By Jim Mercer
Published: February 27, 2025
We have identified the key features to look for in a space-saving travel compression bag and ranked the 4 best travel vacuum bags of 2025. Here’s everything you need to know.
If you’ve ever sat on an overstuffed suitcase to try and close it or if you’ve ever paid to check in an extra bag for a flight, the problem isn’t the size of your bag or the fact that you packed those two extra just-in-case jackets.
The problem is how you’re packing your bags.
That’s where vacuum bags for travel come in handy. These space-saver bags help you free up space in your luggage, allowing you to pack more, organize your travel essentials, and even leave room for souvenirs.
How do travel vacuum bags save space in luggage?
Vacuum compression bags work by removing excess air from your packed clothing and squeezing them into a flatter, more compact shape.
This means you can fit more items in your bag while keeping everything neatly organized and protecting your clothes from moisture, odors, and spills.
Unlike traditional packing cubes, vacuum compression bags shrink down bulky items like jackets, sweaters, and jeans, maximizing every inch of space in your luggage.
How to use vacuum bags for travel
Using luggage vacuum bags is incredibly simple:
1. Pack your clothing – Fold and insert your clothing into the compression bag.
2. Seal the bag – Close the airtight zipper or seal to prevent leaks.
3. Remove the air – Use a portable air pump or vacuum cleaner to suck out the air, or roll the bag to push out excess air (depending on the product).
4. Pack efficiently – Place the compressed bags into your suitcase, backpack, or carry-on.
You can reduce the volume of your clothing by up to 60% with vacuum compression bags, making it easier to travel light and stay organized.
5 things that separate a good vacuum compression bag from a bad one
There are hundreds of cheap, generic vacuum packing bags available on Amazon but we’re on a mission to find the best vacuum seal bags for travel—ones that will last for many trips to come and check all the boxes of what a top travel vacuum bag should offer.
Here are 5 key features to look for in a travel vacuum bag:
☑️ Durability
Look for strong, tear-resistant materials that won’t rip under pressure.
☑️ Airtight Seal
A good travel vacuum bag needs a high-quality double-seal zipper to ensure no air gets back in.
☑️ Portability
Compact, lightweight bags and a small rechargeable air pump make travel easier.
☑️ Versatility
Compression bags that fit in all types of luggage and work without a vacuum are ideal for travel.
☑️ Ease of Use
Simple, intuitive designs save time and effort when packing and unpacking.
Top 4 travel vacuum bags of 2025
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the top vacuum packing bags for travel available today, offering a summary of our analysis to help you make the best choice for your travel packing needs.
Below, we will give you our rankings and provide in-depth reviews of the 4 best travel vacuum bags we analyzed, starting with our top recommendation.
 Ekster |  Wandr |  Nomatic |  Airback | |
| Key Features | ||||
| Saves up to 60% space | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Compresses 15+ clothing items | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Carry-on sized modular vacuum bags | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Durable anti-rip material | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Airtight zipper or seal | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Waterproof protection | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Hygienic, odor-proof packing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Air Pump | ||||
| Small, portable air pump | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| USB-C rechargeable pump | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Works with a vacuum cleaner | ✅ | ❔ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Other Considerations | ||||
| Price | From $59 | From $84 | From $40 | $233 |
| Free shipping | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Warranty | 2 years | ❔ | Lifetime | 3 years |
| Money-back guarantee | 100 days | 14 days | ❔ | 100 days |
Below, we present our rankings and provide in-depth reviews of the 4 best travel vacuum bags we analyzed, starting with our top recommendation.
1. TravelPack™ Vacuum Kit
AS SEEN ON
Our Rating
A+
Overall Grade
Pros
✅ Saves up to 60% packing space in your luggage
✅ Modular travel vacuum bags that fit in any carry-on, suitcase, or backpack
✅ Portable, USB-C rechargeable Air Pump (20 uses per charge)
✅ Works with the air pump or any vacuum cleaner
✅ Vacuum bags made from durable anti-tip Nylon
✅ Secure vacuum seal with a one-way valve
✅ Waterproof and odor-proof for dry and hygienic packing
✅ Airtight, anti-leak zipper and compression nozzle
✅ Doubles as a laundry bag at the end of a trip
✅ Bags sold separately in 1, 2, and 4-packs or with the pump
✅ Ekster is B-Corp certified for sustainability
✅ Free shipping and 100-day free returns
Cons
❌ High demand may cause occasional stock shortages
❌ Only available on the official Ekster website
Our Conclusion
The Ekster TravelPack™ Vacuum Kit is the clear winner in our product comparison. It outperforms other travel vacuum bags based on its modularity, ease of use, and exceptional space-saving capacity of up to 60%.
This compression bag for travel is made from durable, waterproof, anti-rip Nylon that can withstand rigorous use, making it the best option for long-term use. You can upgrade the standard 2-year warranty to a lifetime warranty free of charge. Simply become an Ekster+ loyalty member.
The TravelPack™ Vacuum Kit includes 1, 2, or 4 compression bags and the portable Air Pump at a bundle discount that offers the best value for money compared to the other travel compression products on this list. Alternatively, the vacuum packing bags can be bought as standalone products if you don’t require a pump.
⚠️Take Note: The TravelPack™ has gone viral on social media and is in HIGH demand, so act fast to avoid having to wait weeks for a restock.
2. Wandr W36
By Wandr
Our Rating
C+
Overall Grade
Pros
✅ Saves 30-50% of space in your bag
✅ Carry-on sized vacuum bags
✅ Portable, USB-C rechargeable pump (30 min of use per charge)
✅ Versatile pump with 5 nozzles and a light
✅ Bags made from sustainable materials
✅ One-way valve and airtight zipper
✅ Free toiletry bag included
Cons
❌ No specification if it works with a vacuum cleaner or only the pump
❌ Vacuum bags and pump sold separately, no bundle option
❌ New Kickstarter brand, slow with deliveries
❌ No free shipping
❌ Short 14-day return window (no clear warranty)
Our Conclusion
The Wandr36 vacuum bag ranks second in our analysis. Although these bags are carry-on sized, they are slightly larger than Ekster’s TravelPack™ Vacuum Bags, which may be too large for certain backpacks and could lead to less additional space in your luggage.
These bags were named after their ability to accommodate 3 changes of winter clothing or 6 changes of summer clothing, claiming to save up to 50% packing space—slightly lower than our winner’s space-saving capacity.
Wandr is a relatively new brand in the travel vacuum packing space, hailing from Kickstarter. Their shipping, warranty, and return policies can’t compete with the other products in our comparison. We’ve encountered a number of customer comments on Kickstarter relating to quality issues with their product.
3. Vacuum Bag 2.0
By Nomatic
Our Rating
C
Overall Grade
Pros
✅ Saves up to 50% packing space
✅ Available in large and extra-large sizes
✅ Modular vacuum bags that fit in any travel bag
✅ One-way valve with press and seal compression
✅ Compression strap on the back
✅ Works manually or with any vacuum cleaner
✅ Lifetime warranty
Cons
❌ The material is not as durable or resistant to tears as others on this list
❌ The ziplock closure is not as secure as an airtight zipper
❌ The bags are water-resistant, not entirely waterproof
❌ No optional portable pump
❌ No free shipping or clear money-back guarantee
Our Conclusion
Nomatic’s vacuum bags offer great versatility due to their large and extra-large size options, however, some customers have reported tearing and breakages during their trips, suggesting the material is not as robust as expected. The material is water-resistant, but not completely waterproof like the other vacuum packing bags we tested.
The lack of a portable pump may deter some, as you need to manually compress the bags by sealing the top ziplock section, pressing some air out, and then using the press and seal valve to complete the process (or using a household vacuum cleaner).
4. Airback Backpack
By Airback
Our Rating
C-
Overall Grade
Pros
✅ Backpack with built-in vacuum system
✅ Durable, anti-rip material
✅ Airtight seal for odor-proof packing
✅ Optional portable air pump with USB-C charging
✅ Works with an air pump or vacuum cleaner
✅ 3-year warranty and 100-day money-back guarantee
Cons
❌ The most expensive option
❌ No modular packing
❌ Saves limited space inside the backpack
❌ No free shipping
Our Conclusion
The Airback is a space-saving backpack with a built-in vacuum system that compresses your clothes in one section of the backpack. Although it’s an excellent option for backpackers or weekend travelers, it’s a limiting option if you’re looking for modular vacuum packing bags that can save space in any suitcase or carry-on.
2025’s Top Vacuum Packing Bag for Travel
Overall, the Ekster TravelPack™ Vacuum Kit is far superior to most other travel packing products on the market today.
With durable, modular compression bags that fit in any travel bag and a rechargeable, portable air pump, it’s the most effective way to maximize space in your bag while keeping your clothing odor-free and protected from accidental spills.
Best of all, they offer a 100-day money-back guarantee and free shipping, so there’s no risk in trying it out.
⚠️Don’t Wait: The sell-out risk is HIGH as it’s going viral right now. Check stock below.