travel cube organizers

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best packing cubes of 2024, chosen by travel experts.

Packing cubes are the ultimate travel accessory.

The Best Packing Cubes for Travel

Courtesy of Eagle Creek

Even the most seasoned travelers can struggle to  pack efficiently , which is why packing cubes – organizational containers for your luggage – are so popular. You don't have to spend a lot of money for a quality set, either; in fact, some of the best packing cube sets are available for less than $20.

Read on to discover our packing cube picks in a variety of categories, based on travel expert recommendations and consumer reviews.

• Best Overall: Veken Packing Cubes on Amazon
• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓
• Best Compression: Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set on Amazon
• Best for Backpacking: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set on Amazon
• Best Formalwear: Eagle Creek Pack-It Starter Set on Amazon
• Best for Kids: EzPacking Clear Packing Cubes on Amazon
• Best Size Options: Tripped Travel Gear Compression Packing Cubes on Amazon
• Best for Style: Lug Compression Packing Cubes on QVC

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and supply chain issues.)

Best Overall: Veken Packing Cubes

Not only do the Veken Packing Cubes have 13,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, but they're also super affordable (and often discounted), making them a traveler favorite. "I never thought I needed packing cubes until I tried out the Veken set and realized how much easier packing (and unpacking!) could be," says Catriona Kendall , associate editor of Travel at U.S. News. "I usually have trouble staying organized, but I've taken these cubes everywhere from weekends away to a campervan vacation in New Zealand, and with all the different pieces in the set I'm finally able to keep my belongings in order."

The eight-piece set includes four mesh packing cubes plus four bags designated for dirty laundry, a pair of shoes, toiletries and miscellaneous small items. The Veken Packing Cubes are available in a dozen different colors.

Price: $23.99 or less

Best Compression: Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

"I swear by the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set," says Christine Sarkis, editor in chief at FamilyVacationist. "They're lightweight, you can see into them without needing to unzip them, and the fabric texture isn't slippery so as you're wedging carefully rolled items of clothing into them, they don't pop out." Made from recycled materials, these durable, water-resistant packing cubes are also backed by Eagle Creek's lifetime warranty. "I'm going on 20 years with mine!" says travel expert Candice Criscione of Mom in Italy. The Pack-It Reveal Cube Set includes three packing cubes in different sizes.

Price: $40 or less

Best for Backpacking: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set

The Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set from Eagle Creek comes highly recommended by frequent travelers, particularly for backpacking trips. Available in a set of two or three, these packing cubes are lightweight yet durable, with self-repairing zippers (standard on all Eagle Creek packing cubes) designed to withstand overpacking. The Isolate packing cubes are also machine-washable – a rarity for packing cubes.

Caroline Teel, managing editor at SmarterTravel, uses packing cubes specifically for adventure travel and appreciates that these compression bags are pre-treated with an anti-microbial agent that prevents odors. "Having used them on an eight-day hiking trip on Mount Kilimanjaro, I can confirm they work in that department!" she says. She adds that while she's tested a variety of packing cubes, she always comes back to Eagle Creek.

Price: $44.95 or less

Best for Formalwear: Eagle Creek Pack-It Starter Set

Slightly different from the Pack-It Reveal and Pack-It Isolate, the Pack-It Starter Set includes a large mesh folder with folder board for minimizing wrinkled garments – a good alternative to a traditional garment bag . The folder can hold up to 12 dress shirts, dresses, and the like, making this set an ideal choice for business travel or cruise vacations with formal nights. The other two cubes (small and medium-sized) are ideal for casual clothing, undergarments and accessories. These packing cubes are also treated with an anti-microbial agent to block odor-causing bacteria and – sans the folding board – they are water-resistant and machine washable.

Price: $54.95 or less

Best for Kids: EzPacking Clear Packing Cubes

Courtesy of EzPacking

"My kids prefer these clear packing cubes," says Sarkis. "They're a little deeper and more rigid, and you can see everything in them, which helps kids pack for themselves and stay organized on the road." Even if you travel with little ones , you may find these clear packing cubes useful for organizing baby gear and locating essentials on the go. The EzPacking Clear Packing Cubes come in a set of four and are available in a variety of colors.

Price: $56.99 or less

Best Size Options: Tripped Travel Gear Compression Cubes

Courtesy of Tripped Travel Gear

Many travelers like the compression cubes offered by Tripped Travel Gear, a small business owned by a globetrotting couple (and their adorable dog). Their innovative luggage line includes a two-, six- and seven-piece set of packing cubes; the seven-piece set is especially noteworthy for its variety of cubes, which includes a shoe bag, laundry bag and a tube-shaped cube that's useful for storing electronics such as hair irons.

These packing cubes also feature an external pocket. "You can use this pocket to store clothing as you use it, to keep the clean and dirty clothes separate," says Andrew Uyal of the travel blog Flights and Footsteps. The packing cubes are available in solid colors as well as national park and other travel-themed prints.

Best for Style: Lug Compression Packing Cubes

Courtesy of Lug

Luggage expert and senior editor of Travel at U.S. News, Rachael Hood , loves the fun colors and patterns – which include tartan plaid, polka dots and florals – on these packing cubes by Lug. The lightweight cubes can store a lot before compressing down to just one inch in thickness, and they each feature a carrying handle. "They make packing so easy," says Hood. "I can fit six to eight tops in the larger one and the smaller cube is ideal for socks and other accessories." She adds that these packing cubes make the perfect travel gift .

Price: $38 or less

How to Use Packing Cubes

• Pack a color-coded set for each person in your group: " We have different color packing cubes for each member of the family so when we open the suitcase, it's easy for everyone to grab their own color and get organized in the hotel room or wherever," says travel writer Terry Ward, who is frequently on the go with her family. She also notes that her family is able to save on luggage fees by using packing cubes in a single checked suitcase .
• Consider buying more than one set: Packing cubes are also useful for organizing toiletries, shoes , travel adapters and cords, and other miscellaneous items.
• Categorize each packing cube: Pack each cube by activity or clothing type, such as activewear, swimwear and underwear.
• Pack with the mesh side facing up: If you buy mesh packing cubes, this packing tip will help you easily identify the contents of each packing cube (which can be especially useful in the event you need to quickly locate items while at the airport).
• Roll your clothing: Many travelers swear by rolling their clothing instead of folding it in their luggage, noting this tactic saves space and minimizes wrinkles. Use the same method when placing items into your packing cubes.
• Use them for dirty laundry: If your packing cubes don't have pockets for dirty laundry like the Tripped Travel Gear bags do, you can still use them to contain dirty laundry; just avoid using mesh cubes if you're concerned about the smell of soiled clothing pervading your bag.
• Take them with you on errands: Packing cubes are useful for everyday outings, too. "I use a smaller packing cube to keep diapers, wipes and a changing pad handy in my backpack when we're out exploring," says Criscione.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most travelers and travel experts agree packing cubes are worth buying – especially considering there are so many affordable, quality options on the market. Because they're designed to save space, they can help you avoid unnecessary luggage fees. Plus, they can be used universally in everything from your luggage set to your weekender bag and even a backpack .

Yes, packing cubes save space by organizing clothing and accessories into individual compartments that neatly fit inside luggage. To maximize space in your luggage, choose compression packing cubes, which eliminate extra air and zip nearly flat.

Compression packing cubes zip nearly flat once packed, while traditional packing cubes maintain their shape and fit neatly into your luggage like pieces in a puzzle. While the decision between packing cubes and compression bags is ultimately a matter of personal preference, most travel experts agree compression packing cubes are best.

Rolling your clothing will help to maximize space and prevent wrinkles, regardless of whether or not you use packing cubes.

Packing cubes are reusable (and in many cases, washable), making them a more economical and sustainable alternative to Ziploc bags.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross strangely enjoys decluttering, a hidden "talent" that's especially useful when traveling. She owns the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set and recommends it to everyone she knows.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Toiletry Bags
• The Best Neck Pillows for Travel
• The Most Useful Travel Accessories
• The Best Compression Socks for Travel

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best kauai boat tours.

Lyn Mettler April 11, 2024

The Top-Rated NYC Food Tours

Ann Henson April 11, 2024

The Best Things to Do in Maine

Mariya Greeley and Nicola Wood April 10, 2024

The Best Pearl Harbor Tours

John Rodwan and Amanda Norcross April 9, 2024

The Best Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows

Korrin Bishop April 9, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 8, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

The Best Charleston Tours

John Rodwan April 4, 2024

The Best Napa Valley Wine Tours

Amanda Norcross April 4, 2024

The 10 Best Denver Tours

Lyn Mettler April 4, 2024

10 Best Packing Cubes for Maximizing Carry-On Space

Travel smoothly with these space saving packing cubes.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

How do they work? Pack your clothes into the cubes first, then fit the pieces into your bag like a puzzle. You can even get ones with built-in compression, so squeezing in that extra outfit (or two!) is no big deal. Whether you're using a carry-on, underseat suitcase or weekender bag , we think packing cubes are the ultimate travel MVP to keep your luggage totally organized.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of fiber scientists and travel product experts who test all types of luggage, travel accessories and more. To find the best packing cubes , we put 13 different styles to the test in our Lab and had consumer testers use them on their vacations all over the world (local road trips, international getaways, camping excursions and more).

Calpak Packing Cubes Set (5 Pieces)

Sold as a convenient set of five, these Calpak packing cubes are designed to hold everything you'll need for a trip away. The set includes one large, one medium and two small cubes as well as a zippered pouch for toiletries. Multiple GH editors swear by these cubes, and one said, "They really hold everything I need, keeping my suitcase organized (for once)."

One GH analyst used these cubes on a two-week trip to Japan and said, "These packing cubes helped me keep all my clothes organized when overpacking my carry-on. I appreciated that the sturdy material maintained its shape when I placed the cubes in my hotel drawers."

Each cube has a tab, so you can label it with what's inside; plus, they're mesh on top, so it's easy to see their contents. Calpak is known for its stylish travel solutions, and these don't disappoint. This set is currently available in 17 colors and patterns, including polka dots, cheetah print, florals and checkerboard. Complete your set with shoe packing cubes and compression cubes that make great companions for checked luggage.

Amazon Basics 4-Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set

This four-piece packing cube set from Amazon Basics gets you everything you'll need for your trip at the great price of about $6 per cube. And you can choose the size of the pieces that come in your set: either four small, four medium, four large or four slim or one of each.

In our Lab testing, we appreciated that each cube has a mesh upper to easily see what's inside and top handles for easy carrying . The polyester material is super lightweight and the zippers have longer tabs than some others we tested making them easy to open and close. The cubes held an impressive amount of clothing in our packing test and they stacked nicely into a carry-on suitcase.

We noticed some loose threads when evaluating these cubes, so they may not be as durable as some other options. Note that this set is spot-clean only and not machine-washable.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Set of Isolate Compression Packing Cubes

If you really want to maximize your packing space, compression packing cubes are the way to do it. In our Lab analysis, these cubes from Eagle Creek zipped down to compress about 1 inch to save more space in your suitcase. "I love their compression function," said one of our testers. "They fit a decent amount of clothing and then compress to take up much less space. They're also smaller than other cubes I've had, so they slot into a smaller carry-on suitcase with ease."

We found the zippers easier to use than those on other compression packing cubes we tested. One tester agreed, saying, " The compression function is really easy to use — the zipper is pretty seamless and doesn't snag or get caught on the cubes. " The top handle is convenient to pull them out of your luggage or backpack when needed. This set is one of the pricier styles we tested, but many GH analysts have owned Eagle Creek products for years and applaud the brand's commitment to durable and long-lasting travel gear.

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

These Gonex packing cubes compress your clothes, so you can fit as much as possible in your suitcase, and th ey are a more affordable alternative to Eagle Creek at just $22 for a three-piece set. A set of six is also available if you plan on checking a bag. The larger set includes a laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate on long trips. The brand recommends rolling your clothes before placing them in the cube to maximize space.

We haven't tested this set in our Lab yet, but we have received promising feedback from our at-home testers. One tester who has used these cubes on multiple vacations said: "I loved the compression aspect and how you can fit so much more because of it. They are also very large cubes. I am very happy with them and will continue to use [them]."

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

Mesh packing cubes allow you to easily see inside and have the added bonus of being lightweight and breathable to keep your clothes fresh. Designed specifically for the mega-popular Away Carry-On , these cubes are the perfect dimensions for most carry-on suitcases. In our Lab analysis, these cubes were a favorite for being simple and easy to use, and of course, fitting nicely into a carry-on.

One tester who used this set on a trip to the Hamptons said, "The mesh made it easy to compact clothes into the packing cubes as the mesh let out any trapped in air. I also liked the configuration of the packing cubes. They fit together really well inside my suitcase." We love Away’s generous 100-day return policy , so there’s no harm in trying them out. Both the 4-piece and 6-piece sets include smaller cubes, but some testers wished they were larger.

RELATED: Away Luggage Review: Are the Popular Carry-Ons Worth the Hype?

Shacke Packing Cube Set

With over 21,000 reviews and an average 4.8-star rating on Amazon, these packing cubes are popular for their easy-to-use design that's perfect when traveling with the whole family. These packing cubes are available in 10 colors, so each family member can have their own set . This set includes a laundry bag, which is a game-changer to keep dirty clothes separate.

Although we haven't tested this set in our Lab yet, online reviewers are extremely impressed with the quality of this set for the price. One online reviewer said, "The material used for the packing cubes is durable and lightweight, ensuring that they do not add unnecessary weight to my luggage. They are also quite flexible, which allows me to squeeze them into tight spaces within my suitcase without worrying about them getting damaged." Another shared, "They are worth every penny and have become an essential travel accessory for me."

Beis The Packing Cubes in Black

Many testers preferred packing cube sets that included shoe bags or laundry bags, like this set from Beis. With three different-size cubes, a toiletry pouch and two shoe bags, this set is ready for any vacation. Uniquely, they come with pre-printed labels for common items like jeans, swimsuits and underwear as well as the days of the week to keep your cubes organized.

One tester said, "The larger zip bags really helped me separate nice clothes for going out from my beach clothes/comfy clothes, which made getting ready much easier since I could find everything without unpacking my entire suitcase." While testers liked the shoe bags, some wished they were bigger to fit larger sizes and bulkier shoes like booties.

Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cube

Keeping your belongings dry and clean is of the utmost importance when heading on an outdoor adventure. In our tests, these Sea to Summit cubes held up on hikes and beach vacations alike.

Sold individually, these packing cubes feature a water-resistant exterior and tight zippers to help prevent water from seeping in. Because the zippers are designed to prevent leaking, they were a bit difficult to open and close in our tests. Note that these cubes are water-resistant (not waterproof!), so they should not be fully submerged or soaked in water.

A big fan of its water-resistant capabilities, one tester said these cubes are "great for when I have to pack away wet or dirty clothes when I am leaving a vacation." She also appreciated that she was able to easily see inside because of the translucent panel. Another tester said, "The textile is indeed water-resistant, which was a nice feature to have during my outdoor camping adventure," and that the "shell is quite durable." These don't compress, so if you want both weatherproof materials and compression, we recommend Peak Design's packing cubes .

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

Available in sets of four or six, these cubes from Monos fit very well into our carry-on suitcase during our Lab evaluations. These cubes offer compression capabilities as well, and they reduced in size the most out of all the compression packing cubes we tested . The zippers are quite stiff, so it's challenging to compress them fully, which led some testers not to use the compression function at all. We also found the smooth material easy to clean, which is great if sand, dirt and salt water are a factor.

One tester shared, " I really liked the appearance of the packing cubes; they look simple and sleek. I enjoy the mesh top window because I can easily see my belongings and because it allows my clothes to breathe (especially useful for dirty clothes during travel)." He also said, "I appreciate the lightweight lining inside the packing cubes; it is a feature that elevates the appearance and quality of the packing cubes." These cubes are more expensive than other featured styles, but we think they are worth the investment.

RELATED: Monos Luggage Review: We Tested These Popular Sleek Suitcases

Baggu Packing Cube Set

Most packing cubes are only available in solid colors, but these trendy ones from Baggu come in fun patterns like stripes, florals and fruit prints . This set includes two packing cubes made from durable recycled nylon. We were impressed by just how lightweight these cubes are without sacrificing performance — every ounce counts! When evaluating these cubes in our Lab, we noticed they were a bit noisy (and a few testers noted the same thing).

Loving the stylish colors and patterns, one tester said, "Not only are they super cute but they are lightweight and durable. The amount you can fit in these packing cubes is amazing!" Another tester said, "I will definitely continue to use these cubes as I like them better than a set I bought off of Amazon years ago — Baggu strikes again!"

How we test packing cubes

When evaluating packing cubes, Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab pros place a standard packing load in each cube to see how much they can hold. Then, we place them in a suitcase to see how easy they are to organize. We analyze each cube in our Lab to ensure all the zippers are easy to open and close. For compression-style cubes, we pack them with a standard load and measure how much they reduce in size when compressed.

To get real-use feedback, we have consumer testers use the packing cubes on real-life trips. We had testers bring these cubes all over the world on all types of vacations, including camping trips, international getaways and local excursions.

How to choose the best packing cubes:

✔️ Compression vs. regular packing cubes: Some packing cubes have compression capabilities and others don't. Cubes that compress take up slightly less space in your suitcase and are great for overpackers. Generally, compression cubes are more expensive because they have two zippers instead of one and are usually sold individually or as a pair vs. in a larger set. Some compression cubes zip all the way around, which is great if you like to place your cubes directly in the drawer at your destination, while others only open at the top.

✔️ Materials: To avoid extra weight in your luggage, most packing cubes are made with lightweight materials like nylon and mesh. While waterproof capabilities may sound like a benefit, it's probably not necessary unless you're camping, and it comes at a cost — fully sealed packing cubes don't allow for ventilation, which means your clothes may have an odor after travel.

✔️ Luggage compatibility: Depending on what type of suitcase you are using (weekender bag, carry-on or checked luggage), a different style of packing cubes might be better suited.

• For a weekender bag , opt for smaller cubes as only two to three will fit in most weekender bags.
• Carry-on suitcases can accommodate more cubes, including larger ones for sweaters and jeans.
• When checking a larger suitcase , you can fit multiple sets of packing cubes. We recommend using a different color set of cubes for each member of your family for easier unpacking.

✔️ Value: Consider the cost per cube when purchasing a set. Some brands offer excellent value for their larger sets.

✔️ How do I use packing cubes?

Most sets come with different-sized cubes that are designed for certain items — small cubes for your underwear and larger cubes for shirts and pants, for example. Everyone has a preference for either rolling or folding clothes , but when packing in a cube, our pros say you should roll to avoid wrinkles. Rolling likely won't save as much space in a traditional packing cube, but many brands recommend it for compression picks. Doing this, and storing like items together, will make it much easier to find exactly what you want without rummaging through your bag. ✔️ Do packing cubes really save space? Yes! Packing cubes ensure that every item has a spot in your suitcase without it bursting at the seams. To further max out every inch, look for styles with compression. These work by having two zippers — one that closes the cube and a second that tightly compresses it to flatten your clothes and save space. ✔️ Do packing cubes wrinkle clothes? One of the main reasons clothes come out of your suitcase looking wrinkly is because they've shifted around during the trip. Packing cubes keep all your clothes still, so items are actually less likely to wrinkle. Some fabrics will wrinkle no matter what (hello, linen!), so we recommend choosing travel dresses and pants in more forgiving fabrics like polyester and Tencel for your next trip.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. She tested all the packing cubes in the Lab and sent samples to testers to get real-use feedback. She’s been at GH for over four years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for all types of travel product testing including carry-on suitcases, under-seat luggage, travel backpacks and weekender bags. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience and product quality expertise.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

The Best Walmart Patio Furniture for Less

The Best Natural and Organic Sunscreens

The Best Gifts for 3-Year-Olds

The Best Luggage Sets

The Best Composite Decking

The Best Water Flossers

The Best Pillows for Comfort and Support

The Best Robot Mops

The Best Vacuums

The 5 Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks

There's a Massive Recall on Laundry Pods

The 9 Best Packing Cubes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These items organize your luggage better

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

Packing for a trip is no easy feat, yet packing cubes can offer the organization and space we seek. But with so many packing cubes to choose from, how can we be sure which are the best?

We took on this challenge and had six travelers test 23 packing cube sets. They stuffed clothes and toiletries into the packing cubes, running them through various tests to determine which worked the best in terms of capacity, design, quality, and value. The result? We found the top packing cubes in a wide range of categories, from the best for maximum compression to the best for durability, families, and more.

Final Verdict

How we tested.

• Others We Tested
• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, rei co-op expandable packing cube set.

Solid value

Durable, protective exterior

Big time space saving

The REI Co-Op Expandable Packing Cube Set only comes with two cubes. However, our tester loved their clever design, which sees the zipper curve around the perimeter of the cube twice for ultimate compression. In fact, the medium cube can go from 13 liters to 8.5 liters, while the large cube’s capacity changes from 21 liters to 14 liters when using the compression zipper.

Testers noted that the Bluesign-approved ripstop nylon fabric was akin to tent fabric and waterproof to boot. Of course, the mesh section won’t do much against water, but it does allow travelers to see what’s in the cube before opening it. The top handle makes pulling these cubes out of your suitcase easy, while the side handle is a bonus. For the price, you get two incredibly effective packing cubes with the kind of long-lasting material and stitching you’d expect from REI Co-op. The set fits comfortably in a carry-on suitcase and allows room for a toiletry bag.

Dimensions: Large: 14.5 x 10.5 x 6 inches, medium: 12 x 8 x 6 inches | Material: Ripstop nylon (Bluesign-approved), polyester mesh (Bluesign-approved) | Number of Cubes:  2

TripSavvy / Vicky Wasik

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Gonex compression packing cubes.

Simple and effective

Could be more protective

Our testers were surprised by the capabilities of this no-frills set of four packing cubes. They stuffed them all to the brim and used the double zippers to compress the cubes down. There was no indication that the threaded seams were stressed. This aspect made the testers overlook that the material is not as water-resistant as advertised. You can always double-wrap liquids, but you can’t always find packing cubes with excellent compression capabilities to fit a lot in a little space. Keep in mind, however, that the zippers do not go all the way around the cube. Our tester didn’t have any problem with that, but it is something we thought best to note.

The four pieces range in size from small to extra-large, giving you plenty of options for organizing all your items. With tons of color options and a phenomenal price point, we had to choose this set as our runner-up.

Dimensions: Extra-large: 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches, large: 4.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches, medium: 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches, small: 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches | Material: Ripstop nylon | Number of Cubes:  4

Veken Packing Cubes With Laundry and Shoe Bag

 Amazon

Large selection of pieces

Hassle-free packing system

Contents are easily visible

Not ideal for over-packers

You get a lot for a low price when it comes to the Veken Packing Cubes set. Buyers receive four cubes of various sizes plus two additional bags—a laundry bag and a shoe bag. The set comes in a wide range of colors but lacks a compression zipper, making them more apt for organization than saving space. See inside the cubes via the transparent strip of fabric and a small mesh section or just pack the cubes according to the clothing label found on the bottom right-hand corner of the cube.

Because the packing cubes don’t have compression zippers, this set works best for travelers with large suitcases who simply want their belongings well organized and easy to find.

Dimensions: Extra-large: 17.5 x 12.15 x 4 inches, large: 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches, medium: 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches, small: 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches, shoe bag: 16.96 x 9.06 x 4.72 inches, laundry bag: 20 x 14 inches | Material: Nylon, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyester | Number of Cubes: 4 cubes, 2 bags

Best Compression

Well traveled compression packing cubes.

Great for highly organized travelers

Choice of various shades

Easy to maintain

Not water resistant

The Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes set includes three cubes and one drawstring bag that can be used to store shoes or as a laundry bag. Available in a few colors, this set is reasonably priced and has an excellent compression zipper that maximizes your luggage space. In the larger cube, our tester fit one pair of jeans, two short-sleeve shirts, and two long-sleeve shirts. The medium cube fit two pairs of socks and two pairs of underwear; we packed the small cube with travel toiletries . When a traveler utilizes the compression zipper, the cubes go from 5 inches in width to 1 inch.

These cubes are not as structured as they appear in marketing photos. And unfortunately, our tester found that they didn't protect against spilled liquids. That said, they are machine washable and have tiny pockets to fit one of the 50 luggage cards included in the package.

Dimensions: Large: 10 x 5 x 14 inches, medium: 8 x 5 x 11.5 inches, small: 5.5 x 5 x 7 inches, laundry bag: 11 x 18 inches | Material: Twill fabric | Number of Cubes:  4

Best for Families

Shacke pak 5 set packing cubes.

Budget-friendly

Ventilation/viewing patches

Also available in set of eight

Could be more functional

Go with the packing cube set from Shacke Pak when packing for a family vacation . This five-piece set comes in a few color options and includes four cubes and one drawstring bag. Although our testers didn’t mention whether the fabric was water resistant or not, Shacke advertises that it is. Of course, that doesn’t include the mesh panels that allow you to look inside the cubes.

The cubes don’t have compression zippers, so they’re primarily intended for those who need a lot of space to keep each family member’s clothes organized and separated. You’ll better fit all these cubes in a large suitcase than a carry-on bag. Investing in multiple sets (one for each family member) is also a realistic option given the set's reasonable price tag.

Dimensions Extra-large: 17.5 x 12.75 x 4 inches, large: 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches, medium: 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches, small: 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches, Laundry Bag: 20.5 x 15.75 inches | Material: Unknown | Number of Cubes: 4 cubes, 1 bag

Best Durability

Peak design packing cubes.

Peak Design

Super light and tough fabric

Two compartments

Sustainably built

Pricey as a set

Somewhat involved to get into

You can buy Peak Design Packing Cubes as a single small or medium cube or shoe pouch or as a set of three, six, or eight. The way our testers raved about the small packing cube they tested, we suggest going for the three-piece set. But keep in mind the sets are expensive.

These packing cubes come in three color options, are designed with two handles, and have a moveable internal divider that lets you separate clothes however you see fit. Thanks to the double compression zippers, you can fit two packing cubes in the space of one. More specifically, the cubes are about 6.7 inches wide when fully expanded and have the capability of compressing to 3.1 inches. It's important to note that you'll have to use both zippers simultaneously when you want to open the main compartment.

These durable cubes are waterproof, though there is a slight gap near the zipper that, theoretically, water could get into. The likelihood of that happening is low. As we said, the price of this packing cube set is considerable, but with the superb craftsmanship and a lifetime guarantee warranty, you'll likely be satisfied with your buy.

Dimensions: Medium: 12.6 x 12.6 x 6.7 inches, small: 12.6 x 6.7 x 6.7 inches | Material: Ripstop 70D nylon/poly shell | Number of Cubes: 1 to 8

Best Personalized

Paravel packing cube quad.

Water-resistant fabric

Sustainable materials

Not the most affordable

Lacks some nice-to-have features

We can see the Paravel Packing Cube Quad being a phenomenal gift for the traveler in your life, mainly because of the excellent colors and the opportunity to have the cubes embroidered with custom monograms.

Of the four cubes, we used the larger one to pack three pairs of shoes and the medium cube to pack a couple of sweatpants, two long-sleeve shirts, two short-sleeve shirts, two pairs of underwear, and two pairs of socks. Basically, you can get a lot of clothes in the larger cubes and use the small cube for extra socks, underwear, or toiletries. Our tester noted that there was still some space left for them to pack more items in the cubes.

Although the cubes have two-way zippers, they aren’t compression zippers. We were also surprised that the cubes didn’t have handles but liked that they do have clear windows to see inside. Environmentally friendly travelers will appreciate that the fabric features 16 upcycled water bottles and meets the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and the Global Recycled Standard . It's also water resistant. The only downside? The hefty price.

Dimensions: Large: 18 x 3.75 x 12 inches, medium: 12.75 x 3.75 x 10 inches, small: 8.2 x. 3.75 x 6.25 inches | Material: OEKO-TEX Standard 100- and Global Recycled Standard-certified, water-resistant Negative nylon | Number of Cubes: 4

Best Splurge

Calpak packing cubes 5-piece set.

Fun and classic options

Feature filled

Long lasting

Only the pouch is water resistant

No compression

Packing cubes can be so bland in style, but not the Calpak Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set. Styles range from astrologically inspired to groovy wavy designs and even a few that have solid colors like hazel, olive, or black. Our tester found the four cubes and envelope pouch to be very durable. All the cubes (not the pouch) have mesh panels, organizing labels, and handles. While these cubes don’t have compression zippers and the price is a bit high, the durability of the material and the design options might be worth it.

Dimensions: Large:   17 x 12 x 3 inches, medium:   15 x 11 x 3 inches, small: 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches, envelope pouch: 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Cubes:  5

Best Budget

Ebags classic medium compression cube.

Good capacity

Packing cubes don’t have to be expensive to be of good quality; at least, that’s what the eBags Classic Medium Packing Cube proves. This single cube is budget-friendly and spacious enough to fit four to five pieces of clothing, plus a medium-weight winter coat. The compression zipper did an excellent job of removing air and saving space. In fact, the cube offers 1.5 inches of compression or expansion. Our testers found that the thin fabric of the cube could get caught in the zipper if the cubes were not packed to the brim.

The small mesh pocket fits a set of keys or a label the size of a business card that spells out what’s in the cube. Small note: the mesh is not see-through. The top handle strap is a nice feature, as are the two different color options. The fabric is more water resistant than waterproof, so it’ll keep your clothes dry as long as excessive liquids haven’t spilled.

Dimensions 14 x 10 x 5.25 inches | Material: Nylon | Number of Cubes:  1

With excellent compression capabilities, durable ripstop fabric, and a price that won't break the bank, the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set earns our top pick. Another set that performed well was the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes , thanks to their double-zipper compression and range of available colors, not to mention that they come in a set of four.

After removing the packing cubes from their packaging, we quickly assessed the materials, checking aspects such as the stitching and zippers for durability. Our next step involved packing the cubes with apparel, shoes, and accessories such as toiletries and cosmetics before zipping them up and placing them in a carry-on suitcase to see how much space they took up. We also splashed them with a bit of water to test the water resistance of the packing cube material.

For each packing cube set, we made extensive notes on the capacity, design, material quality, and value. With any carry-on luggage , space is limited, and we wanted to ensure we chose packing cubes that not only allowed us to fit as many items as possible but had the kind of material and design that would be durable for frequent travel use. To round it out, we wanted the price to reflect the features presented.

Other Packing Cubes We Tested

Béis The Packing Cubes : While we loved the label that came with these bags, we didn't think that the price reflected the space or quality of the material.

Herschel Travel Organizers : This set's small and medium cubes were wonderful, but we found the large cube awkwardly huge. It made packing a carry-on difficult and didn't offer the kind of space-saving functionality we desired.

Briggs & Riley Packing Cubes : These cubes fit a decent amount of clothes, seemed durable, and had an excellent expansion feature, but there wasn't anything that particularly wowed us. One drawback was that one full side of the packing cubes is mesh, which won't protect your clothes if a spill occurs.

Away The Insider Packing Cubes : Mesh is great for breathability, but the mesh cover of these packing cubes isn't going to do much against spilled liquids. Not to mention, they're a bit expensive, which seems to be mainly because of the brand name.

Eagle Creek Pack-it Starter Set : If you only need two regular cubes and a folder-style cube, the Eagle Creek Pack-it Starter Set isn't too shabby, mainly because it held up to our water test. If you haven't used a folder-style cube before, it can be confusing to pack.

L.L.Bean Packing Cube Set : The price point seems accurate for L.L.Bean but may be expensive for what you get—cubes with a little stretch and a partly mesh top. Our tester wanted the cube to have a bit more structure.

Bagail Compression Packing Cubes : The price is right, and the design is pretty standard, but we were a little worried about the seam work, mainly when the compression feature was utilized. These may not last as long as others.

YAMIU Packing Cubes 7-Pcs : These packing cubes are standard, but does one need seven packing cubes? And you'll have to be okay with see-through toiletry bags.

Lean Travel Premium Compression Packing Cubes : These no-frills packing cubes may work for the newbie traveler, but fitting all three in a carry-on was a challenge for our tester.

EZPacking Clear Packing Cubes : These may work if you're comfortable with see-through packing cubes. The small cube only fits a few toiletry items.

OEE Luggage Packing Organizers : Who doesn't love a bargain? Unfortunately, the price reflects super thin material that doesn't do well with thick clothing and flimsy zippers that get caught in the mesh.

TRIPPED Compression Packing Cubes for Travel : These cubes were a bit expensive, especially since they didn't feel sturdy and the zipper didn't go all the way around the cubes, making them a little harder to pack.

What to Look For in Packing Cubes

If you check your suitcase, weight is always a consideration. Choosing packing cubes that are light enough to make a negligible difference to the airline scale is therefore important. For the most part, packing cubes are not particularly heavy, though we’ve seen some structured ones that may add a few pounds to your bag. 

Packing cubes are typically made of nylon, though some use better nylon than others. Ripstop nylon, for instance, is less likely to tear than other types. Although we love to see a water-resistant or waterproof packing cube, many of our testers found that the water resistance or waterproofness wasn’t as effective as expected. Many packing cubes have mesh panels that somewhat defeat the purpose of using water-resistant fabric. Of course, mesh panels let you see inside the bag and are more breathable than plastic panels.

Packing cubes come in various sizes that differ from brand to brand. (A size small from one brand will have different measurements than a small packing cube from another brand.) Look at the dimensions for the packing cubes before buying. Most packing cubes will fit in a carry-on suitcase, though we’ve seen some large or extra-large packing cubes that are too big, take up too much space, or are an awkward size. The same thing can happen with small packing cubes—some are just too small to really fit anything inside. While not everyone likes packing cubes with compression features, they remove air and save space, which is a nice feature to consider.

Number of Cubes

Do you need more than five cubes? That all depends on the size of your family if you plan on buying one set to share, or if you're buying for a checked bag and a carry-on. Packing cube sets can range from two cubes to as many as eight. It never hurts to have a backup cube in case you rip one, lose one, or it just wears out, though if you want to limit how much you pack , it might be a good idea to buy a two- or three-cube set.

How you pack your cubes in a carry-on suitcase will depend on the type of luggage you’re using. No matter what type of carry-on bag you have, you’ll most likely have to play Tetris to figure out the best method for fitting the packing cubes in the luggage. Those with carry-on suitcases might find that positioning the cubes vertically rather than horizontally provides more space, but again, this can only happen if the suitcase is deep enough to allow such a packing strategy.

While you can find many tips and tricks for packing clothes in packing cubes, it’s likely that when you remove your clothing, it will have some wrinkles. Rolling your clothes—once you’ve buttoned and zipped all tops and bottoms—may reduce wrinkles. This is because there are fewer folds in the fabric. You could also try limiting the pressure exerted on the outside of the cube to prevent folds from compressing and forming wrinkles. Or, save yourself a headache and pack clothes made of fabrics resistant to wrinkling. As a last resort, consider bringing along a travel steamer .

Most packing cubes can be put in the washing machine on cold, but you should double-check the tag to see if they need to be hand-washed. If you put them in the washing machine, zip them up so the zipper doesn't snag on anything. Most people suggest air drying the packing cubes as the material tends to do poorly against the heat of a dryer. A hand sanitizing wipe can clean away germs or small spills if you're in a bind. Although some suggest using Febreze or essential oils to refresh packing cubes, be mindful of how oily the product may be, as it could cause the packing cube to get sticky or stain your clothing. Putting a dryer sheet in the cube may be a better option.

Author  Alex Temblador  is an outdoor and travel journalist who lives in Texas. Alex seeks out adventurous travels all around the world, and often uses packing cubes to get to her destination. Throughout her career she has rappelled in Mexico, kayaked in Puerto Rico and Thailand, skied in Telluride and Montana, surfed in Zihuatanejo, scuba dived in Bonaire, and hiked in Peru and Switzerland. Products for this article were chosen according to the results of lab tests carried out by the TripSavvy team.

The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Toiletry Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Hardside Luggage Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Travel Money Belts of 2024

The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Luggage Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 11 Best Beach Blankets of 2024

The 6 Best Small Coolers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Travelpro Luggage Items of 2024

The 14 Best Backpack Brands of 2024

The 10 Best Delsey Luggage Items of 2024

The 9 Best Beach Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Samsonite Luggage Items of 2024

The 9 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Rolling Duffels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Advertisement

The Best Packing Cubes

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

In your travels, as in life overall, a bit of organization up front can save you time and reduce frustration down the road.

Enter the packing cube: a simple bag, usually made of fabric and mesh, that tidily zips away your clutter.

After considering and testing 27 packing cubes over the last five years, we’ve chosen four to suit different kinds of travelers: a set of packing cubes for most people , a lightweight set for ultralight packers , a set of compression cubes for heavy packers , and a cube made of upcycled materials for waste-conscious travelers .

The research

Why you should trust us, best for most: eagle creek pack-it reveal cube set, for those who travel light: eagle creek pack-it isolate cube set, for overpackers: rei co-op expandable packing cube set, best upcycled option: cotopaxi cubos 10l travel cube, other good packing cubes, how we picked and tested, should you get packing cubes to match your luggage, the competition, what to look forward to.

Kit Dillon has covered luggage and travel gear for Wirecutter for more than six years. In that time, he’s crisscrossed the country and three continents, and has held, tested, and compared hundreds of different bags. Since he first traveled with packing cubes many years ago, he’s become obsessed with them, and they are the only packing essential he absolutely recommends to anyone who asks.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, this three-cube set keeps your bag organized while you’re traveling.

Buying Options

Get this if: You need a set of basic packing cubes that do the job without getting in the way.

Why it’s great: The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set doesn’t have any frills, but overall, every aspect of this set feels a bit nicer compared with the competition. This three-piece set is an updated design of Eagle Creek’s original Pack-It cube, which we’ve recommended for more than five years. The changes are largely cosmetic—the original Pack-It and the Reveal share the same materials and overall design, except the Reveal has a larger mesh window—and the cubes continue to be a durable choice for keeping up to a week’s worth of clothing organized and easy to move from suitcase to hotel dresser .

The Reveal cubes are made of 300-denier polyester. (“Denier” refers to the thickness of a fabric’s thread. The higher the denier number, the stronger the fabric; “300 denier” indicates a sturdy fabric made to resist tears.) They stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. Their windows use the tightest mesh link of any cubes we tested—better for resisting snags—yet it’s easy to see what’s inside the cube without opening it. However, mesh lets in dust and dirt over time. (If that’s a worry for you , Eagle Creek’s Isolate cubes may be a better option.) The zippers slide smoothly around corners, even when a cube is overstuffed. We also like the cubes’ clamshell design, which opens fully on three sides and lets you easily access everything inside without having to unpack the entire thing.

We find the three-cube set particularly useful when separating clothes, too. The largest cube (labeled “medium”) is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube (“small”) and quarter-cube (“extra small”) are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics, such as stockings or sleepwear.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We haven’t had any issues with the original version of these cubes after several years of use. Wirecutter editor Tracy Vence reported, “I’ve used the Eagle Creek packing cubes at least once a month for the last seven years. They’ve held up beautifully—no issues with the zippers, netting, etc. Really, they’re just great.” That said, Eagle Creek updated the design slightly, which means we can’t rely on our past testing as strongly as before. So far, though, the Pack-It Reveal cubes show no obvious flaws, and nothing in the redesign makes us think the quality has decreased .

Dimensions: 4½ by 7½ by 2½ inches (extra small), 7¼ by 10 by 3¼ inches (small) , 1 0 by 14¼ by 3¼ inches (medium) Capacity: 1.7 liters (extra small), 7 liters (small), 14.5 liters (medium) Weight: 1.4 ounces (extra small), 2.1 ounces (small) , 3.2 ounces (medium)

Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set

Lighter, if you need it.

These cubes, sold in a set of three, have the same shape as the Pack-It Reveal cubes, but they are water resistant (to guard against spills) and weigh half as much, thanks to their lighter material. They do cost more.

Get this if: You need a set of lightweight packing cubes with a slight bit of water resistance.

Why it’s great: The Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set — an updated and renamed version of the company’s original Specter Tech design—is a good, ultralight set of three packing cubes that weigh half as much as our other picks. Based on our testing so far, these cubes are nearly identical to their predecessor. If you want the organizational benefits of packing cubes but also want to add the least amount of weight to your suitcase , the Isolate set is a great choice.

The largest Pack-It Isolate cube weighs 1.3 ounces; the same-size Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal cube weighs just over 3 ounces. The Pack-It Isolate’s fabric—a semitranslucent, 50-denier ripstop polyester— looks fragile, but it’s held up well over time in its previous Specter Tech incarnation. The material is both tear and water resistant, and we’ve used the older version of these cubes, the Specter Techs, for four years now with no issues. Like the Reveal, the Isolate bags zip open on three sides and hinge along the fourth.

Also like the Reveal set, these cubes come as a set of three, labeled medium, small, and extra small. Whereas our other picks take up about the same packing volume as a balled-up pair of boxers, these bunch down to the size of a single ankle sock. There’s no mesh, but the fabric is translucent enough for you to see what’s inside.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The biggest flaw of any lightweight packing cube, including the Pack-It Isolate, is that the thin sides can’t stand up on their own. If you prefer sturdier cubes that hold their shape as you pack, you're probably going to dislike any lightweight cube. This set is also more expensive than the Reveal set, so you have to really want the weight savings to justify the extra cost .

Dimensions: 4½ by 7½ by 2½ inches (extra small), 7¼ by 10 by 3¼ inches (small) , 1 0 by 14¼ by 3¼ inches (medium) Capacity: 2 liters (extra small), 7 liters (small), 13 liters (medium) Weight: 0.6 ounces (extra small), 1 ounce (small) , 1.3 ounces (medium)

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Compressible bags to save space.

These three cubes hold the most of any set we tested in the smallest amount of space. The compression zippers can be tricky to operate, though.

Get this if: You tend to overpack and need a little more compression to get that last T-shirt into your bag.

Why it’s great: The REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set ( which includes three cubes: small, medium, and large) holds more in total than our other picks but takes up the least amount of space in your suitcase when the cubes are fully compressed. Unlike a regular packing cube, which has a single zipper around the lid, the REI Co-op cubes have two sets of zippers: one around each lid and one around the middle of the cube itself. Opening the middle zipper expands the walls of the cube. Once the cube is packed, you can compress it by pushing down on the bag and then closing the middle zipper .

This process squeezes the cube down to half its size, but it takes some practice for it to go smoothly. When the cubes are properly packed, though, you’ll see that you can squeeze about a third more clothing into the compressed REI Co-op set than into the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal set .

Like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate cubes, these cubes are made of lightweight, tear-resistant ripstop nylon. Even with an additional zipper, a large REI cube (14 ½ by 10 ½ by 3 inches) weighs only about a quarter of an ounce more than the nearly equivalently sized medium cube (10 by 14 ¼ by 3 ¼ inches) from Eagle Creek’s Reveal set ; it weighs almost 2 ounces more than the medium cube in our ultralight pick . REI backs its gear with a satisfaction guarantee , which gives you one year to return an item. In the past, REI had a good reputation for honoring its former lifetime guarantee; the wording of REI’s current warranty for REI Co-op branded gear seems to say that if something fails after one year, accepting the return would depend upon an employee’s discretion.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The zippers that compress the cubes can sometimes be finicky to close. This issue exists across every compression cube we tested; however, they’re pretty easy to figure out with some trial and error. When you pack these cubes, be careful to avoid overstuffing them too much. If you overpack or pack unevenly, after you zip the compression panel shut, you may end up with something shaped more like a football than a traditional cube .

Dimensions: 8 by 6 by 3 inches (small), 12 by 8 by 3 inches (medium), 14 ½ by 10 ½ by 3 inches (large) (Note: All three sizes expand in depth to 6 inches.) Capacity (unexpanded): 2.35 liters (small), 4.7 liters (medium), 7.5 liters (large) Weight: 2 ounces (small), 2.8 ounces (medium), 3.5 ounces (large)

Cotopaxi Cubos 10L Travel Cube

A cube made of upcycled material.

This well-made, sturdy packing cube is made out of repurposed remnant materials from other Cotopaxi products. It’s not available in sets, however.

Get this if: You want a high-quality packing cube and also want to support a B-corp with its related social and sustainable missions .

Why it’s great: The Cubos 10L Travel Cube is a well-built packing cube from Cotopaxi, a certified B Corp outdoor-gear company . ( B Corp status means the manufacturer has met “high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency,” according to B Lab , a nonprofit that issues those certifications.) We’ve reviewed and recommend plenty of Cotopaxi gear, and we’ve found that it’s built to a very high quality. All of Cotopaxi’s travel cubes are made using leftover materials from their (and other companies’) backpacks and other products. Using the scrap material here keeps it from ending up in a landfill. However, this also means that every cube has a different motley-color effect that’s unique and maybe not to everyone’s taste .

The Cubos Travel Cube’s mix of mesh and nylon paneling allows you to see inside the cube without opening it up, similar to Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Reveal. The Reveal and Cotopaxi cubes are made of similarly durable materials and have a clamshell opening, but the latter unzips a little farther, fully clearing all four corners so the top hinges open cleanly. However, the Cotopaxi cube’s mesh liner is built into the sides of the bag rather than the lid .

The Cubos also weighs more than a similarly sized medium Reveal cube: 4 ounces to the Reveal’s 3.2. And at 10 liters, the Cubos carries a little less than the medium Reveal (14.5 liters) but a little more than that set’s small (7 liters) .

Cotopaxi has a “ Guaranteed for Good ” warranty and repair program, which it maintains at its discretion: “We will determine the best path forward, whether that’s a functional repair, replacement, or store credit due to a depleted inventory.” We’ve used the warranty several times with various Cotopaxi products and have had excellent results; we’ve also not heard of anyone having problems .

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unlike our other picks, this cube is sold individually, not as a set, and in only one size; it also costs more per cube. We’d prefer to see the mesh paneling on top of the bag (as opposed to the sides) for a better view of what’s inside. The side walls’ lack of rigidity also means the Cubos doesn’t stand up as easily as the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal. Due to the nature of Cotopaxi’s upcycling, you can’t pick a specific color when you order these cubes .

Dimensions: 13 by 10 by 6 inches Capacity: 10 liters Weight: 4 ounces

If the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is out of stock: Consider the July Packing Cells , which, like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveals , have a mesh lid, though July’s mesh feels heavier than Eagle Creek’s. (It’s more like an athletic jersey than a bag material.) The July cubes come in a set of four for $45, and July offers a five-year warranty and 100-day trial period. We haven’t used the July cubes for nearly as long as we have Eagle Creek’s, though, so we aren’t quite ready to make them an official pick .

If the Cotopaxi Cubos 10L Travel Cube is out of stock: Look into the Patagonia Black Hole Cube , which is well made from durable materials. Patagonia also makes extensive efforts to create sustainable products: employing Fair Trade Certified practices, sourcing post-consumer recycled material, and monitoring its supply chain . Plus, unlike the Cotopaxi Cubos , the Patagonia cube is water resistant. However, it’s more than twice the price of the Cubos, which is why it’s not our pick .

If you’re Yeti curious: You’ll probably like Yeti’s well-made Crossroads Packing Cubes , which are surprisingly inexpensive for a famously “premium” company. That said, these compression cubes, which come in three sizes, are still quite expensive compared to our other picks. (A single large Yeti cube costs $35, compared to $45 for the entire REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set .)

We’ve tested and traveled with multiple sets of packing cubes over the last five years, paying close attention to construction, material quality, ease of use, and value to determine what you need from these while you’re on a trip. Those are the qualities we considered most important when we chose which of the dozens of available packing cubes (on Amazon and elsewhere) to test. And when we narrowed down our options and actually tested the 27 (so far) sets, we focused on :

• Weight, size, and capacity: There’s no need for overkill. If you’re going to shell out $25 to $40 for fabric, mesh, and a zipper, it better be lightweight yet still able to store a reasonable amount of clothing and gear. We looked for sets or single bags that could handle enough clothes, towels, gadget cables, toiletries, and medical supplies for a long weekend. Most sets included at least one 12-liter cube (considered “medium”)—which fit about a week’s worth of T-shirts—and two or three additional cubes of varying sizes, though we also tested some cubes that were sold individually. We tested both “standard”-weight cubes (about 4 ounces for a 12-liter cube) and pricier, “ultralight” cubes made of 30-denier siliconized nylon (which weigh about 2 ounces for a 12-liter cube) .
• Ergonomic features: Packing cubes need to be easy to open and close. Zippers should not be prone to catching on neither the cube’s interior nor its corners as you close it. Handles are convenient for carrying and hanging, and are included on all the designs we tested. The ability of a cube’s sides to stand up on their own—generally because the fabric is thick enough to support itself—adds some convenience while packing .
• Visibility and ventilation: Some cubes, usually the models made with polyester or nylon, include a mesh window on the top panel. But mesh is also easy to snag and damage if its weave is too large or if the mesh material is cheaply produced. The best designs expose just enough of the interior for ventilation and visibility without sacrificing the strength of overall construction. Not all models we tested had a mesh panel. Most traditional-style bags similar to those of the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal set have a mesh panel of some sort, but many ultralight bags forego this feature entirely .
• Construction quality: The easiest way to test for fabric quality is to hold the bag in your hand. It should feel substantial, with a pleasant weave under your fingertips. The bags we tested are all made of some kind of nylon or polyester, which is rugged enough not to tear without adding unneeded ounces. Zippers are also a key component: YKK has been the global standard of zipper quality for generations, but there are other reliable zips too. We looked for cubes with zippers that moved smoothly and cleanly around the bags’ corners .
• Overall value: The sets we tested ranged from three cubes to as many as five per set, and were priced between $5 and $80. But we think the best range of quality and value seems to sit between $20 and $40 .

Because most packing cubes have the same basic design, our testing process came down to assessing build quality and practical, real-world use. Over our years of testing, we’ve packed for overnight work trips, long-haul flights, and multi-tour city trips. In that time, we’ve made notes as zippers stuck or mesh snagged or when obstructed visibility slowed down the process of finding a particular item.

Though we’ve tested all the sizes included in each set while traveling, most of our controlled tests were performed using the medium size (roughly 10 by 14 by 3 inches). Into each of these medium cubes we packed things that anyone might bring on a typical weekend away: a rain jacket, two T-shirts, two pairs each of socks and underwear, two polo shirts, a thin fleece pullover, and a small travel towel. When overstuffing to test seams and zippers, we added at least a lightweight down jacket or a pair of jeans until we stressed capacity .

Sometimes the luggage companies we recommend (including Away , Topo , Travelpro , GoRuck , and Peak Design ) make their own packing cubes. Is it necessary to match your packing cubes to your bag? No. We think the packing cubes we chose will fit well in a variety of bags and transfer easily between them. However, if you’re dedicated to a specific brand or design, you may prefer to have cubes that are sized to fit perfectly within the relevant brand’s bags. You can read more about the packing cubes from the companies that make our favorite   carry-on luggage and travel backpacks  in Other good packing cubes and The competition .

AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Cube Set : These cubes stand out most for their inexpensive price, but the amount you save isn’t worth the drop in quality compared with our other picks. The AmazonBasics bags are made from a nylon that feels cheap, and we weren’t satisfied with the stitching quality, either .

Away The Insider Packing Cubes : Having deeper walls than most packing cubes, these Away bags resemble very minimalist bricks. Each one has one large viewing window, made of a fine weave mesh, and YKK zippers. They’re about $10 more per set than the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveals , but you do get four cubes in the Away set instead of three. They fit into Away’s suitcases exceptionally well—bento like. However, for the price, we think you’ll be better served with the Reveals .

Bagail 6 Set Packing Cubes (and the nearly identical Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes , Bago 4 Set Packing Cubes for Travel , TravelWise 5-Piece Packing Cube Set , and Shacke Pak 5 Set Packing Cubes ): All of these sets, found on Amazon, are made from similarly cheap-feeling panels of thick nylon or ripstop and ornately separated strips of mesh. They all have similar problems: Their zippers tend to snag, they come with no trustworthy warranty, the fabric feels chintzy in your hands, and the panel stitching seems rushed and uneven. There are much better sets available .

eBags Classic Packing Cubes : We found this set of three cubes, a former runner-up pick, difficult to pack during repeated use in our long-term testing. The combination of reinforced seams and ultralight material is a strange mix: Although the reinforcement makes the ultralight material stand up, so that each cube is easier to pack, this set wasn’t as easy to pack as the Reveals , nor as pliable as our ultralight pick .

Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube Set : Like all Eagle Creek gear, this pair of cubes are well constructed, but we prefer the fully zippered design of our REI compression pick , which are also a little more rigid and easier to pack .

GoRuck Packing Cubes : This packing cube is very well made, but it comes at a premium price—$45 for a single medium-size cube when we tested it. (It’s since dropped in price to $30; a smaller size costs $25.) The cube itself splits down the middle and reveals two sides, both of which have mesh panels for viewing and keeping things separated. Like all of these brand-specific designs, this one fits very snugly in the bag it’s made for, though you need about four to fill the basic GoRuck GR1 .

Peak Design Packing Cube : This stylish choice has unusual “tear away” dual zippers, for one-handed opening (like peeling back the lid on a can of sardines), and compression zippers. Each cube has four separate YKK zippers, plus extra compression netting and a barrier between the two compartments, pushing the weight of the medium version to just over 5 ounces. The price for that size is $40—$5 less than what you’d pay for the whole Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set . (The Peak Design’s smaller size costs $30.) It’s not a bad cube per se, but overly fussy and expensive compared to our current picks .

PKG Union Compression Packing Cubes : The Union compression cubes are $30 more than our top-pick compression cubes for a set of three. They’re similar in design to our Reveal picks with a few higher-end details, such as a faux-leather handle and small storage pockets .

Topo Pack Bag 10L Cube : The Topo cube is made of the same high-denier nylon of most of Topo’s gear, so if you already have a Topo bag, this cube would nicely match. It’s well made and very strong, but it lacks a mesh viewing panel. It’s also expensive. A single small (5-liter) cube costs $20 , and a medium (10-liter) cube costs $24 .

Trakke Foulden Packing Cubes : If you aren’t worried about price and need a very strong and waterproof packing cube, these are a great option. But at $80, plus shipping costs from the UK, these packing cubes are a stretch for most travelers .

Travelpro Essentials Packing Cube Set : These cubes are made of lightweight polyester, with a small strip of mesh paneling, so you can glimpse what’s inside. For $40 you get a set of three, and they fit well inside Travelpro’s carry-on suitcase . However, for the price and build quality, we found that these didn’t compare as well as our top pick . The trim around the zippers tended to catch, and the lightweight material made them slightly more difficult to pack than the similarly lightweight Eagle Creek Isolate set .

We’ll be investigating new packing cubes from Eagle Creek, Sea to Summit, Step 22, Thule, and other companies.

The latest version of this article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan. 

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Carry-On Luggage

by Kit Dillon

After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry.

The Best Luggage Tags

by Geoffrey Morrison

We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases.

How to Maximize Space as You’re Packing

Reducing what you carry with you and organizing the way you pack is the easiest way to lower travel-related stress.

How to Turn Your Existing Carry-On Into Smart Luggage

Want a suitcase that weighs itself, tracks its location, and charges your phone? You can build your own smart luggage for less than off-the-shelf options.

The Best Packing Cubes to Keep Your Suitcase Organized

By Kristi Kellogg and Meaghan Kenny

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

We have two main priorities when it comes to packing : saving space and staying organized. The solution to both? Investing in a set of the best packing cubes. Whether you're headed on a low-key weekend away or a weeklong European adventure , these thoughtfully designed cubes help manage even the most unwieldy of travel wardrobes . The great thing about packing cubes is how versatile they are: Use them to organize your belongings by garment type, to keep complete outfits together, to separate clean clothes from dirty clothes, or to hold your shoes.

Our editors tested some of the most popular packing cubes on the market to determine which are actually worth buying. We considered their size, how much they hold, how compressive they are, and any other useful features that make them stand out. Ahead, discover 13 of the best packing cubes that will make your suitcase a whole lot neater.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Shop our top picks:

• The best compressive cubes: Béis compression packing cubes
• The best for customization: Paravel packing cube quad
• The best colorways: Calpak packing cubes
• The best for camping: REI Co-op expandable packing cube set
• The best Amazon find: Amazon Basics packing cubes

The new compressive packing cubes from Béis have quickly become my go-tos. The six-piece set comes with two extra large cubes for bulky items like sweaters and jeans, four standard-size packing cubes for shirts, underwear, and athleisure, and a sheet of labels. I appreciate that each cube has a clear window where the labels can be easily replaced depending on what I pack for each trip. They feature extra zippers that allow the cubes to be expanded or compressed, making them a great option for both short and long trips. Available in black and the brand's signature shade of beige, they look good inside every suitcase. — Meaghan Kenny

Why we chose it: Compressive design, sleek look, and convenient pre-made labels

The sophisticated packer will love this stylish four-piece set from Paravel, a favorite of Condé Nast Traveler articles director Lale Arikoglu , that features a sleek design and peek-a-boo mesh windows. Up the style with a bespoke monogram for an additional $25. As an added boon, the eco-friendly nylon material is made out of upcycled plastic water bottles.

Why we chose it: Customizable, made of recycled materials

Another one of the best packing cube sets comes from Calpak . The five-pack includes large cubes for bulky items, medium cubes for shirts and undergarments, and one water-resistant envelope pouch for dirty clothes or wet bathing suits. These are your classic packing cubes—they're not compressive, but they're lightweight, lay completely flat when empty, and do the trick at keeping your suitcase sorted. There's a small window where you can add your own label to help identify the right packing cube, too.

Why we chose it: Available in over a dozen fun colors and patterns

Whether you’re headed on a business trip or camping adventure , these sturdy, best-selling packing cubes from REI have you covered. They’re made of a durable ripstop nylon and feature polyester mesh. We love the loops at the top that can be used as carrying handles or to hang them up to dry after you’ve tossed them in the wash.

Why we chose it: Expansion zipper and durable water-repellent finish

This under-$25 set of packing cubes from Amazon is among our top sets for travel. Not only has it racked up nearly 40,000 ratings and an average of 4.7 stars, it's a favorite of executive editor Erin Florio . “I love how spacious they are. I used them on a recent eight-day trip across a few climates and I was easily able to sort my different outfits and keep track of my dirty laundry,” she says. Enjoy smart features like double zippers, carrying handles, and mesh top panels to see what's inside. This set of four certainly doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it gets the job done and holds enough for a long vacation.

Why we chose it : Affordable, lightweight, and easy to carry

More packing cubes we recommend:

If you're headed somewhere warm and plan to pack lightweight clothes, say a long weekend in Montauk or an island getaway , these Eagle Creek packing cubes are a solid, no-frills choice. This set comes with three pouches, sized extra small, small, and medium. These were tested by senior commerce editor Madison Flager , who says they're best used for lightweight clothes you can roll up or fold flat, like athletic clothes and T-shirts. “I find the extra small size is well-suited for underwear (about a week's worth, more than I thought could fit on first glance) or socks (around five ankle or no-shows, or two pairs of thicker socks). The small is good for T-shirts (three to five), and the biggest size, the medium, can accommodate one or two pairs of pants or two to three lighter sweaters,” Flager says. She admits she'll gravitate toward larger packing cubes like the Paravel set for extended trips, but will pull these out for weekend trips and overnights.

Why we chose it : Super lightweight, machine washable, and water-resistant

If you're an overpacker, choose a compressible set like these. This set from Monos features a zipper that closes around each cube, plus another zipper that allows you to squeeze everything down after the first one is shut. These fit a ton of clothing—more than any other cubes I've tried, so I typically whip these out for a weeklong vacation or when I'm traveling abroad. I love that the mesh panels allow me to see what's inside without having to open each one—this makes getting dressed on-the-go so easy. If you prefer a more colorful set, snag them in bright shades like banana budding or purple icing. —M.K.

Why we chose it: Water- and tear-resistant nylon, breathable mesh top panels

When it comes to design, SteamLine's luggage and travel accessories always stand out—and this applies to the brand's vibrant packing cubes, too. This set of four comes with three different sizes, all made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. Commerce producer Paris Wilson gravitates toward these for shorter trips when she has limited space with a carry-on or duffel bag. “The material is durable yet soft and very easy to fold up and store in your closet when you’re not traveling,” Wilson says. She also notes that the zippers glide easily and that these packing cubes are machine washable.

Why we chose it : Vibrant patterns, a transparent window in each cube

One extremely cool feature of the Peak Design cubes is that each one has an internal divider, which means you can separate clean and dirty garments within the cube itself (or just further compartmentalize your items). The cubes are made from a sturdy nylon and poly blend, and feature two-way zippers plus a tear-away zipper that allows you to fully open the pack in less than a second, should you need instant access. The three-piece set (which includes a small cube, a medium cube, and a shoe pouch) is seen here, but you can also purchase these in a six- or eight-piece set, or purchase bags individually to fit your exact needs.

Why we chose it: Internal dividers that offer additional flexibility when you pack

This budget-friendly set of compressible packing cubes comes with one large cube, two medium size cubes, two small cubes, and one flat shoe bag. These are a go-to of commerce bookings editor Jamie Spain —but she warns these are pretty spacious, making them ideal for weeklong trips rather than weekend getaways or overnight stays. She likes these packing cubes for the smooth zippers and compressible, nylon material that's easy to manipulate in a tight suitcase. If you don't need a whole new set, you can also purchase Bagsmart cubes in a set of two or four.

Why we chose it : Affordable price point, available in several bright colors, flat shoe bag included

We tested several Amazon packing cubes and only the highest quality ones made it onto this list. We can attest that the material of the Bagail packing cubes is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. The six-piece set, an Amazon bestseller, features three sizes, with two cubes in each size. Use them all yourself, or split them up with a partner or kids so you can better organize your suitcase. Another feature we like: The mesh tops that allow you to see straight into the cube.

Why we chose it: Easy to share among travel buddies

Another competitively priced set, these organizers have such rave reviews on Amazon that we had to try them—and they didn’t disappoint. The ultralight cubes are impeccably designed. The mesh panels on top allow you to easily identify your items, and the nylon material is durable and water-resistant, in case you’re anything spills. Between the four cubes, there’s enough room to pack clothing for trips up to 14 days. In the large cube alone, we were able to fit four pairs of bulky sweatpants, three pairs of jeans, and two pairs of leggings—and it all zipped up with ease.

Why we chose it: Great for longer trips, comes with a laundry bag

These budget-friendly packing cubes from Amazon are compressive, helping you save on space in your suitcase. After packing up a cube, we were able to shrink it down by three inches—which goes a long way, especially if you’re trying to fit everything into a carry-on or a single duffel. Other features include a double zipper, nylon material, and a carrying loop at the top.

Why we chose it: Affordable price point

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

The 10 Best Packing Cubes for Travel [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

767 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3091 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Why You Should Use Packing Cubes

What to look for in packing cubes, how to use packing cubes, 1. the comprehensive packing cube set, 2. best for long weekends and short breaks, 3. durable and resistant packing cubes, 4. the ultralight packing cubes, 5. packing cubes with organization in mind, 6. affordable packing cubes, 7. packing cubes with a compression system, 8. beautiful basics from amazon, 9. high-end packing cubes that will stand the test of time, 10. best for heavy packers and families on vacation, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Packing cubes are growing in popularity as more and more of us look for ways to stay organized when we travel. Packing cubes can help us better arrange the interior space of our suitcases and kit bags and will turn a packing novice into an expert in no time.

Trust us when we say that packing cubes will completely revolutionize the way you pack your backpack or suitcase forever. These little cubes of layered goodness will help you keep all of your belongings in neatly and ordered compartments, allowing you to find whatever you are looking for in record time.

More importantly, they give you the extra space you need to pack that little bit more! Other benefits include:

• Quicker to transfer your clothes to a drawer
• Easily separate your clean clothes from your dirty clothes
• Clothes don’t shift when in transit, reducing the number of creases
• They are incredibly affordable

Your packing cubes should be a useful addition to your luggage armory, and not just cute little packages that don’t make any difference to the way you travel. When purchasing, consider the following:

Weight — They will need to be light in order to help organize your belongings without making your luggage too heavy.

Material — They should be made of durable, washable (or wipeable) material as they will need to withstand long journeys and multiple uses; canvas or nylon packing cubes are good for this.

Visibility — Color-coded or numbering systems can make your life even easier when you need to find something super quickly.

Breathability — Mesh fabric is your friend. You need air to be able to circulate inside the cubes to prevent dampness from setting in thus causing mold on your precious belongings.

Surely you just put your clothes in and zip them up, right? While it might seem pretty simple how to use a packing cube, there are some tips that can make them even more useful.

Use Variety — Use a combination of different-sized packing cubes and colors that will allow for easier identification.

Theme Your Cubes — Take your organization to the next level and have each cube be a theme. Maybe you utilize your small cube for packing your socks and underwear, while you use your yellow cube for your evening outfits. The possibilities are endless.

Roll Your Clothes — Some people prefer folding but the common consensus is that rolling your clothes before putting them in a packing cube is best. The thinking behind this is that it saves space and reduces wrinkles.

Don’t Overstuff — Being organized means you can fit more in than you think, but however you organize your cubes, just remember to not overstuff them.

Once your cubes are packed, arrange them in your suitcase as you see fit. Most of these cubes will fit together like soft, overstuffed puzzle pieces, so you can have as much fun as you like arranging them to achieve maximum space in your suitcase.

The 10 Best Packing Cubes for Travel

Thinking of investing in some packing cubes for your next adventure? Here are some of the best packet cubes:

YAMIU Packing Cubes 7-Pcs Travel Organizer Set

This set offers a clever combination of excellent value and outstanding practicality. With a selection of 7 different cubes to choose from , your clothes and belongings will be kept neat and tidy while in transit. There is also a handy water-resistant shoe bag, as well as 2 different-sized waterproof bags perfect for keeping your makeup, sunscreen, and toiletries contained, should any leaks occur.

For your added convenience, one of the bags is a TSA-approved size, making it just right for airline-approved toiletries or other liquids. The cubes themselves are made of lightweight and high-quality nylon fabric with strong double zippers that make for fast and easy access to your belongings every time.

What We Like

• Includes 2 waterproof, TSA-approved clear bags

What We Don’t Like

• The shoe bag is a bit small

TravelWise 5-Piece Packing Cube System

Perfect for a long weekend away, this 5 piece travel organizer set comes with:

• 2 large packing cubes measuring 3.7 x 12.6 x 18.11 inches
• 2 medium packing cubes measuring 3.3 x 9.8 x 13.8 inches
• 1 small packing cube that measures up at 3.1 x 6.9 x 11.8 inches

The innovative lay-flat design allows you to compartmentalize your belongings in “drawers” while you travel, and the 2-way easy-to-pull zippers provide reliable and easy opening . Supplied as a matching set, you can tailor the way you pack your cubes to fit what you want to bring with you.

Made from durable nylon, this set of lightweight, breathable mesh packing cubes will ensure that your clothes remain wrinkle-free and organized while in transit, meaning you are ready to unpack and explore the minute you get to your destination.

What W Like

• Helps to reduce wrinkled clothing
• The mesh material is a bit fragile

Shacke Pak – 4 Set Packing Cubes Plus Laundry Bag

The Shacke Pak packing cube system is designed to help you neatly pack all of your clothes tightly away. This set of 4 different sizes of packing cubes and 1 laundry bag will leave your clothes fresh and wrinkle-free.

The cubes measure:

• Extra Large — 17.5 x 12.75 x 4 inches
• Large — 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches
• Medium — 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches
• Small — 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches

Made from high-quality, durable, water-resistant nylon , these Shacke Pak’s are designed to withstand the wear and tear of travel. At 4 inches deep, each cube gives you optimal packing space.

The X-design web stitching creates a strongly reinforced lid that will hold your clothes in place and prevents the bag from sagging in the middle. Finally, the YKK zippers are smooth and sturdy; guaranteed to stand the test of time.

• Comes in a range of bright colors
• Easy to overpack and stretch the seams

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set

The Pack-It Specter Cube system offers 2 different sized packing pouches that will help you to organize your luggage without adding extra weight to your suitcase . Made from water-resistant nylon, you can keep your belongings protected from leaks or spills along the way.

The innovative design also has a zipper that runs around at least half of the perimeter of the packing cube, meaning you can easily reach the contents. There is also a haul loop to make loading and unloading super easy.

Eagle Creek’s packing cubes work like building blocks, and you can simply choose the sizes you need to meet your needs. Choose from Tube Cubes, Half Cubes, and more to make the most of your luggage space next time you travel.

• Machine washable
• The half zipper opening makes it harder to access your clothes

5 Piece Set Packing Cubes for Suitcases

These packing cubes are color-coded, offering you awesome luggage organization options. Allocate the different colors among family members, or categorize your own packing with each colored cube. They won’t bulge or sag, meaning you can neatly stack them like shelves or lay them flat on top of one another inside your suitcase

Made from water-resistant fabric, with tough, long-lasting quality zippers, these cubes will keep your clothing dry and free from wrinkles. They adhere to international carry-on sizing so your packing cubes will fit perfectly in your carry-on luggage , allowing you to easily access your belongings during any part of your journey. Enjoy stress-free, efficient packaging with 5 identically sized packing cubes measuring 14 x 5 x 2.75 inches.

• Color coded for easy organization
• The material could be stronger

Travel Packing Cubes, Gonex Luggage Organizers

As one of the most popular brands of packing cubes available, Gonex is famous for its ability to offer exceptional quality at affordable prices . This standard set contains 4 packing cubes of varying sizes, all made from durable, rip-stop nylon, and they are available in a variety of color options. The packing cubes measure:

• 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches
• 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches
• 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches
• 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches

These lightweight cubes also include carry handles, sturdy double zippers, and can fit comfortably in a hotel drawer or in your carry-on. These will keep your suitcase organized and make items easier to find, which in turn makes for easier packing and happier, more relaxed traveling.

• They compress down small when not in use
• The zippers can sometimes catch on the inner fabric

LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes

These small, gray, and mesh cubes are stylish looking and effortlessly practical, making them perfect for travelers looking to reduce the size and bulk of their luggage.

Each of the 3 cubes features a mesh window for breathability and the cubes can compress from 4 inches to just 1 inch , which allows for flatter packing and more spare space in your suitcase. The 2 larger cubes measure 15.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches, while the medium cube measures 11 x 11 x 4 inches.

The LeanTravel system does not remove air from the packs but simply compresses the contents to make the cubes more compact. Worried about creasing? Don’t be; the premium quality polyester fabric and sturdy construction help to reduce the risk of wrinkles during transit.

• Has a mesh top to quickly identify clothes
• On the pricey side

Amazon Basics 4-Piece Packing Cube Set

The Amazon Basics line of products offers a great packing cube set that is not only durable but also affordable. The set contains 2 large and 2 medium cubes; this combination is ideal for heavy packers or those with young families.

The larger of the cubes measures an impressive 17.5 x 12.75 x 3.25 inches and can easily hold jeans and hoodies, while the medium measures in at 13.75 x 9.75 x 3 inches, making it perfect for pants, shirts, and dresses.

The mesh front means you can easily identify your belongings without having to take everything out of your suitcase just to know what you have. Given their value for the price, these Amazon Basics packing cubes are well worth the investment to ensure hassle-free packing.

• Lightweight and durable
• The large cubes are quite large for carry-on luggage

eBags Packing Cubes for Travel – 4pc Classic Plus Set

With a higher price tag than many of its competitors, eBags is a brand that is known for its superior luggage solutions and high-quality travel products . Its packing cubes are just as durable and are some of the best-selling packing cubes available today.

In this 4-piece combination, each cube is made of extremely strong Techlite diamond nylon and premium YKK zippers for fast and reliable access.

The set contains 4 different size cubes offering a variety of packing combinations that will ensure you can fit everything you need in your carry-on or checked bag . The cubes are also stackable, meaning that they can be used as impromptu drawers to save you the time and hassle of packing and unpacking at every location.

• Comes with a lifetime guarantee
• No choice on size combinations

PRO Packing Cubes for Travel

This 6-piece set has everything you need to keep your belongings safe and sound during transit. Available in a variety of colors, they are perfect for heavy packers, or families heading out on vacation . There are 3 different sizes of cubes in this pack, all of which are incredibly useful.

• The large cubes measure 17.5 x 12.75 x 3.25 inches and are perfect for jackets, towels, sweaters, and trousers.
• The medium cubes come measure 13.75 x 9.75 x 3 inches, just right for shirts, blouses, and shorts.
• The slim bags measure 14 x 5 x 3 inches, making them ideal for underwear, socks, and toiletries, we well as your adapters and cables.

Made from strong, durable nylon, and breathable mesh, you will be able to organize your luggage interiors perfectly and arrive at your destination with wrinkle-free clothing that is as neatly organized as when you packed.

• Double zippers for better compression
• The material is quite thin

Packing cubes are, without a doubt, a traveling necessity. It can be easy to get carried away and overfill them or stuff too many cubes into your suitcase at one time.

The key to successful “cubing” is to separate and organize your belongings well and to allow for easy access when you arrive at your destination. If you want to arrive organized, then packing cubes are definitely for you!

Looking for more organizational accessories and stellar travel tools to up your adventure lifestyle? Check out these additional product reviews:

• The Best Travel Toiletry Bags for Men and Women
• Carry-on Travel Essentials for Short and Long Flights (His & Hers)
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place

Frequently Asked Questions

How useful are packing cubes.

Packing cubes are extremely useful for keeping your backpack or suitcase organized. They make it much easier to unpack clothes into a drawer and by packing your different types of clothes together means that you can find items quicker. Packing cubes are also great for separating clean clothes from dirty ones.

Do packing cubes wrinkle clothes?

While packing clothes in any enclosed space will result in some wrinkles, packing cubes can help reduce the amount of wrinkles your clothes get during transit. As the clothes are in a cube, they are less likely to shift around as much compared to just being loose in your luggage. The excess shifting will cause more wrinkles.

Do packing cubes actually save space?

Packing cubes don’t save space as you still have the same number of items, they are just more organized and easier to find. Compression bags or vacuum bags on the other hand will suck out the air and save space. That said, packing cubes are still worthwhile for their organizational abilities.

Are packing cubes worth it?

How do i choose a packing cube.

• Breathabiity

Was this page helpful?

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

The 9 Best Packing Cubes for Travel

Whether you fold your clothes or roll them, using packing cubes will make it easier to organize your travel belongings. here are the best, tested and reviewed by frequent travelers..

• Copy Link copied

If you’re like me, packing a roller bag for a trip often consists of making sure you’ve packed your passport, charging cables, socks , and underwear. Everything else is dumped into the bag (or rolled up if there’s time). But there’s a better way to pack a suitcase : with packing cubes. There’s a reason why travelers worldwide swear by this travel accessory .

Packing cubes are small bags that function like mini-luggage inside your luggage so that you can separate your shirts from your socks and your socks from pants. Packing cube systems vary in quality, price, and style. At their most basic, they feature a nylon or polyester body with a mesh zippered top so you can see inside. At the higher end, the systems are made with more durable materials and quality zippers and feature more compartments.

Once you try packing cubes, you’ll be hard-pressed to go back. Of the dozens of packing cubes that AFAR editors have tested over the years, here are reviews of the nine best systems that are worth spending your money on:

The Eagle Creek Pack-It Packing Cubes come in a variety of colors and styles.

Courtesy of Eagle Creek

Pack-It Packing Cubes by Eagle Creek

Best overall packing cube system

• Buy now: $55 for three, eaglecreek.com
• Pros: Covered by Eagle Creek’s Lifetime Warranty, made with recycled materials, easy to mix and match for a variety of types of travel
• Cons: None, really, but it might be hard to choose from all the different options offered

Completely redesigned in January 2021, Eagle Creek’s popular Pack-It packing cube system comes in a myriad of colors and is frequently cited by travelers as their go-to choice for packing cubes. The starter set comes complete with a large garment folder and guide, a medium-size cube, and a small cube, making it a rather good deal. The folder helps to get shirts and pants to fit right into the cubes.

The Pack-It series comes in three different styles: Pack-It Reveal cubes are made with recycled poly material and feature see-through mesh so you can easily see your belongings. Pack-It Isolate cubes are made with an ultra-lightweight ripstop material with anti-microbial odor control properties, making them ideal for dirty laundry or shoes. Pack-It Gear cubes are the most durable and water-resistant option in the Eagle Creek line for those who are going camping or bringing lots of tech along that needs some more protection.

Added bonus: Eagle Creek products are PVC free, are covered by a lifetime warranty , and are designed to have minimal negative environmental impact.

These semi-transparent packing cubes are made with durable compression zippers to maximize your packing space.

Courtesy of Thule

Compression Packing Cubes by Thule

Best compression packing cubes

• Buy now: $20–$25 for one, thule.com ; $45 for set of two, rei.com
• Pros: Durable, water repellent, and made with materials that meet the highest safety standards for people and the environment
• Cons: Expensive

Starting at $20 for one small cube, these Thule compression cubes are one of the priciest options on this list. But after using them for a few years, Lyndsey Matthews, AFAR’s senior commerce editor, can vouch that they are very durable.

Made with bluesign-approved ripstop nylon, these packing cubes are semitransparent, water repellent, and manufactured with minimal impact on the environment. Like other compression cubes, they feature a double set of zippers—one that closes the cube and another that zips it even tighter to eliminate extra air and reduce bulk.

“I’ve had the zippers on other compression cubes snag on the fabric or bust open on me when overpacked,” Matthews said. “But the YKK zippers on the Thule cubes are ultra durable and slide closed so easily—even when I packed three bulky sweaters in the medium-size one.”

You can buy them individually or in a set of two with one medium and one small cube. A standard-size carry on can fit either one medium and two small cubes, or four small cubes on each side.

The Mystery Ranch Zoid Cubes are sold individually and also in sets of three.

Courtesy of Mystery Ranch

Zoid Cubes by Mystery Ranch

Best extra-durable packing cubes

• Buy now: from $24 for one; $69 for three, mysteryranch.com
• Pros: Durable, water repellent, and made with lots of handles for easy portability
• Cons: The 14.5-liter large Zoid cube is almost too large to be useful in a standard carry-on suitcase.

Sold individually and in sets of small, medium, and large sizes, Mystery Ranch’s Zoid packing cubes are made with durable YKK zippers and 210D Hitra Robic nylon that is more tear- and abrasion-resistant than regular nylon. In addition to being virtually indestructible, this lightweight yet thick nylon is sturdy enough to stand up on its own, making it easier to pack clothes in it without fighting floppy sides. (That said, the material is soft enough you can squish the cube into the nooks and crannies of a duffel once you’ve filled it with clothes.) These cubes also come with handles on both sides and the top lid for easy portability.

Though we haven’t tested these cubes in heavy-duty camping situations, rest assured they can withstand anything you throw at them. One reviewer on backcountry.com wrote, “I woke up in the middle of the night to some scratching inside my tent vestibule, then heard something slowly being drug away from my tent. I then heard what can only be described as a cacophony of squealing as two raccoons fought over my food-filled Zoid cube. After the victor began to investigate his spoils I slowly emerged from my tent and found a raccoon mauling the lid to my Zoid. In the end, the raccoon got none of my food and minimal damage was done to my cube.”

Just don’t store food in your tent, OK?

Every set of Cubos Travel Cubes – Del Dia from Cotopaxi is unique.

Courtesy of Cotopaxi

Cubos Travel Cubes – Del Dia by Cotopaxi

Best sustainable packing cubes

• Buy now: $50 for three, cotopaxi.com
• Pros : Variety of sizes, made with repurposed materials, bright and colorful, handles, and see-through mesh siding
• Cons : They lack compression technology and only have one zipper. (Two zippers are useful when closing an overstuffed cube, but it’s not a deal breaker.)

We’ve long been fans of Cotopaxi’s Del Dia collection, which makes use of repurposed materials and ethical labor practices, and its Cubos Travel Cubes are a welcome addition to the line. The Del Dia set comes with three packing cubes—large (10 liters), medium (3 liters), and small (2 liters). Each includes a side handle to easily lift the cube out of your bag and mesh siding for peering inside.

While no two sets are exactly alike in design—they are, after all, made from leftover fabric—they’re always bright and colorful, making them one of the most playful options on this list. “Surprisingly, though, the cubes’ sizes are what I loved the most about them,” said Jessie Beck, AFAR’s associate director of video and SEO. “The medium is 6 x 11.5 inches, which is a tad longer than the 9 x 6 inch cubes I had been traveling with, making it a far better shape for rolled-up pants. The 7 x 8–inch small is also the perfect size for a week’s worth of underwear or four or five small T-shirts and tank tops.”

Away’s packing cube system is designed specifically to fit the dimensions of its carry-on luggage.

Courtesy of Away

The Insider Packing Cubes by Away

Best stylish packing cubes

• Buy now: from $45 for four, awaytravel.com
• Pros: Fun colors, see-through top, designed to fit popular Away luggage
• Cons: Not compressible

Sometimes the best travel accessories are the ones designed for the luggage you already own. Case in point: Away’s Insider Packing Cubes are sized to fit specifically in its Bigger Carry-On luggage . Sold as a set of four, these lightweight cubes are made with water-resistant nylon to protect your belongings and have a mesh panel on top so you can see what you’re looking for in your bag. Each set includes a small wide cube, as well as a medium wide, medium slim, and large wide cube to keep your socks organized and separated from bulkier items like sweaters. As with its suitcases, Away sells its packing cubes in a variety of colors.

Own Away’s checked luggage? The brand also sells packing cubes in sets of six to fit in its large and medium-size suitcases.

The BluffCube comes in two different sizes and appears here in the “Sport” fabric.

Courtesy of Bluffworks

“BluffCube Pro” Compression Packing Cubes by Bluffworks

Best packing cubes for business travelers

• Buy now: $11–$16 (was $22–$32 for one), bluffworks.com
• Pros: Machine-washable, lightweight, adjustable size
• Cons: Expensive when they’re not on sale

Founded in 2012, Bluffworks has gathered a cult following for its travel-friendly pants , blazers, and dresses made from wrinkle resistant, moisture wicking, and machine washable materials. Now the travel clothing company also makes “BluffCube” compression packing cubes.

In addition to a side-access zipper, these packing cubes can be packed from the elastic top access opening and compressed with a strap that has an adjustable buckle. The “Pro” fabric is a slightly structured brushed ripstop nylon designed with business travelers in mind. (There’s also a “Sport” option made with an ultra-light ripstop nylon.) Each type comes in two sizes—large (10.5 liters) and small (3.9 liters). The small is ideal for shorter trips, with room to fit one T-shirt, two pairs of shorts, three pairs of underwear, and two pairs of socks. The large can fit up to six shirts, two pairs of pants, two pairs of shorts, three sets of underwear, and two pairs of socks.

The Matador Packing Cube Set comes in three colors, including Black, Slate Blue, and Arctic White, seen here.

Courtesy of Matador

Packing Cube Set by Matador

Best packing cubes for clamshell-opening backpacks or duffle bags

• Buy now: $30 for three, matadorequipment.com
• Pros: Waterproof coating, dual handles, and simple, modern design
• Cons: No option to buy individual cubes

Like just about every item in Matador’s line of travel-friendly gear, the brand’s new Packing Cube Set has a sleek, modern, and minimalist aesthetic. Sturdily crafted from recycled nylon with a waterproof coating, these cubes are ready to stand up to the rigor of travel.

Available in a set of three cubes of different sizes—small (2.5 liters), medium (5 liters), and large (7.5 liters)—they’re designed to fit perfectly within the body of the Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack or any other clamshell-opening backpacks of similar size.

The best parts of these cubes are in the details. The inclusion of handles on two sides of the cubes help travelers tug their packing cube out of a tightly packed backpack or duffle. Plus, each cube has two zippers, which can help close a particularly overstuffed cube.

The PackStack system is designed specifically for use in top-loading backpacks.

Courtesy of Hillsound

PackStacks by Hillsound

Best packing cubes for top-loading backpacks

• Buy now: $22–$25 for one, hillsound.com ; amazon.com
• Pros: Designed for top-loading backpacks, handles, weatherproof
• Cons: “Tall” packing cube is too large

While most packing cubes come in a square shape designed for suitcases, the PackStack by the Canadian gear company Hillsound stands apart for its semicircle shape that fits perfectly in a traditional outdoors backpack. A top handle makes the cube easy to pull out from top-loading packs, while the weatherproof fabric keeps what’s inside safe from any weather you might encounter. Although we’ve yet to test them more long-term, these cubes have remained sturdy and intact after several trips—from camping in California to backpacking in Borneo—making them an ideal option for packing up your rucksack. The PackStack system comes in four different sizes, with short and tall versions designed specifically for 60L and 40L backpacks. The 40L short PackStack has room for 5.6 liters worth of stuff, while the 40L tall is 9.8 liters. The 60L short is 6.4 liters and 60L tall is 11.1 liters.

“I tested the 40L tall, but I would have really preferred two 40L shorts—the tall is quite spacious and I was actually able to pack all my clothes for Asia (which, admittedly, is abnormally minimalist) and had extra space leftover,” said Beck.

The five-piece Shacke Pak system includes a small laundry bag.

Courtesy of Amazon

Packing Cubes by Shacke Pak

Best value packing cubes

• Buy now: $22 for four (plus laundry bag), amazon.com
• Pros: Affordable, bonus laundry bag, over 18,000 five-star reviews on Amazon
• Cons: Hand-wash only, not made from sustainable materials

The Shacke Pak set comes with four packing cubes that feature zippers made by the recognizable YKK brand, and the materials are nylon with a mesh cover. (A laundry bag is also included.) The product itself is simple, but it definitely gets the job done, according to travel blogger Sophie Anderson, who said that Shacke is her preferred brand of packing cube. “Having a designated cube for my shirts, pants, undergarments, and miscellaneous items seriously simplifies the packing process. I mean, who wants to have to take out everything when looking for one shirt or one pair of socks?” said Anderson.

How to use packing cubes

There are no set rules on how to use packing cube, but here are some tips on using them to organize and pack your luggage:

• Find packing cubes that fit in your luggage. Optimize the space your cubes take up by buying ones that fit the dimensions of your suitcase or backpack. For example, Tortuga Backpacks sells packing cubes designed to fit perfectly within the main compartment of its backpacks.
• Use cubes to sort your clothes or group similar items together. Underwear in one cube, hiking clothes in another.
• Roll your clothes before you place them in the cube. This will make it easier to see everything that’s in a single packing cube without rummaging through it.
• Layer flat items, like jeans, on top. Some items are hard to roll. That’s OK. Fold them and place them on top of your smaller, rolled T-shirts and dresses, before you zip your packing cube shut.

Can I just use Ziploc bags instead?

For the very budget-minded, there’s always Ziploc bags, including the larger Ziploc storage bags , and the brand’s travel “Space Bags,” which are a compression version space saver. These budget substitutes may be perfectly acceptable to some, but given the very short life span of a Ziploc bag compared with proper packing cube systems, this is not only the least durable option but also by far the least eco-friendly option of the bunch.

Are packing cubes worth it?

Packing cubes are absolutely worth using to keep your luggage organized, separate dirty and clean clothes, or corral small items—like electronics and cords—in one place. Generally speaking, packing cubes won’t save you space (unless you previously packed with the “shove all my clean laundry in a suitcase” method). However, a compression cube, which is like an expandable suitcase in cube form, can squish bulky items like sweaters and jackets into more manageable parcels. For frequent travelers, it’s certainly worth investing a bit more if you want your packing cubes to last.

Lyndsey Matthews and Jessie Beck contributed additional reporting to this story.

This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was updated on April 12, 2024, to include current information.

16 of the Best Travel Organizers to Turn You Into a Packing Pro

Getaways are fun. packing isn’t—but it can be.

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

Raise your hand if packing stresses you out. *Pauses for every single person reading this to lift their arm.* Even if you’re an avid traveler, there’s no denying that the process of deciding what to bring when you're away from home—and how to most efficiently fit it into your luggage —can be a universally daunting process. It seems no matter how big our carry-on is, we're always short of space, making our OOTD planning a real challenge. If you’re a fellow stuffer and crammer looking to change your troubled ways, then a trusty travel organizer may just be what you need.

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying?  Sign up for our shopping newsletter  to uncover our favorite finds.

The Best Travel Organizers at a Glance

Best Travel Toiletry Organizer

Dagne dover mila travel organizer.

Best Suitcase Travel Organizer

Bumblebella by jill martin hanging packing cubes.

Best Pill Travel Organizer

Fullicon pill travel organizer.

Best Hanging Travel Organizer

Calpak terra toiletry organizer.

Best Jewelry Travel Organizer

Nordstrom hexagon jewelry case, meet the expert.

Linda Samuels is a New York-based certified coach and professional organizer in chronic disorganization who launched her company, Oh, So Organized! , in 1993. She also serves as the professional organizer advisor for Nest by Revel .

How We Chose the Best Travel Organizers

In addition to keeping an eye out for lightweight picks with good hardware and plenty of extras, we gravitated towards organizers that would best prevent damage to your belongings. This meant choosing ones with water-resistant material (because who wants to open their suitcase to find a soaking mess?). In addition, we researched products that both our readers and shoppers felt strongly about, digging deep into their positive and critical reviews alike to find the cream of the crop. Whether you’re going away for business or vacation, here are some of the best travel organizers that’ll make your transportation efforts a little (or a lot) easier.

35 Travel Essentials, According to Travel Bloggers, Family Travelers and General Adventurers

1. Dagne Dover Mila Travel Organizer

What we like.

• recycled materials
• removable divider
• adjustable compartments
• carrying handles

What We Don't Like

• can be cumbersome to open and close

Dagne Dover

If using all those jet fuel miles has you feeling guilty about your carbon footprint, ease your conscience and help save the planet (sort of) by compensating with the 100 percent Repreve travel organizer that PureWow readers are obsessed with . Made from recycled water bottle plastic, its material manages to repel water to keep your belongings safe. We're also big fans of that interior divider, which features six compartments that can not only be adjusted as needed, but removed entirely, allowing you to fit exactly what you need inside. Oh, and did we mention the toothbrush holders? (Psst: If this one's too large for your tastes, there's also a smaller version , from $50, available.)

• Best for: toiletries

2. BumbleBella by Jill Martin Hanging Packing Cubes

• water-resistant
• compressive
• super sturdy
• multi-purpose
• need to be air-dried

BumbleBella by Jill Martin

We’ve all been there: sitting on our luggage with all our might to make sure the thing actually closes shut. But that was before we got our hands on these BumbleBella by Jill Martin hanging packing cubes. According to the brand, these little babies have 30 percent more compression than their competitors, making it easier to fit your essentials inside your suitcase. What's more, you can link the shelf-like cube bottoms together when the tops are flipped open to create a mini hanging dresser once you arrive to your destination. (Genius, right?) They definitely work: Commerce Director Nicole Briese uses them even when she's not traveling to display her purses. Each set comes with two cubes as well as a mesh skinny garment container for your dirty socks, underwear and the like. Just be sure not to throw the cubes in the dryer, as they could lose their shape.

• Best for: clothes and delicates

3. Fullicon Pill Travel Organizer

• airtight seal
• spacious design
• may not hold as much as it claims

Spilled pills can be a disaster. Luckily, this neat organizer makes sure your prescriptions are one less thing you’ll have to worry about while traveling. Equipped with seven ultra-secure compartments, it's got a rubber ring around the edge to make for an airtight seal, preventing your important medications from getting damp or dusty. According to the company, it can hold between 12 and 14 vitamins or five to seven fish oil pills in each compartment for a total of between 35 to 98 pills, though shoppers say it's a bit smaller than advertised. To be safe, you may want to order the next size up ($12).

• Best for: medications, vitamins

4. Calpak Terra Toiletry Organizer

• collapsible
• sustainable
• toothbrush loops
• doesn't fully zip shut
• can spill in suitcase

This foldable, hanging travel organizer is guaranteed to keep your toothpaste, deodorant, razor and more in check. Why? Because it has a large base compartment with elastic bands at the top and sides to keep everything in place when you’re on the move. It also includes a top handle, so you can carry it around with ease. The 100 percent recycled ripstop polyester material is water-resistant and super strong, and the whole thing weighs less than 1 pound, making it ultra-lightweight.

5. Nordstrom Hexagon Jewelry Case

• interior layers to protect against scratching
• elastic anti-tangle pockets
• takes up a decent amount of room in a tote or suitcase
• bottom compartment sticks

Know what's not fun? Detangling seven necklaces before dinner. Thanks to the clever design of this chic jewelry travel organizer, you shouldn't have to. Its hexagonal shape unrolls to reveal five separate compartments: two for sunglasses, one for earrings, one for necklaces and bracelets (complete with five snaps to keep them in place) and one for rings. Each one also has features to fit the jewelry at hand (the earring compartment, for instance, has a small board to affix your studs to). After testing it out, we can confirm that nothing shifts or falls out when it's rolled up, and it's got enough room for nearly our entire jewelry collection. No wonder this baby sold out during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ! Our only complaints? We have found that it does take up a decent amount of space in your tote or carry-on and the bottom compartment can stick to the one above, requiring a bit of a tug.

• Best for: earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, sunglasses and watches

Best Travel Makeup Organizer

6. paravel see-all vanity travel organizer.

• easy-to-clean
• transparent bottom
• stain-resistant
• customizable

If you need your face to be on fleek no matter where you go, then you better make sure you’re storing your cosmetic products with care. This makeup travel organizer will meet your needs and then some. Its open design means you can fit everything from your setting spray and moisturizer to your favorite foundation inside, and the see-through material means you (and TSA) will be able to quickly and easily take stock of your things. The canvas top can be personalized with your initials for an extra $15 to $65, and it's also spill-proof and stain-resistant in case of a leak. The square shape will fit neatly in your suitcase, too, meaning you won’t have to choose between your shoes and your makeup brushes . And if it doesn't? Try the smaller size here ($75).

• Best for: toiletries, makeup

Best Travel Organizer Bags

7. m-jump travel organizer bags.

• partially waterproof
• reasonably priced
• limsy zippers mesh
• zippers are not waterproof

If you’re going away for more than a week, then you’ll want to give this six-piece set of travel organizer bags a try. Versatile and practical, they'll reportedly hold between seven to ten days worth of just about anything, according to the company, from your cashmere sweaters to your shoes. An added bonus, the breathable mesh cloth will keep your garments fresh and aired out for the duration of your trip.

• Best for: clothes, undergarments, cosmetics, shoes

Best Travel Tech Organizer

8. dagne dover arlo travel organizer.

• water-repellent for protection
• convenient dual-zipper closure
• recycled lining
• hand-wash only
• exterior material can crease and pill over time

If you’ve ever fallen victim to the dreaded tangled cord fiasco while traveling with your phone and laptop, then you won’t regret investing in this little guy. It comes equipped with five handy elastic loops that’ll keep your wires in place, plus several mesh pockets, making everything easily accessible as soon as you unzip. It also comes in a smaller version ($50) if you tend to travel light.

• Best for: charging cables, cords, hard drives, small tablets

Best Travel Passport Organizer

9. béis the passport and luggage tag set.

• hidden magnetic closure for discreteness
• only weighs 1 pound
• pen can make it difficult to close

Picture this: You're next in line for airport security with a line a mile long behind you, frantically digging through your purse to try to find your ID, your passport and your boarding pass, your anxiety growing by the second as your fellow passengers grow impatient behind you. Sound familiar? You need this passport organizer set. The passport holder not only houses your passport, it's got room for your ID, two credit cards and a pen, while the luggage tag will make your bag easily identifiable. As an added bonus, both pieces come inside a clear bag you can use for toiletries and other odds and ends.

• Best for: passport, pens and credit cards

Best Travel Organizer Bag Sets

10. mark & graham block print travel set.

• waterproof toothbrush case
• easy to clean
• heat-protected interior

Mark & Graham

You know how Samuels advised investing in higher-quality products to save yourself from frustration? This is one of those times. Yes, you could find a cotton cosmetics case, hair bag and toothbrush case for far cheaper elsewhere. But you'd be giving up a lot of stellar features that make this set worth its price tag, like the heat-protected interior of the hair tool bag (excellent for the still-hot straightener you need to throw in your bag last minute), the wipeable interior of the cosmetics case (a true life-saver after a spill) and the waterproof-lined toothbrush holder. You can monogram each of the two cases for an extra-personal touch, and the zipper closures have a tassel that make them easier to pull.

• Best for: makeup, hair products, toothbrush

Best Shoe Travel Organizer

11. eneteck shoe bags.

• minimalist cube shape
• can fold flat
• holds three pairs
• trolley sleeve
• weak zippers

Whether you’re bringing sneakers, stilettos or crocs along for the ride, there’s no better way to pack your kicks than with this travel organizer that's designed specifically for your shoes. Its three stacked layers will keep each pair separate, and its water-resistant mesh areas will keep things nice and breathable. We also love that it includes a trolley sleeve, complete with a cell phone pocket, on the back, so you won't have to take up any extra room inside your luggage to use it.

• Best for: sneakers, flip-flops, heels, loafers

Best Travel Pouch

12. calpak compakt pouch set.

• lightweight
• heavy-duty zippers
• hanging loops
• on the thin side
• colors may differ from photos

Store cosmetics, chargers and other small goods to your heart’s content with this set of ripstop nylon organizers in three different sizes. The simple-but-effective craftsmanship includes a heavy-duty zipper that runs along across the top of the cases, and the bright color options will make them easy to identify amongst a sea of packed belongings in your luggage. Reviewers say they're far more spacious than they appear and they're water-resistant, too.

• Best for: makeup, essentials, odds and ends

Most Stylish

13. sophia joy travel organizer.

• super spacious
• wipeable lining
• organizational
• compartments
• may be too big for some

Who said you have to sacrifice order for style while on-the-go? With this chic travel organizer, you can get the best of both worlds. According to Walmart buyers, it holds more than expected between its two large compartments, and the gold hardware with double zippers is well-made, earning this bag a near-perfect rating from its fans. If you're short on packing space, however, you may want to opt for something a bit smaller.

• Best for: makeup, hair products

Best Innovative Travel Organizer

14. cadence travel organizer.

• pre-labeled
• customizable sets
• capacity calculator
• too small for long trips
• original and flex systems not compatible

Love to be ultra-organized? Then feast your eyes on these effortlessly cool capsules by Cadence. These nifty little space-saving tiles connect together via magnets to form the shape of a hexagon. Although the pack of six may be a little on the pricey side, Cadence fans say the worry-free, truly leakproof design make them totally worth the splurge. Raved one buyer: "Maybe the first time ever I could travel with no leaks or spills whatsoever."

You can choose which containers you want in your set, and there's a little capacity calculator to tell you how much of something each one will hold. (A typical capsule, for instance, will fit 13 to 14 uses of moisturizer for about one to two weeks of use.) Pay attention to what set you're ordering if you're looking to stock up, however, as the original set linked here is not compatible with the taller, wider Flex set (from $98).

• Best for: shampoo, conditioner, contact solution, vitamins, pills

Best Packing Cubes Travel Organizer

15. monos compressible travel organizers.

• hard to zip

If you’re the type of person who likes to bring your whole house with you on vacay, this set is for you. It includes four to six separate polyester cubes in varying sizes, and according to the company, each one will maximize the amount of items you'll be able to pack by compressing your items by up to 60 percent. These cubes also offer an air of luxury: One reviewer also noted that the fabric was silky-smooth to the touch, while another raved over the fact that they manage to keep their shape when empty despite still collapsing down for storage.

• Best for: clothes, undergarments, thin shoes

Best Bottle Travel Organizer

16. morfone bottle travel organizer set.

• chic trimmed lining
• transparent center
• oily liquids can leak

There’s no doubt that packing your shampoos, lotions and more can be a nerve-wracking experience. That’s because sometimes, even if you do everything right, a goopy mess can still unfold in your luggage due to bumps and turns while transporting your goods. That’s where this set, specifically designed for liquid-like substances, comes in. With four TSA-approved 3-ounce, wide-mouth bottles, four 3-ounce jars, two spray bottles, two scoopers, a funnel, a cleaning brush, labels and a bag to house it all, you'll have everything you need to fill these silicone receptacles up with your most prized salves, balms and more, plus everything you'll need to clean them out when you've used them all up. The bottles also feature squeeze tops that make them easy to use. Buyers say they do tend to work better with thicker liquids, like shampoos and conditioners, than oily serums, however, which can leak.

• Best for: shampoos, conditioners, soaps and other liquids

What to Look for in a Travel Organizer

Considering that your travel organizer could make or break your trip if your beloved belongings don't arrive to your destination intact, you shouldn't choose one lightly. Below, three things to look out for.

• Size: To guarantee the best outcome, Samuels suggests opting for something that’s not too bulky that doesn’t add a lot of weight.
• Hardware: Another key component to look for when it comes to travel organizers? Hardware. Samuels notes that zippers tend to be more inconsistent with cheaper products, and the last thing you want is a broken one that leaves you unable to access your things on-the-go. As such, she says it's sometimes worth it to spend a little more on a selection with more reliable hardware.
• The extras: Last but not least, with the often inevitable turbulence of planes, trains and automobiles, it's common for packed items to break, spill or be displaced on their journey. Therefore, it's best to keep an eye out for padded options that include straps, buckles, hooks and pockets that can restrain your assets from shifting around. Basically? The more bells and whistles, the better!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of travel organizers, travel organizers are ideal for protecting your belongings and neatly displaying them while simultaneously saving you precious storage space. and given the increasingly chaotic nature of traveling (can you say " delays "), they can also bring you a much-needed sense of calm during your excursion. “the more organized you can be with your physical belongings, [the more it] will reduce some of the stress that you have with regular travel,” says new-york based professional organizer linda samuels of oh, so organized as samuels points out, getting to your destination and adjusting to a new setting is overwhelming enough as it is, so the last thing you need is a cluttered mess when you finally unzip your luggage. “[if] you have a suitcase or a small bag, and you have things all in a jumble, it's hard to just access what you want,”she tells purewow. “the more that you can ... create homes within the little home that you're working [with], the easier [things will] be to access.", where are the best places to buy travel organizers, while amazon will be your best bet if you’re planning a last-minute getaway, sites dedicated to travel, such as calpak and béis , have a large selection of dependable products that’ll whip your packing game into shape..

The Top 17 Pieces of Underseat Luggage (Because Have You Seen Those Airline Baggage Fees?)

Freelance Writer

Why you should trust us.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Details here .

16 Best Packing Cubes for Easy, Organized, Wrinkle-Free Travel

Kim Orlando

Traveling can be an incredibly exciting experience, but it also has its own unique set of challenges. From fitting everything you need for your trip into one suitcase to preventing your clothes from ending up in a wrinkled mess, travel experts know the importance of investing in travel gear that keeps them organized and efficient while on the go.

That’s where compression packing cubes come in. A genius must-have piece of luggage for anyone – overpackers, underpackers and just-right packers alike – the best packing cubes allow you to fit a week’s worth of stuff in your carry-on luggage or even just a travel backpack.

Keep it all organized during transit and make unpacking at your destination super easy with one of these great compression cube sets.

1. Eagle Creek Pack-It Overnight Packing Cubes Set.

• Durable and water-resistant luggage organizer set
• Made with rugged Bluesign-certified poly ripstop fabric from post-consumer recycled material
• Self-repairing zippers with easy climbing rope-inspired puller
• Pack-It Reveal Cube S with a large mesh window and innovative angled zipper design for different packing styles

The Eagle Creek Pack-It Overnight Packing Cubes Set is a must-have for frequent travelers who want to keep their belongings well-organized and protected. Made with durable Bluesign-certified poly ripstop fabric from post-consumer recycled material, these compression cubes can withstand the wear and tear of constant travel while keeping your clothes and other essentials safe from water damage.

2. AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set.

• Double zipper pulls make it easy to open and close the packing cubes quickly
• A mesh panel allows for easy identification of the contents inside while providing ventilation
• The soft mesh used in the construction of these packing cubes won’t damage delicate fabrics
• A webbing handle on each cube allows for the convenient carrying of individual cubes
• This set includes four packing cubes – a slim cube, small cube, medium cube and large cube

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but the planning and packing stages can often be overwhelming, especially if you’re packing for a family. Fortunately, this set of packing cubes from Amazon comes in a variety of different colors so you can get every member of the family their own set for easy identification once you arrive at your destination.

3. eBags Light 5 Piece Packing Cube Set.

• Made with 30D CORDURA brand nylon and a polyurethane coating for durability and resistance to shifting
• Patent-pending spring-loaded framed design helps cubes hold their shape
• Premium self-repairing coil zippers with corded pulls
• Available in multiple colors
• Guaranteed for life

The eBags Light 5 Piece Packing Cube Set includes one slim, two small and two large cubes. The spring-loaded frame design helps the cubes hold their shape when filled which makes them easy to use and ensures that everything stays in its place while in transit. Should a zipper get stuck, simply wiggle the corded pulls and realign the zipper teeth.

4. Peak Design Packing Cube Medium for Quick and Efficient Packing

• Ultra-fast tear-away for quick access
• Top and bottom handles for easy opening
• Controllable expansion with an expansion and compression zipper
• The weatherproof exterior is made of ultralight, 100% recycled 70D nylon and a poly shell that is abrasion- and rip-resistant
• The interior is made up of silicone-coated mesh internal pockets that keep items clean and dry
• Lifetime guarantee

The Peak Design Packing Cube is an excellent choice for travelers because it is an expandable packing cube as well as one of the best compression cubes. Expand it to pack more in a checked bag or compress it to fit into a carry-on. This feature is especially useful for those who plan to go on extended trips or need to pack for multiple destinations.

5. AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set

• Double zipper pulls for easy access
• Mesh top panel for identification of contents and ventilation
• Soft mesh won’t damage delicate fabrics
• Webbing handle for convenient carrying
• Set includes 2 medium cubs and 2 large cubes

The AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set is a must-have for all types of travelers and makes a great travel gift under $25. The double zipper pulls make it easy to access your packed items, and the mesh top panel allows for easy identification of contents and also promotes ventilation to keep your clothes fresh. Use the large cubes to pack bulky items such as sweaters into a smaller compressed space while the small travel cubes work great for organizing underwear and even electronics.

6. BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes Luggage Packing Organizers for Travel Accessories

• Smooth nylon fabric that protects clothes from wrinkles and stains
• Water-repellent feature to keep clothes safe from spills or leaks
• Sturdy double-way zipper with extended cord for easy opening and closing
• Soft and smooth mesh top panel to avoid fumbling and help identify clothes
• Includes laundry bag, toiletry bag and shoe bag

The BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes Luggage Packing Organizers for Travel Accessories is an essential item for any traveler. The water-repellent feature also adds an extra layer of protection against spills or leaks, so you don’t have to worry about ruining your clothes. And it comes in many colors so everyone can have their own set!

7. Gonex Packing Cubes

• Mesh top panel for easy identification and ventilation
• Honeycomb RipStop water-repellent fabric
• High-quality zippers for durability
• Lightweight and easy to store and organize
• Set includes a shoe bag and electronics organizer

The packing cubes are made from durable Honeycomb RipStop fabric. This material resists wear and tear, ensuring that your items remain safe and sound. Furthermore, the high-quality zippers are robust; they won’t break or become stuck.

8. Osprey Packing Cube

• Made of high-quality 100% nylon material
• Designed and manufactured in the USA
• Provides premium efficiency and style
• Convenient storage suitable for every season

Osprey Packing Cube Large Shadow is an excellent choice for travelers due to its practical design and multipurpose capabilities. The product is designed to harmonize with each season, providing ample space for your travel items, and making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers. You can use this packing cube to store items like clothes, shoes, toiletries or any other travel essentials that you may require during your exploration.

9. Shacke Pak Packing Cubes

• Reinforced Stitching
• Easy Clean Material
• Includes a laundry bag

The Shacke Pak is an essential starter kit for a 14-day vacation. The included laundry bag is particularly useful for separating soiled clothing from clean clothes.

10. Thule Compression Packing Cubes

• A durable compression zipper eliminates excess air to maximize packing space
• The semitransparent fabric allows you to see what’s inside while still keeping belongings discreet
• Cube opens wide easily for convenient packing
• Made from durable, bluesign-approved 100D ripstop nylon material that is water-repellent and minimizes impact on the environment

Thule Compression Packing Cubes come in two sizes – small and medium. Most carry-on luggage can easily hold two medium packing cubes or one medium and two small cubes, so you can choose the sizes that fit your traveling needs.

11. Samsonite 3 Piece Packing Cube Set.

• 3-piece packing cube set includes small, medium and large cubes
• Mesh top provides visibility and breathability
• Lightweight design for easy transport

One of the best features of this packing cube set is its lightweight design. The whole set weighs just 0.44 pounds, meaning it won’t add unnecessary weight to your luggage. The smaller cubes are perfect for keeping jewelry, toiletries, undergarments, socks, scarves, ties, belts and electronic cords organized.

12. Vekens Packing Cubes

• Square-shaped packing cubes in 4 different sizes – extra large, large, medium and small – plus a laundry bag and shoe bag
• 26% thicker nylon fabric for durability and resistance
• Unique logo stamp for easy identification of items inside

Their innovative design with waterproof and recyclable Eva material ensures that your items stay dry even if your suitcase or backpack gets wet. Plus, the unique logo stamp on each cube helps you quickly locate what you need without wasting time.

13. Paravel Packing Cube Quads

• Four cubes in three different sizes – one large, one medium and two small
• Nylon made from upcycled plastic bottles
• View window for easy identification of contents

The Paravel Packing Cube Quads offer a versatile and sustainable solution for travelers who value organization and eco-friendliness. These packing cubes can fit a wide range of items, from undergarments to larger clothing items like light jackets and towels. One standout feature of these packing cubes is their negative nylon material, which is made from 16 upcycled plastic bottles, saving the planet while it saves space in your suitcase!

14. BAGAIL 6 Set Packing Cubes

• Made of high-quality nylon
• Mesh top panel for easy identification of contents and ventilation
• Durable and long-lasting construction with no broken zippers or weak stitching.
• Comes with a laundry bag for dirty clothes 
• Grab handle at the top

The BAGAIL 6 Set Packing Cubes have handles on top, which makes it easy to pull them out of a travel backpack. It also means they can double as a daypack.

15. Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

• 6-piece set with various sizes, including a laundry bag
• Soft, water-repellent polyester material with HD printed flower pattern
• Breathable and visible mesh top
• Well-organized and convenient for sorting clothes, towels and dirty laundry
• Space-saving and multifunctional, suitable for various occasions

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are a must-have for anyone who travels frequently. This 6-piece set offers a range of sizes to meet all of your packing needs, including a laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate. The soft, water-repellent polyester material is not only durable, but it also features a beautiful HD printed flower pattern that is both stylish and functional.

16. Briggs & Riley 3 Pack Zippered Packing Cubes

• Premium quality polyester fabric and PVC-lined compartments keep clothes neat and wrinkle-free
• Mesh windows for breathability
• Machine washable on low or delicate setting
• Double zipper pulls for smoother zipping action

The set includes three varied sizes that can accommodate all types of clothing, allowing you to fit more clothing and accessories in your luggage while keeping everything organized. Made from premium quality polyester fabric and equipped with PVC-lined compartments, these packing cubes help to keep clothes neat and free from wrinkles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the benefits of using packing cubes.

When it comes to traveling, it is essential to pack efficiently and effectively. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using packing cubes. These small, lightweight and versatile cubes maximize your packing space and help you stay organized and protect your belongings.

What to look for when buying packing cubes?

Size and quantity.  Some sets come with varying sizes to fit different types of clothing or personal belongings.

Durability.  A well-constructed packing cube will protect and preserve your items. The best travel packing cubes come with a guarantee or warranty.

Breathability . A breathable material will prevent unpleasant odors or moisture build-up, ultimately providing a more hygienic and fresh packing experience.

Water resistance .  Look for waterproof or water-resistant packing cubes to protect your clothes from spills in your suitcase.

Does TSA go through packing cubes?

Not necessarily. Opt for packing cubes with see-through sides if you want to lessen the chance a TSA security screener will want to open your carefully packed and compressed packing cubes.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• TODAY Plaza
• Share this —

• Watch Full Episodes
• Read With Jenna
• Inspirational
• Relationships
• TODAY Table
• Newsletters
• Start TODAY
• Shop TODAY Awards
• Citi Music Series
• Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

• On The Show

Having trouble packing? Travel experts share how to find the perfect organizer

Spring break is just around the corner, which means it’s time to grab your carry-on and luggage tag and get ready to hit the road. Although packing for a vacation can often be stressful, organizers are a great way to maximize your suitcase space and fit all your necessary travel accessories inside without struggling to close it shut.

From travel-friendly jewelry cases to packing cube sets, we’ve found several organizers for your smartest and most efficient packing experience yet. Gone are the days of stressing about preparing for a long-awaited vacation!

What makes a good travel organizer? | Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards winner | Travel organizers for apparel | Travel organizers for accessories | How we chose | Meet the exper ts

Best travel organizers

What makes a good travel organizer?

When it comes to finding the right travel organizer, it is important to consider the accessibility and material of the product. "A good travel organizer must be easy to access and easy to repack to truly be a benefit rather than an inconvenience during the trip," says Jonathan Alder, a luxury travel advisor.

Travel blogger Ali Garland says that packing cubes are a great way to help organize your luggage so you can find things while you’re traveling. “They can also be great for separating dirty clothes from clean clothes, and if you’re sharing a suitcase with a partner, using different colored packing cubes makes it easy to tell whose stuff is whose,” suggests Garland.

"Most of our clients are only spending a few days in each destination before moving on to a new region, so being able to quickly put things in and take things out while still keeping everything organized is a huge advantage and the ultimate goal," explains Alder. When it comes to materials for packing cubes, Alder recommends see-through plastic for visibility or durable nylon.

Garland recommends travel organizers that are made of thin and lightweight materials that are high quality. "You don’t want poorly made thin material that will rip," she says.

Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards winner

Cotopaxi nido accessory bag.

• Easy to clean
• Water-resistant
• Small in size

Award: Best Overall Toiletry Bag | Category: Toiletry Bag

This colorful bag is a Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards winner for best overall toiletry bag and is rated a 4.9 overall on the brand's website.

"It holds everything-from full sized face washes to jewelry, hair products and more. It has three main zippered compartments, that include little pouches and compartments within, truly maximizing the space," says editorial assistant Sierra Hoeger. "Plus, it’s durable and the recycled nylon fabric is easy to clean with a Clorox wipe, should anything spill," she says.

Travel organizers for apparel

Hibag compression bags for travel.

Compression Bags for Travel (Set of 12)

• Easy to use
• May have to re-suction

Dimensions: ‎10.67" x 6.85" x 2.25" | Material: Polyethylene

Keep calm and travel on! These compression bags are about to become your new best friend. This 12-pack combo, made of polyethylene, includes six medium and six large bags that are the ultimate travel solution for efficient packing.

One Shop TODAY writer who put these to the test had nothing but raves about the value and amount of space she's saving in her carry-on. "I'm only using half the space that I'm accustomed to cramming clothing and essentials into. These problem solvers have practically taken 100 percent of the pain out of packing," she summarized.

Bagail Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes (Set of 8)

• Great for sorting clothes
• Zippers may be hard to open

Colorways: 12 | Size: Set of eight | Material: Nylon

This elegant set of eight packing cubes is Amazon’s bestseller in travel packing with over 21,500 verified five-star ratings. All of your swimsuits and beach towels will stay immaculate as these packing cubes are designed to protect from wrinkles, odors and stains. Verified customers speak to the product’s ability to hold a plethora of items, even rain boots!

Shacke Pak Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes (Set of 5)

• Lightweight
• May be flimsy

Colorways: 14 | Size: Set of five | Material: Nylon

This five-piece packing cube set is an Amazon’s Choice for traveling packing organizer for good reason — for starters, it has a near-perfect average and 18,000+ verified five-star ratings. Each size bag in this set was tested, designed and selected to create the perfect packing cube kit for up to a two-week vacation, according to the brand. This useful set also includes a laundry bag to successfully separate your clean clothes from the dirty ones.

One verified customer said, “I’ve heard about these products, but didn’t think I’d ever use them. What was I thinking? I used all of these for a recent trip, Zippers work well, cubes are sturdy with a carry strap. Big improvement over my usual packing job. I would recommend these.”

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

Compression Packing Cubes (Set of 3)

• May lose shape

Colorways: 10 | Dimensions: 17.32” x 12.99” x 3.54” | Material: Nylon

Made from ultra-soft, lightweight, rip-stop nylon, these compression cubes feature double zippers and easy grab handle for more seamless excursions.

“I just recently used these on a trip and loved them. I was able to get five pairs of pants in one and five heavier shirts in another. They compacted so well that I had extra room in my suitcase. I have been telling friends about them,” said one satisfied customer.

Dagne Dover Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag

Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag

• Dries quickly
• Thin material

Colorways: Two | Dimensions: 5.25” x 1” — 11” H (depending on how much you roll it) | Material: Waterproof nylon

How many times have you gone swimming while on vacation and had zero space to store your dripping wet bikini? Struggle no more as this Dagne Dover roll-top dry bag is ideal for post-swim storage and protecting your bathing suits. This 100 percent vegan bag includes a wipeable waterproof interior and plastic clip to ensure that moisture doesn’t drip onto your clean gear.

“This is a lifesaver when going to the beach or pool. It’s spacious enough to put a couple of wet suits away and keep them separate in your beach bag,” said one verified buyer.

Stow-N-Go Luggage Organizer

Luggage and Travel Organizer

• Not super roomy

Colorways: Six | Dimensions: 11.8” x 11.8” x 25.2” | Material: Polyester

Whether you’re hanging 10 at the beach or lounging by the pool over spring break, this luggage and travel organizer is sure to come in handy. We know you’ll want your vacation to start the moment you land at the airport and this sweet set will save you time unpacking — all you need to do is hang it in your closet to instantly access all your wardrobe essentials.

“You know those products that make you go, “Wow, why didn’t I think of that?” Well, this is one of them,” one Shop TODAY writer said about this clever organizer . “Thanks to the three-tiered shelving system, I never have to spend time unpacking or, more importantly, touching dirty hotel drawers or closets. As soon as I undo the Stow-N-Go’s buckles, it expands, leaving my neatly stacked clothing wrinkle-free and easy to access.”

Bagail Compression Packing Cubes

Compression Packing Cubes (Set of 4)

• May not be air tight

Colorways: 33 | Size: Set of four

Are you known to have a lot of baggage? These bestselling compression packing cubes with 14,500 verified five-star ratings are exactly what you need for your next vacation. The smooth, soft nylon fabric will protect your clothes from wrinkles and stains, even if you’re traveling all the way across the world.

One wanderlust-filled Amazon shopper raved, “I bought these for a trip to Greece. It was amazing how much I could fit into each one. It really helped separate my clothes so I didn’t have to unpack my entire suitcase each time. It was nice to have them zipped up when TSA opened my bag too. It seems like I was definitely able to get more clothes in that I would have been able to without them, and I liked how tidy it was.”

Eagle Creek PACK-IT™ Isolate Compression Cube Set

PACK-IT™ Isolate Compression Cube Set

• Nice compression
• Multiple sizes
• Great quality

Colorways: Four | Size: S/M set | Materials: Polyester ripstop

Garland is a fan of Eagle Creek's packing cubes which are designed for travelers that want to travel light, according to the brand. Available in four hues and rated a 4.7-overall, this durable set of packing cubes contains two different sizes to safely store all your vacation essentials.

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

The Insider Packing Cubes (Set of 6)

Colorways: Four | Size: Set of six | Material: Nylon

This set of six packing cubes is sure to blow you Away! Made from water-resistant nylon, these chic travel organizers are designed with a mesh panel so you can easily spot your favorite cover-up without having to rummage through your entire suitcase. “Love them!!! Makes finding items so much easier,” said one happy customer.

Calpak Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set

5-Piece Packing Cube Set

Colorways: 17 | Size: Set of five | Material: Polyester

Packing was just made easy with this five-piece-set that includes a water-resistant envelope pouch. Designed to fit nicely in your luggage and keep all your toiletries and more in order. “Got the five piece set in black. In comparison to previous sets I’ve owned, these are much more supportive and sleek. In addition, although they appear thin, they can store a lot more than you’d think. Would recommend!” exclaimed one customer.

Travel organizers for accessories

Cheopz travel watch case.

Travel Watch Case Single Storage Box

• Very sturdy
• Keeps watch protected
• May be smaller than expected

Material: Nylon

An Amazon’s Choice for watch travel cases, this round, hard shell box is the ideal solution to protect your precious timepiece while traveling. The high-quality zipper will help keep this case securely closed and features a soft plush velvet interior lining to protect against unwanted scratches.

Bagsmart Jewelry Organizer

Jewelry Organizer Case

• Keeps jewelry organized
• Could use spot for bracelets

Colorways: Eight | Dimensions: 9.8’’ x 6.1’’ x 1.9’’ | Material: Polyester

Keep all your bedazzled goods extra shiny while traveling with this soft polyester organizer. This Amazon’s Choice product includes five compartments and two-way zipper closure for keeping your valuables safely stored.

One five-star reviewer raved, “I love this case. It’s soft, meaning it collapses down to hold the jewelry but not take a lot of space in my luggage. It holds enough jewelry for a daily change for a week or more. Everything stays in place, no tangles of chains or things going missing.”

Port and Polish Pill Box

• Soft matte finish

Colorways: Five | Specifications: 5.5” x 2.5” x 0.75” | Material: Plastic

You may be on vacation time, but you’ll no doubt be able to keep your days straight with this Port and Polish pill box. Not only does this pill organizer include seven compartments for easy cleaning, but they are also certified plastic-neutral.

Away The Shoe Cube

The Shoe Cubes (Large) in Black

• Good quality material
• Can be bulky in suitcase

Colorways: Three | Size: 8.66” x 5.1” x 13.8” | Material: Nylon

If the shoe fits! Made from sturdy and flexible water-resistant nylon, this shoe cube from Away features a collapsible divider for separating your sneakers, sandals and high heels for various vacation activities. “I have 3 of these in the primary colors. They protect your shoes, look great and fit nicely in the Away suitcases that I own. Along with the packing cubes these are a necessity,” said one satisfied customer.

Béis The Hanging Jewelry Case

The Hanging Jewelry Case

• May be too large

Material: Polyurethane, nylon, micro-suede

This super trendy organizer from Beis will keep your necklaces, bracelets, rings and more in pristine condition while you travel. Lined with a peach skin microfiber, this resourceful case includes six small zip pockets, three necklace holders, an elasticized pocket, two medium zip pockets and a large zip pocket. It’s also embossed with the Beis logo and includes a built-in hanger for easy storage and access when on the road.

One verified buyer said, “I love this case! It can store A LOT without getting bulky and failing to close up. When hanging everything is visible and easily accessible. I’m buying them for all the jewelry loving travelers in my life!!”

Frequently Asked Questions

"The best materials would either be a strong nylon or a clear plastic, so you can easily see what is in each cube or section without having to take everything out," Alder says.

According to Alder, travel organizers are definitely worth it when trying to pack as much as possible in a smaller suitcase. "For the person that wants everything in its place, packing organizers can be a lifesaver. However, they’re the best fit for the right trip and the right suitcase," says Alder.

How we chose the best travel organizers

The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best travel organizers by including the recommendations and advice directly from travel experts. We also combed through top-rated user reviews and included our Shop TODAY Travel Awards winner for best overall toiletry bag.

Meet the expert

• Jonathan Alder is a luxury travel advisor who is the CEO and founder of Jonathan’s Travels .
• Ali Garland is a travel blogger living in Berlin, Germany, and runs  Travel Made Simple and  Berlin Travel Tips . 

Allie Wise is an associate editor for Shop TODAY.

This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Shop Cube Sets

Shop cubes by size, shop toiletry bags, shop makeup bags.

• Shop All Travel Accessories
• Create account

Browse categories

All Products

Clearly the best packing cubes., "my packing heaven sent." - jess, wecome to ezpacking, where packing dreams come true., best sellers, packing cubes, but make 'em clear..

The transparent, see-through design makes all the difference. Organizing your suitcase just got a whole lot easier!

Stackable Goodness

Pack the cubes any way you want to. The modular construction makes stacking super easy!

Peek-Through Design

No more guessing or missing socks with our cubes' clear design. Find what you need in a snap!

Mix and Match

Sharing a suitcase? Assign different color cubes for each person for a stress-free trip.

best seller bundle

Complete Bundle (For Checked Bags) $ 138.00

Ready for some next level packing? Look no further than the Complete Bundle. It's our best selling packing cube set,...

PRESS FEATURES

"A genius upgrade to the classic packing cube."

"They're super structured, totally transparent, and come in fun colors."

"EzPacking Cubes provide a classier and more efficient organizing option."

Customer Love

I purchased the Complete Bundle for my honeymoon and it made packing, unpacking and staying organized SO MUCH easier. Love my EzPacking products!

I love the Starter Set. Makes it very easy to live out of your suitcase. No more rooting through the whole suitcase to find what I need!

Amazing! We were able to consolidate both my husbands and my entire Hawaii vacation wardrobe for 2 weeks in one checked bag! No extra airline fees and just a small carry on!

Meet the Team

EzPacking is a small, family run business from San Diego, CA.

The Blog: Packing 101

How to pack a carry on for travel: simple guide for beginners + tips, starter set (for carry ons), how to pack for a weekend trip: tips + free packing list, tsa approved toiletry bag [extra small cube], how to organize a diaper bag with packing cubes: plus essentials to pack, the ultimate camping trip packing list: tips + free checklist, complete bundle (for checked bags), how to travel with kids (2023): best tips for parents, have a question let's chat., [email protected].

Our team is fully remote, but our head offices are in San Diego, California. One of our team members will get back to you soon!

Let customers speak for us

I received my TSA approved pouch in record time! For that I was pleased. Upon opening the package I noticed a strong plastic-y odor that’s quite unpleasant. I have set the pouch outside in the sun with a handful of baking soda to try and get rid of that smell. I really don’t want to put this into my tote bag and have it affect my other items. Any suggestions?

I first ordered my two bundles of packing cubes in 2019. Then followed up with jewelry case cubes in 2022. Love them for their organization of all my "stuff" when I pack for both long and short trips. I recently had a zipper malfunction on a large cube a few weeks ago, right before a two-week vacation. Thank goodness there are two zippers available for use. So I was still able to use the packing cube. When I returned from my trip, I contacted customer service to find out if there was a way to fix the zipper. Instead, they offered a full replacement of the cube. I so appreciate their customer service excellence. And I HIGHLY recommend these products to all travelers. I have use a couple of other space saving packing items, but none compare as well as the EZ Packing Cubes. Thank you.

I have always traveled using Wardrobe style luggage. Everything has its place, it’s just opened and hung at destination. Settling in for five weeks, just to enjoy life with the Ticos and tourists, required larger versatile luggage. However I am a guy who likes organization, simplicity not chaos.. EZ packing had the answer .. I purchased to full sets allowing my wife and I flexibility to pack our items neatly and tight .. The system works great! I have also been using the cubes for my clothing during the entire trip within the clothes cabinets as . well.. as we prepare to leave for home next week it will be EZ packing ! Pura Vida

We recently took a month long trip where we used the carry-on set. The Large, Medium and Small units worked great. We had a side trip where we only took a personal bag and the medium cube fit neatly in a small backpack.

I been buying using this since 2017 just keep adding it for my family when we travel very useful and organized for us as we travel internationally.

I LOVE these!! They are so pretty!

Sorry it wasn't for me, it was a gift. But the person that received this gift said:"I love it".

I used these before on a trip to Italy and wanted to add to my collection. They are great!

The perfect packing cubes! I love the color and the variety of sizes!

Purchased carry on set, make up bag, & a few extra assorted pieces. High quality products. Having the clear top is a must. Have purchased other packing cubes but had to unzip to find anything. Way to go Ez packing

This actually fits so much! I was able to fit 3 travel containers, a toothbrush, toothpaste, two containers of bug spray, two containers of sunscreen, saline solution, a lens case, spare contacts, and a bottle of perfume! Since it's clear on 5 sides, it makes TSA a breeze! I'll never use a Ziploc sandwich bag again!

We borrowed one on our last trip and really enjoyed the sturdiness of the bag and how it holds more than its size by indicates.

I am an Ezpacking fan! This is my 2nd purchase of the complete bundle (for me and for my daughter). This works great for is when we travel and the best part is that it’s clear, we can see what’s inside each cube. I put them directly inside the dresser drawer in a hotel when we travel.

I found this little bag useful for so many things, including carrying my 3 oz or less toiletries. I also used it for organizing medications and I may buy another for electrical chargers and such!

Make up bag is very easy to pack

Cart is Empty

Complete your set

Circle Pouch Set

Large Cosmetic Bag

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products

The 8 Best Travel Hanging Organizers of 2024

These hanging organizers make packing easier than ever.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Hanging organizers come in all shapes and sizes, from dainty jewelry holders to shelving units. Regardless of their size, the best ones all have something in common: their various compartments encourage more streamlined packing, which in turn makes your life easier while traveling. Not only do they keep you organized, but they also keep your toiletries from overrunning the bathroom sink.

We’ve extensively researched the best hanging organizers at a variety of price points and sizes, testing several of them both in our lab and in real-world tests. We paid careful attention to their ease of use, their capacity and compartments, the quality of the materials, and any standout design features that made them extra useful. The products that ranked highest in our tests have made this list, alongside the picks we found through careful research. Read on for our favorite hanging organizers. 

Best Overall

Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag.

This versatile toiletry bag is packed with organizational features — plus, it’s water-resistant and available in multiple sizes and colors. 

It can be difficult to zip shut if you overpack it. 

Put the days of a cluttered bathroom sink behind you with this portable toiletry bag, which unrolls to reveal four zippered compartments that are designed to keep everything from hair ties to full-sized products in place. Both the medium and large sizes are incredibly spacious, with the latter being better suited to longer trips when you’re checking a suitcase. We love that each section is protected by a transparent and water-resistant plastic pocket, which means you can spot all your products at a glimpse without having to rummage around — plus, the center pockets feature elastic loops which help to keep everything in place. There’s even an external pouch for convenient access to your go-to essentials. 

We found that the zippers were durable and easy to use, although it’s best not to overpack this, as that makes it trickier to close. We appreciated how this bag provides just the right balance of structure and flexibility, offering enough stability to keep our products in place while still packing easily into a weekender bag. It comes in a rainbow of 12 trendy colors and patterns — at such an approachable price point, you might as well grab one for you and your bestie. 

The Details: 12.6 x 9.1 x 4.3 inches (closed); 12.6 x 33.5 inches (open) | Polyester | 0.86 pounds

Best with Removable Pouch

Béis hanging cosmetic case.

This sleek case is easy to clean and includes a removable clear bag to use on-the-go — plus, it’s small enough to fit in a personal item bag. 

There aren’t any elastic ties to hold products in place, so they may topple over in the larger mesh pocket. 

Shay Mitchell’s editor-approved luggage brand is all about minimalist pieces with maximal functionality. We’ve tested a range of Béis products , and we love this hanging cosmetic case for the impressive amount of product we can fit inside, despite how little space it takes up in our carry-ons. The convenient zippered case is crafted from a smooth nylon that’s a breeze to wipe clean, and features a handle for easy portability as well as a hidden hanger. On the inside, there are three sections — a clear zip pocket, two small mesh pockets, and one large mesh pocket. While the pockets don’t have any dividers to keep products in place, we appreciate how that allowed us to store anything we wanted without trying to fit things into a specific compartment. 

In addition to all the pockets, there’s a removable clear bag that we were able to fill with plenty of product, which is ideal for tucking into your personal item on overnight trips or other quick getaways when you don’t need the entire toiletry case. 

The Details: 9.5 x 4.75 inches (closed); 9.5 x 21 inches (open) | Nylon twill exterior, vegan buffalo leather trim, polyester lining | 1.14 pounds 

Best for Jewelry

Mark & graham hanging travel jewelry organizer.

Mark & Graham

Ring holders, earring bars, and plenty of zippered pockets made this a hyper-functional and fashionable way to store your jewelry. 

It’s on the pricier side, and you can’t see the majority of your accessories at a glance without opening up each pocket. 

Anyone who’s tried to untangle a necklace knows the importance of proper jewelry storage, and when it comes to keeping your favorite accessories protected on the go, there’s no better option than this slim organizer from Mark & Graham. Designed to look like a chic vegan leather clutch, it includes a hanging hook and features a tri-fold design with two small zip pockets, a larger nylon zip pocket, and two mesh zip pockets. We particularly love the ring and earring rolls, as well as the six necklace loops, which help keep your most delicate pieces in place. 

The mesh pouch at the bottom is perfect for storing any makeup or brushes that you’d want to grab at a glance, while the large zippered linen pocket offers an additional layer of privacy for you to safely stash watches, statement pieces, and any other valuables. For a personal touch or a thoughtful gift, add a foil monogram. 

The Details: 12 x 9.5 inches (open) | PU leather, linen lining 

Best for Toiletries

Sea to summit hanging toiletry bag.

It’s hyper lightweight, water-resistant, and flexible enough to pack in a personal item without taking up too much space. 

It’s not sturdy enough to stand upright on its own if you choose not to hang it up with the included hook. 

Light packers, rejoice — this nylon toiletry case weighs less than half a pound, meaning you can focus on packing the products you need without worrying about an extra bag weighing you down. It’s available in both small and large sizes, both of which feature an easy-to-clean and durable exterior and several interior compartments. The larger one is flexible enough to squish down easily into small spaces — there’s no rigid lining to work with here, which is great for packability but may not be ideal for those who want a case that can also sit upright on a countertop. 

Inside, there’s a generous main compartment with a divider that we found ideal for storing larger bottles of various sizes, plus two zip mesh pockets for other products, like laundry soap sheets. Even fully packed, our products didn’t weigh the bag down. There’s also an exterior zip pocket, which provides quick access to any must-haves. Our favorite part is the detachable mirror that’s included, which comes in handy for on-the-go touch-ups. 

The Details: 10.2 x 3.9 x 8.9 inches (closed); 20.5 x 9.2 inches (open) | Nylon, mesh | 0.29 pounds

Best for Makeup

Boacay hanging travel toiletry bag.

This generously-sized bag helps keep your products in place with elastic bands, and boasts two smaller pockets that are ideal for storing makeup brushes.  

This is better suited to packing in checked luggage — it takes up a significant amount of room in a carry on. 

Whether you’re jet-setting with your makeup essentials or ferrying them back and forth between work, the gym, and your partner’s place, this bag makes it easy to stay organized. It’s convenient to carry thanks to two soft and sturdy handles, and it features a rotating metal hook that can be hung from anywhere. 

Inside, there are four spacious zippered compartments, each of which are protected by a water-resistant, transparent PVC coating that allows you to see your products all at once. We found that the two smaller pockets were perfect for storing makeup brushes, eyeliner sharpeners, and more. The two middle compartments are incredibly deep — they easily fit full-size hair and skin products — and include 14 elastic bands that helped secure our products during our drop tests. One of the middle compartments features a dual-zippered opening, so you can access your products from either end. While this piece closes up smoothly, it’s still fairly large —  roughly the size of a laptop case — and is better for packing in checked luggage than in a smaller carry-on. 

The Details: 11.4 x 3.8 x 7.5 inches (closed); 11.4 x 3.8 x 31.5 inches (open) | Nylon, mesh | 0.77 pounds 

Most Compact

West elm mini travel kit.

It comes with a water-resistant pouch for safely storing brushes and cosmetics. 

This folds up into a clutch, so there’s no carrying handle.

Light packers looking to keep their essentials organized will appreciate the compact design of this tri-fold bag from West Elm. Crafted from durable polyester, it folds up to the size of a small clutch, yet fits enough product for a weekend trip. With two mesh pockets and a zip-around cosmetics bag, it’s easy to see all of your go-to products at once, without getting overwhelmed by too many pockets and pouches. The zippers are crafted from quality hardware that operates smoothly, ensuring easy access to all of your makeup and skincare. It’s available in three shades: copper red, heather gray, and olive green. 

The Details: 8.75 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches (closed) | Polyester 

Best Capacity

Tabitora portable hanging travel shelves.

Part-garment bag, part-packing cube, these collapsible hanging travel shelves offer a convenient and compact way to store your wardrobe.

The material isn’t the most durable, so be careful not to overpack it.

Save yourself the hassle of unpacking your suitcase — instead, spring for ultra-convenient hanging shelves, which you can load up with your clothes, compress into your suitcase, and later remove to hang your travel wardrobe with ease.

This generously sized pick from Tabitora is designed to be used with checked luggage that is 26-inches and up. Hang it in your closet and fill up the three 17.7-inch wide shelves with rolled or folded clothing before tucking shoes into the zippered bottom compartment. The shelves then can be collapsed onto one another and secured with the double buckle in order to free up a significant amount of packing space. 

The Details: 17.71 x 11.81 x 1.57 inches (closed); 17.71 x 11.81 x 24.4 (open) | Polyester, mesh 

Best Packing Cube

Elezay hanging packing cubes.

These narrow cubes help compress your travel wardrobe so that it could even fit in a weekender bag.

While the zippered compartments help keep everything in place, they are less easy to access than open hanging shelves. 

Hanging packing cubes are the secret weapon of professional packers, as they help compress and streamline the contents of a suitcase, and also function as your own hanging wardrobe. We love this relatively compact option from Elezay, which is made of durable rip-stop and water-resistant fabric that’s super simple to wipe down. It features four spacious zippered compartments to store your clothes, which are primarily protected by a mesh cover that allows you to glimpse what’s in each compartment. There’s also a fourth pocket, which is not transparent and is ideal for storing shoes or dirty laundry. The sides also feature handy slip pockets, which are great for storing your essentials. 

The Details: 18 x 7 x 9 (open) | Polyester, mesh 

Tips for Buying Hanging Organizers

Consider your organization needs.

Think about what you’re planning to pack most often. Are you mainly using a hanging organizer for jewelry? If so, look for one with dedicated sections for earrings, necklaces, and rings, like the Mark & Graham case that made this list. If you’re looking to pack your skin- and hair care routine for a longer getaway, make sure you opt for a bag that has roomy enough pockets to accommodate bulky full-size toiletries. Those with elastic straps are great for ensuring all your products stay in place. For anyone who prefers to use a hanging organizer for their clothes and shoes, look to a larger one with hanging shelves, like the extra-large Tabitora Portable Hanging Travel Shelves. 

Choose an appropriate size

Tailor the size of your organizer both to the items you’ll be packing inside of it, and to the travel bag you’ll be packing it in. If you’re mainly using it for small items like makeup or TSA-compliant products, then you’ll want to find a compact pouch that can easily be tucked into a personal item or backpack. Larger organizers, like those with the capacity to hold clothes and shoes, are often sized to be compliant with carry-on or checked luggage, so be sure to check which suitcase they’re suited to before purchasing. 

Hanging organizers help to keep more than just your toiletries organized. Stash lip balm and contacts in small pockets, or jewelry in zippered pouches; tuck face wash and moisturizer in roomier sections, alongside snacks, small cables, and more. 

This depends on the size and purpose of your hanging organizer; you’ll obviously pack your jewelry differently than your clothing and sneakers. Smaller organizers will be easier to pack with your products while they’re laid flat on a surface, while larger organizers are best packed while already hung up. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, T+L contributor Sophie Dodd researched the best hanging organizers for a variety of different needs, from securing delicate jewelry to storing full-size toiletries and clothing. She also relied on testing insights from our New York City lab and real-world usage in order to pull together a list of our top recommendations for every type of trip and traveler. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

PRIME MEMBERS

Free shipping for prime members on woot.

Woot! customers who are Amazon Prime members can enjoy special shipping benefits on Woot!, including:

• Free Standard shipping on Woot! orders
• Free Express shipping on Shirt.Woot orders

Amazon Prime membership required. See individual offer pages for shipping details and restrictions. Not valid for international shipping addresses.

Get started by logging in with Amazon or try a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime *

* Re-login required on Woot! for benefits to take effect

AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set, Blue

Hurry only 1 left!

• Standard - Estimated delivery Apr 17 - Apr 19
• Two-Day - Estimated delivery Apr 14 - Apr 16
• One-Day - Estimated delivery Apr 13 - Apr 15
• Free Standard shipping for Prime members

Want more great deals? Sign up for our Daily Digest emails!

• Double zipper pulls make opening/closing simple and fast
• Mesh top panel for easy identification of contents, and ventilation
• Soft mesh won't damage delicate fabrics
• Webbing handle for convenience when carried by itself
• Set includes 1 large (17.5 x 12.75 x 3.25 inches), medium (13.75 x 9.75 x 3 inches), small (11 x 6.75 x 3 inches), and slim (14 x 5 x 2.8 inches) AmazonBasics packing cube
• Made of high-quality fabric with finished interior seams to increase

Shipping Note: Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, PO Boxes, and APO addresses is not available for this item

Warranty: 90 Day Woot Limited Warranty

In the Box: 

(1)  AmazonBasics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set, Blue Includes: 

• (1) Large Packing Cube 
• (1) Medium Packing Cube 
• (1) Small Packing Cube
• (1) Slim Packing Cube

Sales Stats

Purchaser experience.

• 3% first woot
• 0% second woot
• 12% < 10 woots
• 24% < 25 woots
• 61% ≥ 25 woots

Purchaser Seniority

• 0% joined today
• 0% one week old
• 0% one month old
• 18% one year old
• 82% > one year old

Quantity Breakdown

• 82% bought 1
• 18% bought 2
• 0% bought 3

Percentage of Sales Per Hour

Percentage of sales per day, woots by state, best sellers in sports & outdoors.

• United Arab Emirates
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• Puerto Rico
• United States
• New Zealand
• ➨ Choose from World Map
• Budget Travel
• Family Travel
• Getting Around
• Visas & Passports
• Work with Us

Browsing Category

• Czech Republic
• Saint Martin
• Uncategorized

Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

Leave a comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Meet The Author - Greg

Recent Post

How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost: Budget Breakdown

March 10, 2024

Best Time to Visit the India Gate in Delhi [2024]

March 1, 2024

Flying with a Sinus Infection: Tips to Avoid Pain

February 20, 2024

11 Best Things to Do in Breckenridge Besides Skiing

February 12, 2024

10 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families (We Lived Here)

February 3, 2024

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best Time To Visit Moscow

Where to stay in moscow, moscow itinerary, day 1 itinerary in moscow, day 2 itinerary in moscow, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in moscow, day trips from moscow, faq on moscow itinerary.

Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.