, polo shirts get rolled and put in a cube. Button down shirts and pants go in a packing cube. For a sports jacket, I sometimes roll and sometimes fold. It depends on what else I'm taking and how much space is left.

[DrewDT]

Thank you for the advice, I am fascinated with new (new to me at least) methods of efficient packing. Especially in lieu of the airlines' increasingly restrictive rules about baggage. I'd love to read more ideas if anyone has any.
This video on how to roll a suit has definitely inspired me to look in to more effective utilization of space:
How To Roll A Suit - YouTube

[monkeyluis]

Neither. I bundle. Ok, so it's a form of folding. Lol.

http://www.onebag.com/pack.html

http://lifehacker.com/301435/pack-like-a-pro-with-the-bundled-wrapping-method

I just got the aeronaut and a large aeronaut packing cube. I'm going on a trip in a couple of weeks, so I did a dry run.

I wear a 2xl. Here are 2 long sleeve button down, 3 polos, & a pair of jeans. I still have plenty of room to add at least 3-4 shirts or another pair of pants, or any other combo.

I have a small packing cube that will go on top that will have my undies & undershirts. I could have room for another small, but don't need it. I'll fold 2 jackets that will fit there perfect.

I've done bundle packing before, but never with TB gear. I'm very happy with the results and confident for my 2 week trip in a couple of weeks.

[Frank II]

Here's another way to pack a suit and this should work for the Aeronaut or Tri-Star:

Jacket folding - light travel one-bag packing technique - YouTube

[Miking]

Here's another way to pack a suit and this should work for the Aeronaut or Tri-Star:

Jacket folding - light travel one-bag packing technique - YouTube

That shirt! I feel like I just spent a week in Vegas. That technique works great in both the aeronaut and the Tristar. I was taught to do it backwards of the way the video has it, with the suiting fabric facing out but I can see the appeal of having the slippery lining facing outward.

Here is another way, I haven't found a good way to photograph it, black suits aren't the easiest things to take photos of so I drew a picture!

The important things to note are the sleeves should be fully flat, when folded over and the ziplock should have some air left in it to cushion the suit from being crushed. Also bigger bags are easier to squish the suit into.

[Frank II]

The reason you fold the jacket with the lining out (shining side) is simple: it helps protect the outside of the jacket from stains, dirt, etc. and if there are any wrinkles it will be on the inside of the jacket.