We discovered packing cubes before traveling through SE Asia, and since then, we haven’t wanted anything else. We know how disorganized things can become, and after some minutes in a hotel, without knowing how you have your things spread all over the room.
With packing cubes, that won’t happen again. They are simply indispensable items when we travel. So if you are a bit disorganized or worship organization, you will love them, as everything is so much easier!
After long research, we compiled a list of the Best packing cubes for traveling in 2023, and we will answer some of your FAQs.
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Are packing cubes worth it?
Definitely YES! We don’t like to waste money unnecessarily or own loads of stuff we don’t use. But packing cubes are well worth the money. Packing Cubes ease the dreadful packing process, making them a time saver.
Plus, you can pack more clothes with them, keeping everything organized in your bag. With packing cubes, you don’t need to unpack when you check into a hotel. You simply take out the clothes as you need them, making it much easier to repack.
Which are the best packing cubes?
So, now the main question is, which is the best packing cube…? All of these packing cubes are great products and sound options, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. Remember, choose the packing cubes according to your traveler type.
Best packing cubes for 2022
Packing cube Pieces/Sizes Ideal Quality Price
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter
2 - M, S Backpacking Lifetime warranty See Price
Gonex Compression
5 - L, M, S, XS, Slim Backpacking Medium See Price
Peak design Packing cubes
3- M, S, Shoe pouch Backpacking Lifetime guarantee See Price
EBags
3 - L, M, S Carry-on Lifetime warranty See Price
Bagail
5- XL, L, M, S, laundry
or toiletry bagCarry-on Good See Price
Dot&Dot
4 - L Family Travel Good See price
Pro Packing Cubes
6 - L, M, Slim Family Travel Lifetime warranty See Price
What are packing cubes good for?
Packing Cubes have plenty of applications:
- They keep everything Organized! You know, after a few days into your trip, your bag can become a jumbled mess. Packing Cubes help maintain your clothes and electronics neat. Besides, they enable you to sort out your clothes by colors or types, for example, winter clothes in one packing cube, underwear in another…
- It’s easier to access your gear and clothes! With packing cubes finding things is much easier. You just need to remove the packing cube where the object is without unpacking your entire suitcase. Furthermore, if your baggage is examined at the airport, your stuff is discreetly contained, without your underwear being a public display.
- Maximize space in your bag! You can maximize space in your bag using packing cubes. Packing 8 T-shirts and two pairs of shorts in a medium packing cube is possible. With packing cubes, it’s simple to compress your clothing, fitting more things in your bag.
- Make sharing a suitcase easy! Packing cubes facilitate traveling with families or friends. They prevent confusion and mixing up clothes. Each person has a packing cube with their stuff. This way, you avoid taking unnecessary bags. Besides, when traveling with friends, you can share a bag and avoid extra fees without embarrassment because your personal belongings are privately packed.
- Durable! If you choose well, your packing cube will last you many years. Our packing cubes have two years, and we travel whenever possible.
How to choose the best packing cubes?
When choosing the ideal packing cube, consider which type of bag you most use, backpack or suitcase.
If you are traveling as a numerous family, you can choose packing cubes with different colors. Hence each family member knows which packing cube is theirs. And instead of buying various sets of packing cubes, you can opt for one set with several cubes.
Compare prices and quality; if you use them frequently, pick packing cubes with some quality that won’t damage with use.
Best packing cubes for backpackers
Peak Design Packing Cubes
Peak design packing cubes are a good choice if you value quality and durability. These are also very light compression packing cubes that are waterproof and practical. Ideal for backpacking.
One of the cool features of these Peak Design packing cubes is that each cube has a dual storage zone to separate dirty clothes from clean ones. Plus, they are ambiental friendly, with recycled shell fabric. They have three packing cubes, one medium, one small, and a shoe pouch. And have three different colors to choose from.
The medium packing cube size is 12.6″x6.69″x12.6″ (32x17x32 cm), and the small is 12.6″x6.69″x6.69″ (32x17x17), but both can be compressed to a thinner size. The shoe pouch fits 1-2 pairs of shoes, and its size is 12.6″x6.69″x6.69″ (32x17x17). Plus, it can fold and keep it in a small pouch.
These packing cubes are the best in terms of quality and resistance, with a lifetime guarantee. The packing cubes fit perfectly in backpacks, especially in the brand’s travel backpack. On the other side, they are a bit pricy.
Pros
- Good quality;
- Lifetime guarantee;
- Compression zipper;
- Maximizes luggage capacity;
- Water-resistant;
- Dual storage zone for your dirty laundry;
- Set with different sizes and colors;
Cons
- More on the expensive side
Click here to see the price and buyers’ reviews.
Eagle Creek Pack-it Specter Tech Compression Cube
These packing cubes are fantastic because they allow you to compress even more than with normal packing cubes. Due to its compression zipper, you can eliminate the excess air, maximizing your luggage capacity. Fitting more baggage in your bag. The premium aspect of these packing cubes is their very good quality.
The Pack-it Specter Tech set comes with 3 Compression Cubes. One Medium size cube with 10″x13,25″x1,25″ (25,4×34,5×3 cm). One small cube with 6,75″x9,75″x1,25″ (17×24,5×3 cm). And one slim cube that isn’t compressed and has the following size 4,25″x13″x2,25″ (25×34,5×3 cm).
These packing cubes are made of ultralight ripstop nylon and have a lifetime warranty. The fabric is translucent, allowing you to view what is inside, water repellent and stain-resistant. They have a 2-way zipper with a climbing rope.
These packing cubes may be expensive, but they have superior quality. They are excellent packing cubes for every situation, but especially good for backpackers. You can take more clothes with less volume in your bag.
Pros
- Compression zipper;
- ultralight;
- Durable and resistant, excellent quality;
- Lifetime warranty;
- Water-resistant;
- Maximizes luggage capacity;
- Translucid fabric;
- 2-way zipper with climbing rope;
Cons
- Expensive
Click here to see the price and buyers’ reviews
Gonex Compression packing cubes
Gonex Packing cubes also have a compression zipper, maximizing your luggage capacity. The set comprises five packing cubes with a laundry bag, allowing more packing options.
The set of 5 packing cubes consists of one large with 15,4″x15″x3,54″ (39x38x9 cm), one medium with 11.8×9.1×3.54 inches (30x23x9 cm), one small with 7,8″x7,5″x3,54″ (25x19x9 cm), smallest 7,9″x5,9″x3,54″ (20x15x9 cm) and a slim size with 13″x3,9″x3,54″ (33x10x9 cm). Plus, a laundry bag with 18,1″x13″ (46×33 cm). It is made of soft, smooth nylon with a top mesh panel and a 2-way zipper. You can choose between 6 colors.
These packing cubes are cheaper than Eagle Creek, with a bigger variety of cubes, but have less quality. Some people complain about the bad quality of the zipper.
Pros
- Compression zipper;
- Maximizes luggage capacity;
- Water-resistant;
- Mesh-top panel;
- Set with a big variety and different sizes;
- Cheaper option;
Cons
- Lower quality of zippers;
Click here to see the price and buyers’ reviews
Best suitcase packing cubes
EBags Packing Cubes
This set of 3 packing cubes has excellent quality, is one of the best in the market, and fits perfectly in a carry-on. They are ideal for suitcases, either for leisure or work travel.
This set includes three packing cubes, one large size with 17,5″x12,75″x3,25″ (44,45 x 32,38 x 8,25 cm), one medium with 13.75″ x 9.75″ x 3″ (34,9 x 32,38 x 7,62 cm) and a small size with 11″x6,75″x3″ (27,94×17,14×8,25 cm). They are made of nylon with a lifetime warranty, with a top mesh panel, a YKK zipper with a corded pull.
These packing cubes are known for their quality material and reinforced zipper. In this set, you can fit plenty of clothes. You can fit three pairs of shorts and one or two pairs of pants in the large cube. In the medium cube are six medium t-shirts, and in the small cubes are six underwear and socks. Some people particularly like the slim pack fitting most of their clothes.
Pros
- Good fit for carry-ons
- Set of 3 with different colors;
- Lifetime warranty;
- YKK zipper with climbing rope;
- light;
- See-through mesh;
- Good for long-time travel, primes for its quality;
Cons
- Overly large cube;
Click here to see the price and buyer’s reviews
Bagail packing cubes
These Begail packing cubes come in a set of 4 with a toiletry bag or a laundry bag. The set with the laundry bag comes with an extra-large cube, while the set with the toiletry bag instead of the extra-large has a slim cube.
Usually, we advise three packing cubes per person. So, these packing cubes are good to share as a couple, as they are plenty, but if you have space and don’t have to travel light, you can keep them all for yourself 🙂
The packing cubes have the following size: extra large cube 17,5″x12,75″x4″ (44,45 x 32,38 x 10,16 cm), large cube 17,5″x13,75″x4″ (44,45 x 34,92 x 10,16 cm) medium with 13.75″ x 9.75″ x 4″ (34,9 x 32,38 x 10,16 cm) and small size with 11″x6,75″x4″ (27,94×17,14×10,16 cm) and slim cube 13,75″x5″x4″ (34,92 x12,7 x 10,16 cm). They are made of nylon with a mesh top panel and a 2-way zipper corded.
The Begail packing cube set is ideal for carry-on or suitcase to keep your clothes neat and without wrinkles. You can fit more or less 3 pairs of jeans, 12 tops, ten underwear, and socks.
Pros
- Good fit for suitcases;
- Good variety of packing cubes;
- A bonus of toiletry or laundry bag;
- See-through mesh;
- Good for long-time travel, primes for its quality;
- Cheaper option;
Cons
- Overly large cube;
- Lower quality;
Click here to see the price and buyer’s reviews
Best packing cubes for Families
Dot&Dot Packing Cubes for Travel
These packing cubes are ideal for a family of four, as they come in different colors. Each member can choose the one they like more and be involved in the packing process. These packing cubes make it easy to separate and identify each person’s belongings.
This set consists of 5 large Packing Cubes with the following dimensions 17.5″ x 12.75″ x 3.25″ (44,45 x 32,38 x 7,62 cm) weighing 1,05 pounds (476 gr) for the four. They are made of Honeycomb Fabric, a soft and flexible material, and are water-resistant. The front of the packing cube is a breathable mesh, and they have a double zipper simplifying packing.
Each pack holds 8 or 9 shirts and pants, or if you are a girl, 20 rolled tops and ten rolled pants. Be aware that these large packing cubes are a larger size than other makers.
Pros
- Good for a family of 4;
- Set of 4 with different colors;
- Durable and resistant;
- Water-resistant;
- light;
- See-through mesh;
- Good value for money;
Cons
- Overly large cubes;
- Same size for the four packing cubes;
Click here to see the price and buyer’s reviews
Amazon Basic
The Amazon Basic is perfect for families. They are light, cheap, and very practical. The set has four packing cubes and is available in different colors. The set has large, medium, small, and slim packing cubes. So an extensive variety of shapes for distinct uses.
These packing cubes are made of Polyester, the fabric is light and resistant. It has a mesh top panel so you can identify the contents. The large packing cube is 17.5″ x 12.75″ x 3.25″ (44,45 x 32,38 x 8,2 cm), the medium packing cubes are 13.75″ x 9.75″ x 3″ (34,9 x 32,38 x 7,62 cm), the small is 11″ x 6,75″ x 3″ (28 x 17x 7,62 cm) . Finally, the slim packing cubes are 14″ x 5″ x 2,8″ (35,56 x 12,7 x 7 cm).
The large packing cube is good for jackets, pants, and sweaters, fitting more or less three pairs of jeans and four shirts or a jacket. The Medium packing cubes are good for blouses, shirts, and shorts, fitting seven t-shirts or four shirts and four shorts. The small cube is good for t-shirts and shorts. The Slim packing cube is ideal for underwear or shoes.
Pros
- Good price;
- Set with different colors;
- Different sizes;
- light
- See-through mesh;
Cons
- The large packing cube is an overly large cube;
- See-through mesh allows the clothes to get dirty more easily;
Click here to see the price and buyers’ reviews
What to take into consideration when buying packing cubes?
Size of packing cubes
Step one for choosing your packing cube is knowing the size of your luggage. Will you use them in a big suitcase, a carry-on, or a backpack?
Backpacks aren’t as large as a carry-on, so you need packing cubes that are slim or medium size, preferably compression cubes that optimize space. While in a suitcase, you can use the larger packing cubes. Especially if you are traveling for work and need to pack more formal clothes that you don’t want to wrinkle.
You will find large, medium, and small packing cubes, though the sizes vary according to the manufacturer. The medium packing cubes are ideal for most of our clothing, even jeans and pants. The large packing cubes are suitable for winter clothes and jackets.
In our experience, we prefer medium-sized packing cubes. They are more practical and allow for compressing more clothes. The large packing cubes are too big and not very useful. But, remember, we are backpackers.
Sets of packing cubes
Normally the sets of packing cubes have 3 or 4 pieces with different sizes or types: compression cubes, 2-sided cubes, slim cubes, and double packing cubes.
By rule, we use three packing cubes per person and toiletry for long journeys. We use two medium-sized packing cubes, one double-sided for larger clothes. One medium-size to put laundry and gear. And a small packing cube that we use as toiletry.
If you mainly travel to hot places, medium or slim packing cubes are better. For winter places, the larger ones are your option. Just be sure that the packing cubes notch with each other. It is commonly good to choose a set of different sizes but remember that medium packing cubes are the most used.
The material of packing cubes
Packing cubes are usually made of nylon, making them versatile and flexible, thus suitable for fitting things. Although, you can find some variations in their fabric.
Some of them are waterproof, making them suitable for your toiletry. Others have a see-through mesh or a translucid fabric, making it easy to see what is in, while others have solid material, which is good if you are sharing a case. Some have the bonus of being stain-resistant and water-repellent.
Frequently they come with a two-way zippered opening for better compression and have breathable fabric.
The weight of packing cubes
Packing cubes are usually very light. There are ultralight packing cubes, but the differences aren’t that big. Anyway, confirm the weight before buying; the lighter, the better.
The resistance of packing cubes
You want resistant packing cubes that will last, particularly when traveling for long periods. So be aware of some facets. You want strong mesh, solid zippers, and durable fabric.
How to pack using packing cubes?
Everyone has their packing method, but if you want to maximize space in your packing cubes, the best way is to roll your clothes.
When you finish filling the packing cubes, you sometimes have some spare space, which you can try to fill with an extra shirt or socks. For this purpose, you can open the packing cube in the middle and squeeze it in. But don’t overpack your packing cubes.
When we backpacked for three months through SE Asia, we only took clothes for two weeks, which was enough. The less you take, the better. You are lighter and more comfortable.
If you use a suitcase, try to notch the packing cubes and put your gear or shoes in the spare space.
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