Comments on: Superfluous Travel Item I Need (Kinda): Packing Cubes

By: Geraldine

Geraldine — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 07:21:18 +0000

I never considered this. It does seem counter-intuitive to Rick Steves’ philosophy. Someone needs to call that guy out.

By: Philip

Philip — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:07:25 +0000

I thought Rick Steves just wore four or five shirts at once when he traveled to cut down on luggage. His name on “packing cubes” just seems disingenuous. Also, we have somehow amassed a small collection of square, plastic, zipper bags (from blankets, kids shoes, etc.) that we’ve kept and use as “packing cubes.” Having clothing pods arranged by … uh … theme makes packing/unpacking a breeze. That said, I am going to print out photos of Rick Steves and tape them to all of our luggage.

By: Vanessa Fox

Vanessa Fox — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:42:57 +0000

I started using packing cubes on my recent 7 week trip and I am now in love with them. Mine are Tom Bihn, to go with the awesomest bag that ever has existed and ever will, so they are a bit pricey.
http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/ACC/TB091

But as much as I travel, I think they will hold up for a long time. Also, Tom Bihn is Seattle-based and every so often has open warehouse sale days, including one coming up Dec 1st, so they might be cheaper then. Are you back in town?

This is the awesome bag, btw:
http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/500/TB0906

Also, I have also scoffed at the Paris Hilton clothing line, except! I borrowed my sister’s coat the other day (and managed to swipe it and bring it home!) and it’s so great. Remember how you always hate my coats because they are as big as tents and make me look equestrian? I think you would like this one! Only I don’t think Paris would actually wear it as it covers WAY too much skin.

By: Geraldine

Geraldine — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:17:01 +0000

Laura – like I said, I have friends who enjoy his guidebooks and his products. I know we can get through this. Also, “Europe Through the Back Door” sounds like the name of porno. Please don’t beat me up. I love you.

By: 10 Pieces of Essential Travel Gear for the Digital Nomad

10 Pieces of Essential Travel Gear for the Digital Nomad — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:13:20 +0000

[...] You might consider packing cubes [...]

By: Monica

Monica — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:53:24 +0000

I have to admit I have the Rick Steves suitcase and I love it! Plus, he’s really the reason I became inspired to travel in the first place.

As for packing cubes…I bought mine from E-bags. They were pretty inexpensive and I really, really like them! *clears throat and throws a kiss to the audience* Anyway, when I was in London, my budget hotel put me in the smallest room on earth and it was so easy to just set the bags out and live out of them instead of just the one suitcase.

I like packing cubes and I’m an e-bag junkie.

By: Laura

Laura — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:44:31 +0000

You leave Rick Steves alone! I not only love my Rick Steve’s suitcase, but I also loved my Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door tour. I’m only exaggerating a little bit when I say it was the best vacation of my life.

Also, maybe he can’t order gelato in good enough Italian for you, but he sure does provide you with directions to the best places to buy and consume it in both Roma and Firenze.

So there.

By: Trisha Miller

Trisha Miller — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:29:20 +0000

I love that I usually learn something new from your posts! I mean, I’ve never heard of peep-toe Uggs (and definitely don’t want any) and I had NO idea that Tetris HAD a theme song! I’m sure it’s because I play games with the sound off so that everyone thinks I’m working.

By: Geraldine

Geraldine — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:18:12 +0000

OH, SNAP. Busted.

Rich – I am sure Rick Steves’ brand packing cubes are of comparable quality to the other packing cubes out there (I even linked to them!). But since I haven’t yet forgiven him for walking into an Italian gelateria with a handwritten note that said, “Il pu bono gelato, por favor” (sic) I’m taking out my anger on the cubes. However, I do have a large number of friends that find both his guidebooks and his products to be enjoyable.

It almost put an end to our friendships.

I hope Rick and I can someday reach a level of peace. He just had to promise to stay away from Italy. And that includes Sicily.

On an unrelated note, way to do brand management and props on reaching out to online consumers.

Also, if you guys decide to put Rick Steves’ face on the packing cubes, I might consider buying them, because that would be delightful.

By: Rich

Rich — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:17:39 +0000

Just curious, why are you cool toward Rick Steves travel gear? Have you had any quality problems? Let me know if you see improvements we can make. Thanks!
~Rich.