luxury travel packing cubes

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

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.

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Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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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.

Every product is independently selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

The 7 Best Packing Squares to Organize and Optimize Your Suitcase

For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds,  sign up for the weekly  Cut Shop Newsletter .

Ahh, the packing process. It’s filled with so much anticipation yet so much dread; the build up to a long-haul vacation or a short weekend trip is exciting, but it’s always a struggle to pack everything you need into a reasonably sized suitcase . And doing it efficiently is an art form that savvy frequent fliers have mastered with the help of packing cubes. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your organization game or just trying to figure out how to fit as much stuff into your suitcase as possible, read on for your guide to the best packing cubes to buy now and how to make the most of them, according to experts.

[data-uri="www.thecut.com/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvgke8bi000q3b7b9nydjnsq@published"]{font-family:'Chap',Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2.5px;text-transform:uppercase;line-height:18px} SO what do you need to know about packing cubes?

➼  FAQs ➼  Our Top Picks ➼  More Tried-and-True Options

. Our Top Picks:

The one-cube wonder.

Colors: Black | Materials: Nylon | Dimensions: 9.8” X 14.0” X 4.5” | Weight: 0.4 pounds

Victor Sanz, the creative director at Tumi, calls this dual-component packing cube a “life-changing packing tool.” It features two sections, great for separating delicate items from everyday things, and a mesh top covering that allows you see what’s inside. “As a frequent flier myself, I‘ve found this to be a life-changing addition to my travel routine,” Sanz says. “I love how it has separate compartments so I can organize outfits, as well as a mesh top so I can easily see what’s in the cube.”

The Best for Overpackers

Colors: 5 | Materials: Nylon | Dimensions (per each cube): Large: 13” × 9.8” × 4.5” Medium: 13” × 7.1” × 4.5” Square Small: 10.2” × 8.3” × 4.5” , Smallest: 9.8” × 4.3” × 4.5”

If you’re an overpacker like myself, add these dynamic compression cubes to your cart. Not only are they great for organization, they’re also specifically designed to give you more suitcase space. Made of tear-resistant nylon twill, the compression-cube zippers allow you to save space and compress height by up to 60 percent, making more room in your suitcase for extra items.

The Fan Favorite

Colors: 13 | Materials: Nylon | Dimensions: Small Wide: 10” x 4.1” x 8.25”, Medium Slim: 10” x 4.1” x 4.3”, Medium Wide: 13” x 4.1” x 10”, Large Slim: 13” x 4.1” x 6.9” |  Weight: 0.5 pounds

If you’re on the hunt for classic, dependable, and durable packing cubes, look no further than Away’s best-selling cubes that work to compress and organize. “Away’s signature packing cubes are the Insider Packing Cubes , which come in a set of four or six, depending on how much you plan to pack. They’re made with water-resistant nylon and fit seamlessly into any Away suitcase, offering extra protection for your belongings while allowing you to quickly find what you need with ease,” says Luigi Auricchio, the company’s VP of design. Away also has the Protective Packing Cube , specially made with padded dividers to keep delicate or valuable items extra safe during travel.

More Tried-and-True Options:

The under-$25 option.

Colors: 6 | Materials: Polyester | Dimensions (per cube): 17.5’’ x 12.75’’ x 3.25’’, 13.75’’ x 9.75’’ x 3’’, 11’’ x 6.75’’ x 3’’, 14’’ x 5’’ x 2.8’’ | Weight: 1.2 pounds

If you’re looking for an option that won’t break the bank and still gets the job done, try these Amazon Basics packing cubes. Similar to other packing-cube sets, this set of four comes with different-size cubes (small, medium, large, and slim), all of which feature a mesh-top panel covering and a convenient handle. And with close to 40,000 reviews, they’re a favorite among most Amazon shoppers and travelers for their price, flexibility, and ultralightweight design.

The Six-Piece Set

Colors: 5 | Materials: Polyester | Dimensions (per cube): Large: L 13” x W 16” x H 1 - 4.7” Small: L 6’’ x W 10” x H 4.7” Smaller: L 8” x W 10” x H 4.7” | Weight: 1.2 pounds

These chic, colorful, and interchangeable compression cubes are the ideal packing accessory for the traveler who loves label organizers as much as Monica Geller does in Friends . (True fans recall the character’s love of label-makers). In addition to two XL packing cubes and four small ones designed to compress and maximize luggage space, this set also comes with paper labels you can slip into the clear exterior of each cube. “These are the perfect organizational tool for every kind of trip,” says Elizabeth Money, senior VP of brand and creative at Béis. “With compression technology, you can pack more into any bag. And thanks to the label windows, you can easily tell what is where, which keeps you organized on the go.”

The Monogrammable Option

Colors: 7 | Materials: Negative Nylon® | Dimensions: Large: 18” x 3.75” x 12”, Medium: 12.75” x 3.75” x 10”, Small: (x2) 8.2” x. 3.75” x 6.25” |  Weight: 0.56 pounds

You may already be familiar with Paravel’s sustainable suitcases , but its packing cubes, also made of ethically sourced materials, are a favorite among frequent fliers like Champalimaud design principal Courtney Brannan. “I love the coordinating packing cubes, which help me to stay organized and prepared for multiple destinations where the weather may not be the same,” Brannan told the Cut earlier this year. Made of lightweight, water-resistant nylon, this packing-cube set fits everything from undergarments and pants to larger items like light jackets and towels. It also features a transparent window so you can see what’s inside. Paravel is known for custom monogramming on its luggage and packing cubes for those who love a little personalization.

The One That’s the Most Fun

Colors: 19 | Materials: Polyester | Dimensions: Envelope: 13” x 10” x 1.5” Small: 12” x 8.8” x 3” Medium: 15” x 11” x 3” Large: 17” x 12” x 3” |  Weight: 1.8 pounds

Add a little pizzazz to your packing with these colorful and brightly patterned packing cubes from Calpak. This set features four cubes, ranging in different sizes, and includes one water-resistant envelope pouch — a great addition for those items that need extra protection. Like the Béis set above, these durable cubes also come with paper organization labels.

What’s the difference between packing cubes and compression cubes?

At the end of the day, both packing and compression cubes help organize your suitcase. But the biggest difference is that “packing cubes are great for organization and keeping items separate, while compression cubes are ideal for maximizing space and reducing bulkiness,” says Sanz. “Compression cubes are designed to release air, therefore ‘compressing’ your items down into a smaller form. Those are for the traveler who really needs to make the most out of their space. Packing cubes help keep your trip very organized by allowing the user to compartmentalize they’re packing as they see fit, whether that’s for certain types of clothes or even specific occasions.”

How should I decide which style cube to use?

“When deciding between packing cubes and compression cubes, consider your packing style and the types of items you plan to bring,” says Auricchio. If you’re a Virgo who likes neatly folded clothes and preplanned outfits, try packing cubes. If you’re a serial overpacker who has a ten-step skin-care routine (hi, same!), try compression cubes.

“Away offers options for packing cubes and compression cubes,” Auricchio adds. “ Insider Packing Cubes come in a set of four or six to organize your entire suitcase, while the Outdoor Organizational Cubes come in a range of sizes and offer a compression zipper to pack more in. Both options are extremely lightweight.”

How do I make the most out of my packing cubes?

“Packing cubes are a great tool to stay organized throughout your journey, but they’re most effective when used thoughtfully — you don’t want to just throw a bunch of items in the cubes without thinking of what you’ll be wearing,” Sanz says. “Taking time before you start packing to plan your outfits will make a big difference in staying neat on the trip.” Auricchio encourages travelers to use different-size cubes to “maximize space.” He also notes that the cubes can be used strategically to group similar items together so it’s easier to pinpoint where certain items are during your trip and unpack when you get home. “I often do not unpack my cubes during travel; they become my mobile drawers so everything stays organized during travel, which makes packing and unpacking super-easy,” he says.

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Editor’s Picks

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.

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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. 

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Packing Cubes: The Travel Accessory To Pack Like A Pro

Packing a punch.

by Molly Wolfe Updated on November 13, 2023

At Luxe Digital, we independently research, review, and recommend products we love and that we think you will love, too. Learn more about how we curate the best products for you .

We’ve all been there: the bombsite that awaits you when you unzip your suitcase, a horrific mess of tangled garments all over the place, leaky shampoo bottles, and general mayhem. 

Meet your new super-organized, soon-to-be favorite travel companion and suitcase (space) saver: Packing cubes. 

As a frequent traveler (and post-pandemic digital nomad), I personally don’t know how people endure life in motion without them. And if you’ve ever sat next to me at a dinner party before, you’ll likely already know the ins and outs of all my favorite brands. 

If you haven’t, however, received the full run down, I’ve put it all in writing so that you know exactly which packing cube to choose for your next elopement—be it an adventure-ready, weatherproof iteration or a transparent, carry-on-ready rendition.

Check our special packing cube buyers’ guide after the list to see exactly what you should pay attention to before purchasing a bag organizer.

11 best packing cubes

Packing cubes are a simplistic but revolutionary idea, which packs (besides your clothing) a huge punch in terms of organization and functionality.

If you prefer unzipping your bag to reveal an orderly arrangement of neatly packed belongings that you carefully sorted before setting off, packing cubes are what’s missing from your travel inventory.

Horizn Studios: Overall best packing cubes

Our rating:

• Machine washable
• Zips are strong and robust
• Sustainably made from recycled materials
• Includes four different-sized cubes
• Waterproof polyester lining
• Smaller sizes than some of our other favorites
• All black, making it difficult to color-coordinate

Our verdict:

If you’re looking for a versatile packing cube set that fits well into almost every suitcase, you won’t be disappointed by this one. Lightweight and waterproof with robust zippers, it’s a game changer for organizing your getaways. 

As frequent travelers, we appreciate a packing cube set that works for different getaways—from business trips to beach resorts. If that’s you too, we highly recommend this set by Horizn Studios; our overall best packing cubes for travel. 

The set of four comes in different sizes (one large, one small and two mediums) that are also different shapes, some longer and some more square. This makes it easy to remember which cube contains what, even though they’re all the same color. Our only complaint is that it’s difficult to decipher between the two mediums, but we solved the problem easily by adding a key chain to the one. 

Besides that, these quality packing cubes are incredibly lightweight with strong zips and are all lined with a waterproof polyester lining. Plus, they’re made from recycled materials for the eco-conscious travelers among us. 

Rimowa Large: Best luxury packing cube

• Structured silhouette can be used for clothing, tech or toiletries
• Store flat when not in use
• Made from recycled materials
• Water repellant
• Sold individually, don’t come in a set
• More expensive

If you’re a frequent traveler happy to invest in sleek, quality packing cubes, this one by Rimowa is the ultimate luxury travel accessory. It also doubles up as a toiletry bag or tech divider for everyday use. 

It may seem like an unnecessary splurge at first, but we think a structured packing cube is a game changer when it comes to preventing wrinkles and organizing your luggage. 

Rimowa packing cubes are sleek and stealthy. When not in use, they store flat, taking up minimal space. Although, when we’re not on the road, we prefer to use ours for tech and cables, packed neatly into our edc backpack . Or, we use the water-repellant cube for toiletries, packed into our gym duffel .

The large Rimowa packing cube is big enough for your dress shirt and a pair of denims . And while it doesn’t come in a set, it fits perfectly with the medium and small sizes sold separately. 

Calpak: Best value packing cubes

• Different shapes and sizes that fit together
• Breathable and durable
• Water-resistant envelope pouch
• Semi-transparent to easily find what you need
• An array of vibrant colors and fun prints
• Not entirely waterproof

They’re definitely durable enough to last a few years of frequent travel. The vibrant hues and prints are such a fun way to organize your suitcase. And they’re affordable enough to get more than one set. 

If you’re shopping for a family, Calpak’s packing cubes are the way to go. With 24 different hues and prints to choose from—from classic black to wild leopard—they allow each member to add their own personality to their packing. And they might just mean that your children pack their own clothes without being asked multiple times (we can dream, right?)

Besides an assortment of colorways, these packing cubes are also highly functional. The packing set comes in a set of five different sizes (one envelope, two smalls, a medium and a large), which fit perfectly together in your cabin bag. 

We also love that the Calpak packing cubes are semi-transparent so that you can tell what’s inside without unzipping. As a result, they aren’t entirely waterproof, although we don’t think that’s always necessary, especially if your suitcase is already water-resistant.

Nomatic: Best compression packing cubes

• Condenses clothes and maximizes space
• Set includes three different-sized cubes
• See-through mesh makes it easy to find what you’re looking for
• Lightweight and durable
• Not waterproof
• Slightly smaller than we expected

We’re serious; these lightweight packing cubes could be an absolute blessing for liberal packers looking to maximize the size of their suitcase without adding weight. They’re also affordable enough to get more than one set.

If you’re the kind of packer who plans to pack light but always ends up sitting on your bag to close it, you need compression packing cubes in your travel arsenal. And more specifically, you need these compression cubes by Nomatic. 

Seemingly going against the fundamental rules of physics, these packing cubes condense your clothes to maximize your packing space by a considerable 50% without adding extra weight (and without buying a new bag, obviously). They come in a set of three, with the large 10-liter compressing down to 5 liters. The medium 5-liter compresses down to 2.5 liters. And the small 4-liter—well, you get it. 

Our only complaint is that it’s easy to get carried away and overpack for airlines. However, if you’re traveling on the road, these Nomatic compression packing cubes allow you to pack double without taking up extra leg room. 

Beis Travel: Best packing cubes for organization 

• Mesh and labels keep everything organized
• Set includes different shapes and sizes, including 2 shoe bags
• Water-resistant lining is easy to wipe down
• Sleek and stylish aesthetic
• Zippers aren’t as strong as others we’ve tried

This six-piece set makes organized packing a breeze with its label windows and mesh materials. If you’re looking for a full collection of packing cubes (shoe bags and all), they’re amazing. 

If Marie Kondo was choosing packing cubes, we’re pretty sure we know which she’d reach for. This six-piece set by Beis is hyper-organized with labels so that you can label exactly what’s inside each cube. The cube organizers also have semi-transparent mesh windows so that it’s easy to know which one to grab at a glance. 

The set includes a small, medium and large cube, as well as two shoe bags and a zip pouch (for toiletries.)  And while these Beis packing cubes aren’t waterproof, they do have a water-resistant lining that is easy to wipe down (for those times your shampoo bottle accidentally spills.) 

Away The Insider: Best packing cubes for checked luggage 

• Compression system maximizes space
• Water-resistant nylon protects your clothes from shampoo spills
• Structured silhouette prevents creasing
• See-through mesh
• Would appreciate a multicolored set option for extra organization

If you’re packing a large bag, it usually takes quite a few cubes to organize everything. In which case, we highly recommend this large six-piece set by Away. It’s water resistant, translucent and has a space-saving compression system.

The Insider packing set by Away is our go-to for packing checked luggage in an organized fashion. The large set includes 6 cubes—each a different width and length—that fit perfectly together in a Tetris-like manner to compartmentalize your dress shirts from your shoes in your spacious rolling luggage. 

Featuring see-through mesh fronts, you can quickly scan your suitcase to find exactly what you’re looking for. The water-resistant nylon will deter any rogue leaks from destroying your crisp Givenchy suit, or your toothpaste from causing irreparable damage to your LBD .

Available in a wide variety of colors, the Away travel packing cubes are designed to complement your existing luggage , so that you can enjoy the feeling of being coordinated and together when in transit.

EZPacking Starter Set: Best packing cubes for carry-on 

• Fits perfectly into most cabin bags
• Double zips are strong
• Grab handle makes them easy to pull out of a backpack
• Waterproof to protect your clothes from accidental spills
• Slightly heavier than mesh (although not much)
• Smelled of plastic when we unboxed

If you’re looking for packing cubes that are transparent, waterproof and adhere to most airport security regulations for carrying liquids, these packing cubes tick all the boxes. Our only complaint is that they’re not the most sustainable option. 

We all know the feeling of frantically rummaging around the security gate to gather our liquids and tech!

As you likely can tell by now, we really appreciate see-through packing cubes as they make it incredibly easy to find what we’re looking for (before we have time to unpack properly.) However, the problem with transparent mesh cubes is that they’re usually not entirely waterproof. 

Acting like a set of drawers in your suitcase, EZPacking’s travel packing cubes take visibility one step further, while simultaneously protecting your wedding guest dress from potentially-disastrous serum explosions. 

The modular design, in conjunction with Cordura fabric and high-quality flexible vinyl, means the packing cubes will hold their shape no matter what variety of turbulence they may encounter along the journey. And as our best packing cubes for carry-on, we appreciate that the set of four (extra small, small, medium and large) fits perfectly into our favorite cabin bag .

Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Best packing cubes for outdoors 

• Ultra light and durable
• Designed to stack neatly into a backpack
• Clamshell opening with two main compartments
• Sold separately, not in a set
• Not transparent

We wouldn’t choose this packing pod for every getaway, but if you’re planning to spend the weekend outdoors hiking or camping, the lightweight, durable, weatherproof design is perfect for stacking in a travel backpack. 

It doesn’t look like anything too special on the outside, but once you’ve spent a weekend in the mountains with this packing pod in tow, you’ll understand just how thoughtful the design and how much easier it makes the ascent. 

Ultra-light and mega-durable, the weatherproof fabric will protect your belongings against all elements. And we love that the clamshell opening has two main compartments, making it easy to find what we’re looking for and separating our worn underwear from our clean tees. 

But perhaps the best thing about these Hyperlite packing pods is their unique shape. As our best packing cubes for backpacking, they stack neatly on top of each other in most regular travel backpacks .

Monarc Tech Pack: Best electronics packing cubes 

• Made from recycled bottles
• Super organized with designated compartments and pockets
• Strong, robust, waterproof zippers
• Sleek and slender
• Limited to tech and toiletries, not suitable for clothes

If you’re looking for a packing cube specifically for your various devices, chargers and cables, this hyper-organized tech pack is our go-to. However, if you’re looking for something a little more versatile, we would look at other options. 

When it comes to packing tech, your run-of-the-mill packing cube will likely result in tangled cables and slightly scratched devices. You need a tech organizer with protective pockets for your devices and carefully placed slips for your cables. Our favorite? This one by Monarc. 

Made from recycled bottles, the Monarc tech pack is as light on the planet as it is in your luggage. It’s 100% waterproof and almost impossible to penetrate—a significant feature when you’re traveling with important files and documents. 

We love that the sleek silhouette takes up very little packing space in our suitcase. And when you’re not carting tech around, the Monarc packing cube plays double duty as one of our favorite toiletry bags . 

Adidas: Stadium: Best travel shoe cube

• Perfect size and shape for a pair of sneakers
• Ventilated and breathable
• Material is easy to wipe down
• Grab handles
• Super affordable
• Not entirely waterproof 

The fact that it’s ventilated and breathable makes this shoe cube the best we’ve tried by far. Especially when you’re packing sweaty trainers or soccer boots. 

Unless you plan on being barefoot for your whole trip (no fancy restaurants, then), you’re probably going to need a space for your shoes.

If you’re frequently packing sweaty trainers or soccer boots, we highly recommend investing in shoe storage cubes designed specifically for that. Our top choice? Adidas’ Stadium shoe cube. Made from polyester, the exterior is easy to wipe down and well-ventilated, giving our shoes air to breathe and preventing unwanted odors. (As much as we love to think our feet always smell like a summer meadow, keeping your shoes (especially post-hiking trip) apart from your other items is actually crucial.)

While we use ours most for gym missions and active weekenders, the packing cube works just as well for your luxury sneakers and designer work shoes when traveling. 

We love Adidas’ signature sleek design. And we appreciate the thoughtful details, such as a grab handle, which make this packing cube so much easier to pull out of the top of a backpack. 

Amazon Basics: Best budget packing cubes

• Soft, padded and protective
• Transparent mesh paneling
• Top handles are easy to grab
• Comes in many different colors
• Not as durable

They may not last a lifetime, but these affordable packing cubes are much better quality than we expected from the price tag. They’re also really well-designed with transparent mesh paneling and grab handles. 

AmazonBasics usually rates highly when it comes to value. And this is certainly true for the four-piece packing travel organizer set. The soft, padded cubes promise to protect your valuables. While the conveniently transparent mesh top panel allows us to locate specific items at a glance. 

We also appreciate the grab handles on each cube, which are particularly useful when you’re hauling them out of a vertical bag (such as a backpack.) 

The Amazon packing cubes come in a set of four (slim, small, medium and large.) But if you think you may need more, they’re reasonable enough to lock in a second set. We opted for two different hues to color-coordinate our items. 

Buying guide to packing cubes

Besides knowing how to use packing cubes, there are a few things to consider before choosing a set to complement the colorway of your suitcase. 

Compressibility and intended use

Compression cubes are absolutely incredible for maximizing space , while regular packing cubes are more about organization . However, before you get too excited about the idea of fitting more clothes into your already over-packed suitcase, there is more to consider. 

While compression cubes save space, there are still airline weight restrictions to consider. And if you’ve already reached that limit, there’s no point in creating space for more. That being said, if you’re road tripping or simply using packing cubes for storage, space creation is a massive win. 

Weight, size and capacity of the cubes

Naturally, you don’t want your packing cubes to use up any of your precious weight allowance. But at the same time, you also want to ensure that they’re not flimsy. They should be durable and structured.

When it comes to picking sizes, we prefer sets that include a variety of sizes, each designed with specific items in mind. This makes it easier to set up an organized system of packing cubes that neatly fit together in our favorite suitcase . 

Materials and construction quality

While your packing cubes should always be made from durable and quality materials, it’s important to think about what else your packing cube needs to do for you. If you’re going hiking or camping, you may wish to prioritize a waterproof packing cube. However, if your luggage is already completely waterproof, this may not be as important (unless it’s a toiletry bag .)

A common peril of traveling is the very real risk of unearthing your bag to discover damp, sticky clothing which has fallen victim to a leaking shampoo, face wash, or makeup bottle.

Thankfully, most good packing cube sets will include a specific, waterproof (or resistant) bag to avoid this exact scenario.

See-through designs are also a great way to find what you’re looking for at a glance. And if you’re packing sweaty sports gear, opt for a cube that is well-ventilated and breathable. 

Ergonomic features: zippers, handles, structure, opening

The first thing to break on packing cubes is the zippers. Therefore, it’s important to look for robust, double zippers that will stand the test of squeezing in just one more jumper. Other features to consider are grab handles, structure, and opening. 

Grab handles are great if you’re packing cubes into a backpack; otherwise, we don’t find them totally necessary. Structured packing cubes are especially important for preventing creasing. And while most packing cubes zip open from the top, a clamshell opening is convenient when you have a bigger cube. 

What is the best way to use packing cubes: 3 travel expert tips

Divide and organize: While you can easily just cram everything into your cubes with a laissez-faire approach, the whole idea of packing cubes is to separate and organize your things. Create a designated cube for jeans and jumpers, one for suits, one for underwear, and one for laundry. Then, keep a separate, water-resistant bag for toiletries.

Upon arrival: Bypass the need to unpack everything individually by simply placing your cubes in your hotel drawers. This way, they’ll fit neatly inside and will be easy to access. No one wants to spend valuable holiday time packing and unpacking when the beach/city/bar is waiting!

Roll your clothes: One of the great benefits of packing cubes is the ability to see what’s inside them. By folding and stacking your clothing, this perk becomes redundant.

So, you’re better off rolling up your clothes tightly, allowing for a clear view of your array of shirts with nothing being concealed at the bottom.

Frequently asked questions about packing cubes

The best packing cubes can vary depending on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Horizn Studios packing cubes are our best overall, as they are incredibly lightweight, durable and machine washable. See our list of the best packing cubes for all our favorites.

Whether you travel frequently or just take an annual holiday, we find packing cubes to be worth it. There’s no need to deal with the jumble of clothing historically associated with travel. Plus, a good quality set of packing cubes will last a long time, so you’ll get fair use out of them.

Yes, packing cubes can help with space efficiency by compressing clothing and items, allowing you to fit more into your luggage. They also keep items organized and prevent them from shifting during travel, maximizing the use of available space.

Compression bags and packing cubes serve different purposes. Compression bags are better for maximizing space and reducing bulk, ideal for compact packing or storage. Packing cubes are better for organization and accessibility, allowing you to categorize and find items easily. However, you can also get packing cubes with a compression system, giving you the best of both worlds.

About the author

Molly Wolfe

Style & travel editor.

Molly is a luxury travel  and  fashion  writer who has a passion for all things unique, boutique, and design-centric. She loves nothing more than exploring new destinations, shopping in luxury boutiques in the world’s fashion capitals and finding quirky vegetarian restaurants to sample. And writing all about her fabulous finds for  Luxa Terra  and  Luxe Digital .

Learn more about Molly Wolfe

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The best packing cubes for travel

By Sarah James and Charley Ward

There are two types of travellers in this world: those who pack for a trip with wild abandon, tossing in multiple outfit changes, their entire beauty and skincare regime , three hair tools and enough pants to change underwear three times a day. And then there are those like me, who will do almost anything to avoid having to check a bag into the hold, priding themselves on packing a tight edit of essentials into an even tighter space, and investing in a clever underseat cabin bag .

Steamline's Art Geo packing cubes, ready to go in our tests

If, like me, you are adamantly against checking a bag into the hold, you know there are certain hacks you need to utilise to avoid a complete packing meltdown. If you’re uninitiated, I can explain the secret to carry-on only luggage in two words: packing cubes. The magic trick of this product becomes all the more magical when you add a third word:  compression packing cubes.

It might sound simple (or like the kind of thing your dad might get excited about), but a good set of packing cubes really is the only essential you need to embark on a hand luggage only trip. Not only will a decent compression cube save you space, it will also keep you organised through security, the flight itself and beyond.

The best packing cubes at a glance

• Best packing cubes for price: Nere Stori 3 pack packing cubes
• Best packing cubes for quality: Antler Chelsea 4 packing cubes
• Best large packing cubes: Gomatic packing cubes
• Most stylish packing cubes: Paravel packing cube quad
• Best lightweight cubes: Tumi packing cubes

Top tips for using packing cubes

• Pack outfits together – and in the order you’ll need them . Throwing a bunch of bottoms, tops and outerwear into your carry on luggage willy-nilly will not work. Plan your outfits before you travel to stop you from packing unnecessary items; try to prioritise items that will go with lots of other things, and then pack these items together in the order that you’ll reach for them. I normally pack one big compression packing cube with all my outfits for the time I’ll be away, and a smaller cube containing underwear, pyjamas and workout gear.
• Roll, don’t fold.  Goes without saying, but rolling your clothes will make them more compact, saving so much space.
• Wear your chunkiest items.  Again, this is a simple tip, but it’s worth reiterating – wearing your biggest jumper, coat, and chunkiest shoes will make all the difference. I normally slip a pair of flip-flops into my handbag for the flight, especially for long-haul journeys.
• Edit down your skincare and beauty regime. Whenever I go to the airport, I pick up a few of the plastic bags they give you for liquids at security and stash them at home for future trips. This means I can make sure my liquids will fit, eradicating any possible airport disasters as I realise my favourite perfume won’t squeeze in. (Side note, for perfume, I love this  mega-affordable refillable perfume bottle , which allows you to decant your favourite scent mess-free into a travel-friendly bottle.)
• Packing cube sets can be used for more than just clothes.  The various sizes make these cubes very versatile. I use one for wires, electrics, chargers and more – this means easy access to my passport or boarding pass as I’m not fumbling through rogue wires while searching for important documents. You could also use a packing cube for your shoes – and don’t forget to stuff shoes with socks or any other items that will fit to save more space, too. A small cube can double up as a toiletry bag , and you can reuse one as a laundry bag for dirty clothes, during your trip.

Pros: 6 colours, mesh windows, expandable zips to allow for more or less volume, good quality

Cons: No handles

Editor review: “From big trips to the Maldives and Australia to city breaks in Paris where I've had carry on suitcase only, I have used these on so many trips. Whenever I fly with my son I fill the smallest bag with toys and snacks for him, so it's easy to grab quickly. Antler is one of the best luggage brands in the UK, so the quality is great and the mesh lids make it so easy to spot what's stored inside," Lauren Burvill, commerce editor.

Best patterned packing cubes

Pros: Very pretty, made from 100% recycled plastic water bottles

Cons: Sell out quickly, only available in sets of four

Steamline’s patterned packing cubes fit perfectly inside the brand’s vintage style luggage offerings. We’ve never seen a more aesthetically pleasing spin on a functional item.

Editor review: "I love the Art Deco print on these packing cubes – they make me feel like I'm preparing for an incredibly chic night on the Orient Express (rather than the Ryanair flight I've usually booked). The transparent panel in the corner makes it easy to see what's in each of the four without detracting from the design, which is also really handy." Sarah James, deputy digital editor

Best packing cubes for backpacking trips

Pros: Very lightweight, so good for backpacking and carry-on only travel, grab handles

Cons: Expensive for a set of three cubes, could be larger

These are some of the lightest cubes we’ve tried, ensuring that you can use every last gram of your luggage weight allowance for your belongings. A handle makes them easy to grab, and they’re made from ripstop nylon, so they should remain looking good as new for the foreseeable. One note – they’re on the smaller side in comparison to some of the other cubes in this round-up, so better suited to shorter breaks away.

Pros: Thick and sturdy material, mesh window, compressible, attractive, choice of sizes, anti-microbial inner

Cons: Sometimes not possible to compress cubes the whole way if they're completely stuffed full

Monos’s offering comes in a choice of four or six cubes, sized for its carry-on and check-in cases, respectively, in a sorbet array of colours. They’re compressible, antimicrobial, and have a breathable mesh panel to help banish bad smells on your trip home.

Editor review: I love these packing cubes. The yellow colour greets me so cheerfully when I open my case, and the material is super sturdy, so the cubes hold their shape well. I know they won’t break after a few uses. The zips feel quality and held fast despite my over-packing ways, helping me compress each cube as flat as possible. That means no more sitting on your suitcase to get it closed when it’s full.  Charley Ward, commerce writer

Pros: Made from 100% recycled PET plastic, mesh tops

Cons: Only available in set of four, not compressible

These are as sleek as you’d expect from Carl Friedrik, designed to fit inside the brand’s carry-on cases. They’re sold in set of four only, with cubes for trousers, tops, underwear and shoes. Carl’s options win bonus points for their sustainability credentials – they’re made from 100% recycled PET plastic.

Best value packing cubes

Pros: budget-friendly price, 6 colours, can be stored very flat when not in use

Cons: Can't see what's inside, no handles

Australian luggage brand Nere recently launched in the UK, bringing their affordable and brightly coloured range of hard shell suitcases , weekender bags and tote bags. Their zip up packing cubes come in packs of three and are available in a multitude of bright colours, from hyper pink to light aqua and classic black.

Best washable packing cubes

Pros: Machine washable, stain-proof, carry handles, five-year warranty

Cons: They don’t come in colours to match the brand’s full suitcase range

Editor review: Aussie luggage brand July offers sets of four or eight packing cubes in a selection of colours that matches its suitcase sets, along with some limited edition hues. “I’ve tried a few packing cube brands but these July ones were the sturdiest I’ve tried,” says commerce writer Charley Ward . “The zips felt strong, so shouldn’t break if squeezed full of clothes – which often happens. I especially liked the inclusion of the extra-large cubes, which are designed for holding whole outfits. If you’re heading off for a weekend, a couple of these in your carry-on should be all you need to pack your outfits neatly, and then a third for shoes and your wash bag. I’m a complete convert.”

Best compression packing cubes

Pros: Top carrying handle, large sizes, strong compression zippers

Cons: They sell out quickly, only available in black, cubes sold separately

Editor review: "I have travelled with just a cabin bag for a 12-day winter holiday in Canada and a week in the Greek islands using the fantastic Gomatic compression packing cubes . Not only are they reasonably priced, but from one purchase they've saved me money on checked luggage in the long run, as well as saved time checking in or waiting for a bag on the carousel at either end of my flight, and the overwhelm of discovering you’ve simply packed too much luggage," Sarah James, deputy digital editor.

Best water-resistant packing cubes

Pros: Mesh windows, 6 colour options, high quality, ripstop nylon

Cons: Colours often sell out, no handles

If you're an Away luggage devotee, then these packing cubes are an equally worth investment. Designed to work with the compression system of an Away suitcase, this pack of four will ensure you use every inch of space in your carry on, while still staying organised and taking good care of your clothes. The brand also has a dedicated shoe cube , available separately, to keep your grubby trainers away from your outfits.

Editor review: “These cubes are more robust than they first seem. The zips were strong enough to withstand the half-wardrobe load of t-shirts I squeezed, though I wouldn’t risk putting shoes in these cubes. I would’ve liked another large cube for my trousers and shorts on longer trips, but the set is perfect for weekend trips. The elongated smallest cube is especially useful for my wash bag. The mesh on one side.” Noo Saro-Wiwa, features writer

Best luxury packing cubes

Pros: Can be personalised, recycled fabric, 6 colour options, sheer strip window

Cons: Expensive, no handles

Paravel is easily one of the most stylish luggage brands around, so it comes as no surprise that their packing cubes are equally chic. Doing away with the usual mesh top, these cubes feature a sheer strip on the lid, so you can still see what's inside. The pack of four are available in six smart colour options, and can be personalised with your initials in a contrasting colour.

Best waterproof packing cubes

Pros: Mesh panels, 4 colour options, recycled fabric, a dedicated cube for storing wet items

Sustainable luggage brand Horizn has applied their recycled fabrics and clever design to their packing cube offering. Each cube is designed with different items in mind, including a medium cube to hold tshirts and shorts, and a large cube for trousers and sweaters. In their pack of four there's even a medium cube with waterproof lining, designed to store any wet items – an ideal solution to that tricky last day of a beach holiday.

Best packing cube set

Pros : Cubes can be labelled, mesh windows, top handles

Cons: Expensive, only available in black

For the ultimate in organisation, this set from Beis includes six packing cubes, including three regular cubes, two shoe bags, and a zip pouch. In terms of ease of use, not only do the packing cubes have mesh windows, but they also have a dedicated holder to display a label, so you can keep you items ultra organised, and easily locate what you need when unpacking.

Best slimline packing cubes

Pros: Mesh window, top handle

Cons: Expensive

While Tumi's range of packing cubes are quite simple, they are of course of the highest quality and designed to fit perfectly within their luggage range. The large size but thin height means the cubes can also be stacked on top of each other within a suitcase, and are ideal if you prefer to store whole outfits together.

Pros: Water-repellent, made with recycled durable materials, store flat

Cons: Expensive, sold separately

Of course, Rimowa’s packing cubes feel a cut above – they’re made from a thicker material than any of the others we’ve tried. This means they hold their shape beautifully when full, giving them an aesthetic edge befitting the iconic luxury luggage brand. The price tag is naturally premium and you’ll have to invest in each cube separately, but they look very elegant in situ. There are three different sizes, each which compresses down flat and fits inside each other for storage.

Pros: Handles, strong lightweight material, compressible, 100% recycled nylon

Cons: Sold separately

Editor review: “We’ve tested many packing cubes at Conde Nast Traveller. But this is the first set of cubes designed specifically for weekender bags and backpacks. Honestly? We think they’re even more of a game changer when used with a bag than your suitcase. Forget rummaging around at the bottom of your rucksack – these cubes put paid to all of that, especially given the handle which makes it easy to grab each cube out with minimum fuss. They really do help to improve your bag’s functionality. While you could use these with any rucksack, they are specifically designed to fit with the brand’s F.A.R rucksack, which coincidentally has made the list as one of our best travel backpacks . The compression zip works really well – I’ve never seen a more well-organised and accessible rucksack after using these. Definitely one to invest in for festival season. Each packing cube is sold separately, but if you invest in one of each, you’ll be set for a two-week trip easily.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Best eco-friendly packing cubes

Pros: Hanging strap, made from recycled plastic bottles, machines washable, available on Amazon, comes with a strap so you can use one as a daybag

Cons: Not compressive

You’ll know Trtl for its innovative wraparound neck pillow that’s been changing the game for long haul flyers in recent years. Now the brand has turned its attention to helping packers as well. Its packing pods have an unusual shape with curves, so-designed to fit snugly in any suitcase. They have a D ring so you can hang them up, which is handy for camping. Interestingly, there’s also a detachable strap, so you can wear one as an ultra-light sling bag should you need. Each set is made from seven plastic bottles, so they’re a good eco-friendly buy.

Pros: Compressive, double-sided, available as sets or individually, available on Amazon Cons: Can’t see inside

Editor review: These are versatile packing cubes that would work equally well in a rucksack – indeed, they’re designed for use in Peak Design’s backpacks – as your suitcase. They’re one of the only brands to offer a choice of sets and individual cubes, so you can build the exact set for your needs at a good price. The compressive qualities are strong and allow you to squeeze a considerable amount in each – and if you need extra space, you can let out the compression zip to accommodate bulkier items. Our favourite feature is the fact they’re double-sized, meaning you can keep dirty clothes in one side and clean in the other, keeping your suitcase neat and tidy.  They’re very lightweight without compromising on quality, as well.

What’s better: compression bags or packing cubes?

For the vast majority of travel, we’d recommend using packing cubes over compression bags. The kind of vacuum bags you’d use for storing winter clothing inevitably leave garments terribly wrinkled once the air has been removed, no matter how neatly folded they went in.

One exception? If you’re packing to travel for over a month, or need to pack lots of bulky winter clothing. In these instances, vacuum bags help claw back valuable space in your suitcase so you can pack in as much as possible.

Essentially, you won’t fit as much in your suitcase with regular packing cubes as compression bags, but the best packing cube sets are designed to fit enough of your belongings for up to three weeks away, giving you the most efficient way to pack for a holiday with minimal fuss.

Do packing cubes work better than rolling?

Utilising both methods is the best way to pack. By rolling your clothes inside each cube, you’ll maximise the amount you can squeeze into each cube in a way that should leave your clothes as crease-free as possible. See above for more tips on how to use packing cubes effectively.

Do clothes get more wrinkled in packing cubes?

In short, no. As long as you roll your clothes carefully, they should come out of the cubes looking as fresh as they entered. Editor’s tip? Bringing along a travel steamer will help tease out any stubborn creases you might find after unpacking.

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How To Choose The

Best Packing Cubes for Travel

From compression packing cubes to ultralight and budget, we’re here to help.

• 01. Introduction
• 02. Our Picks
• 03. Ultralight
• 04. Compression
• 06. Specialist
• 07. Considerations

Packing cubes are used to compartmentalize your items and organize your pack.

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Best Packing Cubes

Click to learn more about some of our favorites packing cubes below.

• 8.5/10: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods
• 8.4/10: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Packing Cubes
• 8.2/10: Peak Design Packing Cubes
• 8.1/10: Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set
• 8.1/10: Patagonia Black Hole Cubes
• 7.8/10: GORUCK Packing Cubes
• 7.6/10: Topo Designs Pack Bags
• 7.6/10: YETI Crossroads Packing Cubes
• 7.5/10: Aer Packing Cubes (V2)
• 7.4/10: Herschel Supply Co. Travel Organizers

Why Packing Cubes?

When you open your bag, do you prefer a neatly organized system that’s easy to navigate or a jumbled mess of creased clothing? If you’re the former, great! We’ll get along just fine, and you’re definitely in the right place. Everyone on the Pack Hacker team loves the extra organization and convenience packing cubes have to offer. We find that it’s much easier to keep our clothing from getting messed up and wrinkled in our travel backpack, even when we stuff it full. And, if you’re the latter, don’t click away just yet! We have tried and tested a lot of different packing cubes—from all different companies and for every type of traveler—so we’re sure we have the best option for you.

All travel backpacks and rolling carry on luggage intended for travel have a large main compartment for you to fill up. Some will take this to the extreme, like the GORUCK GR3 and Monos Carry-On (which are essentially large buckets), and some will offer a bit of internal organization, like the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 and Fjallraven Travel Pack . But regardless of what you’re lugging around, you’re going to need to figure out the best way to fill that main compartment.

This is where the best packing cubes come into play.

First and foremost, packing cubes for travel are used to organize the contents of your bag. But how you do that will depend on the type of packing cube you choose. There are a lot of options out there, but we have recommendations for the best packing cubes for any type of traveler. The best packing cubes for your travel backpack will differ from the option your friend wants to use in her rolling carry on luggage. And if you’re trying to fit a weekend’s worth of gear into a personal item bag that can fit under the seat in front of you, let us introduce you to compression cubes.

Learn more about why you should consider using packing cubes.

In this guide, we’ll be covering packing cubes for travel that include:

• Ultralight: These lightweight and minimalist packing cubes combine thinner fabrics that usually include a ripstop grid for durability and small but mighty zippers to keep everything together. These are the best packing cubes if you frequent low-cost airlines with lower weight limits for the bag you bring on board or if you’re carrying your travel backpack around for a long time.
• Compression: If you’re the type of traveler who brings bulkier gear like jeans, or you’re packing for colder weather and need to bring extra layers like hoodies and sweaters, compression cubes are the best packing cubes for you. While every cube compresses your gear to a certain extent, compression cubes take it to the next level with an extra zipper around the outside that minimizes the space inside the cube when you close it.
• Budget: You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get packing cubes that will still organize your gear well. Sure, you may have to forgo reliable zipper brands, fancy materials, and extra bells and whistles, but if worse comes to worst, your clothes will (likely) still fit in your travel backpack if the cubes break. They’re also great if you’re not a frequent traveler or don’t plan to use them very often.
• Specialist: Do you need a packing cube with extra padding to protect sensitive camera gear, weather-resistant cubes to keep your gear dry throughout rainy hikes, or a style that slots specifically into one travel backpack? There are cubes for nearly any specialty you can think of, and we’ve rounded up some of the most popular for you.

And if you’re still thinking packing cubes are a waste of time, we should mention that these nifty things make packing and unpacking way easier. Whether you’re an ultra-minimalist, an “I need absolutely everything for any situation” packer, or something in-between—being able to just swap a few bags in and out of your pack is a dream.

Video Overview: How To Use & Choose The Best Packing Cubes for Travel

Feel free to watch this guide section in video format. We’ll keep the written content on this page up to date.

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What Will This Guide Help You With?

There are hundreds of packing cubes to choose from, and it can get pretty confusing if you’re new to the market. Every cube will offer different benefits at a wide range of price points, and some of them aren’t even cube-shaped! (Right?! Infuriating.)

Fear not, because we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll be breaking down each style and showing you some of the best packing cubes (all tried and tested by us, of course). We’ll also give you the low-down on budget, materials, packability, and the best ways to actually use these things.

We’ll also be going in-depth on what considerations to make before you buy. What are the best packing cubes for your destination? Your budget? What size packing cubes do you need? Are you carrying around a humble laptop bag and just need an extra pair of clothes for the office, or a full-fledged 80L duffle bag ? We’ve got you covered.

And we’ll end with the disclaimer that everyone is different. No, we’re not going into some rant about how you’re all amazing human beings just the way you are (even though you are). What we’re getting at is that the best packing cubes for you may be the worst packing cubes for someone else . It all depends on personal preference and use-case. But by the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you’ll need to pick the right packing cube for you.

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Some of our favorite packing cubes to kick off your search.

Why Should You Trust Us?

We’ve had our hands on around 100 packing cubes, so we know a thing or two about what to look for. We’ve tested all of the cubes we recommend below for at least two weeks on countless trips, and we’ve been using some of them for years all over the globe. While the best packing cubes for you will depend on your needs, we have the knowledge to weed through the duds to help you find the right fit.

These cubes are the lightest of the light. They practically float when we toss an empty one in the air. They’re more outdoor-focused than others we’ve tested, but we think they’re some of the best packing cubes for travel to a city, as well. After all, it’s not like we’re carrying them around New York City on their own, and trekking from your hostel to Manhattan in the rain can mean that packing cubes in the Big Apple need to be just as durable as in Big Sur. While they may look like plastic bags, they’re way more innovative. The Dyneema fabric is water-resistant and allegedly stronger than Kevlar. If you don’t know what that is, it’s the material used in bullet-proof vests, so if they can stop a speeding bullet like Superman, we think they’ll keep our gear safe enough. However, they’re only available in gray, and the material is a bit crinkly without much stretch. It feels and sounds like an outdoor tarp, which is great for durability but not as much for aesthetics.

We like the Hyperlite logo because it has a big white space we use to label what’s inside since you can’t see if the pod is holding your tops, bottoms, or something else. There are four available sizes, and even the small ones can hold a surprising amount of gear, so there’s no need to overfill one when you can upgrade to a larger model for bulkier gear. In addition to the unique materials, it has a different type of opening than other packing cubes we’ve seen with a flat lid design. You sit it upright, unzip the mostly clamshell opening, and stack your stuff inside. We find that it’s helpful for fully using the interior space, whether you want to pack it full of clothing or other travel essentials.

Why We Like It

• The Dyneema fabric has a great strength-to-weight ratio, so they won’t add much weight to your pack
• We’re able to fit quite a lot of clothing inside one pod

What You Should Know

• They’re pretty crinkly and sound like a tarp blowing in the wind when you’re packing them
• Your gear will rest in several layers with their unique shape

When you’re looking for a lightweight, no-frills option to get the job done, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate packing cubes are a great choice. In fact, we can confidently say that the “Isolate” packing cubes are our favorites in the Eagle Creek Line. The Isolates are lightweight and come in various sizes, from x-small to a laundry bag. There’s even a rolltop shoe pouch, so you can get whatever functionality you want in a matching set. We do like how all of them have tags with a letter indicating their size (S for small and so on) because it helps you differentiate between them and remember what size you’ve got if you want to stock up on more.

You can also choose to get them in either “cube” or “sac” shape. Cubes are, obviously, shaped like a cube, while the sacs are flatter (think of an oversized pencil case). They include a wide range of sizes and colors to suit any load-out, and their angled zippers create a small tub shape, which is easy for packing because you simply set everything inside. We find the medium slim best for rolling up button-up shirts to keep them wrinkle free, for example, and can fit even our warmest puffer jacket inside the small compression cube. Whichever size and shape you choose, they’re made with a washable and water-resistant polyester ripstop, which feels a bit slippery but, on the other hand, slides in and out of your bag pretty easily. The Zoom zippers have paracord zipper pulls that are easy to grip, which is good when you’re pulling hard to squeeze the compression cubes closed.

• Eagle Creek has a great lifetime warranty that we’ve put to the test
• The angled zippers create an easy-to-pack tub shape
• The compression cubes aren’t very easy to zip when packed tightly
• The rolltop shoe sack isn’t airtight

The Peak Design Packing Cubes are made to fit the Peak Design Travel Backpack, but we use them in plenty of other bags, as well. These are some of the best packing cubes when you need to get at your gear quickly because there’s a zipper on each side with a Hypalon tab in the middle. Instead of unzipping around the entire cube every time, pull the tab and peel back the lid to get to what’s inside—it doesn’t get much quicker than that. This can be hard on zippers, but these YKK models can take it and we’ve had no issues with them even thinking about failing after years of use. Opposite that big clamshell opening is a separate compartment to hold your dirty clothing, which works just as intended, and we like the ability to stuff our used gear in the backside when we’re through.

These cubes are also compressible, which we find really useful to save some space and cram in much more clothing without causing wrinkles. While it seems like you’re stressing the material, it’s a stretchy self-healing 70D nylon/polyester blend. We’re not 100% sure how it works, but we have accidentally punctured a small hole in the material and been amazed to see the fabric go back to normal, which is great when you’re half-way around the world and would rather spend cash on souvenirs than a new packing cube.

• Clean and dirty pockets let us easily separate our clothing
• They’re easily compressible
• Multiple zippers around the outside, so you’ll have to pay attention to which one you’re grabbing to open it
• There is only small, medium, and a shoe pouch at the time of writing, and we wish more sizes were available

If you’re looking for a set of ultralight packing cubes that won’t break the bank, the Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set is a fantastic choice. The small, medium, and large sizes are ideal for one bag travel, the craftsmanship is superb, and we’ve been impressed with the bluesign® approved recycled 40D ripstop nylon material’s durability. They’re easy to pull out of your pack with top handles, and while they’re not compression cubes, we have managed to fit quite a lot inside and watch it compact down well. There are two zippers on each cube, so it’s easier to wedge them around corners to close the cubes, even if we overpack them just a bit. The J-zip opening, which extends further down one side than the other, makes them easy to pack with your gear. We tend to wedge clothing we plan to wear later in the trip in the closed-off corner to leave the outfits we want to grab first easily accessible. Plus, you can open them just a little to pull out one sock if you don’t want to dislodge everything just because you forgot and wore Crocs to the airport and don’t want your dogs to touch the dirty floor through security.

Depending on the size of your clothing, you can fit quite a few tees inside the medium; use the large for leggings, pants, and shorts; and fill the small with your socks, underwear, and swimsuit. We managed to fit a week’s worth of warm-weather gear inside with no issue, so we think that makes them the best packing cubes for travel on a budget airline. You can squeeze a lot of gear into a smaller space, saving you money on checked luggage.

• Easy to zip them up, even with a lot of clothing inside
• Double zipper pulls let you open them at any point along the track
• You can’t see what’s inside, so you’ll just have to remember where you put something
• The material is a little slick, making them a little hard to stack in your pack

For travel backpacks that have just one cavernous hole to fill, you’ll want to use the best packing cubes to fill that empty space. We think the Black Hole Cubes from Patagonia are a great option because they’re incredibly durable. The polyester ripstop is laminated with a TPU film, and they also include handles that we think make them easier to pull out of your pack. We’ve struggled pulling out slick packing cubes from other brands, but we had no problem grabbing the large handles on the Black Hole Cubes to change clothing at a rest stop. They also came in handy when we shared changing spaces with friends at an Airbnb. Instead of dragging your luggage to the bathroom, you can just pull out the cube you need.

A daisy chain of loops runs down from each handle so you can hook them to the inside of your travel backpack or duffle bag. The DWR means that you don’t have to worry about accidental spills hitting your gear, and we think the small size works great as a Dopp kit or a small organizer. The medium and large versions can fit a lot of gear inside and include a mesh divider to keep things organized, but they’re not compressible if you need to make more space.

• Large grab handles make them easy to pull out of your pack and take to a changing room
• Incredibly durable materials
• They’re not as compressible as other cubes for storage
• Some sizes include mesh dividers to split your gear between each side

The GORUCK Packing Cubes are exactly what you would expect from GORUCK: durable, well-made, and as purpose-built as other GORUCK gear we’ve tested. They’re the best packing cubes for fans of the brand since they have a similar tactical aesthetic. They’re only available in black and have a hook-and-loop fastener patch in the bottom corner. You can leave it blank or personalize it with a Pack Hacker patch like we do, or you can get write-on patches to label what’s in each cube.

We find that the dual-sided interior helps us stay organized, and the mesh lets you see what’s going on inside. We like to pack tops on one side and bottoms on the other, or all our black clothing on one side and gray on the other. You can use them for clean and dirty clothing, too, but the mesh doesn’t stretch, so you can’t get one side to expand while the other shrinks. There are six zippers on each cube (two outside and two on each side of the interior), and they’re different colors: black on the exterior and red and gray inside. It’s nice to always know what zipper to grab, but the long cords on the pulls frequently stick out and interfere with zipping the cube back together. While it’s frustrating, it’s not a deal-breaker.

• The double carry handles make them very easy to maneuver around
• They fit really well inside GORUCK packs
• You can’t get them in any color other than black
• Available in 10L and 20L sizes, so they’re larger than you’d expect when fully packed

The Topo Designs Pack Bags are not the lightest packing cubes, but we like how durable the 400D recycled nylon material is compared to lighter materials. The YKK zippers are robust and chunky to handle even the largest loads, although they may damage lightweight clothing if you’re not careful as you zip them up. Still, they vibe with the traditional Topo Designs style, as does the large logo on the front. They come in two sizes: 5L and 10L. The 5L and one of the 10L cubes have a similar shape as other packing cubes for travel, and we fit about two layers of clothing inside. However, the other 10L cube is taller. Maybe that fits the shape of your travel bag better, but we find it more difficult to find what’s inside quickly. There’s enough room for multiple layers of clothing, so you may have to dig through to find the desired gear. Even when we pack well, we can’t see below the first or second layer, and find that uncovering what you need can take a little while.

The cubes have a handle on the top, a clamshell opening, and no internal organization. We think the zippers move a little slower than on other gear, but they still work well to contain your items, and they’ve held up well for us over several trips, so they’re a good option if you want something likely to last a long time.

• The top carry handle is easy to grab
• Durable and abrasion-resistant materials are more durable than lighter cubes
• There’s no compression system to help with bulkier gear
• You can catch your clothing on the large zipper if you’re not careful

The YETI Crossroads Packing Cubes have a thoughtful design and plenty of space to keep bulky clothing and small tech organized within your backpack or luggage. While YETI created them to pair with the Crossroads daypack and travel backpack, they’re versatile and durable packing cubes for travel that have worked with other packs or luggage we’ve paired them with. The compression zipper and clamshell opening make packing easier, and they pair a liner with the ripstop shell for additional durability. Once everything is inside, you can use the compression zipper to condense your stuff. The YKK zippers work well, and each cube has a thin handle on the top and bottom when we need to grab them from our bag. The large is great for bulky clothing like jeans and sweaters, the medium can handle anything from thinner T-shirts to a full overnight outfit, and the small is best for tech or a spare pair of underwear and socks.

They’re easy to pack into your bag: if you put the large one on the bottom, the medium fits horizontally across the base so that one or two small cubes can fill up the remaining space on top. And if your lotion spills in your bag along the way, you can empty it, turn it inside out, and toss it in the wash along with your clothing.

• A stripe of mesh on the bottom adds breathability
• The handles are low-profile and stay out of your way if you don’t need them
• It’s hard to see what’s inside each cube without opening them
• While the second layer of material adds durability, it also adds weight

Aer’s Packing Cubes (V2) come in three sizes: 6 liters, 10 liters, and 14 liters. Since they’re so large, we like to pair them with travel backpacks with a wide opening. On the other hand, their sizable capacity makes these the best packing cubes if you need to bring bulkier clothing—we have no problem fitting a thick wool jacket inside, so they’re great for cold-weather travel. We’re big fans of Aer and like pairing the all-black, no-frills cubes with any of their travel backpacks for a similar aesthetic. Plus, we’re happy to report that they are just as high-quality as those bags, with durable but light 80D CORDURA® Ripstop Nylon and YKK zippers. The fabric does pick up marks rather easily, but they’re easy to pack thanks to the large sizes and clamshell design.

We were pleasantly surprised the first time we flipped them to the back. There’s a horseshoe-style zipper that opens a separate compartment for your dirty clothing, so you can keep organized throughout your trip, and move your used tees and socks to the other side as you wear them. We find that makes it easier to repack a bag for the return trip since we didn’t have to make room for a separate laundry bag or cube. If you’re traveling for longer, you’ll know it’s time to do a load when it’s full.

• Their large size works well with the Aer Travel Pack 3
• You can use the secondary compartment for used clothing to keep it separate from clean gear
• It takes some practice to manage the dual compartments
• The cubes attract dirt and are hard to clean without water

The durable Travel Organizers from Hershel Supply Co. are much more than just packing cubes. Since they’re larger than some other brands, you can use these packing cubes for travel to easily organize your carry on luggage or adapt them to gear beyond clothing. The polyester ripstop cubes have a mesh top to help you see what’s inside and a double thickness of fabric for durability at the edges. While that adds a few ounces of weight, it’s unlikely to make much of a difference in your pack unless you’re already teetering on the edge of your airline’s weight limit. We did find that the zippers can occasionally get caught on this extra material around the corners, and the zippers themselves can be hard to find on the black colorway.

The large is really large, but we think it’s one of the best packing cubes for travel if you like to pack your outfits together. It has enough space for several days’ worth of clothing and still fits inside a 40L travel backpack. The small size works well for toiletry tools and even fits a full-size hairbrush, provided you have a separate 3-1-1 bag, and the medium bridges the gap to work well for all your tops or shorts, much like other packing cubes.

• It’s easy to see your gear through the mesh top
• They work well for more than just clothing
• We have trouble fitting the large size cube in smaller bags
• Zippers can be a little difficult to get around corners

Check out the video below for more details on the above cubes and to see some additional options.

These cubes aren’t light…they’re Ultralight!

Why Ultralight Packing Cubes?

These are the lightest and most minimal cubes around. They’re great for when you want to minimize weight as much as possible and save space within your pack.

Whether a packing cube is ultralight or not comes down to materials. And while there are no set rules on what constitutes an ultralight packing cube, there are some industry standards to look out for.

Ultralight packing cubes are almost exclusively a low denier. Usually, you’re looking at 30D or 40D nylon—which is a lightweight (obviously), durable, and tear-resistant fabric that has continued to perform well for us in testing. Some cubes may use a low denier polyester instead, but we’d stick with nylon if possible as it tends to be a stronger fabric and it’s softer to the touch.

Because ultralight packing cubes use such a thin fabric, it will likely be reinforced with ripstop, which increases its resistance to rips and tears. Additionally, if a hole does appear, the ripstop will stop it from getting any bigger, which is great. This is an essential feature for ultralight packing cubes because the materials are so thin, and we’d recommend making sure your cube has this incorporated within its materials.

Some companies will use CORDURA® brand fabric for their cubes, which is highly regarded for their quality control and testing. While a 30D CORDURA® nylon isn’t necessarily better than another brand’s 30D nylon, it is a sign of quality and you can be assured of its durability.

Because of their thin materials, it would be easy to think that ultralight packing cubes aren’t that durable. Fortunately, this isn’t the case and they’ve proven themselves over years of testing.

The most significant durability factor for ultralight packing cubes is the craftsmanship—and in particular, the stitching. No matter how high-tech the materials are, if the stitching holding a cube is shoddy, it’s not going to hold up. The best packing cubes have clean lines of stitching that hold the materials tightly together, no loose stitching or fraying ends. If the stitching is loose before you buy it, imagine what it will be like after a few months of use. It’s hard to see the level of craftsmanship if you’re buying online, but we’d recommend buying from a well-respected brand with solid reviews (like ours).

One small thing to note is that low denier nylon isn’t incredibly abrasion resistant. This is mostly a non-issue, since your packing cube will be protected inside your bag, but it’s something to be wary of.

Packability

Ultralight Packing Cubes won’t take up much room in your pack because of their minimalist style. Plus, they’re the lightest cubes around so that they won’t increase your overall load by much either.

An important thing to note is that ultralight packing cubes don’t provide any structure since they’re usually just two pieces of fabric stitched together with a zip in the middle. This means that even if your clothes are rolled neatly, they will likely come out of an ultralight cube a bit creased. It’s a pain, but it’s the price you pay for ultralight-ness, and the severity of this issue largely depends on your use-case.

Recommendations

WANDRD Packing Cubes’ Perfect Fit System takes a lot of the guesswork out of mixing and matching differently sized cubes by scaling their cube’s size with one another, so the large is the size of two mediums, and so on. They feature a mesh top, so it’s easy to see what’s going on inside, YKK zippers, and a 70D nylon shell.

Ultralight Packing Cube Pros

• Reasonable price-point

Ultralight Packing Cube Cons

• Don’t provide any structure

Packing cubes will help save space inside your pack, but compression cubes take it to the next level.

Why Compression Packing Cubes?

Compression packing cubes are for people who want to save as much room in their pack as possible. Every packing cube will compress your items to a certain extent, but a compression cube takes it to the next level. This is done by adding an extra zipper around the outside that can be zipped up to minimize the space inside—kind of like how a vacuum sealer works—and it’s remarkable how much of a difference they can make.

There is a bit of variety in this category since a compression packing cube isn’t determined by its materials. However, there are some reoccurring themes.

The materials have to be flexible, because these cubes stretch and compress—so most compression packing cubes will be made of a low denier nylon or polyester (under 100D) fabric. We tend to prefer nylon over polyester for compression cubes as you really need the added durability. That said, some compression cube fabrics will even go as low as ultralight cubes (30D or 40D), which makes them both an ultralight and compression cube. We’re big fans of these as you get two significant benefits in one.

A compression packing cube is put under considerably more stress than other cubes, as the material stretches and the cube becomes tight when you compress it. Because of this, they can be more vulnerable to wear and tear. So you’ll want to make sure you get yourself a quality cube that won’t break within a few months.

Here are a few things to look out for:

• The zipper around the side that compresses the cube is put under a lot of stress, so make sure it’s a good zip from a quality brand. We go deep into zippers and what to look out for specifically at the beginning of the considerations section below.

It may sound like compression packing cubes are a recipe for disaster, with all the added stress on the fabric and zippers…but that really isn’t the case. We’ve come across plenty of highly durable compression packing cubes in our day. And as long as you buy a quality cube made with top-notch materials from a reputable brand, durability shouldn’t be an issue.

There’s no getting around it, compression cubes take up the least amount of room inside your pack. (It’s kind of what they’re built do to.) This is a significant check in their packability score, but there are a couple things you should be aware of too.

Compression cubes can become slightly rounded when you compress them. This means they can’t be easily stacked on one another, and you might lose space in your pack because of it. Plus, this increases their tendency to shift around in your pack.

A compression cube can also crease your clothes. This likely isn’t a concern if you’re hitting the beach with a pack full of tank-tops and shorts, but if you’ve packed a few shirts for fancier establishments then it can be a real pain. You can minimize creases by neatly rolling up each item of clothing, but at the end of the day, they are impossible to avoid entirely when you’re compressing your clothes tightly together.

The Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are incredibly lightweight and have held up well throughout testing around the world! Made of nylon, with SBS zippers, they’re water-resistant to protect your stuff and are ideal for people looking to save as much space inside their pack as possible.

The Thule Compression Cube Set will help you save space in your pack—they compress from 4 inches deep down to just 1.25 inches! Thule uses YKK zippers to get the job done. They’re slightly see-through, too, so you can remember which cube contains your favorite T-shirt.

Compression Packing Cube Pros

• Can be used in two different capacities (compressed and uncompressed)

Compression Packing Cube Cons

• Hard to stack on top of one another

On a budget? Fear not! These packing cubes won’t break the bank.

Why Budget Packing Cubes?

Why would you get budget packing cubes? Well, the clue is in the name. They’re cheap!

Here at Pack Hacker, we tend to focus on high-quality, good looking, and extremely functional gear. But there are instances where buying budget just makes sense. Perhaps you’re only traveling for a month and don’t need something that will last a lifetime. Maybe you’re working on a limited budget and picking up the best packing cubes is less of a priority than other, more expensive gear you need to buy. Or maybe you’re simply just not interested in all the bells and whistles of other packing cubes.

The bottom line is, depending on your use-case, budget packing cubes can be a great choice. And they’re also incredibly easy to get your hands on, with places like Walmart and Target now making their own. Not forgetting the gazillion packing cubes for travel available on Amazon. We’re all suckers for that free two-day delivery on Prime right?

Budget packing cubes are cheap because they use inexpensive materials. However, while the materials won’t be as high-quality or as high-tech as others on the market, they should still be up to the task at hand. After all, a packing cube is just a small container for your clothes, it doesn’t have to be be indestructible.

Budget packing cubes are typically polyester, and while we prefer nylon because it’s stronger and softer to the touch, it’s by no means a bad material. Polyester is still lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and fairly durable. Plus, it’s even more abrasion resistant and quicker drying, so there are pros.

While ripstop technology isn’t overly common in budget cubes, it can be found. If your only concern is to find the cheapest cubes possible, you could forego it. But, if a rip does appear it will inevitably get larger and render your cube unusable over time. Ripstop can stop this from happening (it’s in the name after all). So, if you’re planning on using these cubes for longer than one trip, it could prove a vital addition.

It will come as no surprise that budget packing cubes aren’t heralded for their durability. However, this doesn’t mean they’ll all break one week into your trip around the world. In fact, we’ve tested a set of AmazonBasics Packing Cubes for over a year of perpetual travel, and they’re still going strong. While we can’t guarantee every budget packing cube will survive a year of everyday use, it is possible.

But we should clarify that budget packing cubes are, of course, less durable than higher-quality and more expensive cubes, and buying budget will always increase your chance of something going wrong at some point down the line.

Also, when something does go wrong with a budget cube, you’re most likely going to be out of luck in terms of warranty or repairs. While some of the higher-end brands—like Peak Design or GORUCK—will offer lifetime warranties or handle repairs for you, chances are you won’t find any of that with budget cubes.

We’d recommend treating budget cubes with a bit of care, as they may not be able to handle everything you throw at them. The craftsmanship may not always be impeccable, and stitching may start to loosen if you continuously fill these things to the brim.

The majority of budget packing cubes for travel are surprisingly easy to stack on one another inside your bag. This is because they tend to be a basic rectangular cube shape that holds its form and structure well.

On the other hand, they will take up more space inside your pack than compression cubes, and they will be heavier than ultralight cubes. This is the trade-off for cheaper cubes, and it’s a decision you’ll have to make depending on your situation. If you’re looking to save as much space inside your pack as possible, then it may be worth spending a bit more on ultralight or compression packing cubes.

You don’t even have to buy specific packing cubes if you don’t want to, as you’ll likely have a Ziploc or plastic grocery bag laying around the house already. While we would advise packing cubes, these can work if you’re in a pinch.

These cubes are a tad bulky and they’re not great at compressing your clothes. But we’ve tested them for over a year of perpetual travel and they’re still going strong! That’s some awesome durability for a set of budget cubes. Plus, they’re rocking ripstop technology too.

This set of packing cubes is one of the cheapest we’ve come across. While they’re 100% polyester and don’t have branded zippers, they are ideal for anyone looking to spend as little as possible.

Budget Packing Cube Pros

• Readily available

Budget Packing Cube Cons

• Not the most durable

Looking for something special?

Why Specialist Packing Cubes?

While we’ve already covered the best packing cubes for most situations, there is a chance you may need something more unique for your use-case. Thankfully, there are a few brands that manufacture specialist packing cubes to fill specific niches in the market.

Padded Packing Cubes

Padded packing cubes are like every other cube on the market, just padded for further protection. While you don’t necessarily need added protection for your clothes, these cubes do have a unique set of benefits that could come in handy depending on your use-case.

Versatility: A padded packing cube can be used solely for clothes, but because of the padding, you can also use it for your tech gear too. If you’re in a pinch, you could even put a combination of both inside, like t-shirts and a travel camera .

There are even some padded packing cubes that feature MOLLE webbing for PALS attachments, a modular system that enables you to attach items to a backpack. For instance, you could attach a padded packing cube to the outside of your pack for quick access or because the inside is full. While this won’t be beneficial to everyone, the versatility is pretty rad.

Structure: A padded packing cube is more structured than others on the market, which can be beneficial for a couple of reasons. First, they are easy to stack inside your pack, and it’s easy to utilize all available space when the main compartment of your backpack is rectangular. And clothes are least-likely to crease inside of a padded packing cube, because of the structure inside and padding on the exterior.

Durability: These are some of the most durable packing cubes you can buy. This is because they’re usually made from high-quality materials and high denier fabrics, similar to what you’d find on an actual backpack. If you’re all about durability and want your gear to last a lifetime, these could be the best packing cubes for you.

This all sounds great! BUT, there are a few significant trade-offs you’ll have to make.

Weight: Padded packing cubes weigh a fair bit more than others on the market, especially ultralight cubes. Because of this, it may not be a good idea to fill your pack up exclusively with padded cubes, but one or two are worth considering if they make sense for your use-case.

Size: Because they are padded, these cubes take up a lot more room than necessary. If space is at a premium and you’re solely picking up cubes to save space inside your pack, padded packing cubes may not be the best option for you.

Cost: The price of padded packing cubes can really creep up, and these certainly aren’t the most cost-effective on the market if you’re working on a budget.

The GORUCK GR2 Field Pocket is one of the most durable packing cubes on the market. It’s handmade in the USA with 1000D CORDURA® nylon and it comes with a lifetime warranty. There’s also MOLLE so you can attach it to the inside, or outside, of a compatible backpack.

Padded Packing Cube Pros

• Incredibly durable

Padded Packing Cube Cons

• Heavy and will increase the weight of your bag

Weather Resistant Packing Cubes

If you’re traveling somewhere prone to a downpour, or you like to buy over-spec gear for all potential scenarios, you could consider weather-resistant packing cubes for travel. While not overly common because most people just don’t need them, they can be found, albeit with varying degrees of weather resistance.

For a packing cube to be considered weather resistant, the material and zippers must be resistant to water. We say this because the latter is so often forgotten. It’s all well and good having a material that won’t let water through, but if the zippers offer no protection, water is going to get inside anyway.

However, weather-resistant materials and zippers don’t come cheap, so expect to pay a fair bit more for these cubes. And you’ll have to ask yourself, “do you really need weather resistant cubes?” Probably not.

Some of the most weather resistant cubes we’ve across. They’re made from a dry-finish waxed canvas that won’t let any water through, and the #5 YKK AquaGuard® zipper is the perfect finishing touch. Plus, they’re bright orange so they’re easy to see inside your pack.

If your travels involve a lot of water, you’ll love these packing cubes since they’re waterproof with RF-welded seams and a toothless waterproof zipper. We’re huge fans of the toothless design, and they compress your clothing to help you save space. The sticky zipper and required maintenance make them best suited for those who really need waterproof packing cubes.

Weather Resistant Packing Cube Pros

• Tend to be durable and well-made

Weather Resistant Packing Cube Cons

• Can be pricier than other packing cubes

Integrated Packing Cubes

Some brands will make packing cubes to fit and integrate specifically within their own backpacks. Plus, sometimes it’s just nice (and aesthetically pleasing) to have all your gear match.

Here are a few of our favorite brands that make integrated packing cubes;

Peak Design

The Peak Design Packing Cubes are made specifically for the Peak Design Travel Backpack . While they’re only available in two sizes, they are compressible and feature a neat self-healing 70D nylon and polyester blend material.

TOM BIHN makes a wide range of packing tools that integrate perfectly with their backpacks. And we’re digging the Techonaut/Aeronaut 45 Packing Cubes that are designed specifically for the TOM BIHN Aeronaut 45 . You can use this thing as a large packing cube for travel and take it out to use as a daypack when you’re at your destination.

The Tortuga Packing Cubes come as a set of three and the curved corners utilize all the space in the Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L perfectly. They’re not the sleekest packing cubes available, but the 900D Polyester is plenty durable, and the mesh top makes identifying what’s inside nice and easy.

The Aer Packing Cubes (V2) are lightweight, durable, and pair perfectly with the Aer Travel Pack 3 , both in size and aesthetics.

Integrated Packing Cube Pros

• You can save money if they’re sold in a bundle with the pack

Integrated Packing Cube Cons

• They may not be as interchangeable as other packing cubes

Luxury Packing Cubes

If you’re a fashionista looking to make a statement regardless of where you are in the world, luxury packing cubes from high-end fashion brands should be calling your name. While we can’t guarantee these will be the most functional, space-saving, or versatile cubes on the market, if you want to blow your pay check on a Gucci Off The Grid packing cube, then who are we to stop you?

Luxury Packing Cube Pros

• Great way to spend money if you’ve got too much laying around

Luxury Packing Cube Cons

• The materials may feel nice but they’re likely not adventureproof

Make sure you buy the best packing cube for you.

How To Use Packing Cubes

If you haven’t caught on by now, a packing cube is simply a fabric pouch with a zippered opening. Using one is pretty straightforward—you just unzip the opening, put your clothes inside, zip it back up, and place the cube inside your pack. It’s not rocket science.

That said, figuring out the optimal method for using packing cubes for travel is a bit trickier. A typical example of how packing cubes can be used in the real world is to use a small cube for underwear, a medium cube for t-shirts and shorts, and a large cube for sweaters and pants. It can be that simple, but you can also get as creative as you’d like. For example, you can…

• Use a selection of different packing cube types. Depending on your use-case, you can choose to pick up a couple ultralight cubes, a large compression cube, and a padded packing cube. (More on that later.)

Things To Consider Before You Buy

We’ve taken you through all the different types of packing cubes, but there’s still a fair amount to consider. Let’s dive right in.

Broken zippers will render your packing cube useless, so it’s essential to have one you can rely on. And though they may look alike, zippers can range in quality and durability dramatically. You may not think you need anything special, but zippers on packing cubes can take quite a beating when you’re yanking them shut after filling your cube to the brim.

The first thing to consider is the brand—YKK, SBS, Zoom, and Riri are some of the biggest and most reputable. In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with Japanese manufacturer YKK. They are well-regarded in the industry for making quality gear and have performed remarkably well in testing, even after years of use. Popular brands such as Patagonia, Eagle Creek, and Osprey use them on just about all of their gear, which should say something.

While we believe YKK to be the best, the Chinese manufacturer SBS has become quite the juggernaut as of late. Overall, SBS zips have performed well for us in testing and we’ve never had one break, but they’re not as solid as we’d like them to be. You’ll typically find them on more budget-friendly cubes. The bottom line is, as long as your zippers are from a reputable brand, they should have you covered. But, we’d recommend opting for YKK when you can.

It’s also important to take the size of the zipper into account, which will range on a scale from one (small) to ten (large). Typically, zipper sizes on packing cubes will range from three to five. A number three will be perfectly fine, but we’d opt for a number five when possible for the added durability. Anything larger than a five may be a tad too cumbersome and simply isn’t necessary for most use-cases. That said, we’d strongly recommend staying clear from anything less than a number three for durability reasons.

Something else to consider is where the zipper is located on the packing cube and how it opens. Generally, there are two options—a full clamshell-style that opens all the way, and a half opening. A clamshell-style packing cube will give you direct access to the entire cube and enables you to place and position everything neatly—but we have found it can be tricky to zip up if you’re filling it to the brim. In contrast, a half opening style cube is a lot easier to cram a load of stuff into and zip up—but if you want to pull something out, you will likely have to take everything else out too.

Both styles have their merits, but we tend to think that since you can simply close the clamshell zipper halfway—to act as a half-opening, making it easier to stuff clothes inside—it takes the cake.

Finally, keep an eye out for zipper pulls and how many zippers a packing cube has. If you fill your cube to the brim, a zipper pull can be helpful to grab hold of and pull shut, but it’s by no means necessary. You could also just attach your own if you wanted to. And if possible, we recommend opting for a packing cube with two zippers as opposed to one. This is because if one does break, your packing cube is still functional. We’ve also found that two zippers make opening and closing the cube a little bit easier, and you can open it from whichever side you’d like, which is great.

A handle is by no means a vital component on a packing cube—considering they’re designed to be placed inside a bag—but most manufacturers do include them. If done right, it’s a nice feature that can provide some useful benefits. However, they can also get in the way if they’re not implemented well.

Pointing out the obvious, a handle is helpful when grabbing hold of a packing cube. However, we’ve found that most of the time it’s easier to grab the whole cube with your hands. That being said, we have found a handle can be useful when lifting a cube out of a top-loading backpack, specifically. So if you’re rocking one of those, you may want to make sure your cube has one.

Other than being used to take your cube in and out of your pack, a handle can be utilized to carry your cube around, hang it up, or attach it to the outside of your bag with a carabiner clip. These aren’t things we find ourselves doing often, but it’s worth bringing up. It could help you out in a pinch.

In testing, we’ve found handles that sit close to the packing cube to be best, as they don’t get in the way when not in use. But remember that a handle isn’t essential, and certainly don’t discount the cubes that have opted not to include one.

Pockets & Compartments

The majority of packing cubes are just an empty cube, which is perfectly fine. However, some brands like to think outside the box, and they’ve brought some nifty ideas to the party.

Internal Organization: Some manufacturers will include a “clean and dirty” cube in their range. This is a packing cube that’s split into two compartments designed to keep your clean and dirty clothes separate, which is beneficial for obvious reasons—that is, unless you don’t see a problem with your stinky socks touching your clean t-shirt.

You don’t have to use these cubes specifically for this reason, though, and they can come in handy for additional organization. For instance, you can separate your t-shirts and shorts in one cube.

You probably won’t need every cube you own to split into two compartments, but picking up one to complement the rest of your set could be a nice touch.

External Pockets: A quick-grab pocket on a one bag travel pack is a vital addition, and it’s the perfect place to store your passport, phone, and other essentials you need fast access to. So why not have one on a packing cube? Well, you don’t really need one, and you do lose the whole “quick-grab” factor since they’re packed away in your bag.

However, if you do come across a cube with one, don’t discount it straight away, as they can come in handy. You could use an external pocket on a packing cube to hold some cords or small tech accessories. Maybe you just want to be able to find your lucky underwear at a moment’s notice. Who knows. We don’t find these pockets terribly useful, but some might.

Destination

The world is a big place, and choosing the best packing cubes will depend on where you’re going and what you’re doing. Most packing cubes will be fine for most destinations, but there are some locations where certain styles of packing cubes will be a better choice.

If you plan on spending most of your time wandering along sandy beaches, then mesh packing cubes could be an issue. Sand really does get in everything, and the last thing you want is it mixed up among all your clothes.

If you’re traveling to a humid location, like SE Asia, breathable packing cubes are highly recommended. There are some high-tech materials available now, but simple mesh cubes will work too. These will help keep your clothes fresher for longer.

Finally, if you’re headed on a business trip, you’re not going to want any wrinkles. Cubes with a bit of structure are your best bet here, just make sure to neatly fold your clothes before placing them inside.

We prefer packing cubes that contrast in color to the inside of your backpack. For instance, if your main compartment is black, try to source colorful cubes. And if your main compartment is a bright color, try to find black, gray, or darker colored packing cubes. This is by no means a necessity, but it can make finding and grabbing specific cubes from inside your pack a lot easier.

We’ve also found that having a selection of different colored cubes can help further organize your pack. For instance, you could put all of your warm weather gear inside a blue cube and your cold weather gear inside a red cube. However, most companies tend to sell sets of cubes that are all the same color, and it can be more expensive to purchase them individually in a range of colors.

These packing cubes come in four sizes, each in a few bright and saturated colorways, along with black. The nylon pack material is exceptionally lightweight, and the cubes are compressible, too. All four sizes have a handle, a nice inclusion that makes grabbing the cube out of the pack easier.

Packing cubes are available in a vast range of sizes, and you’ll want to consider how much gear you’re taking and what shape your pack is to find the right cubes for you. Most manufacturers will sell a set of their packing cubes that contains a small, medium, and large cube. Using the small for underwear, the medium for t-shirts and shorts, and large for sweaters and pants is a tried and tested method that has worked well for us. But we’d recommend laying all your gear out in front of you in different piles before choosing what size packing cubes to order.

It’s also important to consider how much room you have to fill in your pack. The last thing you want is a large packing cube that’s wider than the pack itself. We’ve found multiple smaller cubes—as opposed to one large cube—can help maximize the space inside of just about any pack.

Finally, take note of what shape your backpack is. If it’s rectangular, try to find cubes with straight edges. If it’s rounded, try to find cubes with curved edges. This will help utilize all the space inside your pack.

We think the cost of packing cubes are reasonable considering the benefits they bring. Price is always a factor though, and luckily, there are cubes for every budget. It’s also important to note that the most expensive ones aren’t necessarily the best packing cubes for you.

First, you’ll want to consider how much and for how long you’re going to need packing cubes. If you’re going on a one month trip to Europe, and don’t plan on traveling much after, you may not want to splurge on expensive cubes, and that’s fine. Whereas if you’re planning on perpetually traveling the world, you’ll want to consider spending a bit more on top-notch cubes that are built to last.

Make sure to check the warranty on your packing cubes, especially if they’ve set you back a fair amount. Take a look at what it covers—such as craftsmanship defects or general wear and tear—and how long it will cover you for. Even if a brand says they have a “lifetime guarantee,” it’s worth reading the fine print to see if that is relegated to just manufacturing defects or wear and tear. With brands like Patagonia or GORUCK , we’ve found their “lifetime guarantee” is actually just that.

A good warranty usually means that a brand stands behind its gear, and you can be assured of its quality and durability. We recommend skimming reviews on product pages to assess a brands warranty, as people who have had a really good or really bad warranty experience are likely to write a review about it.

Finally, be aware of where they will deliver your cube if you do have a successful claim. It’s no good getting a replacement delivered to your home address if your cube breaks halfway around the world.

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re likely into packing cubes as much as we are, and can see just how brilliant they are at organizing and compartmentalizing your pack.

At the end of the day, there is no “best packing cube,” but hopefully this guide will help steer you in the right direction to pick up the best packing cube for you. It all comes down to personal preference, travel style, and personal use-case. You may not get it right the first time, and that’s okay! Sometimes you need to iterate.

And as always, if you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to drop us a line . We’d love to hear from you.

Author: Tom Wahlin

Tom has lived out of a 40L backpack for 2 years of travel, helping him learn what to pack and what to leave behind. His top achievements include designing for Apple and eating large quantities of ramen (ongoing).

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8-Piece Deluxe Compression Packing Cubes Travel - Maximize Space In Luggage With Double Capacity Design, Luxury Compressible Packing Cubes For Travel, Large, Small, & Medium Set

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• 8-PIECE SET INCLUDES: 2 Large & 1 Medium HybridMax Compression Cubes, 2 Small compression packing cubes travel, 2 Accessory Bags, 1 Laundry/Shoe Bag.
• SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Experience the revolution of packing with our HybridMax DOUBLE CAPACITY COMPRESSION DESIGN (patent-pending). No matter the journey, our packing cubes turn chaos into order. Designed for both carry-on and check-in suitcases, our innovative COMPRESSION DESIGN makes travel prep a breeze
• FEEL THE LUXURY: Elevate your travels with our PREMIUM TWILL FABRIC packing cube bags. Unlike ordinary cubes with low-quality thin materials, ours offer a superior, tactile experience that whispers quality with every touch
• DURABLE STITCHING & ZIPPERS: Say goodbye to travel worries. Our cubes feature robust reinforced stitching and SMOOTH 2-WAY ZIPPERS, ensuring secure, WATER-RESISTANT protection for your belongings
• VERSATILITY & STYLE: Our packing cubes organizer set is more than just convenient; it's a statement. Small, medium, and large cubes make a PERFECT SET for storing your essentials, while our array of EXCITING COLORS AND DESIGNS adds a stylish flair to your travel routine!
• COMPLETE LIFETIME SATISFACTION: Our pledge to product excellence ensures your satisfaction for a lifetime. Rest easy knowing we've got you covered from the moment you choose Well Traveled

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Well Traveled

Travel Gear as Exciting as the Places You'll Go

Well Traveled is built for your next journey.

Our products are designed to capture the spirit of adventure.

Durable, high-quality, and as vivid as your imagination.

What makes our products unique?

Our products are built with the traveler in mind —durable, high-quality, and lightweight. We put all our gear through rigorous testing to ensure it can handle any type of adventure.

What inspires us to create our products?

Our products are inspired by the joy of traveling and designed to capture the spirit of adventure.

Who created Well Traveled?

We are a team of international explorers, outdoor enthusiasts, artists, and dreamers. Headquartered in Colorado, we spend our free time playing in the nearby Rocky Mountains.

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Customers say

Customers like the appearance, size and compression of the storage bag. For example, they mention the patterns are beautiful, the colors are vibrant and the simple design is a great feature. They say the compression really helps with packing and that the bags are great for traveling. Customers also like the organization. That said, some complain about the zipper and disagree on value and quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the appearance of the storage bag. They say the patterns are beautiful, the colors are vibrant, and the simple design is a great feature. Some mention that the bags are well-made and elegant.

"...-long journey, these cubes will ensure that you do so with elegance and efficiency . Highly recommend!" Read more

"...I received are of superior quality, showcasing durability and thoughtful design ...." Read more

"...I wanted to love these. They look great , I like the multiple sizes and I loved the feature of the identity card...." Read more

"Quick review: These are very nice . Only thing I’ll say is the images are deceiving...." Read more

Customers like the size of the storage bag. They say the cubes are sturdy, generously sized, and maximize luggage space with their compression feature. They also say each cube serves a unique purpose and size, making it effortless to segregate.

"...Organization Dream - Each cube serves a unique purpose and size , making it effortless to segregate clothes, accessories, toiletries, and more...." Read more

"...The cubes are versatile, fitting a range of items , and their robust construction ensures they can withstand the rigors of travel...." Read more

"...These fit perfectly in my suitcase and then I can leave everything in them when I get where I’m going and just put the open in the drawers...." Read more

"...and tossing my suitcase content all over to find a certain item, they save space because you can compress items into one cube, there are 8 pieces of..." Read more

Customers like the organization of the storage bag. They mention that it keeps all their things organized and easy to get to. They also say that the cubes are a game-changer for staying organized on the go, perfect for organizing and compacting their clothes for a long trip, and make travel organization a breeze. Customers also find them very practical, helpful, and incredibly useful.

"...They have significantly enhanced my packing efficiency, making travel organization a breeze ...." Read more

"...There is a lot to love about them - they keep my suitcase organized so that I am not rummaging through and tossing my suitcase content all over to..." Read more

"What I liked most was that it was so easy to organize my stuff and keep it organized during the trip...." Read more

"...I was happy to find white packing cubes. They definitely help organize items in your luggage ; much better than having everything loose in there...." Read more

Customers like the compression of the storage bags. They mention that it really helps with packing, and the hybrid design allows for optimal compression. They say that the bags work great to compress bulky winter gear and that they save space by compressing items into one cube.

"...Maximized Space - The hybrid design allows for optimal compression , letting me fit more into my suitcase than ever before...." Read more

"...over to find a certain item, they save space because you can compress items into one cube , there are 8 pieces of various sizes in the order and..." Read more

" Bags highly compress the cloth to make it fit better and more inside the luggage...." Read more

" Great compression bags . I used it for my travel pillow to reduce the space taken up...." Read more

Customers find the storage bags a great idea for traveling and organizing clothes. They say the bags make traveling so much easier, and are useful in carry on luggage to compress clothing. Customers also say the designs are simple and remind them of traveling.

"...of items, and their robust construction ensures they can withstand the rigors of travel ...." Read more

"...These are decent travel cubes and kept my husbands cloathes clean even when he spilled coffee on them...." Read more

"These are really great for a big trip . You can get so much more into your suitcase. Plus I'm able to organize my outfits" Read more

"These were great for my first trip to Europe , and made packing and unpacking easy...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the quality of the storage bag. Some mention it's very well made, durable, and guaranteed for life. However, others say that the material seems like it could rip easily, the seams came apart immediately, and the bags don't hold up.

"...In summary, the 8-Piece Deluxe Compression Packing Cubes are a worthy investment for anyone looking to maximize space and minimize hassle...." Read more

"...The cubes are versatile, fitting a range of items, and their robust construction ensures they can withstand the rigors of travel...." Read more

"...It's kind of annoying. Took off one star because there is no give in the fabric so if you fill the cube and try to compress it, it will take you a..." Read more

"...I have other cubes, but this is the one that I like the best, the quality is amazing and I like the fact that I can use index cards in the outside..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the value of the storage bag. Some mention it's worth the cost, has great quality, and can handle a lot of wear and tear. However, others say it'd be better off buying three different storage bags for the same price.

"...They are good quality and great price ." Read more

"The packaging cubes make a world of difference when traveling ! Worth ever penny !" Read more

"The seam came apart on one of the bags on first use. Not worth the money . UPDATE: I just got a notification that I got a refund...." Read more

"...Great zippers but they barely compress in my opinion. Good value nonetheless." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the zipper of the storage bag. They mention that it doesn't close without snagging material, it tends to get caught in the fabric of the bag easily, and that the cinching zipper broke after only one trip. Some of the zipper tabs have pulled off. The seams for the zipper split open the first time they used the bag, and the fabric had frayed away from the zipper. They also say that the compression using the zipper might not work all the time and that it adds weight to the bag.

"...One of the zipper pulls fell apart immediately but I was able to rig it to work for the trip...." Read more

"...The fabric material isn't as durable as canvas, the zipper could've been better constructed , and the stitching could've been much tighter...." Read more

"...The zippers glide smoothly , and the material feels robust, ensuring that these will be a travel companion for many trips to come...." Read more

"...Can this be made better? Yes - compression using zipper might not work all the time, as you are trying to your hand to compress all the air out, so..." Read more

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The 5 Best Compression Packing Cubes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep organized and pack more with these high-quality compression packing cubes.

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

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• Why Trust T+L

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

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Filling a suitcase can be a tedious task but compression packing cubes are an extremely useful travel hack to stay organized and maximize space. While traditional packing cubes are great for keeping items sorted, compression cubes can save even more precious room in a carry-on or checked bag.

We tested a variety of packing cubes to find the best compressible, highly durable options to consolidate clothing in an organized, efficient way, and make traveling easier. Our top pick is the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes set with sturdy zippers and water-resistant nylon. We loved that the cube could be packed full and it was still easy to press the air out and zip the cube down to constrict the items with minimal effort. And if you’re not in search of a three- or four-piece cube set, we found an excellent singular cube as well as lightweight options, too.

Best Overall

Gonex compression packing cubes.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

Both the zippers and nylon material feel sturdy when the bag is packed full and compressed.

The bags weren’t as waterproof as we had hoped.

We love the simple and functional design of our top pick, the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes. These no-frills packing cubes thoroughly impressed us during testing thanks to their extremely tough zippers that easily closed around the packed items. In fact, even after using these compression packing cubes for six months, we didn't notice any signs that this set was losing its durability. All you have to do is fill the cubes with clothes, close the top zipper, and then squeeze out the air, and compress the bag with the center zipper that wraps around the sides. It didn’t require much effort to quickly close the compression zippers which prevented air from getting back into the bag. The seams remained perfectly stitched and didn’t show any signs of expansion or stress even after we packed it to the brim.

While we would consider the nylon material more water-resistant than waterproof after we splashed the bag with a little bit of water, we still think they would protect clothes from condensation or dampness, especially if they’re also packed away in a suitcase. The four-pack compression bags come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes so you can compress a variety of clothing from pants to jackets. We love that the bags have handles on the top making it easier to grab the bags whether they’re in a suitcase or a backpack.

The Details: 4 bags | 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches (extra large), 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches (large), 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches (medium), 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches (small) | Water-repellent

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes

 Amazon

• Design 4 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

The set includes three compression bags and a sack for laundry or shoes.

The bags aren’t water resistant.

For travelers in search of a budget-friendly pack of travel cubes, the Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes set comes with three different sized compression cubes and a bag for shoes or dirty laundry. The set also includes labeling cards for travelers to write the contents of each cube and then place the card into the slot on the back. We think the value is unmatched given the amount of bags in the set combined with their sturdy structure and superb compression ability.

We used the cubes to pack an entire suitcase including shoes, pants, tops, undergarments, and toiletries across the varying cube sizes. After three months of use, we especially loved the small size for packing undergarments and separating laundry. While the material isn’t water-resistant, it does feel well-made with strong stitchwork. Plus, the cubes are outfitted with metal zippers that glide smoothly to compress the bags, even when they’re packed full of clothes.

The Details: 4 bags | 7 x 5.5 x 1 inches (small), 11.5 x 8 x 1 inches (medium), 14 x 10 x 1 inches (large), 18 x 11 inches (laundry/shoe bag) | Water-resistant

Best for Group Travel

Leantravel compression packing cubes for travel, set of 3.

• Quality 4 /5

The total weight of all three cubes is just over 1 pound.

The cubes are made of polyester which is generally less durable than nylon.

If you’re looking for packing cubes to stay organized but not to add more weight to an already packed suitcase, consider the lightweight polyester Lean Travel Premium Compression Packing Cubes. After using these for six months of use, we've decided they're truly a game changer when it comes to organized packing. Although polyester is a little less durable than nylon (typically used for packing cubes), the material has more give making it easier to squeeze a few more clothing items into the cubes. We had no issues with zippers getting snagged or stuck and the fabric feels thick enough that, if there was a spill in a suitcase, it could soak it up before reaching the clothes packed inside.

This set comes with two large and one medium-sized cube so you can easily pack clothes like jackets or jeans. While it depends on the size of your suitcase , we found that it might be easier to only pack one or two cubes in a suitcase at a time, due to the fact that the large cubes are incredibly spacious on the inside and can fit plenty of clothes, but take up a good amount of space once full. However, if you’re looking for more sizes, the brand also carries a 6-piece set that has small, medium, and large sizes, but we think the 3-piece is the perfect number for heavy packers or traveling families so you don’t have too many bags to manage.

The Details: 3 bags | 15.5 x 11.5 x 1 inches (large), 11 x 11 x 1 inches (medium) | Waterproof zipper bag included

Best for Backpacking

Suited nomad compression packing cubes.

The ripstop material is durable for even longer backpacking adventures.

Your items may wrinkle if you pack these too full.

Going on a backpacking trip and need to fit all your stuff in one rucksack? Be sure to use these compact compression cubes from Suited Nomad when packing. Each set comes with three packing cubes in varying sizes. They're made from a water-resistant, ripstop material that won't snag or tear during your travels. The cubes also have convenient top handles to make it easier to pull them in and out of your pack.

The double-zipper compression system makes them super compact and small enough to fit inside a backpack while still being roomy enough to pack all the essentials. While testing out the set, we were able to fit all three fully packed cubes into a L.L.Bean backpack ( llbean.com, $70) and still had enough room to pack other items like shoes and travel accessories .

The Details: 3 bags | 11 x 8 x 4 inches (medium), 15 x 11 x 4 inches (large, two included) | Water-resistant

Best Lightweight Cubes

Eagle creek specter compression cube set.

It opens wide, so you can easily pack all of your items neatly.

Only one bag is included, making this a pricier option.

Eagle Creek has been making traveler-loved packing organizers for more than 20 years, and the Specter line is one of the brand's newest innovations. The zippers unzip three-quarters of the way around the cube, which makes it easy to load in a lot, and then, a second set of zippers compresses the cube's size by up to 50 percent if you packed it with flexible materials. We were able to fit a full week's worth of warm-weather clothing — mostly dresses — into this medium-sized packing cube, and the smaller one is perfect for stowing for socks and undergarments.

Also, the material they're made of is incredibly lightweight and it's water-resistant, too, so your clothes won't get ruined if your toiletry bag happens to spring a leak. The best thing about these cubes is how easy they are to use and how durable they are.

The Details: 1 bag | 10 x 13.5 x 3.25 inches | Water-resistant

Other Compression Packing Cubes We Liked

While we tried several sets of compression packing cubes, the two highlighted below almost made our list for the best compression packing cubes but they fell short due to a few flaws during testing.

Bagail Compression Packing Cubes : The material felt soft and the bags boasted spacious capacities, but the quality was questionable due to flimsy zippers and stressed stitchwork when the bag was packed.

Tripped Compression Packing Cubes for Travel : The set of cubes have water-resistant exteriors and solid storage capacities, but the $50 price seems a bit too high considering the zippers and stitching felt weak.

We tested 23 sets of packing cubes in our New York City lab and found there were several sets of compression-specific packing cubes that had stellar performances during our tests where we rated the cubes on a scale of one to five based on capacity, design, and quality.

After unboxing the packing cubes, we thoroughly examined the quality of each bag by twisting and pulling on the cubes with it zipped and open to see how the material and stitchwork held up with some pressure. The cubes scoring highest for quality appeared to be made with durable materials and stitching, and had smooth and tough zippers. Then, we packed the cubes full of clothes, undergarments, shoes, and toiletries to judge the capacity of the varying-sized cubes. It was during this test that we evaluated the consolidation ability of the compression cubes by pressing the air out of each bag and closing the compression zipper before we placed the cubes into a standard carry-on suitcase. Our favorite compression cubes for capacity were able to fit a solid amount of items and zipped down easily.

All of our top-performing compression cubes had sleek designs that helped us pack in an organized and efficient way, and saved a noticeable amount of space in the carry-on with room leftover for other items, if desired. We splashed water on the outside of each cube to see how protective the material was, since many of the brands we tested claimed the bags were waterproof or water-resistant. Lastly, we were unaware of the cost of each set of compression packing cubes and were only made aware of the price after testing was completed to judge the value based on its performance.

After testing the packing cubes in our lab, we sent each set home with testers to use during their real-world travels. Over a period of six months, we checked in with the testers to see how the compression cubes were performing and updated this article accordingly.

Tips for Buying Compression Packing Cubes

Consider how many you want.

There are plenty of packing cube sets ranging from one to six (or more!) cubes included. For travelers looking to fill a carry-on or checked bag with cubes, we recommend getting a set with multiple bags in varying sizes to get the best value. If you’re planning to pack boots or a bulky jacket, a single compression cube could do the trick without having to buy a whole set.

Look for high-quality materials

Most of the compression cubes we tested were made of nylon which is known for being an ultra-durable material for soft goods like sports bags and suitcases. Polyester is lighter in weight than nylon but it’s a little less durable than nylon.

Check the dimensions

Before you purchase a set of compression packing cubes or a single one, double-check the dimensions of each bag to ensure that they will fit in your preferred suitcase. Some large or extra-large packing cubes could work great in a checked bag but they might take up a lot of room in a carry-on or not fit in a duffel bag at all.

Depending on the type of packing cube, some are machine-washable. If it’s not listed in the product description before or after you purchase it, you can always spot clean the fabric with soap and water, and then let it air dry before using the cube or storing it for your next trip.

Both regular and compression packing cubes are designed to organize the items you need to pack in a suitcase, but compression packing cubes are designed to release the air inside of the bag to consolidate the items down to a flattened packing cube. Compression cubes are best suited for travelers looking to save space in a suitcase, especially for packing jackets, jeans, or other larger items that take up a lot of space.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best compression packing cubes based on a series of tests completed in our New York City lab.

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Best Packing Cubes for Travel in 2024 (Pack Smarter)

Written by Dan

Updated on April 26th, 2024

Packing cubes help keep your clothes organized and compressed. They're essential for traveling, but with so many options, how do you find the best packing cube? Let's find out!

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Packing Cubes

• Peak Design Packing Cubes
• Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes
• BluffCube from Bluffworks
• TravelWise Packing Cubes
• Bagsmart packing cubes
• Knack Shoe Bags
• Tortuga Packing Cubes (Set of 3)
• Eagle Creek Pack-it (Specter Tech Cube Set)
• Eagle Creek Pack-It (Original set)
• Bagail Packing Cube Set
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes
• The Insider Packing Cubes, by Away Travel
• Nested Travel Organizer Trio, by Leatherology
• Calpak packing cubes
• REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set
• Topo Designs Pack Bag (10L)
• GORUCK packing cubes
• Trakke waterproof packing cubes
• Osprey UltraLight Zip Organizer
• The Centerfold Garment Sleeve
• IKEA RENSARE

Over the last few years of travel, I’ve really come to know and appreciate packing cubes.

There’s something really satisfying about seeing your packed suitcase or travel bag neatly organized with various cubes and pouches . When I get to my destination and open up my backpack or suitcase for the first time, seeing all my neat cubes, I can’t help but feel like I’m winning at the travel game.

The organization that packing cubes give you allows you to find things quickly in your luggage, and also allows you to fit more inside of your travel bag.

Here's everything that I tested

• Peak Design Packing Cubes Check availability
• Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes Check availability
• BluffCube from Bluffworks Check availability
• TravelWise Packing Cubes Check availability
• Bagsmart Packing Cubes Check availability
• Knack Shoe Bags Check availability
• Tortuga Packing Cubes Check availability

If you’ve reached a critical capacity limit with your travel bags, and you want to pack some more, then read on, and hopefully you’ll find a packing cube that fits your needs based on the ones I’ve tried!

Peak Design Packing Cubes

The Peak Design Packing cubes are some of my favorite packing cubes on this list. In fact, I like them so much, let’s call them my #1 pick. I’ve been using them frequently for the past few years.

I enjoy the tear-away style zippers because they are easy to get things in and out of the cubes with. You can think of it like those tear-away pants from the 90s — except in packing cube form.

The Peak Design packing cubes are durable and lightweight. The pack away nicely when you’re not using them. As for materials, they are made from 100% recycled weatherproof 70D nylon and poly shell.

I have the Peak Design Travel Backpack and the packing cubes integrate perfectly with that bag. The medium cube leaves about one third of the space available for other things, like a small camera cube.

Get free shipping on US orders $99+, with 30-day returns!

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These packing cubes from Peak Design are also expandable. I’ll usually pack them pretty tightly, leveraging the expanded volume. I’ve never had any issues with overstuffing them.

Let’s quickly go through how cool expandable packing cubes are!

Here is a normal amount of items that I would fit inside of a packing cube this size.

But because they expand, we can fit a little more!

We’re not done yet: there’s one more secret pocket that we can utilize to squeeze in another shirt or two.

Here’s everything that fits inside!

Check out the Peak Design Packing Cubes

Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes

I’ve been using these Nomatic packing cubes since December 2022, and I must say, they have been a dream to use. I listed them as one of the best travel products for backpackers and for any type of traveler who likes to stay organized.

They are plenty sturdy and do a great job of compressing the clothing items inside. I have the complete set of small, medium and large, and they all have their own purposes.

The small packing cubes are great for your socks, underwear and maybe a bathing suit or smaller accessories. Whenever I travel with a suit , I pack my undershirts, watch, belt and dress socks in the small packing cube.

For me, I’ve had the best luck packing all of my T-shirts in the medium packing cube . I roll them up, and can fit a bunch! Folding flat should also work well. There’s been enough room to pack a set of gear and apparel for a trip that’s a week or longer, because of the added compression.

The large packing cube has been good for pants, sweatshirts and jackets. Depending on where I am going, I might skip packing the large packing cube, as I don’t typically bring a lot of pants nor multiple jackets whenever I travel. If you travel with a partner , you can always share the large packing cube, which might additionally help save space overall.

Packing Cubes

Achieve packing perfection with these Packing Cubes, offering optimal organization and efficient use of space.

Photo via Nomatic

Check out the Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes .

BluffCube from Bluffworks

I really enjoy using my BluffCubes. I think the design is unique and is really effective. Instead of needing different size cube, you can change the size by rolling the cube and closing it off.

You can compress your clothes as much (or as little) as you like and you can have some variety into what you fit inside.

I’ve packed my BluffCube full of T-shirts and also my Bluffworks travel suit .

The BluffCube did a great job of accommodating both sets of clothes. We even outline how to pack a suit into a packing cube in our guide for folding suits for wrinkle-free travel solutions.

They are made from 100% lightweight ripstop nylon fabric, which keeps the weight and footprint down. You can wash these in the washing machine with no problem (do hang them dry, though).

Check out the BluffCube

TravelWise Packing Cubes

I got this packing cube set in 2016 (I checked my Amazon orders for this date!) when I first left to travel for a year around the world. These packing cubes of mine have been through a lot of use, zips and packs!

I actually still use them on occasion, but since 2016, there have been a lot of new packing cubes that have come out that I also like.

Bagsmart packing cubes

I tested these Bagsmart packing cubes (the set of 6) and was pretty impressed with the quality and practicality for the price.

The set of 6 gives you lots of size options and gives you a shoe (or laundry) bag option as well.

Not all packing cubes offer the ability to compress your clothes, but these Bagsmart packing cubes do! If you’re looking for a set of packing cubes as your first set to test out, I would recommend this set from Bagsmart without a doubt!

Check them out .

Knack Shoe Bags

Knack sells packing cubes , which I’ve used in the past. They help with organization, but not so much for compression in my testing. However, their shoe bags are fantastic, in my opinion.

My general packing advice is always going to be to limit the amount of shoes that you travel with. Shoes end up taking the most amount of room in your bag. My wife Becca talks all about how to decide which shoes to pack for a trip in this article .

I broke my own rule recently because I traveled to California for a wedding and wanted to bring nicer shoes, running shoes and the walking sneakers that I normally wear every day.

Half my bag was dedicated to shoes, which I wrapped in plastic bags (and reused them on the way home). This was really not the best use of space, though, and I was sure that there was something out there to solve this problem.

And there is!

The compressible shoe bags from Knack are pretty cool. You can stash one pair of shoes in the small bag, or two pairs of shoes (depending on the size of your shoes) in the larger bag.

The best part is you can compress the bag, which allows you to save space for other things that you need to pack.

The compression does come at a small expense, and it will sort of squish your shoes. For me, I’m ok with that, but depending on the type of shoes you have, I’d keep that in mind (like if you have leather dress shoes for a wedding).

Check out the Knack Shoe Bags

Tortuga Packing Cubes (Set of 3)

I tested out the Tortuga Packing Cubes in the set of 3, and they are super lightweight. I thought they nested really nicely in my new Tortuga Laptop Backpack , which they pair very well with as a duo.

The packing cubes from Tortuga are made from the same high-quality materials as all Tortuga backpacks are, so they’re durable as well as waterproof, and have these great zippers with little turtle logos on them.

When I say they’re lightweight, I mean it. The three of them weigh around half a pound all together and they’re thin, yet strong. I like the top mesh flap and structured design.

They won’t provide as much compression as some of the other packing cubes on this list.

These packing cubes come at a higher price point than, say, the ones from Amazon Basics. That’s because Tortuga is a trusted brand and a leader in adventure gear for travelers. These aren’t any old packing cubes, so they’re for a person who appreciates quality and long-lasting goods to invest in.

Check out the Tortuga Packing Cubes Set

Everything else!

Here are the other packing cubes that I found that either offer something unique, have a good price or are overall well reviewed and used in the travel space.

Eagle Creek Pack-it (Specter Tech Cube Set)

The Eagle Creek Pack-it (Specter Tech edition) will be your lightweight and relatively affordable option for a set of packing cubes.

You can trust Eagle Creek because they have been around for more than 40 years! They were some of the first packing cubes that I ever tested. I don’t own them anymore. I think I sent some older style of Eagle Creek off to a friend that didn’t have them. I don’t remember!

This particular set has some waterproofing, but isn’t rated to be fully submerged in water. They can withstand a few drops and splashes, but I would not suggest letting them fall in the ocean or be rained on for more than a few minutes.

You are able to wash them in a washing machine. I would air-dry them as opposed to putting them in a dryer, for sure.

They are made from 30D Silnylon Ripstop. Silnylon in a combo material made from silicone and nylon. It’s strength-to-weight ratio is known to be favorable! So, these packing cubes are both strong and lightweight.

Check out the Eagle Creek Pack-it (Specter Set)

Eagle Creek Pack-It (Original set)

This original set of Eagle Creek packing cubes is pretty much your classic packing cube set .

They come in a set of three, which is perfect for most of your packing needs. I like to dedicate one cube for socks and underwear, one cube for shirts and one cube for pants and sweatshirts .

You can expect a standard level of quality and functionality with these packing cubes. They are made from a nylon material, have decent zippers and feature a quick-grab handle.

Compared to the Eagle Creek Specter set, these are a bit heavier.

Check out the Eagle Creek Pack-It (Original set)

Bagail Packing Cube Set

The Bagail packing cube set is going to be the most affordable option in this list.

You’ll receive six packing cubes in three unique sizes. They are made from a typical nylon material, and that’s about it!

I would get these packing cubes if you’re interested in keeping your costs down and don’t need any major features or care about the design.

Check Out the Bagail Packing Cube Set

There are a few similar types of packing cubes that you can find on Amazon. I would check these options and compare which has the best price.

Amazon Basics Packing Cubes

I’ve had good luck with most Amazon Basics products. I am pretty sure that Amazon white-labels existing products and puts their own branding on them.

My guess is that these packing cubes are some variation of the TravelWise or eBags ones. They likely all share a similar manufacturing process.

Like most of the Amazon Basic products, the cost is affordable and you can find a generous return policy. You’ll also get a 1-year warranty.

These packing cubes have a mesh top. The mesh is nice, for seeing what is inside. If you are careful with your packing cubes, the mesh should be okay.

If you use the cubes a lot and are a bit more rough with your things typically, I would assume that the mesh will be the first part of them that will start to show signs of wear.

Check out the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes

The Insider Packing Cubes, by Away Travel

We like the products that we have from Away. Becca uses the Away Daypack and the Away Carry-On suitcase for most trips that we take these days.

These packing cubes are great because they integrate really well with the carry-on bag.

They come in a pack of four and have a 100-day free trial. The free trial is basically an extended return policy. You still have to pay for them up front, but Away will refund you if you aren’t happy within the 100-day period of time.

If you’re looking for more packing cubes or want to split them between a few bags, they also offer a set of 6 .

In terms of material and usability, they are made from a nylon material and are somewhat water-resistant. They have a mesh top, so they’re not totally waterproof.

Check out The Insider Packing Cubes

Nested Travel Organizer Trio, by Leatherology

The travel organizers from Leatherology are absolutely going to be your splurge pick or high-end choice of the bunch.

They are made from full grain leather and includes nickel hardware accents. You’re able to personalize the bags, which I believe is having your initials or some other small marks that are custom to you.

These bags would be a great complement to any luxury travel or would be a nice gift for someone who likes quality items.

The size variety that comes in the set is perfect for packing toiletries, charging cables, clothes and everything in between, in style.

Check out the Nested Travel Organizer Trio

Calpak packing cubes

The packing cube options from Calpak are so fun! The set comes with five pieces and has many of great color choice and patterns to choose from.

If you’re traveling with your packing cubes outside of your bag for some reason, you’ll be able to benefit from the carrying handle and an organization label.

Check out the Calpak packing cubes

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

REI is known for consistency, quality products, good customer service and having everything you need for travel and outdoor activities.

REI’s packing cubes hold up to their expectations, undoubtedly.

The REI expandable packing cubes come in a few sizes and are made from ripstop nylon. The outside has a durable water-repellant finish.

You can use them for a number of applications and can beat them up a little bit. Don’t take their lunch money, though.

One of the best features of these packing cubes is their ability to expand. Each of the three sizes expands to hold more capacity.

These packing cubes also hold some sustainability credentials. They have a bluesign® certification. You can learn more about what that is directly on their website .

As an added bonus, if you’re an REI Co-op member, you’ll save about $4 (coming back to you in a dividend) after buying these packing cubes. Learn more about becoming a Co-op member here!

Check out the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Topo Designs Pack Bag (10L)

The bags and packing cubes from Topo Designs are among some of the highest quality items that you can find.

Their products will likely hold up for many years and you can put them through a lot of wear and tear.

The 10L packing cube is made from 400D nylon pack cloth and includes heavy-duty YKK zippers. This basically means they are some of the highest quality packing cubes on this list.

If you’re into it, they hold a Fair Wear certification and you can learn more about that process here.

The size and durability of this packing cube is perfect for some of your bulkier items, like shoes, sweaters, jackets and so on.

Check out the Topo Designs Pack Bag

GORUCK packing cubes

The packing cubes from GORUCK come in two sizes, a 5L and a 10L size. They are incredibly durable being made from 200D nylon.

When you’re not using them, the pack down really small, which allows you to keep them out of sight.

They integrate nicely to the GORUCK GR3, GR2 or Kit Bag. If you already own some of the GORUCK products or like their mission, these would be a great option for you!

Check out the GORUCK packing cubes

Trakke waterproof packing cubes

For people who like camping or need a waterproof option, this packing cube set from Trakke is your go-to option.

They are truly waterproof and hand made in Scotland. Their bright orange color makes them stand out and easy to identify.

Let’s say the wash away in a river, you’ll be able to easily find them assuming whatever you have inside decides to float.

The material is a dry-finish waxed canvas, which is really my favorite material.

Check out the Trakke waterproof packing cubes

Osprey UltraLight Zip Organizer

The Osprey UltraLight Organizer has a feature that makes them stand out from the rest. Why? Because you can hang it.

The hanging ability allows you to stash away electronics or toiletries (hopefully not together) and have them easily accessible.

There are plenty of pockets inside for additional storage and really allows you to organize everything exactly how you want it.

Check out the Osprey UltraLight Zip Organizer

The Centerfold Garment Sleeve

If you’ve ever tried traveling with a suit, it’s not easy. You usually need to be really careful to make sure everything stays propped up and doesn’t fall off the hanger and collapse and wrinkle.

If you’re looking for a travel suit, check out the travel suit options from Bluffworks as well as my Gramercy travel suit review .

Away makes a nice garment bag that you can use to travel with a suit, dress or really any attire that you want to keep looking freshly pressed.

Inside of the bag, they have a small pocket perfect for some accessories, like a tie, clips or a comb.

The outside of the bag has some hanger clips that you can use for organization after you travel. The bag is designed to clip into some of Away’s existing bags.

This is a great option if you’re looking for a garment bag!

Check out the Centerfold Garment Sleeve

IKEA RENSARE

If you know anyone who loves IKEA like I do, you’ll like the RENSARE packing cubes. They are exactly what you would expect IKEA to make.

Don’t worry, though: you won’t have to assemble them. They come pre-assembled!

They are mostly polyester and some polyurethane. I believe they are made from 90% recycled material, but don’t quote me on it!

They are able to be put into the washing machine, but be careful and don’t put them in the dryer.

The biggest benefit of these is the price. They are really some of the most affordable packing cube options that you can find. If you live near an IKEA, check them out. Otherwise, you’ll probably need to pay for shipping.

Check out the IKEA RENSARE

Why should you trust me?

I’ve been packing bags since I left for my first full year of travel in 2016. In preparation for that trip, I thought I discovered packing cubes and was so impressed by how I could effectively turn my duffle bag into a lost game of Tetris.

Little did I know that the packing cube industry was thriving and about to explode with tons of new ways to pack your stuff.

By the time I finished my year of travel, I downsized a lot of my duffle bag because I was moving around so frequently. There were some instances where my bag would barely close, because it wasn’t packed well enough. There were other instances when I needed to dig something from the depths of my bag, and digging through all of the loose items was not fun.

I realized how useful packing cubes were for both of those reasons. And during that realization, after more long trips, another year of travel, and lots of testing, did I come to really know and love packing cubes.

You should trust my because without knowing it, I’ve willingly packed well over 50 suitcases, duffle bags and backpacks to travel anywhere between 2 and 365 days.

Does rolling or folding your clothes matter?

Kind of? But probably not enough to over-think it.

I always like to tell people to pack half what you think you need. But there are times when it’s hard and that extra pair of pants sometimes takes you over the edge and makes it hard to close your suitcase.

I’ve repacked my bag a few times, by carefully rolling clothes to leave no gap, so they compress more. I’ve neatly stacked my clothes to the same effect. I haven’t found a huge space savings by doing either method.

I have found that using packing cubes is a better space-saving method because when I have a mix of dirty and clean clothes, sometimes my dirty clothes are loose in my bag when the clean clothes are in the packing cubes. It’s those times when my bag is hard to close.

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I fly almost 100,000 miles per year and don't travel without these packing cubes from Calpak

• Packing cubes can make your travels much easier, simpler and more organized.
• The best packing cubes are very durable, easy to maneuver and come in multiple sizes and colors.
• Calpak's five-piece packing cube set is not the cheapest on the market, but in our real-world tests, it's not only one of the prettiest designs but one of the most durable.

I resisted packing cubes ... for years. They seemed like an unnecessary gimmick that over-complicated packing. But, having become a packing bag convert , it's true: If you want to be more organized when you travel, fit more in your suitcase and potentially keep yourself safer from bed bugs in the process, you need packing cubes. But like with everything else, packing cubes are not all created equally.

Once you decide to make packing cubes part of your long-term packing strategy, you'll want one of the best options on the market. Consider Calpak packing cubes. I have used them for the past year and a half and put them through the wringer. After tens of thousands of flown miles and dozens of trips under their zippers, I can say they are head and shoulders above many other packing cube options that I've tried.

Calpak five-piece packing cube set: $68

What to look for in good packing cubes

After going through a few less-than-amazing packing cubes that didn't hold up beyond a trip or two, the best packing cubes I've tried have a few things in common. They come in a variety of sizes, have strong zippers, are washable, are made of a material that can stand up to both heat and routine use and have a waterproof pouch.

The least expensive packing cubes are often made of thin nylon that is likely to not hold up well, especially if heated in the dryer (which I recommend doing, more on that to come). While not essential, it's also great if the cubes you choose come in colors or designs that are fun and something you enjoy.

Having cubes in different colors can help with some useful strategies such as organizing your cubes by day or by person, especially when you have the whole family along for the journey. Even just putting the first 24 hours worth of stuff you will need in one packing cube can help so much with that first night and morning in the hotel.

Related: Why you should use packing cubes

Why we like Calpak packing cubes

Calpak makes its packing cubes out of a thick mesh and polyester material that has held up extraordinarily well across our theme park trips, ski adventures, cruises and beyond.

The handles, cute patterns (such as marble and polka dot) and see-through mesh that allows for breathability as well as a peek at what's inside, are all reasons I like Calpak. However, those are just "nice to haves" as far as I'm concerned.

What makes Calpak a brand that I've ordered with my own cash not once -- but twice -- is how well it holds up to extended real-world use. Specifically, after bringing bed bugs home in my luggage from a trip a few years ago, I've forever changed how I pack and unpack.

Now, to reduce the risk of repeating that nightmare, my luggage never comes into the house. Instead, it lives in the garage in big plastic bins, and only the clothes and the packing cubes come in and out. However, these items do not come straight into the house. They are first heated in the dryer for about 30 minutes to kill any potential bugs.

Packing outside or in the garage is pretty tough without packing cubes, but very simple if all you have to do is put some fully packed cubes in your luggage and hit the road. This all may sound extreme if you've never lived through bed bugs, but it's really not hard once you get the hang of it.

Unlike some other brands made of less durable material, my Calpak packing cubes have survived many rounds of heat in the dryer without any noticeable impacts — something that cannot be said for many other brands.

Additionally, the cubes have waterproof pockets that you can use to keep wet or especially dirty items separate from the rest of the items, meaning that the last morning's jump in the pool won't make your whole bag a bit soupy.

Related: 13 must-have travel items the TPG team can't live without

What's in a Calpak packing cube set?

In the five-piece Calpak packing cube set (currently priced at $68) you get:

• One envelope pouch (13" x 10" x ¼").
• Two small cubes (12" x 8 3/4" x 3").
• One medium cube (15" x 11" x 3").
• One large cube (17" x 12" x 3").

The large and medium cubes are what I get the most mileage out of, though occasionally the small ones play a role for swimsuits, underwear and other really small items. I've found those small cubes are also handy for some of my youngest kiddo's things since they are smaller in size than adult items.

The entire packing cube set weighs in at 1.8 pounds, so they add very little to the total weight of your bag, even if you use multiple packing cubes in your luggage.

In my Rimowa carry-on, I can usually fit two large and one medium Calpak cube, along with some other assorted items such as a curling iron and a pair of shoes.

Bottom line

Since I'm on the go so frequently — often packing for the whole family in the process — and I'm pretty stringent with how I now try to avoid bringing home bed bugs , I'm very tough on my luggage and packing cubes. I've been through at least a half-dozen different packing cubes brands in recent years, and while there are certainly cheaper options than Calpak, I haven't used any that have held up and met my needs nearly as well.

If you aren't in a rush to purchase packing cubes, stay on the alert for Calpak sales and coupon codes, especially when they occasionally clear out some limited-time prints.

The cost is higher on the front end for Calpak cubes versus more budget-friendly packing cube brands. But, given the 18 months that I've had these in my own rotation, I'm comfortable recommending these as a top packing cube pick, as they have held up fabulously for mile after mile without any damage or issues.

As an added bonus, the marble colors are cute and fun to see as you do the not-so-glamorous tasks of packing and unpacking.

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14 best packing cubes to keep your suitcase organised when travelling in 2024

These luggage lifesavers are the perfect companions for your next trip, article bookmarked.

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It’s official – we’re stuffing more into our suitcases than ever before, and the right packing cube can make this process significantly easier, which is why we’ve tracked down the ones worthy of a spot in your luggage .

Let’s face it – nobody likes packing, and, in an age when airlines are imposing increasingly strict restrictions relating to baggage, we’re all for anything that can make the process a little less daunting. This is where the best packing cubes come in.

These zippered cubes are used to segregate different items, putting you on the fast track to packing perfection. Their growing popularity has pushed manufacturers to produce versions designed with a range of requirements in mind.

Looking for a cube in which to store your favourite shirt? Consider one with an internal pocket in which you can place the jewellery you’ll wear with it. Travelling through several countries (and climates) that require everything from hiking gear to smarter outfits? Opt for cubes that have generous areas of transparent mesh, which makes accessing different items quick and easy.

If you’re a packing cube obsessive like us, you can’t go wrong with colour-coordinated sets of multiple cubes. Another factor is sustainability, as a growing number of brands are using recycled materials or ones that have Bluesign certification – a global seal of approval for environment, health and production safety.

Related stories

How we tested the best packing cubes.

As keen travellers, we put a variety of travel cubes through their paces. We considered all aspects, whether it was the construction (we’re particularly keen on double and compression-style zips), rigidity (useful when it comes to more delicate items), and internal features, such as inner pockets. Only the best of the best made the cut, thanks to a review process that focused firmly on travellers’ wants and needs.

The best packing cubes for 2024 are:

• Best packing cube overall – Thule compression cube set: £39.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget packing cube – Go Travel packing cubes twin set: £9.99, Ryman.co.uk
• Best compression style packing cube – Gomatic compression packing cube, medium: £25, Amazon.co.uk
• Best packing cubes for shoes – Peak Design shoe pouch: £24.99, Amazon.co.uk

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Thule compression cube set

• Best : Packing cubes overall
• Size : Small 25cm x 18cm x 3cm; medium 34cm x 23cm x 3cm (compressed)
• Classy design
• Incredibly practical

We’re not going to lie – we’re huge fans of Thule, a brand famous for roof boxes but which also does so much more. This packing cube double act didn’t disappoint – the material feels incredibly tough, and we loved the monochrome look, featuring a cream-coloured nylon with a black zip. The smaller cube was perfect for items such as socks, while the larger one is designed for items such as T-shirts, but both have a Tardis-like quantity, thanks to compression zips.

The best bit? The two zips are clearly distinguishable – the main zips are black, while the compression ones are white, which means no more fiddling around with the wrong ones. We were amazed by how much we could cram into both cubes, while added extras worth flagging include the abundance of hanging hooks and the Bluesign accreditation, which is awarded to items that embrace sustainable production techniques.

Go Travel packing cubes twin set

• Best : Budget packing cube
• Size : 40cm x 28cm x 5cm
• Large handle comes in useful
• Not the toughest material

This cheap and cheerful packing cube does exactly what it says on the tin. The use of a semi-transparent mesh on one side meant it was easy to check the contents, and the large handle at the top made it easy to wrangle the cube out of our (overpacked) suitcase. It also meant we could sling it over hooks in our hotel room. The zip is one of the longest we’ve come across – it covers three sides (and a little bit more) of the cube, making it ridiculously easy to extract the contents. The sky-blue nylon added a welcome burst of colour to our largely monochrome luggage accessories, too.

Patagonia black hole cube, medium

• Best : Packing cube for toughness
• Size : 27.9cm x 10.9cm x 17.8cm
• Great internal design

While mesh packing cubes make it easy for you to see their contents, they could pose leak-related problems when housing toiletries.

That’s where Patagonia’s black hole cube comes in. Available in three sizes (we opted for the 6l version), it’s extremely tough, made with 100 per cent recycled ripstop polyester fabric, while a recycled TPU-film laminate means it’s a great option for leak-prone items.

The exterior zip wraps around three sides of the cube, which has one of the largest carry handles we’ve seen. The interior is also one of our favourites of any travel cube – it’s clamshell-style, with two large compartments, each covered with a zippered mesh panel.

Lakeland packing cubes trio

• Best : Packing cubes for value
• Size : Large 41cm x 32cm x 13cm; medium 32cm x 21cm x 13cm; small 20cm x 16cm x 13cm

There aren’t any mesh panels on these packing cubes, but their boxy design, rugged construction and stylish appearance (the material has the look of denim) more than make up for the lack of transparency. After all, as huge fans of these cubes, we’re firm believers in having a range of styles in our arsenal.

The set contains three packing cubes – small, medium and large. The material, a waterproofed polyester, is incredibly thick, and the zips cover three sides of each cube, making access a breeze. Another aspect we loved is how the two smaller cubes are designed to fit inside the larger one – although they also perform just as well when used independently.

Gomatic compression packing cube, medium

• Best : Compression-style cube
• Size : 29cm x 19cm x 12cm
• Thoughtful design

Multiple (generously sized) hanging hooks and zips with extra-long grips meant it was love at first sight when it came to this packing cube, which has a zip covering three sides – perfect for easy access. It’s a compression-style cube, so there was plenty of space, although, it would have been great to see the zips in different colours, to make it easier to distinguish between the two sets.

Everything about this cube felt reassuringly tough, though – from the extra-thick material to the rubber seals over the zip pulls, which minimise the risk of fraying. A large area of mesh panelling on one side of the cube made it easy to see the contents, too.

Peak Design shoe pouch

• Best : Packing cube for shoes
• Size : Maximum 32cm x 17cm x 17cm
• Rugged material
• Material isn’t transparent

The world’s your oyster when it comes to Peak Design’s packing cubes – choose from a small or medium cube, a shoe pouch or a set of three, six or eight cubes. We opted for the shoe pouch, and found the size to be spot-on – it was large enough to take a pair of size nine running shoes, and had enough give to allow us to squeeze in a couple of pairs of socks, too.

The material felt ultra-tough, although, we’d love to see areas of transparent material – jet-setters who travel with multiple pairs of shoes would no doubt agree. We’re adding extra points for the multiple hanging hooks (four in total) and the leather tag bearing the brand’s name, which offered an upgrade in the style stakes.

Snugpak pakbox packing cube

• Best : Tardis-like packing cube
• Size : 27cm x 28cm x 8cm
• There’s a carry handle

Why don’t more packing cubes look (and feel) like this one? The Tardis-like pakbox (we tried the 4l version) has the features we value most – generous areas of transparent mesh make it easy to get to specific garments, while reinforced areas not only ramp up the rigidity (we used it to store a stack of delicate dresses) but offer a certain toughness.

It’s also got the holy grail – a zip that wraps around three sides of the cube. We love the addition of a carry handle, too.

Vango mesh bag set

• Best : Mesh bags
• Size : 43l, 10l and 3l
• Squishy and malleable

Now for something completely different – albeit a concept we’re pretty impressed by. These aren’t so much cubes as mesh bags, but they offer a brilliant option for anyone keen to make the most of suitcase space. The bags’ squishiness means they can be squeezed into corners and fitted around other items, and a full mesh exterior means we were still able to quickly see (and access) the contents.

They’re also incredibly versatile – we’ve lost count of the times we’ve misplaced items of clothing after using communal washing machines in homestays and hostels. Sound familiar? Avoid the trauma of laundry loss by simply placing items in one of these quick-drying bags before putting the entire shebang in the washing machine.

Osprey ultra light packing cube, large

• Best : Packing cube for bright colours
• Size : 32cm x 20cm x 7cm
• Bright colourway
• Incorporates recycled fabrics
• Helpful handles

Colours don’t add anything to quality, but there’s something wonderful about the brightness of this packing cube, which made the whole packing process somehow more enjoyable. Colour aside, we also loved this one for its toughness, its sustainability (courtesy of Bluesign-approved fabrics) and the extra-large fabric handle.

La Pochette shoe carry

• Best : Packing cube for easy access
• Size : 25cm x 29cm x 12cm
• More malleable than other options
• There’s an interior pocket

Don’t get too bogged down by the “shoe carry” moniker – although we ended up using it to store our trainers and prevent dirt rubbing onto clothing in our suitcase, we also used it for other items.

This cube has less rigidity than some other options in this round-up, but we found this to be a huge bonus – its squishiness came in incredibly useful when squashing in extra items of clothing (we’re notorious over-packers).

We were also smitten with the interior pocket, which we found useful for storing everything from items of jewellery to paperwork.

Peak Design packing cube medium

• Best : Packing cube for organised travellers
• Size : 32cm x 32cm x 8cm
• Internal dividers
• There’s a compression zip
• Could have done with more mesh

Yes, we’d love to see more areas of mesh on this packing cube, but other features more than made up for it (call us fickle, but there’s something wonderfully stylish about its sleek, textured grey exterior).

Internal dividers proved invaluable during a longer-than-average holiday, which left us needing to separate our dirty laundry. Plus, the compression-style zip was a lifesaver when it came to cramming unexpected extras (read: holiday shopping) into our suitcase.

Exped clear cube, extra large

• Best : Packing cube for simplicity
• Size : 36cm x 24cm x 10cm
• Almost entirely transparent
• Easy to clean
• Not as robust as other options

If seeing the contents of your cube is a priority, you’ll love this offering from Exped – the only opaque bit is the zipper. It doesn’t feel as tough as cubes with larger areas of mesh or opaque material, but there are definite bonuses to using transparent plastic rather than mesh.

For starters, it meant this cube was the lightest we’ve come across, and it was also incredibly low maintenance – we could simply wipe-clean the plastic, while, with other cubes, an accidental spill (in our case, a leaking bottle of sun lotion) would have required a spin in the washing machine. Meanwhile, the bright colours will be appreciated by those with an obsession with organisation.

Briggs & Riley large travel packing cubes

• Best : Packing cube for style
• Size : Medium 21.5cm x 33cm x 7.6cm; medium double-sided 21.5cm x 33cm x 10cm; large 33cm x 43cm x 7.6 cm
• Double zips
• Super accessible

You’ll be hard-pushed to find more stylish luggage than the items produced by Briggs & Riley, and this packing cube set didn’t disappoint. But don’t assume it’s a case of style over substance – these cubes are great examples of ones packed with features that are often skipped.

The exterior’s combo of mesh sides and (surprisingly rigid) opaque areas strike the perfect balance between practicality and accessibility. We also appreciated the presence of the double zips and the fact the cubes could be unzipped on three sides, which cranked up the accessibility even more.

Packing cubes FAQs

How do packing cubes work.

Many packing cubes are simply fabric holdalls with a zip to help compartmentalise your things, while compression packing cubes work by compressing the air around your clothes to help save even more space. Exactly how they do this will depend on the cube.

For some packing cubes, you may need to remove the air manually with a vacuum cleaner. Then there are cubes that don’t require a vacuum cleaner and can instead be compressed with a very strong zip, or by rolling them out, which in turn expells the air inside.

Packing tips

It may seem like overkill, but knowing exactly what you’re taking before you start can help you stay organised. Make a list of everything you really need, too, so you’re less likely to forget something important.

To save on space, only bring full outfits for each day or activity, so you won’t bring anything you won’t actually wear. You may also find that rolling your clothes up instead of folding them saves even more space. That said, try to avoid rolling up any stiff or delicate pieces of clothing – anything made of cotton or linen would be a prime example of clothes that should be folded instead.

You may want to avoid bringing anything that will get wrinkled easily unless you’re bringing a portable iron or garment steamer. Speaking of which, your suitcase should be full enough that the contents can’t fall around and crease inside. Make sure to fill every empty space if you can.

How to organise your suitcase

Start by deciding how you would like to categorise each packing cube – will you have a different cube for tops and trousers, say, or for each day or member of the family? You may find smaller cubes more useful for weekend trips, while fewer, larger packing cubes may be better suited to longer excursions.

The heaviest and widest packing cubes ought to be at the bottom of the suitcase, leaving room for smaller cubes to be arranged around and on top. This will make the suitcase more stable and you won’t need to remove the biggest cube to reach items at the bottom.

Finally, make sure you set aside valuable and fragile items, which will be best kept in their own packing cube. Pop this at the top of your suitcase too, to prevent it from being damaged.

The verdict: Packing cubes

Thule’s compression cube set is stylish, practical and (almost) fits everything but the kitchen sink – we loved the stylish look, too. Meanwhile, Lowe Alpine’s packing cube is a masterclass in sleek simplicity – it’s a product with the rugged practicality for which the brand’s backpacks are famous. Then there’s Patagonia’s black hole cube , which is both rugged and stylish. Put it this way, if there was ever a packing cube that could double as a tote bag, it’s this one.

Why trust us?

Tamara Hinson is a freelance travel writer who is a keen explorer, making her the perfect candidate for testing the best packing cubes. She most recently visited the Maldives, India’s Bandhavgarh National Park, and has even explored the most exciting new train journeys in Europe, putting each packing cube to the test. While she’s busy traversing the globe, she also tests everything from the best travel pillows to cabin bags, so her research and recommendations are well worth trusting.

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Simple trick: how to use packing cubes efficiently

L ove them or hate them. That seems to be the consensus with those that have used packing cubes. However, if you are unaware of how to use packing cubes efficiently, then this post is for you!

First, let me tell you that I am NOT a light-packer. I wish we could just take carry-ons, but that’s never going to happen.

With a child, I probably overpack. She has enough outfits so that she wears them 2-3 times each. Plus, two pair of shoes and flip-flops for swimming. When you are packing for a 2-3 week trip to Europe, it does add up.

This is where packing cubes come in! While I may pack a lot of stuff, packing cubes let me do it efficiently.

Let me show you.

What are packing cubes?

Think of packing cubes as lightweight storage boxes for your clothes when traveling.

They come in different sizes and colors.

In fact, I have so many different colors and sets. Maybe I’m a packing cube addict , I don’t know. But, I like every single item in my suitcase in a cube.

Different colors make it easy to see whose clothes are in each cube. After arriving at our destination, we either unpack the cubes or just put the whole cube in a drawer (separated by color). This allows us to get the big suitcase stowed and out of the way.

My daughter likes it because it is now easy for her to find her own clothes.

Packing cube sizes

A set of packing cubes typically comes with three or four different-sized cubes.

These packing cubes from Well Traveled even include a shoe drawstring bag.

My favorite cube is the narrow one . It is perfect for just underwear and socks – no rummaging through large cubes to find what you need. I wish it was a little longer though (and then it would be perfect for my needs anyway).

Plus, I use one for hairbrushes, deodorant, and any other small loose items.

The large cube is where the main clothes go. Our clothes fit in here perfectly for a one-week trip.

Here’s the exact ones I recommend on Amazon.

• SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Experience the revolution of packing with our HybridMax DOUBLE CAPACITY COMPRESSION DESIGN (patent-pending). No matter the journey, our packing cubes turn chaos into order. Designed for both carry-on and check-in suitcases, our innovative COMPRESSION DESIGN makes travel prep a breeze
• FEEL THE LUXURY: Elevate your travels with our PREMIUM TWILL FABRIC packing cube bags. Unlike ordinary cubes with low-quality thin materials, ours offer a superior, tactile experience that whispers quality with every touch
• DURABLE STITCHING & ZIPPERS: Say goodbye to travel worries. Our cubes feature robust reinforced stitching and SMOOTH 2-WAY ZIPPERS, ensuring secure, WATER-RESISTANT protection for your belongings
• VERSATILITY & STYLE: Our packing cubes organizer set is more than just convenient; its a statement. Small, medium, and large cubes make a PERFECT SET for storing your essentials, while our array of EXCITING COLORS AND DESIGNS adds a stylish flair to your travel routine!
• COMPLETE LIFETIME SATISFACTION: Our pledge to product excellence ensures your satisfaction for a lifetime. Rest easy knowing weve got you covered from the moment you choose Well Traveled

Use the small or medium cube to pack swimsuits, coverups and pajamas separately. Again, this makes it easier to find something you are looking for quickly.

In fact, when we stay at an airport hotel for a quick overnight before a flight, I pack everything we need into a single cube and just remove that from the luggage.

How to use Packing Cubes

I am definitely a roller. By that, I mean I start at one end of the cube and roll each clothing item. Pack the first item next to the edge of the cube and tightly add additional items as you roll them.

As you fill half a cube, pull the zipper halfway around so the clothes stay in tightly.

Keep rolling until the bottom is filled with clothes.

Do you have room on top of that layer? If yes, then roll some more and start a second layer – pushing your rolled clothes all the way to the back of the bag first.

Sometimes, I am able to fit a pair of shoes on top, too.

My goal is to not have any loose items in the luggage – everything is in cubes. Use the small cubes for combs, brushes, elastic ponytail holders – anything that is loose.

Compression zippers

What’s great about Well Traveled’s packing cubes is the compression zipper!

So, instead of just a top zipper, there is also one at the bottom of the packing cube that reduces a full inch when closed.

Truthfully, I have used another brands’ cubes with compression zips and I did not like them at all. I could not ever get them closed without having to take out a lot of clothes.

I did not have this trouble with the Well Traveled ones. I’m guessing it’s because their zipper went straight across whereas the other brand I have does it on a diagonal.

So, if you are looking to save some suitcase space, purchase packing cubes with a compression zipper!

This is quick to unpack when you arrive at your hotel room.

There you have it. Are you a believer yet?

Buy these packing cubes on Amazon.

Please note: While I have many packing cube sets, I was contacted by Well Traveled to use and review theirs in exchange for a complimentary set. My opinions are my own. I really love packing cubes!

Do you use packing cubes? Do you think packing cubes are worth it? Let me know in the comments!

Read the following for more travel tips:

• How to do Disney on a Budget
• Italy – 21 Travel Tips You Need to Know

Please PIN this to share with others! Thank you.

The post Simple trick: how to use packing cubes efficiently appeared first on Treasured Family Travels .

California Winter Packing List (By a Local)

Planning to visit California in winter? I have put together this handy California winter packing list so you’ll know exactly what to bring along on your trip!

As a California local, I consider myself pretty lucky with our overall mild winters. But depending on what activities you have planned, different areas in California do get snow and can be very cold.

If you plan to only pack dresses and shorts, you might not have the best time when you arrive and aren’t dressed for the right weather conditions. Plus, your winter packing list for a coastal trip will look a bit different than packing for a skiing or snowboarding trip in the mountains.

In this California packing list guide, I cover all the essentials to pack in the winter season so you can have an enjoyable time on your visit!

Looking to rent a car for your trip to California? I recommend and personally use  Discover Cars  on my trips because they offer the best pricing and free cancellation up to 48 hours before your pickup!

Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you book through these links for which I am very thankful!

California Winter Packing List

In California during the winter months temperatures can significantly vary throughout the day. Pack a variety of items that you can easily layer, especially if you plan to travel to different parts of the state.

While I live on the coast myself, I do spend quite a bit of time in the Sierra Mountains in the winter. In this packing guide, I’ll cover what to pack for a variety of locations and climates throughout California.

Tip: In major coastal cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, people do like to dress up more but you can certainly rock a casual sporty look as well!

What To Wear In California In Winter

Here are clothing essentials that I recommend packing for a trip to California:

Jeans . Denim jeans are the quintessential California clothing item that you can wear in any season! I recommend packing a couple of pairs of jeans – one in a lighter washed-out color and one in a darker color.

Winter boots . I love a pair of cute winter boots. I usually opt for tan, brown, and simple black styles that will go with anything. I recommend getting a pair of Chelsea waterproof boots in case it rains during your visit.

Sneakers . Bring a pair of shoes that are comfortable for walking, especially if you plan to visit cities. I like to keep it simple with white sneakers that will match anything.

Cozy sweaters . No matter what you have planned, cozy sweaters can be worn anywhere in California! I love a chunky knit sweater that will match anything from jeans to leggings or a skirt with boots.

Travel hat . A Travel hat is a fun accessory that I bring on all of my trips. A wide-brim hat is very versatile and can complement different outfits and styles.

Winter coat . On the coast, temperatures stay in the 70°F-50°F degree range during the day but can drop to 40s at night. During the day you can get away with wearing just a sweater and jeans, but you’ll want to throw on a coat as soon as the sun goes down.

Rain jacket . Yes, we do get rain in California too! A rain jacket can come in very handy when it does rain and it can also serve as a thin outer shell to wear over a sweater. If you don’t have the space for a second jacket in your suitcase, throw in a Multipurpose Poncho for a rainy day.

Scarf . I love a long, oversized scarf that can double as a small blanket on the plane.

Bathing suit . Most California hotels and resorts have an outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs. Pack a swimsuit in case you decide to go for a relaxing soak in a hot tub at the end of the day. You might even find a natural hot springs in the area and you’ll be thrilled to have a bathing suit packed along!

Beanie . A beanie will keep you warm and serve as a cute accessory (especially if you don’t feel like doing your hair that day). I usually opt for a single-color beanie that will go with most of my outfits.

Long-sleeve pajama set . While most hotel rooms have heaters, they don’t always work perfectly and can be a bit tricky to get the temperature ‘just right’. I recommend packing a set of long-sleeved pajamas that you’ll be thankful for on chilly mornings when you don’t feel like getting out of bed.

California Winter Packing List For The Mountains

The California mountain areas do get very cold in the winter months. If you are planning to spend any time in Lake Tahoe, Mammoth, Big Bear, or at one of the National Parks, be prepared for snowy conditions and freezing winter weather.

Here’s my recommended packing list for a California winter vacation in the mountains:

Waterproof Hiking Boots . Waterproof hiking boots are one of the must-have items for winter outdoor activities. Waterproof boots will keep your feet dry and warm which is so important when trekking across snow, mud, and ice.

Merino wool socks . Packing a few pairs of Merino wool socks is essential for the mountains. Merino wool will keep your feet warm in very cold conditions.

Alpine Hoody . When heading to the mountains, I like to pack a lighter jacket for the daytime and a winter coat for the evenings. I have a lightweight alpine hoody by Mountain Hardwear that keeps me warm on day adventures without feeling heavy and hot.

Thermal tights . While it’s much easier to layer the tops, don’t forget to keep your legs warm too! These The North Face Winter Warm Pro Tights always keep me extra warm on winter hikes in the mountains.

Thermal tops . Thermal long-sleeve tops are so cozy and comfortable! I opt for merino wool tops that can regulate body temperature and are made of breathable materials.

Insulated winter jacket . For cooler days and evenings, I have an insulated Columbia mountain jacket . With a thermal-reflective lining, this jacket will keep you toasty even in the coldest of conditions.

Microspikes . If you plan to do any winter hikes in the mountains, I highly recommend bringing a pair of microspikes. Microspikes don’t take up a lot of room so I always pack a set. When everyone else starts slipping and falling on the trail, you’ll be glad you brought them along!

Snowshoes (optional) . If there has been a significant amount of snow on the ground, snowshoes like these MSR ones can help you trek across deep, powdery snow. Generally, you don’t need them for short day hikes but do bring a set if you plan to go on longer hiking adventures in the mountains.

A few places that usually require snowshoes are Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, and Sequoia National Park.

Gloves . I recommend getting a pair of gloves with touchscreen compatibility so you don’t need to take them off when taking photos or using your phone.

Hand warmers . On extra cold days, gloves alone might not cut it. Pack a few hand warmers that you can stuff into your gloves when going on hiking adventures or snowboarding in the mountains.

Read Next: 20 Best Winter Hikes In California

General Travel Essentials

Here are a few general travel items that I recommend packing for a California trip:

Sunglasses . Even in the winter, the sun can be very strong, especially in Southern California. I recommend wearing polarized sunglasses that will reduce glare and protect your eyes from UV damage.

Travel-sized body lotion & lip balm . My skin always gets really dry in the winter months. Bring a small travel lotion and a lip balm to keep your skin hydrated!

Reusable water bottle . I love my Nalgene reusable water bottle for traveling and everyday use. It’s light, easy to clean, and fits into any small backpack or bag. Plus, it is great for the planet by eliminating one-time-use plastic bottles.

Hand sanitizer & travel wipes . I carry a small hand sanitizer and wipes anywhere I go these days. I love   Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer   which doesn’t have any harsh chemicals or a very strong scent.

Crossbody travel bag . A crossbody bag is so handy for storing travel essentials close to you while keeping your hands free to take photos.

Suitcase. My go-to travel suitcase is the  hardside Samsonite carry-on  that has an ultra-strong outer shell and a handy divider pocket for storing smaller items.

Packing cubes . Packing cubes can help you keep your travel essentials organized and make packing a breeze, especially if you’re planning to visit multiple destinations.

Tote bag . A tote bag can be used for groceries, separating dirty laundry, or heading to the beach.

Portable phone battery . When traveling in the winter, your phone is likely to run out of battery much faster. I always bring a fully charged phone battery on trips, especially on longer flights and road trips.

Underwear and bras . Always pack a few extras just in case you’re not able to do laundry on the road.

Travel toiletries . Don’t forget to bring the basics like a toothbrush , travel-sized toothpaste , deodorant , face wash , shampoo , and Dr. Bronner’s travel soap .

Toiletry bag . A toiletry bag with compartments is a game-changer! It helps to keep your items organized and minimizes the risk of spilling.

Travel Camera Gear

Winter is one of my favorite times for outdoor photography in California. The locations are not as crowded so you’ll be able to capture amazing photos without people in the background, even at popular places like Yosemite and Big Sur.

If you’re thinking of stepping up your photography gear, here are my favorite camera items that I love and use:

Sony a7c camera . I personally use the Sony a7c camera for my travel photos. This is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera available – perfect for traveling, hiking, and road trips.

Wide lens. For nature photography, I recommend using a wide lens to capture everything in one frame. I use this Sony wide lens along with my Sony a7c camera.

Extra camera batteries . The camera batteries drain much faster in cold conditions. Bring a few extra batteries and a camera charger for your trip.

SanDisk Extreme 256 GB Memory Cards . It’s always good to bring a few extra memory cards on trips. SanDisk Extreme memory cards are ultra-fast for capturing high-quality images, bursts, long exposure night shots, and 4k videos. This memory card is also durable and reliable yet very affordable.

Polarizing filter . It’s always sunny in California! For my outdoor photos, I like to use a polarizing filter to remove glare and enhance natural colors.

Manfrotto travel tripod . For photographing water subjects, sunrises, sunsets, and self-timed photos, I like to use the Manfrotto carbon fiber travel tripod. It’s very light, easy to carry around, and simple to set up.

Lowepro adventure shoulder bag . A camera bag is something I highly recommend getting for traveling. Without having a proper place to store it your camera will get scraped, dirty, and will have sand stuck inside the lens.

Have any questions on what to pack for California in winter? Be sure to leave me a comment below!

Looking for more helpful California travel tips and things to do? Here are a few of our most popular posts:

• 15 Best Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes In Winter
• 10 Best Winter Hikes In Sequoia National Park
• The Ultimate California Packing List
• Yosemite Winter Packing List (By a Local)
• 12 Best Places To Stay In Mammoth Lakes

This post is written by Laura Sausina . Hi, I’m a California local and the founder of the California Wanderland travel blog. I currently live in Ventura County and help 30,000 readers a month discover things to do in Central California! Read more about me here .

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