Gear Review: Cocoon Grid-It Organizer

When I first saw the Cocoon Grid-It Organzier, I thought what a great idea. Here is a versatile tool allowing the user to organize small items in endless configurations. 

Items are held in place by a series of elastic bands that come in different sizes. You decide how to configure it. 

The Grid-it’s come in numerous shapes and sizes. Shown in the photos are the CPG-10 (gray) at 12” x 8” x .375” and has a gusset pocket in the back, and the CPG-51 (black) at 15” x 11” x .38”.

The two models shown here cost $20 & $30 respectively. 

For the traveler, these will come in handy to keep all smaller items organized and make it easy for airport security to view without taking things apart. They also make things easier to find. I like them. 

However for “light travelers,” there is one problem. The weight.  The smaller of the two shown above weighs 11 ounces and the larger one weights 18 oz. And for those of us that measure every ounce, that adds up to a lot. 

I’m going to use mine to keep all my travel accessories neat—at home.

Cocoon supplied the larger of the two organizers for review.

(Frank II)

Comments

[Till]

When I first saw these at a local store I really liked the idea and almost got one. Then I tried one out with the items I had with me and thought about it.

To put an item in I needed both hand and preferably even somewhere to set down the Grid-it. Not practical on the go. It is also rather necessary to remove it from any bag you might have it in. Again, not practical. The weight then gave it the coup de grace. This device was a no-go for me.

Now for "at home" use I can imagine it. But I already have something for that purpose. A hanging wall organizer by Reisenthel. I love that thing. Unfortunately, they don't produce them anymore or I'd buy a back-up.

[FredW]

I bought a couple of the size of the grey ones -- sight unseen. I used them for a couple of trips but my complaint was exactly the same -- they are too darn heavy. So I went back to using Eagle Creek (or clone) quarter cubes. One for things I'm likely to use on the trip and one for the stuff that I hope I don't have to dig out. Maybe takes me 10 seconds long to find something.

Cut the weight in half and I might consider them.

[Cindy H]

I think I need to point out that the large one actually weighs more than my trench rain coat. How's that for perspective?

Pure gizmo for gear goobers.

[Kalle]

"I’m going to use mine to keep all my travel accessories neat—at home."

That sums it up nicely. The extra weight just isn't justifiable when a simple laminated mesh stuffsack or even a ziploc bag offers much of the same functionality. Although I bet one could put together something similar at home for much less weight. I'm trying to go the DIY route with packing folders myself.

[Airport Runner]

I've alway had a problem with using a packing cube or envelope for storing all of my stuff. It is impossible to keep things from moving around so you continually have to hunt through a pile of cables, power bricks, thumb drives, etc. The Grid-It provides organization and has the additional benefit of giving you a visual inventory of what you have. I looked at one and decided that it was too heavy for the function.
I use a clear vinyl zippered "case" that was the packaging for some sheets. It is about 8" square and about three inches deep. I attached some velcro strips (the hard hook side) on the bottom and some small pieces if the soft (loop) side to my normal "stuff". It weighs about four ounces empty. I attach all of the gear into the case and zip it closed. I can see what I've got, each item has it's own normal location so I can make sure that I've got it and it is easy to move from my briefcase to my TLS convertible.

[Cindy H]

This is interesting, but there is no weight given for it. That said, the shipping (not actual) weight is at 1 lb so it is less than 16 oz.
http://www.greatusefulstuff.com/Personal-Media-Pouch-p/OFC01152MUKRSD.htm

[Frank II--Editor]

Cindy H....the Personal Media Pouch weighs 4 ounces or approximately 114 grams.

[KF]

I have a couple grid-it's and they're currently being used to keep my drawer of electronics organized. I'd still worry a little bit about things getting shifted if I use one in a backpack and am putting books and notebooks in it. There is a grid it with a case which might make sense if you are transferring bags regularly. http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10028413&N=&Ntt=grid+it

I like my builtny computer sleeve and am contemplating getting their organizer for the couple chargers and sets of cords I always need to pack.
http://www.builtny.com/cargo-travel-organizer-prod.html

[DannH]

I have 2 of the CPG-51's (the big black one on the photo above) and love them. I have one with my computer/office items and the second with toiletries and other personal items. I use the computer/office one everyday in my brief case and when I take a business trip all I need is to grab the grid-it and my computer and drop it in my carry-on which is where the grid-it with the personal items lives. Everything is securely held and visible so I can quickly check items off against my packing list.
Mine doesn't weight 18oz, I am not sure where that comes from. I put mine on my postage scale and came up with 8.5oz. As already suggested I would I bet that 18oz number is shipping weight.

[Frank II--Editor]

I weighed the CPG51 on two different scales and both times came up just shy of 18 oz.

The Cocoon website has it at 1.3 lbs.

http://www.cocooninnovations.com/product_info.php?cat_id=61&product_id=167

[DannH]

Odd, I can't get mine above 1 lbs no matter what scale I use. I wonder if they have modified them slightly (I got mine right after they came out). The backs on mine tend to warp if they are left with items in them and not in a bag that can provide support. The manufactures may have made the backs a little stronger (and heaver) to prevent warping.

In any event I wouldn't hesitate to get another one even at the heavier weight.

[Frank II--Editor]

They must have made changes due to the warping because both of mine are fairly sturdy. I put stuff in and neither bent.

[arjen]

This great article is also available in Europe at webshop:
www.grid-it.eu