Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

For almost three weeks in January and February, we'll be in Lofoten, Norway (68° North, above the Arctic Circle) and then in the Swiss Alps (13,000+ ft elevation). For a deep winter trip to both destinations, I ordered two Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cube Sets and two Eagle Creek Specter Compression Cube Sets. In 40+ years of traveling all over the world, we've only checked our luggage once. This time, as almost always, we will only have carry-ons. My husband will carry a Kestrel 48, and I, an Osprey Kyte 36. For personal items, we will have a Think Tank Retrospective 20 camera bag and an Induro tripod. That's all. When *not* being filled to the maximum capacity, both backpacks will be within the carry-on allowance on a cheap European budget airlines. Still, I want to be certain that what I ordered from Eagle Creek will compress everything and in turn, making the backpacks look more compact to airline personnel. I only used 3.5 sets to pack this long list of clothing and accessories (based on the thickness, some clothing were rolled, some were folded): 3 pairs of Woolx heavyweight merino middle layer leggings 1 pair of Woolx heavyweight merino long johns 3 Woolx heavyweight pullovers 1 Scottish cashmere sweater (very thick) 2 pairs of ski pants 1 North Face down-filled parka (incredibly thick) 1 Rab down-filled parka 3 sets of silk base layers (long sleeve tops and long bottoms) 8 items of merino underwear 4 pairs of heavy weight merino wool socks 2 pairs of silk sock liners 2 pairs of Hestra ski gloves 1 Smartwool neck gaiter 2 merino/cashmere knit caps 1 trapper hat 1 roller fur hat 1 Stormy Kromer hat toiletries, cosmetics, medicines, and electronic accessories. With the compression sets inside, both of our backpacks are still within the airline allowance with a few inches to spare. I was very impressed. The difference between the two models: Pack-It Compression Cube: Slightly heavier weight: 4 oz Larger dimensions: 14×10×1.25” (which means larger capacity) Top zipper opens up three sides Pack-It Specter Compression Cube: Featherlight weight: 2 oz Smaller dimensions: 10×7×1” Top zipper only opens half way I liked both models, but have found that the original Pack-It compression model was much better for larger and bulkier items (down parkas and heavyweight merino base layers). The Specter model was perfect for lighter clothing and everything else. I *highly* recommend both Eagle Creek Compression Cube models for all travellers who pack light and pack effectively.