Vacuum Packing Kites?

SKITE · Since 07 Sep 2007 20 Posts Hood River

I noticed some folks on here talking about how they vacuum pack kites when flying. This sounds like a great idea and I was curious what kind of bag you used? did you use one of those info-mercial bags? did you buy one from Wal Mart?

Has anyone made their bag compatible with their kite pump? that way, after you're done kiting at your destination, you can use your pump (in deflate mode) to vacuum pack your kites again.

just curious how people are doing this.

cheers!

SKTIE
Very Happy

Mark · Mon Apr 07, 08 3:16 pm

hope this helps.

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-7080.html&highlight=bags

have fun

Mocean · Since 21 Sep 2005 343 Posts Newport Obsessed

I just did this, using "Space Bags" from Fred Meyers. They were kind of hard to find, but finally located them in the storage boxes and coat hangers, after first being directed to the seal-a-meal bags.

The assorted pack gives you 2 large vacuum bags, two smaller size ones and one extra large for 20 bucks. I used the large ones for my 7 and 9 REVs and the XL for my 13. I also made the PVC adapter out of the 1.5" PVC plug. This fits real tight over the valve housing on the bag, and with the hole drilled in it, you can pump the air out using your kite pump.

I also bought a Champion 31" Sport Duffel which is 31 x 16 x 16" and is just under the oversize category for United Airlines, which I'll be flying on soon. This bag fits the 3 kites, bars, harness, and pump perfectly.

Hope this helps!

Happy travels

DrScoles · Since 13 Nov 2006 25 Posts Sammamish, WA

I bought some that came with one way valves on them, no need for a pump.
Super cheap, but not sure its a lot smaller than putting it in the kitebag and cranking down on all the straps. Now using it for dirty clothes on the return trip... Sad

Mike

Mocean · Since 21 Sep 2005 343 Posts Newport Obsessed

The Space Bags have the one way valves, but using the pump, or a vacuum cleaner, you can pack them down much tighter. I suck mine about 3/4 of the way down so as not to compress the kites too much.

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

Mark - You say you use these on your kites (Naish). Does it hurt the bladers or valves? I like the idea

Mark · Thu Apr 10, 08 2:14 pm

I put one kite per bag. I suck ALL the air out. Squish the crap out of them. I then put 3 or 4 kites (in seperate bags) into one Naish kite bag. (the bigger 12 meter bag) (always nice to have one kite bag to use for getting your kites to the beach..)

I always do this the night before I leave. Once I am there I open the individual bags and let some air back in. I have done this for every trip. Some trips (africa) the kites were tagged and bagged for over a week. I have not had any problems.

Now if I can just figure out a cool 2 piece board so I can fly under size.... I would be dialed.

Have fun.