Featured in this article
Best Compression Packing Cubes
Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Carry-On Set
Amazon
Best Packing Cubes for Carry-On Luggage
Thule Compression Packing Cube Set
Amazon (Set)
Sturdiest Packing Cubes
Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes
Nordstrom (Medium)
Best Packing Cubes on Amazon
Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes (Set of 6)
Amazon
Even though I’m a frequent traveler, I lived well over four decades of my life without thinking I needed packing cubes. I know how to pack, I thought. I can roll my things up tightly to fit in any carry-on suitcaseor backpack. Are packing cubes really worth it? Why would I spend money on something simply to separate my workout pants and pajamas from my daily outfits?
Then I bought a set, and I will never go back. Packing cubes are often scoffed at by r/onebag minimalists and those who can live three weeks out of a backpack with four outfits and a toothbrush. To their point, regular packing cubes do add weight (usually less than a pound), but compressible styles, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Carry-On Set ($104), Thule’s Compression Packing Cube Set ($54), or Bagsmart Compression Cubes ($43), are a game changer for overpackers. Even noncompression versions Beis’ Packing Cubes ($68) have labels that will help you take your packing organization to the next level.
Packing cubes are also critical for duffel bags and travel backpacks, where it’s harder to keep clothes folded and organized. They protect your things from dirt, damage, and sand. And they get your clothes to your destination with fewer wrinkles. They also provide privacy: If TSA decides to go through your stuff publicly right next to the security line (as happened to me one year when I packed an apparently suspicious-looking 20-ounce bottle of soda), they will only go through the offending cube instead of rifling through everything. You can also pack multiple family members’ clothes in the same suitcase using color-coordinated cubes. If you find you’ve overpacked your checked bag, it makes it easier to remove items to get it back to a proper weight.
Unpacking is also much quicker and easier with a set of cubes. You don’t even have to take your clothes out—you can put the packing cubes right in the hotel drawers. If you’re ready to give the packing cube life a try, or upgrade a current set, check out my list of road-tested favorites for every situation.
For more travel gear, check out our guides to the Best Toiletry Bags, Best Luggage, Best Carry-On Luggage, and Best Travel Pillows.
Updated May 2026: I’ve added new packing cubes from Eagle Creek and Bagsmart, a carry-on from FlipSide, and two accessories I’ve loved during spring travel: Rumpl’s Tech Towel and Lazy Skinscience’s Double Duty. I’ve also ensured up-to-date links and prices.
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Best Compression Packing Cubes
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Courtesy of Eagle Creek
Chevron Chevron to wishlist Eagle Creek
Pack-It Reveal Carry-On Set
Amazon
Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek produces a wide range of excellent travel accessories, but these packing cubes are particularly well done. They’re made of thick, sturdy fabric; they are thoughtfully designed, with good compression and high-quality zipper pulls. I also that there’s just enough mesh for breathability, but the bottom and back of the cube is still opaque for privacy. (If you want even more privacy, there’s a solid-color “isolate” set, of which we’ve also tested a small cube, and it’s just as sturdy.) There are also separate sets for extended staysor slim shapes, or you can buy cubes individually. The large cube in this set is split for putting dirty clothes (or clean clothes) on one side—or you can buy it alone for $35. As a bonus, they’re also water-resistant and come with a nice carry handle at the top.
An inexpensive alternative:Gonex Compression Packing Cubes (4 for $24) aren’t as sturdy as Eagle Creek’s and obviously don’t come with the same warranty, but for the price, they are one of the more decent budget dupes, with a water-resistant exterior and pretty decent compression. They also come in eight colors, including lesser-seen ones pink and lime green.
Compression? Yes Can the largest cube fit a bulky sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants? Barely Material 100 percent recycled fabric How many in set 4 Sizes 2 small, 1 medium, 1 medium clean/dirty cube Total weight 1 pound, 2.5 ounces Zippers Small, with long corded pulls Warranty Lifetime WIRED/TIRED
LargeChevron WIRED
- Sturdy, water-resistent construction
- Excellent compression
- Mesh window allows ventilation and visibility
- Lifetime warranty
- Large cube has a clean/dirty side
TIRED
- No labels
- Not machine-washable
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Best Packing Cubes for Carry-On Luggage
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Courtesy of Thule
Chevron Chevron to wishlist Thule
Compression Packing Cube Set
Amazon (Set)
REI (Set)
These cubes, made by Swedish car rack stalwart Thule (pronounced TOO-lee, in case you were wondering), were a very, very close second to Eagle Creek’s for the best compression cube set. (Eagle Creek wins by being more versatile with the different sizes and functions, and clean/dirty sides.) The Thule cubes’ rigid construction and small sizes meant they couldn’t be used for longer trips or too many bulky items sweaters, but they still provided a shocking amount of compression, making them ideal for carry-ons.
I wasn’t sure the medium size would even fit one pair of pants, but it not only fit my bulkiest pair of sweats with ease, but compressed them down to a tidy little package. The Bluesign-approved 100-denier ripstop nylon, which is translucent enough to identify the cubes’ contents but not see them in their entirety, was also a welcome touch, as was the fabric’s water repellence.
Compression? Yes Can the largest cube fit a bulky sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants? Yes (medium size), and compress them Material 100D ripstop nylon How many in set 2 Sizes Small, medium Total weight 7.5 ounces Zippers YKK Warranty Limited lifetime WIRED/TIRED
LargeChevron WIRED
- Lightweight
- High-level compression
- Water resistant
- Contents visible through the translucent yet strong fabric
TIRED
- Set isn’t enough for more than one outfit or so
- Rigid shape makes them less mashable
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Sturdiest Packing Cubes
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Photograph: Kat Merck
Chevron Chevron to wishlist Nomatic
Compression Packing Cubes
Nordstrom (Medium)
Nomatic (Large)
These minimalist cubes with rubber-tipped zipper pulls are nearly identical to Eagle Creek’s, with equally excellent compression, but the water-resistant ripstop nylon is even thicker than Eagle Creek’s already brawny fabric. Eagle Creek’s fabric lets some light in if I hold it up to a window, but not Nomatic’s—if you’re worried about rough treatment with your packing cubes, get these.
The large cube in this set has a slightly more square shape, which isn’t as easy to fit rolled-up clothes as Eagle Creek’s, and a mesh window comprises about three-fourths of the front for visibility and ventilation. Eagle Creek, Nomatic offers a lifetime warranty. You can buy them individually or in a three-pack with a large, medium, and small cube. Color options include Black, Moss, Navy, and Gray.
Compression? Yes Can the largest cube fit a bulky sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants? Yes Material Ripstop nylon How many in set 3 Sizes Small, medium, large Total weight Just under 1 pound Zippers No-name small metal with tipped pulls Warranty Lifetime WIRED/TIRED
LargeChevron WIRED
- Extra-sturdy, water-resistant construction
- Excellent compression
- Mesh window allows ventilation and visibility
- Lifetime warranty
TIRED
- No labels
- Not machine washable
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Best Packing Cubes on Amazon
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Courtesy of Bagsmart
Chevron Chevron to wishlist Bagsmart
Compression Packing Cubes (Set of 6)
Amazon
Bagsmart
For budget packing cubes you can get in a hurry from Amazon, it’s hard to beat Bagsmart’s basic six-pack. The compression feature, higher-end looks, and convenient label window cover all the bases of what you might want in a good set. I also d the fine mesh on the front, which offers slightly more privacy than larger-gauge holes on Amazon Essentials‘ cubes. As a bonus, if you’re looking to color coordinate with your luggage, Bagsmart offers 25 color and pattern options.
The only downside is the fact that the sizes in some of the larger sets are fairly similar and all are slightly rectangular. I prefer this, as it’s easier to roll up clothes in a row, but this could annoy someone who’s looking for more size and shape variability.
Compression? Yes Can the largest cube fit a bulky sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants? Yes, with room to spare Material Polyester How many in set 2, 4, or 6 Sizes Small, medium, large, shoe bag Total weight 0.56 pounds (for set of 2) Zippers O-shaped, with corded pulls Warranty 30 days WIRED/TIRED
LargeChevron WIRED
- Excellent compression
- Multiple set options
- Handy labels for organization
- Fine mesh offers breathability with privacy
- Tons of color options
TIRED
- Sizes are all rectangular
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Best Suitcase Packing Cubes
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Courtesy of Monos
Chevron Chevron to wishlist Monos
Compressible Packing Cubes
Monos (Set of 4)
Monos (Set of 6)
These are the fanciest-looking and -feeling packing cubes I’ve tested. The outside is thick and satiny nylon twill, with an antimicrobial interior, TPU-reinforced mesh window, and gold-toned hardware. I love how they can be stored flat but pop up to be a generous 4.5 inches tall, and the compression is excellent. I couldn’t fit as much in them as I could with the Thule, Nomatic, or Eagle Creek cubes above, but I was still able to a significant amount of space.
They’re specially designed to fit perfectly in Monos luggage, although I’ve used them in other brands’ suitcases, and the six-piece both fits and looks elegant and could work for a week trip. You can also get a toiletry case ($95, large, vegan leather) in the same color to match, which is also beautiful and well made, though it did frustrate me on a recent trip with its lack of carrying handle.
Compression? Yes Can the largest cube fit a bulky sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants? Yes, with room for another small outfit Material Tear-resistant nylon twill with antimicrobial lining How many in set 4 (set of 6 is available) Sizes For four: 13 × 9.8 × 4.5 inches, 13 × 7.1 × 4.5 inches, 10.2 × 8.3 × 4.5 inches, 9.8 × 4.3 × 4.5 inches Total weight 2.24 pounds (for set of 6) Zippers Anti-catch Warranty 2-year limited WIRED/TIRED
LargeChevron WIRED
- Nice compression
- Luxe feel
- Antimicrobial interior
- Mesh window allows for ventilation and visiblity
TIRED
- Compression isn’t as great as other brands’
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Best Packing Cubes for Backpacks
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Courtesy of Peak Design
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Photograph: Kat Merck
Chevron Chevron to wishlist Peak Design
Ultralight Mesh Packing Cube
B&H Photo (1 L)
Peak Design (3-pack)
If you’re worried about packing cubes adding extra weight to your luggage or backpack contents, these ultralight packing cubes are the ones for you. The smallest of the mesh cubes weighs only 1 ounce, and its Powernet nylon stretch mesh material means it can be folded or squished down to fit in a pocket when not in use. You can also attach a strap (not included) to carry any of the cubes a crossbody bag. They’re Bluesign-approved, Fair Trade certified, 100 percent breathable, and have a lifetime warranty. You can buy them individually, and they’re handy for more than just travel—my husband uses one for keys and wallet at the gym. Be forewarned that they look small, but even the medium size fit my bulkiest pair of sweats with additional room for socks and underwear.
If you don’t want full mesh, there’s also an opaque version ($15 for 1L) made of 50D recycled ripstop-fabric, as well as a shoe bag.
Compression? Yes and no Can the largest cube fit a bulky sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants? Yes, with room to spare Material 50D exterior fabric is weatherproof, 100 percent recycled, and Bluesign approved. The mesh is 180g Powernet nylon How many in set 1, 3, 6 or 9 Sizes Extra-extra small, extra small, small, medium Total weight Medium regular by itself: 9.8 ounces; smallest XXS from the ultralight mesh line: 1.1 ounces Zippers Proprietary #5 Ultrazip with abrasion-resistant thread Warranty Lifetime WIRED/TIRED
LargeChevron WIRED
- Extremely lightweight yet sturdy
- Can be carried with an optional strap
- Fair Trade certified
- Lifetime warranty
- Many fabric and style options
TIRED
- Cubes that come in the set are quite small
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Best Packing Cubes for Camping and Outdoors
Photograph: Kat Merck
to wishlist Eagle Creek
Pack-It VentureLite Gear Cubes
Eagle Creek (Medium)
Eagle Creek (Large)
Eagle Creek (Small)
Eagle Creek’s packing cubes are already tough, but the brand has upped the ante with its new VentureLite ocean-recycled nylon Gear Cubes from the Pack-It line. They’re water-, abrasion-, and puncture-resistant, and can easily be wiped down if they get dirty or muddy. They don’t feature compression, but given the stiff and somewhat rubbery construction, these aren’t really for business trips or resort vacations anyway.
They’re ideal for camping, overlanding, boating, or anywhere dirt and rough treatment are a concern. I tested the Extra Small, Medium, and Large cubes (the Large is pictured) on a trip where I knew clothes would get quite dirty, and I loved knowing there was no chance of dirt and mud seeping out and touching anything else in my suitcase. Note that the 7 x 4 x 4-inch Extra Small cube also makes an excellent pouch for a first aid kit.
Compression? No Can the largest cube fit a bulky sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants? Yes Material Ocean-recycled 200D nylon ripstop with recycled TPU coating How many in set 1 Sizes XS, S, M, L Total weight Varies (L is 8 ounces) Zippers Metal with corded pulls Warranty Lifetime WIRED/TIRED
LargeChevron WIRED
- Water-resistant fabric wipes down easily
- Tough construction resists tears
TIRED
- Only three color options
- Rubbery material not as versatile for “regular” trips
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Best Packing Cubes for Women
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Courtesy of Béis
Chevron Chevron to wishlist Béis
the Packing Cubes
Beis (Compression 4-piece)
Beis (Non-Compression 6-piece)
Labels on packing cubes isn’t a new concept, but Béis takes it a step further and includes a whole collection of inserts for the label windows on its sturdy, mesh-window-sporting packing cube set. There’s a sheet of cards denoting days of the week, as well as labels both practical (bras, pajamas) and not (“proceed with caution,” “so fresh & so clean”). Of course the labels center perfectly in the little windows, making for the ultimate accessory for GRWM content or just your own state of mind.
The cube sets are designed to go with Béis luggage, but they fit just fine in both my non-Béis carry-on and checked bags. I tested the non-compression set, which comes with a zip bag and two shoe bags, but there’s also a compression set that includes the cubes only. Color options include Black, Beige, Pink, Olive, and Maple.
Compression? Available Can the largest cube fit a bulky sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants? Yes, with room to spare Material Polyester How many in set 4 (compression) or 6 (non) Sizes 2 large, 2 medium, or small, medium, large plus extras Total weight 0.8 pounds (4-piece) Zippers Branded with 1.25-inch metal pulls Warranty Limited lifetime WIRED/TIRED
LargeChevron WIRED
- Labels with included insert sheets make packing fun
- High-end looks
- Lifetime warranty
- Set is versatile, with a shoe bag and varied sizes
TIRED
- No compression on all sets
- Not machine-washable
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Best Packing Cube for Business Travel
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Courtesy of Eagle Creek
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Photograph: Kat Merck
Chevron Chevron to wishlist Eagle Creek
Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder
Nordstrom (Medium)
Amazon (Medium)
Eagle Creek (Medium)
Business trip with wrinkle-prone clothes that need to remain unwrinkled? No problem. This ingenious envelope-style packing cube helps you fold your clothes with an included folding board, and keeps them folded with four flaps with adjustable Velcro closures. I kept two button-up shirts and cotton pants in them for two weeks, and while they did develop some lines from being folded, they’re still better than wrinkles. Note that the medium size is meant for a carry-on bag. The large will fit, but it will take up a sizable portion of space (as shown in the second photo).
Compression? Yes Can the largest cube fit a bulky sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants? Yes Material Recycled polyester How many in set 1 Sizes Medium, large, extra-large Total weight 10 ounces (medium) Zippers None Warranty Lifetime WIRED/TIRED
LargeChevron WIRED
- Keeps clothes neatly folded and unwrinkled
- Lifetime warranty
TIRED
- No compression
- Takes up a lot of space
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Best Packing Cubes for Ski Trips
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Photograph: Kat Merck
Chevron Chevron to wishlist Kulkea
Kaamos Boot Cube
Kulkea (Small)
Kulkea (Medium)
Kulkea (Large)
As any snow sports enthusiast knows, dirty, wet ski boots are a nightmare to travel with, especially if you don’t have time to wipe them down and dry them before you leave. These cubes are made to keep the rest of your luggage safe from mud, snow, rust, and whatever else your boots might have stuck to them after a day (or week) on the slopes and tromping around the lodge.
Made of sturdy tarp material with two corrosion-resistant ventilation grommets, all three sizes of the cube have a beefy nylon handle on the top that makes them convenient to carry even when they’re out of your luggage. In fact, it’s so handy that my family uses these cubes as general storage containers for our boots in the garage and the car.
Note that the large size fits up to Mondopoint size 30.5 boots, the medium up to 29.5, and the small up to 27.5. For size reference, pictured above is the medium Kaamos cube with men’s size 9 snowboard boots; as you can see, they’re not a snug fit, so the larger sizes are probably best for ski boots.
Compression? No Can the largest cube fit a bulky sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants? Yes but N/A Material Tarpaulin PVC How many in set 1 Sizes Small, medium, large Total weight 9 ounces for medium cube Zippers YKK Warranty 2 years WIRED/TIRED
LargeChevron WIRED
- Sturdy tarpaulin material
- Water-resistant and ventilated
- Slightly stiff construction keeps boots protected
TIRED
- Better for ski boots than snowboard boots
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Best Colorful Packing Cubes
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Photograph: Kat Merck
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Photograph: Kat Merck
Chevron Chevron to wishlist Cotopaxi
Cubos del Dia
REI (Set)
Cotopaxi (Individual Cubes)
Certified B corporation Cotopaxi is known for its colorful ripstop travel and outdoor gear, and the Del Dia line is especially fun for its use of deadstock, or leftover fabric. When you order a Del Dia item, the popular backpacks, you never know what color combinations you’re going to get. If this is too much of a risk for something you’ll be wearing, the Del Dia packing cubes are a great compromise.
They don’t feature compression, but they’re lightweight, fun, and easily mashable in a suitcase or backpack, with mesh sides for ventilation and contrasting zipper pulls. Note that the 2L and 3L sizes of the cubes that come in the set are quite small—I wasn’t able to fit anything other than underwear and a couple of shirts—so these may not be the best choice for longer trips.
Compression? No Can the largest cube fit a bulky sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants? No (sweatshirt only) Material Recycled nylon How many in set 3 Sizes 2L, 3L, 10L Total weight 7 ounces Zippers Metal with 2-inch corded pulls Warranty Lifetime WIRED/TIRED
LargeChevron WIRED
- Sustainably produced
- Colorway is a fun surprise
TIRED
- Set is small, so best for short trips
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Other Great Packing Cubes
Photograph: Kat Merck
Shacke Pak Packing Cubes for $30 (set of 8): These were pretty good quality for an Amazon brand; there’s a sturdy handle and the material is slightly thicker than other packing cubes at this price point. I the mix of mesh for breathability and opaque fabric for privacy. They come in nine colors, but the colors are clownishly bright (blue pictured above), and the four-paneled mesh design reminds me of a jock strap. Shacke says it uses YKK zippers on all its packing cubes, but I peeled back the covering on the zipper and could not find a YKK insignia anywhere.
Bagsmart Blast Packing Cubes for $50 (set of 5 plus a shoe bag): Bagsmart is a budget brand, but it gets the job done—I quite d the unique Blast toiletry bag, and these packing cubes are solid as well. The compression works great, the array of sizes that come with the set is useful, and the mesh windows are great for assessing contents at a glance. Bagsmart’s original compression cubes are $10 cheaper, but the fabric on these is more breathable than the original cubes, so if you prefer that, these are worth considering.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Calpak Packing Cubes Set for $68 (set of 5): This is the first set of packing cubes I ever owned, and it’s what kicked off my obsession with travel organization. There’s just something generally satisfying about the size and layout of these lightweight polyester cubes (pictured at left) that have a mostly mesh front for visibility and breathability. There’s a little window where you can put a label for the contents (which is far more useful than you might think, especially when packing cubes are around the same size), and I love that they come in 18 different colors and prints. There’s also a zipperered compartment on the back for “extra storage,” according to Calpak, but when the cubes are full it’s hard to fit anything but flat or very small items.
Amazon Essentials for $14 (set of 4): This four-pack of cubes with sturdy-mesh windows and ripstop-fabric was comparable in quality to brands four times the price. However, Bagsmart’s cubes, which come in a set of six, only cost about 50 cents more per cube, have compression, and are significantly sturdier, so I think they’re the better buy.
Courtesy of Dagne Dover
Dagne Dover Roma Packing Cubes from $30: When I first saw these shallow, all-mesh packing cubes with their stiff wire edging and little label windows (pictured at left), I admit I wasn’t initially impressed, given that they cost upward of $30 per cube. But then I tested them. Not only do they hold more than they initially seem to, but I ended up loving how they kept their shape, allowing me to fit more in my bag and for my clothes to arrive at their destination perfectly wrinkle-free. The mesh is also breathable yet sturdy, private, and slightly padded, so I felt safe adding even hard items jewelry. To be sure, these aren’t space rs, but if you want to ensure your items don’t move around, get overly squished, or get wrinkled, these are a great option. They come in four stylish colors. Note that they’re currently on final sale, so if you are or were a fan of these cubes, now might be the time to stock up before they’re gone.
Cram Packing Cube Set (3) for $60: Unmost packing cubes, Cram’s colorful collection is fully machine washable and can be tumble-dried. I was a little dubious that they’d hold up given that the mesh top felt a bit flimsy, but they came out no worse for wear in my top-loading washer and high-heat dryer. I didn’t particularly love how they looked in my suitcase (the mesh-heavy design, floppy structure, and colors were giving inside-out ’70s swim-trunk vibes), but that’s more of a personal problem. These are excellent options for camping, or trips where you know your clothes or the contents of your bag will get dirty.
Aer Packing Cube for $35: Available in regular (10L) and small (5L), this sleek ripstop cube goes perfectly with any of Aer’s signature minimalist travel bags. It’s very sturdy; it’s got decent compression; and it comes in four colors, including the unusual Safety Orange and Lunar Gray. There’s nothing that really sets these apart from the dozens of other cubes I’ve tried, but both sizes would make a great gift for any Aer bag owner.
Rux Packing System Mesh Bundle (3) for $140: These lightweight, cinchable roll-top bags are a must for any Rux bag or bin owner (including the excellent new Rux Duffel Box). Made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene gridstop fabric, they fit perfectly inside any Rux system and are made to hook onto the inside to stay secure.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Ekster Vacuum Travel Kit for $89: I was impressed with how much I could fit into this IPX7 waterproof, vacuum-powered compression bag, which comes with a portable travel pump. I also d that it maintained its vacuum seal throughout an overnight trip. But it didn’t as much space as I expected in my carry-on, especially compared to packing cubes, and I didn’t love that I couldn’t separate my clothing.
Away the Insider Packing Cubes for $48 (set of 4): I that these come in 10 trendy colors, many of which match Away’s luggage. However, after testing over 20 different brands and types at various price points, these cubes just didn’t stand out. The material was very thin and indistinguishable from some of the cheaper Amazon brands, and the zippers were very small.
Antler Packing Cubes for $65 (set of 4): These lightweight, mesh-front compression cubes come in nine colors and are made to coordinate with Antler luggage (we love the carry-on). They have solid zippers with extended pulls, and the compression was solid; they just weren’t as hardy as our top picks.
Great Suitcases and Bags With Packing Cubes
Photograph: Kat Merck
Travelpro VersaPack+ Carry-On for $323: This expandable soft-sided spinner from luggage stalwart Travelpro (maker of our favorite budget carry-on) comes with two approximately 9-inch packing cubes on a divider that clips in or out. Thick straps in the main compartment can be cinched down to provide compression, and there’s also an included laundry bag and two shoe bags. I was actually quite impressed with how much I could fit into this carry-on, especially when using other compression packing cubes. Which is kind of necessary, as the included packing cubes hold little more than a few T-shirts and some underwear. Also be aware that when the bag is expanded, it’s still slightly front-heavy, even though it’s designed to be tip-resistant. A test of rolling it upright while running through the airport to catch the car rental shuttle found it does still have a tendency to tip over front-first.
FlipSide 22-Inch Carry-On for $349: This soft-sided little suitcase doesn’t contain packing cubes—it is itself a big packing cube on wheels. It opens on either side for clean and dirty clothes, clothes for you and your kid, or any other reason you might need two separate compartments. I thought it seemed a little small, but my teen son was able to pack a full week’s worth of clothes in it by using his preferred ranger rolling method. If you’re not sure, FlipSide offers a 100-day money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not your jam.
Airback Original Carry-On Backpack for $329: An impressive amount of engineering went into this otherwise simple-looking backpack. Behind the matte-black, faux leather exterior, you’ll find a pump-powered vacuum bag for compressing contents, much the Ekster above. If that’s not enough, the pump doubles as a flashlight, the handle has a built-in scale (strange since it’s a carry-on, but OK); there are USB-C and USB-A charging ports, a TSA lock, and a padded laptop compartment; and it even comes with its own matching toiletry bag. This is essentially the Swiss Army Knife of backpacks, but you will pay for all these gizmos and gewgaws in weight. It weighs over 4 pounds by itself, and when fully packed for a trip, especially with the contents compressed, it tipped the scales at nearly 20 pounds.
Other Travel Accessories We
Photograph: Kat Merck
WanderFull HydroBag for $64: WIRED Reviews team members are no strangers to water bottle bags. Even though I’m a member of the Dehydrated Generation, I’ve become fully accustomed to having a water bottle nearby at all times. Unless I’m carrying a backpack, I am indeed carrying my Owala in a water bottle bag, especially when traveling. My favorite is from WanderFull, as the wide strap is comfortable enough for hikes and extra-long walks. If metallic green isn’t your jam, there are dozens of other fabrics, colors, and styles to choose from.
Lazy Double Duty Serum-Moisturizer Duo for $48: If you’re into K-beauty but don’t want to bring multiple bottles, this dual-compartment container has red camellia serum on one side and squalane moisturizer on the other. It’s not travel-sized, but a plastic lid inside the lid keeps the contents contained, and even though I tested it for travel, I loved it so much I ended up using it as part of my skincare regimen at home.
Rumpl Tech Towel for $40: This T-shirt-thin microsuede towel comes in eight outdoorsy prints and absorbs four times its weight in water. When rolled up, it fits perfectly into a water bottle holder on a backpack, so you always have a towel at the ready for impromptu beach trips or swimming hole discoveries. I carried it in my Dometic Unrestricted cooler backpack for a week in Honolulu, and even though rain negated any beach trips, it was still great for warmth and/or creating a clean, dry place to sit.
Courtesy of Calpak
Calpak Luka Zippered Passport Wallet for $39: Whether you’re traveling internationally or just neglected to update your driver’s license before the US Real ID deadline (guilty), a passport wallet is a must. This stylish, puffy number from Calpak holds not only your passport but also cash, cards, and even your phone in a front pocket. The only downside is that it is quite large, about the size of a contemporary paperback book (7.5 x 5.5 inches), and it doesn’t have a handle or loop, so it is awkward to carry if you don’t have a purse large enough to accommodate it.
Aer Street Sling for $69: Many passport wallets, the Luka above, are quite large. Una belt bag, Aer’s unisex crossbody is tall, so it fits any passport wallet up to 8 x 5.5 inches. It’s a great option for anyone who still wants to travel light but doesn’t have to keep their passport in their backpack or pocket.
Courtesy of Dosey
Dosey Pill Compact for $26: This 7 x 3-inch pastel pill compact (also available in blue and pink) features a mirror and seven labeled day compartments, finished in shiny gold. It’s very Valley of the Dolls, but I found its slim profile surprisingly practical for travel, slipping unobtrusively into even smaller toiletry bags while staying securely closed even during rough handling.
GuruNanda Ready-to-Go Disposable Mini Travel Toothbrushes for $35: Obviously, bringing your own toothbrush is the most eco-friendly choice, but this is what my family uses for camping or other trips when we don’t want to risk reusing a dirty toothbrush. They’re soft enough for even the most sensitive gums, and the handle side doubles as a toothpick.
Gorilla Grip Luggage Straps for $16 (set of 4): If you tend to travel with your hard-sided checked bag while it’s expanded, you might have noticed a somewhat alarming lack of structure. Both hard sides contain their own strapped-down loads, flopping around while connected only by a thin fabric zipper. I rely on these straps to hold my precariously packed suitcase together when it’s being launched off the scale onto the conveyor belt or thrown around on the tarmac. And as a bonus, the bright colors (the company has nine to choose from) make your bag easy to spot on the baggage claim carousel.
Kusshi Travel Jewelry Organizer for $49 (Medium): I don’t know how I lived so long just throwing jewelry willy-nilly into a toiletry bag; I don’t advise this unless you want to spend your first night on vacation untangling necklaces. For the ultimate in space-saving organization, you can’t top this hanging pocket bag that folds down to be perfectly flat. The medium size features three tiers of soft-lined, PVC-fronted zippered pockets for earrings, rings, bracelets, watches, and whatever else you might need, plus a nifty necklace holder with loops and snaps. The large size has the same, but with twice as many sections. When closed, it folds up flat to about the size of an iPad.
FAQs
How Does WIRED Test Packing Cubes?
I choose packing cubes based on luggage brands we or what seems to be trending or popular; some are samples from the companies themselves, but many I buy myself and expense.
I inspect each cube or set of cubes for features and materials. I test how smoothly the zippers zip open and closed, and how easy it is to use any compression feature. I pack various cubes with bulky sweatshirts and sweatpants to see how many pieces I can fit in the largest cube, and see how they fit in a carry-on bag, backpack, and full-sized suitcase. When I travel, I pack a cube from each set in three suitcases and assess how easy they are to pack or unpack, and note if anything about them bothered my family or me amid the stress and unpredictability of travel.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Why Not Just Use a Ziplock Bag?
This is the question I see most from travelers suspicious of using packing cubes. Ziplock bags are inexpensive, and you can see everything inside. Why would one spend $25 or even $100 on a set of packing cubes when a box of 2.5-gallon bags costs $5? It’s a valid question, and one I set out to investigate by packing a couple of slide-lock Hefty bags along with my packing cubes for a weeklong trip. I discovered a few things.
Packing cubes are breathable. This is especially helpful on the way back home when most or all of your laundry is dirty. If your clothes smell anything—anything at all—you will be hit in the face with that smell after they’ve been sitting in an airtight plastic bag.
Packing cubes are durable. Una plastic bag, packing cubes won’t rip, burst, or develop unexpected holes.
(Some) packing cubes are compressible. Can you fit five days’ worth of pants and shirts in a plastic bag? Probably not. But you definitely can in a compressible packing cube, some of the options above.
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Kat Merck is a senior commerce editor for WIRED, where she covers smart bird feeders, indoor gardening systems, kitchen composters, and all things sustainable home tech. As a forestry major at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Kat practiced axe throwing on her college logging team and trained as a wildland … Read More
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