By Lylah M. Alphonse, Globe staff, 10/28/01

Pack-it folders and cubes

Keep your clothes neatly folded and organized while you travel. The 15-inch folder holds up to six shirts; the 18-inch folder carries 8 to 12 shirts and slacks; the largest 10-inch once can carry suits and sweaters. Cubes come in several size, from quarter cubes (to hold your socks) to double cubes (to stash your dirty laundry). Folders cost $20 to $30; cubes are $10 to $16. The Eagle Creek items are available at many luggage stores, include innovation Luggage at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree; through the Magellan's catalog (telephone 800-962-4943); and online at www.magellans.com, www.ebags.com, and at www.letravelstores.com.

Shout wipes

These are wonderful on trips, when you don't have access to laundry facilities and you've just spilled a drink on your favorite shirt. Individually wrapped and pre-treated, the 5-by-6 inch towelettes work best at removing organic stains like coffee, food, and blood, but can minimize damage caused by leaky pens, rust , and lipstick. Safe for all colorfast fabrics and most dry clean-only ones, too. A package of 12 costs about $4 at grocery and drugstores.

The EMS Waterslide hydration pack

This is a sturdy backpack with a removable hydration unit that holds up to three liters of fluid, with plenty of space left over for you gear. And when you've had your fill, there's no bottle to throw away. It's on sale for $64.99 at Eastern Mountain Sports stores in the Boston area and online in www.emsonline.com.