travel organizer bag zipper

16 Travel Organizers to Keep Your Luggage & Bags Tidy

The best travel organizers eliminate clutter, bring order to your life, and make packing a cinch.

If you aim to keep your travel gear organized on the go, you made it to the right place. After all, when you’re dialed in, you won’t panic nearly as much over your passport’s whereabouts.

But there’s more to it than safeguarding government-issued documents. Packing cubes, ditty bags, toiletry kits, laundry bags, jewelry organizers, and more each help you maximize your space and ensure you bring what you need and know exactly where to find it.

With that in mind, we looked at all the most trusted brands in the travel organizer space, like Eagle Creek, Nomatic, Osprey, and more to help you pack with intention.

So, if you’re ready to streamline your life on the go, the best travel organizers for your luggage and otherwise are just a scroll away.

Best Travel Organizer Gear

• Best Overall: Eagle Creek
• Ultralight Cube Set: Osprey
• Cubes on a Budget: Suited Nomad
• Best Overall: UltraLite Sacks
• RFIDsafe Travel Organization: Pacsafe
• Drawstring Bags on a Budget: Outdoor Products
• Best Padded Pouch: Minaal
• Best for Photography Gear: Peak Design
• Waterproof Laptop Case: AquaQuest
• Best Overall: Nomatic
• On a Budget: BAGSMART
• Portable Makeup Bag: Relavel
• Mesh Laundry Bag: Nomatic
• Lightweight Shoe Bag: pack all
• Velvety Jewelry Case: Benevolence LA
• Underwear/Bra Bag: Toplive
• Factors We Considered When Picking Products
• Final Thoughts: Best Travel Organizer Gear

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are one of the most efficient tools to organize clothing before, during, and after any big adventure. With just a few cubes, your backpack goes from a place of anarchy and dissonance to one of order and harmony.

Perhaps that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but by packing well and coordinating clothing to specific cubes, you’ll find your pants, underwear, and that favorite shirt in record time.

Best Overall Packing Cubes Eagle Creek

MSRP : $40 Dimensions : 14″ x 10″ x 3″

Shaped like a pair of laptop cases, Eagle Creek’s pack-it compression cubes expand to fit all your clothing and then zip down tight to make them compact and manageable.

But compression alone isn’t what differentiates Eagle Creek’s cubes from the rest.

Rather, this set completely unzips along the perimeter of the cube for full access to its interior, making packing and unpacking your clothes a snap.

Pros : Durable, lightweight, well constructed, mesh front makes seeing contents easy Cons : Zipper can get stuck when compressing Best for : Travelers who want to make their clothing more compact and manageable

Ultralight Cube Set Osprey

MSRP : $42 Dimensions :  Small (1L) :  7.5″ x 5″ x 2″, Medium (2L) : 10″ x 7″ x 2″, Large (5L) : 14″ x 10″ x 2″

Compared with the Eagle Creek clothing organizers above, you won’t find compression zippers on this ultralight set.

But for minimalist travelers, compression might not be necessary, and the extra materials used to make it work may weigh you down a bit.

On the other hand, Osprey’s Ultralight cube set weighs just 6.3 ounces for the entire three-pack.

Pros : Durable, smushes down next to nothing when not in use Cons : Small for some, top access might make retrieving items at the bottom an annoyance Best for : Backpackers, minimalist travelers, and hikers who don’t want to tote around empty weight

Cubes on a Budget Suited Nomad

MSRP : $35 Dimensions :  Medium : 11″ x 8″ x 4″, Large : 15″ x 11″ x 4″

Buying little bags to fit into your bigger bag might seem silly at first. Maybe that’s your rationale behind not wanting to overspend on packing cubes.

And if you’re on a budget, I get it. But just because you don’t have money to throw around on packing cubes doesn’t mean you can’t get a high-quality set.

SuitedNomad’s travel organizer bags are made of tremendously durable materials with reinforced seams that can handle everyday use and frequent compression. Plus, because they come in a three-pack, you score more storage space for fewer cash than Eagle Creek.

Pros : Lightweight, well made, zippers feel sturdy and robust, double zipper compression saves space Cons : Don’t fully unzip, making clothing retrieval difficult at times Best for : Travelers looking to get a good deal on three good-sized bags

Ditty Bags for Odds ‘N’ Ends

Small bags and pouches, also called ditty bags , help keep small personal items like toiletries, first aid supplies, and repair tools organized and ready to grab at a moment’s notice.

So, instead of rummaging through your backpack looking for that small thingamajig that always seems to get lost, you’ll always know exactly where to find it since you dutifully placed it in your ditty bag.

Best Overall Ditty UltraLite Sacks

MSRP : $19 to $26 Dimensions :  Regular : 9″ x 4″ x 2″, Large : 10″ x 4″ x 3″, XL : 13.5″ x 5″ x 4″

You’ll never know that the best ditty bag on the market is in your pack until you jam some of your travel essentials inside of it and hit the road.

Weighing in at just 29 grams for the highest-volume ditty of the bunch, all your miscellaneous items will remain firmly in one place without adding extra heft.

And because it’s made of high-quality materials like Challenge ULTRA, the Zippered Cube won’t break down in the middle of an adventure.

Pro Tip : Grab a couple of UltraLite Sacks’ zippered pouches and ultralight wallets to add internal organization to your ditty.

Pros : Exceptionally strong yet lightweight, waterproof YKK zipper keeps your battery-powered items safe, comes in nine colors/patterns, easy to reach in and retrieve stuff Cons : Some might consider it pricey for a simple pouch Best for : Backpackers, hikers, and travelers who value lightweight yet durable materials

RFIDsafe Travel Organization Pacsafe Gadget Pouch

MSRP : $119.95 Dimensions : 5.9″ x 10.6″ x 3.5″

In the digital age, travelers have more small objects to corral than ever before.

Plus, many items like passports and credit cards use RFID technology to simplify identification and payment. But that convenience comes at the cost of security. A bad actor could steal your personal information with the right tools, and you’d never know it.

Stop that thief dead in their tracks while keeping your cords, wireless earbuds, and external battery packs in order with Pacsafe’s Gadget pouch. Not only will you gain peace of mind, but you’ll always know where to find your AirPods.

Pros : Made from seven plastic bottles to mitigate plastic waste, water-repellent fabric keeps your gadgets safe, RFID blocking keeps skimmers from stealing your info Cons : Expensive Best for : Digital nomads who seek security and organization

Minimalist Drawstring Set on a Budget Outdoor Products

MSRP : $14 Dimensions : Small (1 L) : 4″ x 9″ x 4″, Medium (5 L) : 5″ x 11″ x 5″, Large (6 L) : 6″ x 13″ x 6″

Ditty bags don’t have to be all flash and pizzazz like the Pacsafe Gadget Pouch.

Sometimes you need a basic stuff sack to cram your necessities into. Thankfully, Outdoor Products’ three-pack of color-coded drawstring bags wrangle all your gear without fuss.

And because a set is made up of three sizes, you’ll have a bag for items as small as a comb to as big as camp kitchenware.

Pros : Inexpensive, lightweight, simple, lifetime warranty Cons : Lose storage space at the top due to drawstring Best for : Campers and hikers who want to keep their areas and backpacks organized without spending a bunch of money

Padded Organizers for Tech & Electronics

Remote work in faraway lands represents freedom. But you can’t work without a laptop, cell phone, and the cords and accessories that accompany them.

Some of you may also need to bring a camera along for the ride.

If you want to protect your investments, padded organizers work like a charm, so we rounded up the best ones just for you.

Padded Pouch for Delicate Electronics Minaal Tech Toolcase

MSRP : $49 Dimensions : 7.9″ x 5.9″ x 2.0″

If you’re like me and you stuff chargers, cables, and earbuds haphazardly throughout your backpack and promptly forget where you put them, you need the Tech Toolcase from Minaal.

This case safely stores everything that makes your gadgets work, so you’ll never wonder precisely where you wedged that laptop charger or external battery.

Ultimately, it’s a great tool to help keep your gear organized, charged, and at the ready so you’re never caught off guard while boarding a plane.

Pros : Made from very durable and strong 150D Bean Chaff, EVA foam protective walls handle bumps and drops well, moveable dividers ensure your gear fits Cons : Price may scare some off Best for : Travelers who need to retrieve all their tech gear in an instant and put it away just as fast

Made for Photography Gear Peak Design Camera Cube

MSRP :  Small : $50, Medium : $70, Large : $90 Dimensions : Small : 12.6″ x 6.3″ x 6.7″, Medium : 12.6″ x 12.6″ x 6.7″, Large : 12.6″ x 18.1″ x 6.7″

Traveling with a camera presents several challenges, with the chief concern resting on how to protect the darn thing.

I’ve packed my camera and lenses into a traditional camera bag, an oddly shaped padded case, and loosely into my backpack. Problems arose from all three. Carrying around separate bags and cases makes travel cumbersome, and letting your camera jostle freely in a backpack hardly inspires confidence.

That’s where Peak Design’s Camera Cube comes in. With three available sizes, you’ll have the space you need for all your photography, videography, and drone equipment. It’s just a matter of accounting for your gear and choosing the correct size.

Pros : Fits in any Peak Design Travel Bag, weatherproof recycled 400D nylon canvas shell protects your sensitive electronics from water, foam lining absorbs bumps and drops, durable material stands up to rigorous use Cons : Odd sizing, smaller cube doesn’t fit in smaller backpacks Best for : Travelers who use Peak Design products already, those with the need for a full-sized photography backpack

Padded Waterproof Laptop Case AquaQuest

MSRP : $50 Dimensions : Sizes available to fit 11″ to 17″ laptops

Arguably, the most important piece of tech in any traveler’s bag is their laptop. But laptops have one glaring weakness: water.

Because rain, snow, and water balloons can strike at a moment’s notice, you need the assurance of a 100% waterproof sleeve that will stand up to rain, snow, and flying latex.

For those who don’t want to risk it, AquaQuest’s Storm sleeve will protect your investment from summertime storms in the city, random April dustings in the high country, and errant tosses from Steve.

Pros : Padded inner sleeve provides additional protection, sizes available to fit most laptops, provides peace of mind in inclement weather Cons : Sizing issues for some laptops Best for : Travelers who know water is in the forecast, anxious types (like me) who can’t afford to replace their laptop

Travel-Friendly Toiletries Bags

Reaching into your backpack only to pull out a shampoo-covered hand sucks. It’s happened to me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s happened to you.

End such annoyances with one of our favorite toiletry bags on the market. While they can’t prevent all spills — you’ll want to tighten down those soap bottle lids — you can at least confine your mess to a standalone bag.

Our Top Pick Nomatic

MSRP :  Small : $55, Regular : $75 Dimensions :  Small : 10.5″ x 5″ x 1.7″, Regular : 10.5″ x 5″ x 3.1″

Well-thought-out design, quality materials, and sizing choices make for the best organizers you can buy.

With Nomatic’s Toiletry Bag 2.0, you get all three. Featuring a dedicated toothbrush pocket, optional hanger, and see-through internal windows, Nomatic put a lot of thought into their bag.

And with waterproof materials and zippers, water should never leak in, and contact solution should never leak out.

Pros : Cleans out easily, zippers positioned so items won’t fall out when the bag is hung, moveable inner wall accommodates larger items Cons : A bit pricey Best for : Travelers who demand durable products that make sense, minimalists who value every square inch of their bags

Best on a Budget BAGSMART

MSRP :  Medium : $20, Large : $23 Dimensions :  Medium : 9.4″ x 6.3″ x 4.6″, Large : 11.8″ x 7″ x 5.9″

Keeping your gels, goops, toothpaste, and other essential toiletries organized doesn’t mean you have to spend more than 20 bucks.

BAGSMART’s dopp kit for men and women enables travelers to keep all their most crucial bathroom goods safe and secure while on a budget.

Plus, water-resistant materials ensure that clean-up times are minimal when a spill occurs.

Pros : Lots of storage for everything you need, comes in two sizes, inexpensive, works great for on the road and at home, centerpiece unzips for full access Cons : Some quality control issues Best for : Travelers who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg toting their bathroom essentials

Makeup Case Relavel Cosmetic Case

MSRP : $30 to $80 Dimensions :  Small : 10.3″ x 9″ x 3.6″, Medium : 13.4″ x 9″ x 4.7″, Large : 16.5″ x 12″ x 5.5″, XL : 16.5″ x 7.3″ x 12.6″

Makeup comes in all different sizes and containers, which makes it challenging to pack. Plus, there’s always the threat of leakage.

Never fear; with Relavel’s Cosmetic Case, even the most oddly shaped products will fit snugly and securely, thanks to the case’s removable inner dividers.

And with four different sizes to choose from, you can carry everyday go-to items or size up depending on the number of items you need to bring along.

Pros : Water-resistant material keeps liquids in or out, made of durable Oxford fabric, brush compartment in the top of bag keeps them dry, handle for easy carrying, removable frame gives the bag more utility Cons : A tad heavy Best for : Travelers who don’t mind a little extra heft as long as it means they can bring whatever they want

Other Miscellaneous Organizers

By now, you’ve noticed there’s an organizer for just about anything you might need during your travels. But perhaps you need a more niche product — something for a specific purpose that we haven’t covered so far.

You’ll find it here.

Breathable Mesh Laundry Bag Nomatic

MSRP : $30 Dimensions : 11.5″ x 6″ x 1.5″

Finding a place for your dirty laundry can be a hassle.

Maybe you put it in a plastic grocery bag, find an unused packing cube to stash it in for a few days, or just let it hang loose in the corner of the room. I’ve tried all three to varying levels of success.

That’s why Nomatic’s Laundry Bag is so convenient. With a hanging strap, you can elevate your clothes off the floor and make it look like you give a damn for once.

Pros : Extremely packable and compact with a collapsible wire frame, breathable mesh enables wet or sweaty clothes to dry, makes laundry day a breeze keeping dirty clothes separate Cons : Could be bigger Best for : Travelers who are sick and tired of wondering what to do with their dirty laundry

Lightweight Shoe Bag pack all

MSRP : $25 Dimensions :  Regular : 15.7″ x 8.7″, Large : 17.7″ x 9.8″

Like laundry, another item that can quickly become an annoyance while traveling is your shoes.

If you’re the type who likes to get in long walks or strenuous workouts, bringing a pair of sneakers enables you to get that sweat you’re after. But putting loose shoes in with your clothing isn’t exactly the most hygienic practice.

Enter the Shoe Bag from pack all. With a shoe bag, you can isolate your shoes from the rest of your clothing and stop worrying about what you may or may not have stepped in on the way to the gym.

Pros : Lightweight, water-resistant, traps smelly shoe odors inside, comes in two sizes to accommodate most shoes Cons : Handle can tear off Best for : Keeping your shoes away from your tee-shirts

Velvety Jewelry Case Benevolence LA

MSRP : $25 Dimensions : 3.75″ x 3.75″

Every five seconds, a traveler loses a precious family heirloom.

Okay, that’s a made-up statistic, but it feels plausible, right?

Don’t become a statistic, real or imagined, with a compact jewelry case that’ll fit just about anywhere you can think of. It’s how Grandma would want you to protect the family jewels.

Pros : Velvet finish feels good in the hand, each purchase supports Water Mission, keeps your necklaces from knotting up Cons : Very small, but perfect for travel Best for : Organizing jewelry and keeping it in one spot

Discrete Underwear Bag Toplive

MSRP : $21 Dimensions : 11″ x 6.3″ x 4.95″

I don’t know the first thing about traveling with bras, but I imagine their odd shape and the fact they can get crushed make them difficult to pack.

Thankfully, you can wrangle all your underwear, bras included, into a convenient case from Toplive.

With space for up to five bras, eight pairs of underwear, and a bunch of socks, you can centralize your undergarment packing situation.

Pros : Great as an all-around bag for toiletries and underwear, waterproof compartment keeps your dry stuff dry Cons : Some durability concerns, underwear pockets not big Best for : Keeping your bras safe from the rest of your bag

Factors We Considered for Travel Organization

Choosing an organizer is more than grabbing a random bag and jamming your stuff inside. If that were the case, using one wouldn’t make sense. You’d just pile your stuff in a backpack and move along.

To help you better organize, we considered several key factors to help you find organizational bliss.

Travel demands durable yet lightweight materials like the ULTRA you’ll find in the UltraLite Sacks Zippered Cube . That’s why we picked products that use quality fabrics and materials that stand up to frequent use.

Ease of Use

Enough can go wrong while traveling; you don’t need your organizers to become another pain point.

So, we made sure to include products that are intuitive and simple to use. Because if they’re not straightforward, you won’t use them.

For the best example of an easy-to-use product, check out Nomatic’s Toiletry Bag . Its zippers are oriented, so your gear won’t ever fall out, even while hanging.

Padding & Protection

If you’re a remote worker, you know just how important your devices are. Without them, you’ll have a rough time financing your next adventure.

That’s why we included products like Minaal’s Tech Toolcase to ensure your gear remains operational when you need it most.

Dimensions, Weight & Packability

Nobody wants to carry extra weight on their back if they don’t have to. Plus, packability ensures you take up as little space as necessary in the vessel you carry your stuff in.

So, for this list, we included the dimensions for every product. If it’s too heavy or won’t fit in the bag you already own, why bother?

Water Resistance

You never know when a storm will hit and threaten your gear. Plus, toiletries are notoriously leaky.

That’s why we included products like AquaQuest’s Storm laptop case to protect your laptop from sudden downpours and Relavel’s Cosmetic Case to keep liquids from leaking into your luggage.

The most crucial factor for many of us comes down to price, which is why for every category of product you’ll find on this list, we include a range of costs.

Organization isn’t a privilege reserved for the traveler with the most money; it’s a tool for all.

Final Thoughts: Best Travel Organizers

Thanks for taking a look at the best travel organizers on the market today.

By keeping your travel gear organized on the go, you’re one step closer to getting the most out of the space you have.

So, whether you were looking for packing cubes, ditty bags, toiletry kits, laundry bags, jewelry organizers, or anything else, we did our best to nudge you one step closer to organizational nirvana.

Be sure to check back in for all the best minimalist travel and ultralight gear you can find, not just the best travel organizers for your luggage. Until next time, safe travels.

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Ryan Squires

Affiliate Disclosure : Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links help support this website and keep it 100% ad-free.

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

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

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

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

Best travel organizers

What makes a good travel organizer?

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

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

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

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

Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards winner

Cotopaxi nido accessory bag.

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

Award: Best Overall Toiletry Bag | Category: Toiletry Bag

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

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

Travel organizers for apparel

Hibag compression bags for travel.

Compression Bags for Travel (Set of 12)

• Easy to use
• May have to re-suction

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

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

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

Bagail Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes (Set of 8)

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

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

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

Shacke Pak Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes (Set of 5)

• Lightweight
• May be flimsy

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

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

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

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

Compression Packing Cubes (Set of 3)

• May lose shape

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

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

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

Dagne Dover Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag

Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag

• Dries quickly
• Thin material

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

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

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

Stow-N-Go Luggage Organizer

Luggage and Travel Organizer

• Not super roomy

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

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

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

Bagail Compression Packing Cubes

Compression Packing Cubes (Set of 4)

• May not be air tight

Colorways: 33 | Size: Set of four

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

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

Eagle Creek PACK-IT™ Isolate Compression Cube Set

PACK-IT™ Isolate Compression Cube Set

• Nice compression
• Multiple sizes
• Great quality

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

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

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

The Insider Packing Cubes (Set of 6)

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

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

Calpak Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set

5-Piece Packing Cube Set

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

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

Travel organizers for accessories

Cheopz travel watch case.

Travel Watch Case Single Storage Box

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

Material: Nylon

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

Bagsmart Jewelry Organizer

Jewelry Organizer Case

• Keeps jewelry organized
• Could use spot for bracelets

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

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

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

Port and Polish Pill Box

• Soft matte finish

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

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

Away The Shoe Cube

The Shoe Cubes (Large) in Black

• Good quality material
• Can be bulky in suitcase

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

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

Béis The Hanging Jewelry Case

The Hanging Jewelry Case

• May be too large

Material: Polyurethane, nylon, micro-suede

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

How we chose the best travel organizers

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

Meet the expert

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

Allie Wise is an associate editor for Shop TODAY.

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The Best Bag and Cable Organizers

By Kaitlyn Wells

Whether you commute to the office, the coffee shop, or your backyard, you probably need a way to organize the pens, tech accessories, and toiletries you take with you every day.

To find the best options for different people to carry what they might need with them, we’ve researched more than 70 bag organizers and tested 31 of them, and we’ve found five organizers we like for their style, durability, and usability.

Some backpacks and purses come with all the pockets and loops you could possibly need, but others are black holes, swallowing charging cables, tubes of lip balm, and just about everything else. For people who have the latter kind of bag (and I count myself among them), the right bag organizer simplifies grabbing accessories while you’re on the go, or when you’re moving gear from one bag to another.

But everyone has different carrying needs, which is why we have picks to suit a variety of situations: a tech-forward cable organizer that zips closed , a customizable mesh-pouch setup , and a stylish duo of cosmetics travel pouches made of premium materials —as well as some alternatives where applicable.

The research

Best for chargers and cables: incase nylon accessory organizer, most customizable: the container store black micro mesh pouches, also consider: vaultz mesh storage bags, best for toiletries (and tech): osprey ultralight roll organizer, for luxe organizers: cuyana leather travel case set, how to choose a bag organizer system, how we picked and tested, the competition.

Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer

Best for tech and gadgets.

A slim, light, and water-resistant bag that keeps your gear organized, accessible, and secure when you’re on the go.

Buying Options

Incase’s Nylon Accessory Organizer is temporarily out of stock. Incase has told us that it should return in early 2024.

Get this if: You want a sturdy, lightweight, waterproof organizer to corral all of your gadgets and chargers as well as some toiletries or cosmetics in one place.

Why it’s great: The Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer has plenty of room for everyday gear; it zips closed, so items won’t get lost or fall out; and it’s water-repellent.

The Incase bag is roughly the size and shape of a large paperback, and like a book it opens flat from a spine. It’s 2 inches thick, which is among the slimmest we found for this type of bag, but it still has enough space to stash most of what we carried for a day . It has two medium-sized loops that can hold two 5 W USB power adapters or multiple pens. It has an external zip pocket with a cable-sized hole leading to the inside. We love this feature because it’s great for charging a phone without removing the external battery pack from the main compartment. It also has a large, padded pocket lined in faux fur that won’t scratch delicate phone screens. The bag’s inside flaps have a mesh pocket that is big enough to store a MacBook power adapter (with the cord in a different pocket), five more mesh or solid pockets of various sizes, a small zip pocket ideal for SD cards, a pen loop, and three small elastic loops that are the right size for earbuds.

With all of the organization slots, your gear stays neatly in place, even if you drop your bag. None of the items got tangled or moved about when we shook and flipped this Incase bag around. This wasn’t the largest bag we looked at, due to its slim design, but it will hold most of what you need for the course of a day.

This bag is a poly-nylon blend, so it’s durable. In our tests, some bags, like one from Bagsmart , ended up scuffed and discolored from rubbing against the cables we loaded into the bags—but the Incase stayed pristine. The Incase was one of two cable-organizer bags we tested for our 2019 update that successfully repelled water—not just from the exterior material, but also along the piping, which is where other cases often failed and liquid soaked through, potentially damaging your important gear.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Incase cable organizer is a soft-shell bag, so its contents can distort the bag’s shape when full. But the bag’s edges remain rigid—so the seams don’t pucker—it’s contents don’t fall out, and zipping and unzipping the bag is still easy.

Sizes: 9½ by 6 by 2 inches

Colors: mulberry, olive

The Container Store Micro Mesh Pouches

Our favorite pencil pouch bag.

Affordable, smooth-zipping, mesh pouches that let you see what’s inside for a modular approach to organization.

For more colors, visit containerstore.com .

Get this if: You prefer to have different bags for different kinds of gear—phone cables, cosmetics, pens and notepads—so you can grab only what you’re going to need.

Why it’s great: The Container Store Micro Mesh Pouches are a no-frills solution for keeping your cables and toiletries organized while being able to clearly see what’s inside. These pouches are made of a finer mesh than other mesh bags we tested, so smaller items, such as pens and hairpins, won’t fall through the holes. The material also has some give, so you can stuff the bag without fear of splitting a seam. And we found the zipper to be the smoothest among those of all the pouches we tested.

These pouches are great for mixing colors and sizes to match your organizational needs. They come in three sizes and four colors; we recommend the two smaller bags because they’re easier to carry and load into a backpack or tote bag. We also like assigning each bag’s contents a different color, so it’s easier to grab the right items in an instant. That way you can have one bag for gadgets and accessories you take when flying, say, and another for the makeup you bring to work for touch-ups, and you can easily know which one to grab on the way out the door. (Jada Yuan, writer of The 52 Places Traveler at The New York Times, parent company of Wirecutter, also uses these bags. )

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Because the bags are covered in tiny holes, liquids will spill in and out of them, and they’re not ideal if you want complete privacy for your toiletry items. As a workaround, we recommend storing your toiletries in a black micro-mesh bag because the darker color will mask the bag’s contents better than the lighter ones.

Sizes: 7¾ by 4 inches; 7½ by 3 by 5 inches; or 14¼ by 10½ inches (but we think this bag is too big for most people)

Colors: aqua , black , pink , or silver

Vaultz Mesh Cord Bags

For wrangling big cables.

These mesh bags are affordable, but the larger mesh holes make them better for bulky items and thick cable cords than smaller bits.

Get this if: You like the idea of organizing your stuff into a collection of mesh bags, but you don’t want to spend a lot—and you don’t tend to carry very, very small items.

Why we like it: Wirecutter senior editor Dan Frakes likes the Vaultz Cord Storage Bags as modular storage at a fraction of the cost of other bags. The mesh bags are sold in a pack of four for just $8 at the time of writing, while The Container Store pick starts at $5 each. These zip pouches are lighter and more pliant than any other bag we tested, and can scrunch into a tight ball when not in use and still rebound to their original shape. Each pack comes in a combination of four different sizes and colors. This makes it easy to organize your gear and grab the right pouch from your travel bag in an instant. You can separate daily tech and toiletry supplies into two bags, keep a driving kit in your car for phone mounts, pack charging cables and adapters in another, and save the last one for important documents when you’re traveling out of town.

Where it falls short: These mesh bags aren’t great for storing smaller items (such as earbuds and pens) because it’s easier for them to get caught in the holes or fall out. And because the bags are made of mesh they’re not waterproof.

Sizes: 9 by 9¼ inches; 5½ by 9 inches; 5 by 8 inches; 5 by 7 inches

Colors: black, red, orange, and yellow; or mint, pink, purple, and blue (for $6 more)

Osprey UltraLight Roll Organizer

A slim toiletry bag.

Slim, but organized, with plenty of pockets and a loop to hang it from.

Get this if: You want a bag that packs slim and lets you see most of your stuff at a glance, but you don’t need it to be waterproof, and you don’t mind unrolling the whole bag to remove a single item.

Why we like it: The Osprey UltraLight Roll Organizer is what Wirecutter deputy editor Michael Zhao uses to organize his cables and gear. Its dimensions (6 by 3 by 9 inches) make it the slimmest toiletry bag we tested, but it still packs plenty of storage space and organization features. Its combination of full-width, slimmer mesh compartments—great for cables, adapters, and pens—and a deeper pocket for accommodating bulkier chargers, batteries, and toiletries give you a lot of packing flexibility. You can see almost everything inside when the bag is fully opened and it folds into thirds like a letter for packing away.

The bag is also easier to spot-clean than other toiletry bags we tested. Both sides are made of ripstop nylon, which is slicker than canvas or ballistic-nylon bathroom bags, so it’s painless to wipe off lotions and liquid makeup foundation spills.

Where it falls short: In our tests, we found the Osprey cumbersome to both unbuckle and unroll to access a particular item. It’s not as intuitive to use as other picks, which you can just unzip. On the other hand, it has the benefit of letting you see what’s in each pocket at a glance without having to rummage through any dark compartments.

This toiletry bag also isn’t waterproof (the Dsptch Dopp Kit was the only truly waterproof toiletry bag we looked at). And a very, very small number of Amazon reviewers reported seams and mesh pockets ripping after just a couple months of use.

If you want a dedicated toiletry bag that’s compact and spill-proof, check out our guide to the best toiletry bags .

Size: 6 by 3 by 9 inches

Colors: poppy orange

Cuyana Leather Travel Case Set

Our favorite luxury cosmetic bag.

Sturdily constructed, with smooth zippers and an easy-access clamshell design, these two bags retain their shape even when full of gear.

Get this if: You want a nicer-looking, more elegant way of carrying your accessories—and won’t miss individual compartments and lots of internal organization.

Why it’s great: We like the Cuyana Leather Travel Case Set because they’re a pair of two beautiful leather bags that are big enough to hold our essentials, and they have a broad base that keeps them upright when opened up. The clamshell bags come in 13 different jewel and pastel colors, and are made of Argentine leather with synthetic leather linings. The exterior leather is pebbled, which is easier to maintain a good grip on than the smooth, soft leathers of some other bags we tested. Each bag has gold- or silver-toned zippers that run effortlessly across their teeth. And the stitching throughout the bags is clean, and we didn’t find any signs of loose seams.

The Cuyana set is sold with a large (7 by 12 by 3½ inches) and small bag (5 by 8 by 2½ inches small). We easily fit our daily essentials in both cases, and closed them without having to force them like some other bags we tested. The organizers are spacious and the leather shell is thick, so they don’t warp when full. And the wide base makes each bag sturdy, so it won’t tip over either. Thanks to the clamshell design, the duo open wide enough to store bulky chargers and power adapters, along with everything else. The bags’ wide mouths also make it easier to search for objects that get lost in the bottom of the bag.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: We like that the Cuyana set comes with two bags, but feel that the larger one is too big to cart around daily with our other commuting gear. The large Cuyana is 7 by 12 by 3½ inches, which could be challenging to stuff into a backpack, messenger bag, or tote. The smaller clutch is a more manageable size at 5 by 8 by 2½ inches, and can easily fit into another bag. Both Cuyana bags lack multiple pockets and loops, so unsecured cords may tangle. (The large bag has one pocket; the small bag doesn’t have any). If you don’t plan on using both bags regularly, the $110 to $125 price may be prohibitive.

The Argentine leather requires delicate care, so if you’re rough with your accessories or are prone to spilling liquids and lotions, this bag isn’t for you. Cuyana recommends wiping small blotches with a damp cloth or leather cleaner, and consulting a leather-cleaning professional for serious stains.

Sizes: 7 by 12 by 3½ inches (large); 5 by 8 by 2½ inches (small)

Colors: more than a dozen

The easiest way to decide what type of organizer you need is to inventory the accessories you cart to and from work each day, then look at how you transport those items already, and how that systems works for you. For example, if you prefer to have many small bags for different situations, and you carry your gear in sandwich bags, a pouch system might work. Or, if you want to have everything with you at all times, and tend to just throw everything into in a big void in your backpack, the way to go may be a toiletry bag, traditional cable organizer, or makeup clutch.

Here’s a look at the different types of bag organizers we reviewed.

Pencil pouches are ideal if you prefer a minimalist and modular approach. They lack pockets and loops, and you can purchase as many as you need without paying for pockets you have no need for. These bags are often sold in different sizes so that you can divide your gear among them to your personal preference. They are likely to hold less gear per pouch and less likely to be waterproof than other bags we tested.

Cosmetic bags and toiletry/Dopp kits are pretty similar. They typically have a large main compartment and minimal organizational features—often a sole pocket or limited elastic loops. Unlike pencil pouches, most cosmetic bags and toiletry kits are opaque, so no one will know you’re packing a menstrual cup next to a multiport adapter . Most of the bags we tested in the category weren’t waterproof, including most toiletry bags.

Traditional cable organizers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. They can fold closed like a book, roll flat like a blanket, or have a flat, open grid system like a placemat. Our favorite style is a zippered book, which allows you to store gear in both covers, as well as the spine. They also come with more pockets and elastic loops than roll or grid organizers, and smaller gear won’t fall out of the bags like they can with the other styles. Many of these bags are marketed as water-repellent, but in our tests, those claims didn’t always live up to the hype.

We’ve researched dozens of bags over the past two years by browsing everything from manufacturer websites to bag enthusiast blogs. For our most recent update, we found seven new tech bags and tested the four we liked for their style and versatility; we also looked at their third-party reviews.

In 2018, we compiled a list of more than 65 options and divided them into four categories: pencil pouches and mesh bags, cosmetic bags, traditional cable organizers (which includes zip books, roll bags, and grid sheets), and toiletry bags. (For this guide, we didn’t review purse organizer inserts because that’s a different category entirely.) We considered each bag’s design, size, organizational features, materials used, price, and online owner reviews. Then we shrunk the list by consulting a small panel of Wirecutter staffers about what they prefer in a bag, and considered some bags that staff members loved. That left us with a spread of 27 bags to accommodate various tastes. We tested the bags based on the following criteria:

Overall design: We reviewed each bag’s materials; the elasticity of elastic loops; the smoothness of zippers; and advanced features, like customizable compartments.

Bag configurations: We filled each bag with a day’s worth of the accessories (below) a person might need when traveling to work each day, looking for bags that could hold more gear and were easier to organize:

• 1 USB flash drive
• 1 Lightning–to–3.5-mm headphone jack adapter
• 1 earbud set
• 1 laptop multiport adapter
• 1 external battery
• 1 USB power cord and adapter
• 1 travel-size bottle of lotion
• 1 bottle of hand sanitizer
• 1 small notepad
• 1 small pill bottle
• 1 makeup brush
• 1 makeup compact
• 3 hair ties
• and a partridge in a pear tree

Shape retention: We tried closing the bags when stuffed with gear, and noted which bags deformed under the pressure.

Contents retention: We zipped each bag, shook it around, and opened it again to see if its contents had flown about.

Waterproofing: We ran each closed bag under a kitchen faucet with a spray setting for five seconds. We took any bags that remained dry, filled them with 2 tablespoons of water, and checked them for leaks.

Community review: We asked 18 people to share their thoughts on their favorite bags from our test pool.

Assorted bags/pencil pouches

The Custom Leathercraft 3 Multi-Purpose Clip-on Zippered Bags are better suited for your home toolbox than an everyday gadget bag. The trio of pouches are made of canvas, so they’re tough, and sharp nails and needle-nose pliers won’t damage them. The canvas was rougher than our panelists preferred, and most staffers found the dark colors unattractive. Many of us also prefer pouches that are transparent because we don’t like guessing what’s stored in each bag in the set.

The IPOW BD02 pencil pouches are sold in a set of four. We liked the fun floral patterns and traditional pencil pouch shape. But the bags weren’t big enough to hold more than a single bulky item, such as a laptop charger. The zippers also stuck and some broke during our tests.

The five bags in the Modern Bethel Travel Pouch Set are covered in vinyl, so they’re waterproof. But in our tests, the seams weren’t stitched cleanly and the bags leaked water. We also found that the larger bags (13¾ by 10½ inches and 11 by 8¼ inches) are so big that they’re as bad as just leaving things loose in your backpack or purse to begin with.

The Muji Double Fastener Case (medium) was great for storing the small gear on our list. But it couldn’t hold our bulkier items without permanently deforming the polyester bag. It’s also not waterproof, so a spilled soda or leaking lotion bottle would damage its contents.

Cosmetic bags

The BUBM cord and cosmetic organizer is a two-way makeup and brush bag that’s convertible to store tech gear as well. The top is a traditional makeup bag, and the bottom unzips horizontally to store brushes, tablet pens, and skinny cable cords. But the main compartment isn’t big enough to carry most of the accessories on our list. And the padded chamber absorbed leaking water, which means that it could retain the stinky odors of other spilled liquids over time.

The Chiceco Handy Makeup Pouch offers better privacy than our pick from The Container Store because it’s made of 100D Oxford nylon and not micro mesh. It’s small enough to carry with one hand, and is flexible and durable enough to cram full with gear without fear of it tearing. But the zipper broke during testing, making the bag virtually impossible to use.

The Leatherology Clamshell Makeup Bag is sold in two sizes (medium and large) or as a set. Both sizes were great for splitting the storage of our tech gear and personal hygiene items. We liked that both bags have zip pockets, and the clamshell design was ideal for finding small items hiding at the bottom of the bag. But the leather was too soft, and it was easy to scratch and scuff during normal use. Leatherology allows only a 30-day return window and only for unused gear, which isn’t ideal for a product that costs $85 to $180. The company also doesn’t offer a warranty, but a spokesperson said, “[W]e stand behind our products and take care of our customers.” Yet we called the customer service line twice and never spoke with a live person (once, we stayed on hold for 30 minutes before giving up and ending the call). Note: As of January 2020, Leatherology now offers a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials or craftsmanship, but we still prefer the quality, style, and look of our Cuyana picks.

Toiletry bags

2020 testing:

After two years of testing, we dropped the Dsptch Dopp Kit as a pick. Originally, we liked that its design worked for carrying both cables and lotions because the main compartment had three wide elastic loops that comfortably fit bulky toiletries (like sunscreen) and tech accessories (like charging bricks) beside each other. But the main compartment can’t fully unzip, so it’s harder to peer into and harder for larger hands to dig inside. Similarly, the side compartment’s padded valet tray takes up valuable space, and when the tray was in place, we had trouble quickly grabbing an item from that section without fully unzipping the bag.

2018 testing:

The Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Travel Kit measures 18 by 4½ by 6 inches, so it holds our essentials with plenty of room to spare. But its large size also means it was way too big to carry each day. This Dopp kit also isn’t waterproof.

Traditional cable organizers

The Aer Cable Kit was a previous pick, but it has been discontinued. We reviewed its successor, the Aer Cable Kit 2 , which isn’t as practical as our Incase pick. The Aer Cable Kit 2 has redesigned pockets and loops, but the storage compartments are less useful in this iteration because they’re more uniform, which means it’s harder to find a spot for odd-shaped gear. And the main compartment is lined in a fleece-like material that’s not very soft.

We don’t like the Bellroy Tech Kit because the metal zipper is sticky, the storage compartments aren’t ideal for smaller pieces like USB flash drives and earbuds, and the pockets aren’t taut or zippable, so items can easily fall out in transit.

The Dagne Dover Arlo Tech Pouch (large) is a good size if you regularly carry large tech accessories such as a charging brick or docking station, but for most commuters, it’s too big and ungainly. It’s difficult for people with small hands to carry in one hand, it doesn’t rest flat along the spine when open, and the chunky plastic zipper is stiff and hard to maneuver.

The Knomo Thames Knomad Organizer is slim enough to stash inside a briefcase, but its wide design makes it harder to carry in one hand while you’re juggling gear as you dash from conference room to conference room. And although it’s made of water-resistant polyurethane, the material is slightly rough, not as refined as the material in our other picks.

2019 testing:

The Bond Travel Gear Escapade Pouch has a rough nylon exterior, inconsistent stitching quality, and zippers that catch, making it hard to open and close.

Eagle Creek Etool Organizer Pro lacks a microfiber lining and padding to protect delicate objects, and there’s limited space to secure smaller items, like thumb drives. Water also leaks through the zippers.

The Native Union Stow Accessory Organizer ’s leather exterior shows wear and tear easily, and the zippers are difficult to use.

The Peak Design Tech Pouch opens like an accordian-style file folder, so gear won’t fall out when you open it. But this was the hardest bag to open that we tested, as the zipper frequently got stuck on the thick piping that was designed to prevent leaks.

The Tom Bihn Snake Charmer is an upright bag with dual mesh compartments (like a dopp kit). But it's surprisingly bulky (up to 5 inches deep), and it’s also not waterproof, so tech gear won’t survive a soda spill. For non-water-resistant options, we prefer our Vaultz Mesh Storage Bags because they’re sold in a pack of four for just $8 at the time of writing, are modular and big enough for larger cables, and pack down flat for easy storage.

The Welden Nylon Accessory Organizer is well-made and stylish, featuring a modern hexagonal weave pattern on the exterior that’s sure to attract attention. But its small size (4.7 by 7.78 by 2.75 inches) has limited storage space, which won’t work for most people commuting with all of their gear. It’s also pricey ($80 at the time of writing), and we think our luxe pick, the Cuyana Leather Travel Case Set , is a better deal (currently two bags for $110).

Leatherology Small Tech Bag Organizer has three elastic loops, but the loops loosened after just a couple of uses. The bag is made of soft full-grain leather, which scratches easier than what we would like from a $65 bag. (You can upgrade to the firm, full-grain German leather bag for $100.) This bag is also subject to Leatherology’s limited 30-day return window (described above).

Both Bagsmart bags we looked at have plenty of loops and slots for our gear, but it felt weird putting toiletries in such a techie-looking pouch. Model Travel Universal Cable Organizer (BM0200044B001) wasn’t waterproof. And though the  Thicken Cable Organizer (BM0200064A001)  model did repel water, its inside wasn’t very durable and got scuffed up by our bulky laptop cable.

Our packing cube pick, the Eagle Creek Pack It Quarter Cube (extra-small) was too flimsy to hold our gear.

The Hynes Eagle Travel Accessories Organizer was too small to hold even half the gear on our list. The floral pattern on the bag was grainy and looked cheap. The bag also wasn’t waterproof.

The Power Packer is durable, looks nice, and is big enough to store bulky cables, external power packs, and travel adapters. Although that’s exactly what it’s designed to carry, most of our testers found it big for everyday use. And the knitted fabric accents absorbed and leaked water to other sections of the bag.

The Skooba Design Cable Stable DLX that we recommend in our guide The Best Gear for Travel is, at 12 by 9 inches (compared with the 9½ by 6 inches of the Incase), a bit too big to take with you daily, and its smaller sibling the Skooba Cable Stable Mini lacks internal zippered pockets for keeping small items like SD cards in check.

Our former budget pick from that same guide, the AmazonBasics Universal Travel Case , has a hard shell that makes it awkward to fit in some bags and less accommodating to big and small loads, and its internal pockets are loose and prone to objects moving around in transit.

Jada Yuan, How Do You Pack for a Yearlong Trip? , The New York Times , June 27, 2018

Meet your guide

Kaitlyn Wells

Kaitlyn Wells is a senior staff writer who advocates for greater work flexibility by showing you how to work smarter remotely without losing yourself. Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. She's never met a pet she didn’t like, although she can’t say the same thing about productivity apps. Her first picture book, A Family Looks Like Love , follows a pup who learns that love, rather than how you look, is what makes a family.

Further reading

12 Surprising Ways to Use One of Our Favorite Reusable Produce Bags

by Elissa Sanci

We recommend the Junes Carry-All sacks in our guide to reusable produce bags—but these mesh bags are impressively versatile.

The Best Purse Organizer

by Kaitlyn Wells

If you tend to lose things in the bottom of your purse, get a purse organizer. Our favorite, the PurseN LittBag , will keep everything stowed in its own spot.

The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags

by Kit Dillon

There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs.

The Best Tote Bags

by Zoe Vanderweide

Wherever you may be headed, we’ve found five great totes to take along on your schlep.

The Best Travel Organizers for Smarter Packing

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Gear

Updated On: January 23, 2024

There are a lot of travel organizers on the market today and we have tried most of them. Below we have listed the best travel organizers for everything from electronics and jewelry to toiletries and clothes.

After traveling to 120 countries and living out of a suitcase for 15 years we have learned that the  key to smart packing  lies in staying organized. Using the right travel organizers can take a lot of stress out of your trip giving you the freedom to move with ease and find anything in a snap.

Table of Contents

The Best Travel Luggage Organizers

If you are not using travel organizer bags in your travel luggage then you are missing out. Packing cubes simplify the process of organizing and help you keep your sanity when you are looking through your entire suitcase for a piece of clothing .

Packing Cubes are always on top of our travel essentials list for travel packing organizers. They are guaranteed to keep your clothes in order and you’ll soon discover that this one affordable piece is the best travel organizer to add to your travel gear.

Recommended Packing Cubes

If there is one thing you need in your luggage it is a set of these slim cubes. They’re simply the best travel organizers out there.

Osprey Ultralight Packing Cubes

Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set – With plenty of color options, you can mix and match bags to separate clothing and gear. This set of three comes in small, medium, and large. These are perfect if you are trying to downsize your luggage to carry-on only as you can stuff your clothes into them without worrying about the zipper breaking.

They are made of nylon fabric and have heavy-duty zippers with an easy grab handle so they slip in and out of your bag easily. You’ll find that when talking to an expert traveler, they will have packing cubes at the top of our organization lists.

Amazon Basics Packing Cubes

Amazon Basics Packing Cubes – If you travel with a backpack you may want to consider Amazon Basics packing cubes. They are a bit more economical than the ones above but are still good quality. These highly rated packing cubes have a mesh top panel that gives easy identification of contents and ventilation. Plus the soft mesh won’t damage your delicate fabrics. We usually get them in medium, but you can get them in other sizes as well.

CipWay Compression Cubes

Cipway Compression Cubes – If you find that you need to pack a lot in your luggage, compression cubes are a great way to make more space to help you easily pack more into your suitcase. Compression cubes squeeze down clothes into a smaller space. You can then pack away those bulkier items in the bottom of our suitcase and get them out at your convenience.

Its reinforced zippers with double stitching make this compression packing cube set extremely durable.

Travel Organizers for Toiletries

We have tried to find the best toiletry organizer over the years that is not too heavy, is durable, waterproof, and can fit everything we need into it. After trying a few different ones these are the toiletry bags that we recommend.

Pack-It Wallaby Toiletry Bag

The Pack-It Wallaby Toiletry Bag – It is hard to find one toiletry bag for 2 people but this one works. It is good quality, it has a removable clear pouch for the TSA security check, a stowable hook to hang on doors and different pockets for different items such as toothpaste, and medication. If you forget to pack a mirror, no worries, there is a shatterproof mirror in this pouch.

Bago Hanging Toiletry Kit for Men and Women

Although a little smaller than the one above, this toiletry travel organizer is laid out well for both men and women to easily fit all your travel accessories. It is made of durable  Rip-Stop Honeycomb  waterproof fabric, has lots of compartments, and has two easy-access side pockets.

Silicon Travel Bottle Set

This Travel Bottle Set is perfect for organizing our liquids and gels. The TSA-approved travel containers are leakproof and fit easily into your toiletry bags. They are refillable for 2oz or 3 oz liquids including shampoos, lotions, and sprays.

Travel Organizer Bags for Shoes

Shoes are a pain to pack. They are big, heavy, and often dirty. These are the reasons we started using shoe bags. It keeps shoes together for easy organization and stops them from getting other things in your bag all dirty.

YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags

YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags Set of 4 – We recommend the YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags because they are the most versatile. They are big enough for men’s shoes up to size 14, they are waterproof and really durable. They are also lightweight which is very important in today’s travel world. These travel shoe bags fit 1 pair of shoes each so if you are looking for a separate shoe bag for each shoe you might want to consider the ones below.

PCS Travel Shoe Bags

PCS Travel Shoe Bags – These are more of your basic shoe bags. They are made of 100% cotton and close via a drawstring. They are big enough for large footwear and are very durable. They also allow you to space out your shoes when organizing up your suitcase. These are perfect for dress shoes or women’s heels.

Underwear Organizers

If you want to keep your underwear and bras organized and in shape then an underwear organizer is something you will want to consider. Sure, you could throw it all in a packing cube, but this tends to destroy bras and we all know a good bra is not cheap.

Multi-Functional Underwear Travel Organizer

VPang Fashion Portable Multi-Functional Travel Organizer -This underwear and bra organizer is set up perfectly to carry 3 to 5 bras, and 4-6 panties. The bras fit in the bottom and keep their shape while the panties slide into pockets under the top. This is a little on the small side so make sure your bras will fit before buying.

Freegrace Underwear Bag

Freegrace Travel Organizer Underwear Bag – This is the larger of the two underwear organizers and could actually be used as your toiletry bag as well. It has 2 compartments and numerous pockets so you will never run out of space. Built of high-quality materials it is also quite durable.

Packing Pouches

A packing pouch is similar to a packing cube but it is usually smaller and we use them to organize by grouping our small items together, extra toiletries, hair products, camera accessories, and more.  These packing pouches  are one of our favorite travel accessories.

Travel Organizers Electronics

One of the most frustrating things about keeping our luggage organized is having a mess of plugs and charging cords for all of our electronics. There is nothing worse than reaching into a ziplock bag full of tangled cords and charging cables trying to find the right one.

To avoid that hassle make sure to pick up one of these best travel cord organizers for a tangle-free experience.

BAGSMART Electronics Organizer

BAGSMART Electronic Organizer Travel – This is the top-rated electronics organizer on the market and you can see why. It is economical, well laid out, durable and the perfect size for traveling. What I like about its multiple elastic loops for all our cords and cables and it has a holder for SD cards as well. They have thought of everything.

BUBM Double Layer Electronic Accessories Organizer

BUBM Double Layer Electronic Accessories Organizer – This organization case has two layers. The top layer has 9 elastic loops and 8 mesh pockets and the bottom layer has 2 large mesh pockets. Plus there is a Neoprene soft sleeve pouch for your iPad. The BUBM case has enough room for all your electronic needs and is perfect for digital nomads. The build quality is great and waterproof. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices to organize those unruly cables.

Best Travel Laundry Bags

We used to throw our dirty laundry in a plastic bag and hope for the best but we soon found that a breathable mesh or waterproof bag helped separate our dirty clothes from the rest of our luggage. No matter how long our trip is, we always carry a bag for our dirty laundry.

Miamica Laundry Bag

Miamica Laundry Bag – Miamica travel laundry bag is the perfect laundry bag in my opinion. It folds into itself so it doesn’t take up any room in your bag, folds out to a full-size bag, and is moisture and tear-resistant. Everything you want in a travel laundry bag

Foldable Travel Laundry Bag

  Foldable Travel Laundry Bag – Another lightweight bag that folds up so small you hardly know it is there. It is not expensive and is the perfect solution if you are on a budget. It expands to 22 inches and is made of polyester which helps with odors. It’s lightweight yet sturdy and foldable. It is also waterproof so you can store your swimwear or other wet items.

Travel Wallet and Document Organizers

Every traveler needs to keep an eye on their valuables and these RFID organizers are a great safety feature. Having your travel documents at your fingertips can really relieve a lot of stress in life when you are crossing borders.

Pacsafe RFIDsafe Anti-Theft Travel Organizer

Pacsafe RFIDsafe V150 Anti-Theft RFID Blocking Travel Organizer – This travel organizer holds our passports, money, tons of credit cards and travel cards, and driver’s licenses. It also serves as a pen holder and has a clip that serves as a key holder. Plus it has  RFID protection  and it looks great too. Read more: The Best Anti Theft Travel Bags and Accessories

BAGSMART Passport Holder

BAGSMART Passport Holder and Document Organizer – A little smaller than the Pacsafe without a couple of the bells and whistles the BAGSMART Passport Holder is a stylish passport wallet and document organizer.

It has RFID protection which is perfect for travelers as well as 6 pocket slots, and a mesh pocket for change. Plus it is big enough to hold your passports and boarding pass.

Check out our guide to  The Best Anti-Theft Travel Bags and Accessories  for more suggestions and information.

Pill Organizers

One of the best ways to save space and weight is to eliminate all those pill bottles. The best way to do this is to use a pill organizer. Regardless of whether it is pain pills, medication, vitamins, or supplements, one of these will help you keep them organized all in one place. When traveling by carry-on only, it’s important to be as light as possible and every ounce counts.

LeanTravel 7 / 28 Day Pill Case Organizer

LeanTravel 7 Day / 28 Day Travel Premium Pill Case Organizer   – This is like the Cadillac of pill organizers. Perfect to take on the plane with you as it doubles as a Passport and travel documents wallet as well. It holds up to 28 days of vitamins and pills and is made from premium-quality polyester. It not only keeps your pills organized it is extremely stylish as well.

Lewis N. Clark Folding Pill Organizer

Lewis N. Clark AM/PM Folding Pill Organizer : If you have pills that you have to take at a certain time of the day then this is the best pill organizer for you.  It is lightweight, cost-effective, and has sixteen clear pouches, which can be individually taken out as needed. They are also labeled with red tabs and blue tabs as well as numbers so it is easy to keep track.

Best Makeup Travel Organizers

In order to keep your make-up from spilling on your clothes or getting broken, you should invest in a good make-up organizer. Look for one that is durable and lightweight and has padded dividers and compartments.

It should have a place for your brushes and be at least water-resistant. Check out the best travel cosmetic organizers below.

Relavel Cosmetics Case Organizer

Relavel Cosmetics Case Organizer – This is the best makeup travel organizer on the market. It has a lot of adjustable compartments and can hold just about anything you throw at it. It measures 10.3 x 9 x 3.6, so it is not too big and it is waterproof and shockproof.

If you have an extensive makeup kit or want to use this to do double duty (toiletry storage) the Relavel Cosmetic Case Organizer has you covered.

NiceEbag Travel Makeup Bag

NiceEbag Travel Makeup Bag – Roughly the same size as the Relavel, this travel cosmetic organizer is less expensive. The cosmetic bag is made of oxford cloth and nylon lining. It is waterproof, shockproof, and wear-resistant. The multiple compartments make it not only good for makeup and tools but can be used for men’s shaving supplies and other specialty items. The neutral design is good for anyone’s taste.

Jewelry Organizers for Travel

I don’t wear a lot of expensive jewelry when traveling, but I do like to have different necklaces and bracelets that I have collected. I have ruined many an item during my travels, and that is why I like to now have a proper jewelry organizer.

Becko Jewelry Organizer

Becko Jewelry Organizer – I love this jewelry organizer that protects my belongings while on the go. The design helps to prefect necklaces from intertwining and it has four elastic pouches for different pendants. It holds up to 7 necklaces, 16 earrings, 8 rings, bracelets watches, and even sunglasses. The detachable pocket lets you pack items independently.

And these are the best travel organizers to help you stay organized for your trip. You don’t have to be a neat freak or an A-Type personality to benefit from these items. You can be like us, just sick of opening your bag and seeing chaos.

Eager for more packing tips?

If you enjoyed our list of the best travel organizers, why not check out som of our other travel packing tips to help you get the most out of your next vacation.

• The Ultimate Travel Packing List (By Professional Travellers)
• Packing for Europe – Tips That Will Make Your Travel Life Easier
• Packing for Travel – 6 Tips to Make Your Trip a Breeze
• The Best Travel Gear – Unique Ideas for Smart Packing
• The Best Anti Theft Travel Bags and Accessories
• Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In My Camera Bag?

Are there any travel organizers that you would add to the list? If so, leave them in the comments so we can try them out too!

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in the post above, but these are all products we highly recommend. We won’t put anything on this page that we haven’t verified and/or personally used

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19 thoughts on “The Best Travel Organizers for Smarter Packing”

Clothing sack is must. I never considered keeping it with me while voyaging. A debt of gratitude is in order for adding perhaps the main thing in my knapsack ?

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us, we are always lost when we start a trip and it is appreciated to find these explanations written for people with little knowledge of the subject. I said, thank you very much and continue teaching us so many things with such good content

That’s great I think without that packing cubes traveling is such a headache if travelers want full enjoyment than they have to organize all things not only residence, food, and vehicle along with a good packing organizer is also a stress-free trip really useful article for all travelers

I am obsessed with organization for the home, so these ideas for organized packing bring me joy. I am a big fan of the packing cubes.

An excellent article that is full of tips for effective organizing. One that I have used consistently is a pouch for passport and other documents. Money was kept in a neck pouch and I learned the hard way never to have keys in a pocket or purse. Have never used the packing pouches for clothing, but will test them out on or before my next trip. Not sure, though, that anything can help with the chaotic atmosphere encountered at some TSA checkpoints . Mercy!

Laundry bag is must. I never thought of keeping it with me while travelling. Thanks for adding one of the most important thing in my backpack 🙂

We follow the same tips but always manage to forget our laundry bag! So thanks for the reminder, putting it next to our cubes now 🙂

Ah yes, I hate it when we forget the laundry bag. Packing cubes work well too.

gostei muito do Saco De Toileiro é muito bem dividido e prático.

We’re firmly in the “we love packing cubes” camp. Having everything organized makes it so much easier to unpack and repack, and to quickly find things.

They’re great aren’t they? We used to use zip lock bags but once we discovered packing cubes, we can’t go back.

I like the packing cubes, very useful accessory and would personally recommend them.

Love this article since I have a difficult time to pack all my things when I travel abroad.

Amazing Article great information thanks for sharing us

This is a great list of suggestions. I have some of these and really enjoy my toiletry bag. I never leave home without it. The packing cubes is new to me though. I always used a large plastic bag to store my dirty clothes in. I like the packing cubes idea as a great substitute for my plastic bag. It sounds so much better. Instead of the travel organizer that you suggested here, I use one that hangs around my neck and can be tucked into your top shirt or blouse. This prevents pickpockets and theft and it is easily obtained when needed. Thanks for some great suggestions.

Thank you very much for this useful information about packing.

Thank you for the infromation and guidelines about packing 🙂

Good idea , I always have problem ‘how to pack a suitcase’ and I forget a half of my things .

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The 10 Best Backpack and Bag Insert Organizers [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

767 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3091 Edited Articles

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

Things To Consider in a Backpack Insert Organizer

1. foldable mini backpack organizer, 2. sturdy pvc-supported mini backpack organizer, 3. simple felt organizer for mini backpacks or bags, 4. ultimate capacity insert organizer with 3 sizes, 5. travel rucksack insert organizer, 6. universal strapped insert organizer, 7. felt insert organizer for bag or purse, 8. handbag nylon zipper organizer, 9. lightweight insert organizer with 20 pockets, 10. rucksack felt insert organizer, final thoughts.

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

While backpacks provide just enough room and some pockets for your essential belongings, you still need an additional touch to organize your accessories. That’s where bag insert organizers come into the equation to provide a clear overview of your belongings and their location in your bag.

You will never have to bother searching inside-out through your backpack just to find your phone, makeup, or other accessories. We’ll cover just what to look for and recommend some of the best organizers you can find.

To get the most out of your new bag or backpack organizer, you need to know just what to look for. Of course, you need as many storage compartments as possible, including mesh pockets, outside pockets, and zippered bags.

Still, there are many more things to keep in mind when looking for the best options, such as foldable design, material that’s easy to clean, and the number of compartments.

Pockets Types

The type of pockets and number of compartments is the prime thing to pay attention to when choosing the best backpack organizer. They come in various forms and shapes, including ones with mesh pockets, zippered pockets, elastic slots, and external compartments for your phone and larger items.

Hot Tip: One of the best pieces of advice would be to look for organizers that have a variety of pockets so you can fit as many different items as possible.

Foldable Design

Bag and backpack organizers are usually compact, but you can find foldable options that provide even more convenience. With these organizers, you will be able to easily fold them when they are not in use or even leave them folded in the backpack when it’s empty.

A foldable organizer saves you some space, which is especially important for traveling bags and backpacks. On the other hand, you can simply unfold them with a mere touch, and they will be ready to use in your backpack or travel bag.

Most people prefer nylon backpack organizers, as they are the easiest type to clean. This material will feel brand new by simply wiping it down, while the felt bag organizer is a bit more difficult to clean.

Compartment Dividers

You can get the most out of your organizer by selecting the option with dividers that separate the compartments. This way, the storage space can be used much more efficiently without having to sweat about your fragile items breaking due to interaction with other items in the bag.

Backpack organizers with dividers often come with as many as 15 different compartments suitable for a variety of specific items.

Hot Tip: If you’re starting from scratch and need a great backpack for your backpack organizer, check out our detailed guide to the best travel backpacks for men and women .

The 10 Best Backpack and Bag Insert Organizers

Now that we’ve covered the basics of choosing a suitable insert organizer for your travel bag or backpack, here are the best options you can buy.

HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer Insert Small Bag Divider

If you are looking for the perfect insert organizer for a mini backpack , look no further than this mini bag divider. It has all you need for a care-free short trip or everyday use with a foldable design and more than 5 types of pockets .

The back has an open pocket where you can leave larger items, and the interior of the organizer is filled with different compartments. These include elastic pockets, mesh slots, zippered pockets, and 1 large storage unit in the middle.

Finally, there are 2 outside pockets in this polyester backpack and bag organizer. It even comes with 2 card slots and a key fob. The insert mount makes it a perfect solution for organizing your backpack easily.

What We Like

• Different types of inner compartments

What We Don’t Like

• Lacking a variety of colors

IN Backpack Insert Organizer

The IN Backpack Organizer is a perfect fit for mini backpacks, which are a great alternative to standard backpacks. When unfolded, they are a bit sturdier than many other options, and it is PVC supported to provide additional support to the backing of your backpack.

When fully assembled, this organizer covers 6 inches of your backpack space, and it offers a superb number of compartments. There are 5 outer compartments and 9 inner compartments, along with a zippered pocket.

It even has a built-in water bottle pocket and an umbrella slot on the opposite side. Being made of 100% premium nylon guarantees easy cleaning, and the smooth surface is also stain-resistant. The inner pockets are perfect for cosmetics, phones, and other personal belongings.

• Reinforced back material
• Outside pockets might be a bit small

Luxja Backpack Felt Insert Organizer

An alternative to nylon organizers is a felt organizer for your mini backpack or bag. Felt is a bit more sensitive and demands cautious cleaning since it can’t be machine washed. This option has to be cleaned with a cloth or washed in the sink and left to air dry.

With 2 outside pockets, a zippered pocket on the inside, and 4 inner compartments, this insert organizer offers convenience when traveling and on short trips. To make things even more convenient, this organizer has built-in dividers that separate the inner compartment into zones that can each house many different items.

It even comes in 2 sizes, so you can choose from a mini felt organizer that fits into mini backpacks or a larger one for standard-sized backpacks and travel bags.

• Inner compartment dividers
• Requires careful cleaning with specific instructions

APSOONSELL Backpack Organizer Insert Felt Bag Organizer

The Apsoonsell’s felt organizer seems like an unbelievable deal with more than enough capacity to fit an umbrella, stacks of paperwork, a notebook, and other personal belongings at the same time.

It comes with a fixed rubber band that you can use to secure an umbrella or water bottle in place . Also, there’s an inside pocket divided into 2 storage units, as well as a front pocket with a zipper that fits larger items. The large inner compartment should suffice in storing even the largest and bulkiest of your items.

This felt organizer comes in S, L, and XL sizes depending on the size of your backpack, and they range from 7.9 inches to 13.4 inches in width. It’s a perfectly customizable option with reinforced stitching and 2 rubber straps on the inside.

• Customizable insert organizer
• It can’t be completely folded

Yoillione Nylon Backpack Organizer Insert for Men and Women

One of the best large insert organizers is Yoillione’s unisex travel bag insert organizer. It’s made of nylon, so it doesn’t require any specific or sensitive maintenance. You can clean it with a wet cloth and use it for lots of travels to come.

With a foldable design and large storage compartments, it makes a perfect option for those that use high-capacity backpacks. The total of 17 pockets seems impressive when compared to smaller and compact options .

It has 2 large zippered pockets and 15 smaller compartments both inside and on the outside. There’s a pen holder on the side and a specific phone outlet in the inner compartment. Also, it has cushioning compartments for sensitive items, as well as 1 large zipped pocket in the back.

• Ultimate-capacity insert organizer
• It might be a bit bulky for smaller backpacks

Cocoon Accessory Organizer

If you are in pursuit of the perfect universal insert organizer, the Cocoon Accessory Organizer might be the best fit. It can support 15 different items, and the best thing is that every slot is strapped to secure your belongings in place.

It’s a nylon accessory organizer that can be folded into a slim pouch that resembles a tablet case. It’s equally convenient for electronic devices, cosmetics, and other items you might want to bring along. This versatile solution also includes a zippered pocket for additional space.

Whether you are traveling or simply carrying the essentials with you while on the go, you can customize it as you please and get a universal insert organizer for every occasion.

• Customizable design
• Only has 1 zippered pocket

ZTUJO Purse Organizer Multi-Pocket Felt Handbag

One of the main benefits of insert organizers like this one is that it offers more than enough space for your makeup, cosmetics, phone, speakers, and other items you need while on the go.

This insert organizer is specifically-tailored for a purse or a handbag. However, it has 9 inner compartments with a large central storage unit and specific pockets on the side, along with a bottle holder. It even comes with zippered pockets for ultimate coverage.

This organizer has its handles, so you can easily take it out from the purse. The purse insert organizer also comes with more than enough color variants for everyone to find a suitable option.

• The ultimate solution for a purse organizer
• Doesn’t fit in a backpack

IN Store Purse Organizer Insert with Zipper Nylon Fabric

This soft 100% nylon purse organizer is just what you need to keep your handbag items sorted and in order. It features a zippered closure and seems like a small purse itself for an easier fit into a regular handbag design.

On the outside, you can use the small pockets to fit a mobile phone, headphones, and other small items. The inside compartment is reserved for fragile belongings and larger items like a tablet, notebook, cosmetics, and jewelry.

It includes 5 small inner pockets with 1 large compartment unit where you can place belongings that don’t require any special treatment.

• Organizer layout is adjusted to purse shape
• Support could be sturdier

Smart Groove Backpack  Insert Organizer – Large, Light, and Durable

This insert organizer for the backpack is an ultimate solution in terms of capacity as it holds up to 8.5 pounds . You can fill it up with larger items like laptops, tablets, and even fragile belongings thanks to the 20 pockets it comes with.

The layered construction makes it a unique option among the listed insert organizers. From top to bottom, it has cushioned pockets, key holders, back pockets, and pen holders. On top of that, there are side pockets for water bottles and umbrellas, as well as wide inner compartments.

It even has a built-in handle so you can switch backpacks swiftly and prevent mixing up the items inside.

• Superb 20-pocket design
• Only fits larger backpacks

VANCORE Felt Backpack Organizer Insert for Rucksack

Coming in 2 sizes, this felt backpack organizer is perfect both for mini backpacks, larger bags, or even shoulder bags. It has 1 large back storage unit with the capacity to support a few items, along with a large inner compartment and a zippered pocket on the front.

The best thing is that the inner compartment can have up to 8 pockets with a removable and adjustable divider . It makes everything much easier as you can use the divider when you have fragile items or many items to separate or remove for 1 larger storage unit.

It’s made of superior durable felt, so you won’t have to worry about the sturdiness of this organizer.

• The removable divider
• Doesn’t have top coverage

In the end, it all comes down to personal preferences when choosing the best backpack and bag insert organizers. However, small nuances can help you in making the decision, such as whether to go with nylon or a felt organizer.

Also, the number of compartments and size can be a determining factor, so we hope that our list helps you make the best choice for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bag organizers worth it.

With a proper bag or backpack organizer, you can make it worth your while when packing for a short trip or even for everyday occasions. Quality options among insert organizers feature at least several separate storage compartments, often strapped or zipped to keep your items separate and safe.

What insert organizer materials are the best?

You can’t go wrong with nylon or felt organizers, although nylon options are easier to clean and last longer.

Do insert organizers come with customizable features?

You can customize your insert organizer if it comes with removable and adjustable dividers.

Can you use backpack organizers in a purse?

Backpack insert organizers are usually tailored for backpack and bag layouts, but you can also find some purse organizers. A few options are specifically designed as purse and handbag organizers, with a fitting shape and layout.

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About Amar Hussain

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

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A Professional Packer Shares the 11 Best Carry-on Bags That Actually Fit a Week's Worth of Clothes — From $30

Never check a bag again.

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Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

There are some travelers who are completely at ease with bringing just two or three outfits on a trip to skip checking a bag . I am not one of them. I like to pack as many options as my carry-on luggage will allow. While this may initially seem to contradict my title as a professional packer — I’m the founder of the Just Packed travel site and corresponding newsletter — the two aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive. Instead, I define an expertly packed carry-on bag as one that contains everything that you may need on your trip (and still has the ability to close).

Before the actual packing process can begin, though, it’s critical to have luggage pieces that offer ample room to ensure its spot in the overhead bin or under the airplane seat in front of you. But, not every travel bag is up for the task. Over my years of research, both on the ground and in the air, these are the 11 roomiest carry-on bags that I've found. They include classic suitcases as well as travel totes, backpacks, and duffels that help you pack a week's worth (and even more) of clothes so you'll have everything that you need for your next trip.

Away Bigger Carry-on

In my line of work, I’m constantly testing different suitcase brands and styles. My 22-inch Away Bigger Carry-on has yet to be topped when it comes to how much it can hold. From the outside, it looks like a basic, albeit sleek , suitcase; there are no bells and whistles. That simplicity, however, is the key to its success. Every inch of the suitcase serves to get the job done (a.k.a. hold as much as possible). By using the interior compression system, I can fit about one week’s worth of clothes without trying too hard — but if I use a few of my tried-and-true packing hacks , I can make it work for a two-week trip.

It's also made with a polycarbonate hardshell, a sturdy material that I always look for when suitcase shopping because of its durability. Trust me, you'll appreciate it when your carry-on gets tossed around during takeoff and landing.

July Carry-on Pro

I might be loyal to my Away suitcase, but the 21-inch July Carry-on Pro recently caught my eye. It has a similar design, but it comes with a few more functional features. The front pocket can fit a 15-inch laptop and an iPad (although I tend to use compartments like this to hold a few items of clothing), and the Y-strap compression system helps keep the contents of the suitcase neatly packed down. I haven’t gotten a test to take mine out for a spin yet, but the luggage brand notes that it can hold six to eight outfits, or between five to seven days’ worth of clothing. 

Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner

If you’re looking for a more affordable carry-on suitcase, the highly-rated Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner might do the trick. Coming in at under $65 thanks to a limited-time deal, this best-selling carry-on is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a capacious bag but doesn’t travel enough to warrant one with a higher price tag. Several reviewers noted that it’s great for week-long trips with its expansion feature that adds 15 percent more packing space, the interior organizer, and the three smaller zippered pockets. 

MZ Wallace Deluxe Large Metro Tote

Overpackers who are actively trying to avoid bringing checked bags on their travels need the MZ Wallace Deluxe Large Metro Tote in their luggage repertoire. Not only is it, hands down, the most spacious tote that I’ve ever used, but it’s also pliable and filled with different pockets and compartments to keep everything organized in a designated spot. I think of it like a Mary Poppins-style bag. On a recent weekend trip, it served as my only piece of luggage, and I had no issue zipping it up while it held my pajamas, two outfits, a pair of sneakers, my laptop, a small toiletry bag, and a collection of other miscellaneous items (chargers, snacks, a hairbrush, etc). But when you're flying, use this as your personal bag along with your carry-on suitcase so you can get away with bringing more clothes on board. 

When buying a new travel tote to use as a carry-on, I always recommend paying close attention to how the bag is designed (and how it will keep your belongings secure). Does it zip, tie, or latch everything inside? The exact closure method, and how it’s implemented, can significantly affect how much can be carried inside. This one has a zip-top design, so I know that it will keep everything safe from spilling out if I put it in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of me.

L.L. Bean Medium Boat and Tote Zip-Top

The classic L.L. Bean Boat and Tote comes in a variety of sizes and colors, and there’s even the option to choose one with or without a zip-top closure. The extra-large tote is technically the largest, but I personally use the medium-sized zip-top version. Inside, I’ll fit my toiletry bag (which tends to take up too much space in my suitcase), laptop, chargers, a water bottle, and a smaller crossbody bag. I’ve also never had any issues fitting it under the seat in front of me on a plane, and it’s sturdy enough to stay upright during take-off or turbulence. 

Oeihuivt Weekender Bag

The Oeihuivt Weekender Bag is the more affordable twin of the steeper-priced duffel bag that I usually use. According to the brand, the bag can hold between two and four days' worth of essentials inside its six pockets, main compartment, and roomy shoe pouch. If I’m traveling with just a pair of shoes on my feet, I’ll often use the shoe pouch as a hack to store more clothes; it makes the perfect spot for my socks, Dopp kit, a sweatshirt, and a pair of jeans. 

Paravel Foldable Travel Duffel Bag

I always think of my Foldable Travel Duffel Bag from Oprah-loved brand Paravel as my “in case of packing emergencies” bag. On a trip to Jackson Hole last year, I knew that there was a possibility that I’d be leaving with a few more items than I’d arrived with — so I tucked this duffel into my suitcase to use on the journey home. It’s one of those bags that’s deceptively roomy, and it held the hiking boots, sneakers, puffer vest, and several sweaters that had been displaced from my suitcase by my new Wyoming purchases. In addition to being an M.V.P. for bringing back souvenirs, it can also be used as a tote when you're at your destination, and even a beach bag if needed. 

Bjlfs Weekender Carry-on

Some trips require a do-it-all kind of bag, one that can handle whatever you need it to hold. Enter the Bjlfs Weekender Carry-on. Its exact dimensions have it measuring in at around 10.7 inches by 22 inches by 7 inches, which means that it has more than enough room for a three-day weekend trip's wardrobe — and you’ll have no trouble fitting it in most overhead bins or under the seat in front of you should you use it as a personal bag. Interested in seeing how it would perform on a longer trip? According to one reviewer , they paired it with a small carry-on suitcase for an 11-day trip, and it was perfect.

Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote

My vast collection of travel bags waxes and wanes on a regular basis, but there are a few extra-roomy styles that maintain their starting positions on my roster. One of those is my Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote. The leather bag is a staple for work travel, and it holds more than you’d think upon initial glance. If you pair it with a carry-on for your next flight, you'll definitely be able to fit everything that you need for your trip. 

A foolproof way to wisely choose a spacious carry-on bag is to identify its purpose. As one of my allowed carry-on bags, this roomy tote is always reserved for my laptop, which means that it has to be strong and wide enough to hold my heavy, 16-inch MacBook Pro and my other essentials. I’ve gone on several trips where it’s managed to perfectly carry my laptop, a couple of books, an extra layer, a water bottle, and even a Dopp kit or crossbody bag.

Roam Continental Backpack

When I say that the Roam Continental Backpack holds just as much as a duffel bag, I mean it. It first accompanied me on a trip to Venice, and I was immediately blown away by the capacity of each compartment. There’s an exterior laptop compartment, which holds all of my chargers, a front pocket (and is great for snacks and smaller toiletries), and a large main compartment. The latter fit a pair of shoes, the rest of my toiletries, a light jacket, and a small purse. There are also two water bottle holders on the backpack’s sides; I used one for my Yeti and the other for a couple pairs of socks. 

Lo & Sons Large Rowledge Backpack

Lo & Sons

I’ve found that the Lo & Sons Large Rowledge Backpack is slightly less bulky than the above Roam style, but somehow, it’s almost just as spacious. If I’m using it as a secondary carry-on bag, the backpack always has extra room; if I’m bringing it on a short weekend trip, I typically don’t need to bring another bag. By using the rolling folding method, I can fit three to four outfits in the larger compartment, and the front compartment is perfect for a travel-sized toiletry bag and other essential accessories. 

Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag

This isn't a piece of luggage, but it's an essential item for making everything fit in a carry-on. There are a few things that I’ll sacrifice when packing — like extra pairs of shoes or an additional coat — but my beauty routine is not one of them. I’m a stickler for using my specific skin and hair care products, even while traveling, so I require a toiletry bag that can hold everything. The large Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag can carry all of my skincare, shampoo and conditioner, makeup, and other hygiene products. If it’s packed in my carry-on, I just have to make sure to use my TSA-sized products or transfer my liquids to my trusty Cadence capsules .

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16 Products

#10 Brass Heavy Duty Separating (Jacket) Zipper

Many Colors Available

Length: Up to 48 inches

#10 Aluminum Heavy Duty Separating (Jacket) Zipper

Length: Up to 60 inches

#10 Molded Plastic Extra-Long Heavy Duty Separating Zipper

Available in Black, White only.

Length: Up to 360 inches

From $16.37

#10 Aluminum Heavy Duty Two-Way Separating (Jacket) Zipper

From $12.50

#10 Antique Brass Two-Way Heavy Duty Separating (Jacket) Zipper

Available in Black, Brown - Dark, Brown - Medium only.

Length: Up to 42 inches

From $15.99

#10 Brass Extra-Long Heavy Duty Separating (Tent / Sleeping Bag) Zipper

Available in Black only.

Length: Up to 288 inches

From $29.72

#10 Molded Plastic Two-Way Extra-Long Heavy Duty Separating (Tent / Sleeping Bag) Zipper

Length: Up to 192 inches

From $25.01

#10 Molded Plastic Heavy Duty Two-Way Separating (Jacket) Zipper

Available in Black, White, Navy only.

Length: Up to 36 inches

From $12.59

#10 Molded Plastic Heavy Duty Separating (Jacket) Zipper

#10 Brass Heavy Duty Two-Way Separating (Jacket) Zipper

Available in Black, Brown - Medium only.

From $14.15

#10 Nickel Heavy Duty Separating Jacket Zipper

From $10.35

#10 Antique Brass Heavy Duty Separating (Jacket) Zipper

From $11.79

#10 Water Repellant & UV Ray Resistant Outdoor Zipper

Length: Up to 108 inches

From $75.59

#10 Nylon Coil Separating Jacket Zipper

#10 Nylon Coil Extra-Long Heavy Duty Separating Zipper

From $13.99

#10 Plastic Nomex® Fire Retardant Separating (Jacket) Zipper

Length: Up to 30 inches

From $15.59

What Are Heavy Duty Zippers?

The heavy duty zippers found here are #10 gauge zippers, which means the teeth measure approximately 10 millimeters (about 1/2 inch) across when zipped. They are very large, wide zippers and much sturdier than the medium weight #5 zippers (5 mm across / about ? inch) which are commonly found in retail stores as ?heavy duty zippers.?

What Are Heavy Duty Zippers Used For?

These heavy duty zippers and industrial zippers for sewing are designed to replace zippers on coats, work jackets, tents, canvas, sleeping bags, duffel bags, military bags, and other applications that require zippers with extra strength.

When you repair a jacket or bag with a good replacement zipper, you can extend its life and have many more years of use.

What Materials Are Available for Heavy Duty Zippers?

When doing your zipper repair, you?ll want to select an appropriate type heavy duty replacement zipper. Choices of zipper teeth include: brass, antique brass, nickel, aluminum, and molded plastic. The strongest is nickel, followed by antique brass and brass. Aluminum is a very lightweight metal so when the overall weight of an item needs to be minimized but you still need a heavy-duty zipper, it can be an excellent option. Zippers with molded plastic teeth are often used for boats and marine uses.

Are These Available Wholesale?

Yes, most of the heavy duty zippers you see here can be purchased in bulk and a discount will be automatically applied upon adding a qualifying quantity to your online shopping cart. You do not need a wholesale account. Zippers are also available individually.

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