This Tiny Compression Bag Vacuum Can Double the Space in Your Suitcase

The overstuffed, overflowing suitcase is a sight that overpackers around the world are all too familiar with. Sure, there probably isn’t any good reason why someone would need to pack 30 pairs of underwear for a one-week trip, but does it really hurt to be prepared?

The Pacum vacuum is designed with these types of travelers in mind. Just put all your clothes in a compression bag, and watch it shrink as the handheld Pacum sucks all the air out in one minute. It’s said to double the space of your luggage, freeing up more room for shoes, souvenirs, and whatever else you can possibly fit in there.

The vacuum itself is smaller than an iPhone and charges via a wall charger or portable power bank. The standard pack (available on Kickstarter for about $33) comes with a vacuum, compression bag, USB cable, and adaptor, which lets you attach the vacuum to most other compression bag brands.

Pacum has two pump modes: Eco for smaller food bags, and Super for larger travel bags. It can also function as an air pump, letting you easily inflate basketballs, pool floaties, or balloons. The product is made in Hong Kong, but shipments can be sent anywhere in the world, beginning in June.

If you do decide to order a Pacum—or any compression bag—be wary of the illusion of extra space. To avoid surprise fees for overweight baggage, you'll want to weigh your suitcase before heading to the airport. Amazon offers a handheld luggage scale for under $10, or you could always do it the old-fashioned way by stepping on a bathroom scale with your suitcase and then subtracting your body weight. The latter isn’t quite as accurate, but it gets the job done.