They just help organization, not space. In fact, I leave them out if I have to absolutely maximize the amount of stuff I am packing. But when I use them I find it great to be able to pull out the entire contents of my bag, find what I need quickly and easily and repack the bag in seconds flat. Everything stays neat (or as neat as it was when packed). I like the folders because they actually make it easy to fold shirts and they do keep them looking good, as well as providing an ideal space to store ties without them getting scrunched (if I don't have shoes packed in which to store the ties rolled). When I set myself up with these, I did think they were pricey at the time, but I have had so much use and benefit from them, I now look back on them as a good buy.

If you typically go to one place and stay for several days, rather than pack and move on each day, then the benefit will be much less.