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I lived wellover 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 inany 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 byr/onebagminimalists and those who can live three weeks out of a backpack with four outfits and a toothbrush. To their point, packing cubes do add weight (though just ounces), but compressible styles, like theEagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Carry-On Set ($104),Thule's Compression Packing Cube Set ($54), orBagsmart Compression Cubes ($40), are a game changer for overpackers. Even noncompression versions likeBeis' Packing Cubes ($68)have labels that will help you take your packing organization game to the next level.
Packing cubes are also critical for duffel bags and 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 our list of road-tested favorites for every situation.
For more travel gear, check out our guides to theBest Toiletry Bags,Best Luggage,Best Carry-On Luggage, andBest Travel Pillows.
Eagle Creek produces a wide range of excellent travel accessories, but these packing cubes are particularly well done. They're sturdy and thoughtfully designed, with good compression and high-quality zipper pulls. I also like 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 asolid-color “isolate" set, of which we've also tested a small cube, and it's just as sturdy.) There are also separate setsfor extended staysor slim shapes, or you canbuy 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 ($30 for 4)aren't visibly 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 like pink and lime green.
The budget category was almost a direct tie betweenAmazon Basics' sturdy set and these similarly priced cubes from Bagsmart, but a compression feature, higher-end looks, and convenient label window kicked Bagsmart slightly ahead. I also like the finer mesh on the front of Bagsmart's cubes, which lends slightly more privacy, as well as the stylish charcoal fabric on the two-piece set I bought. I'm not sure the two pieces would be enough for a weekend trip, however, so I'd definitely opt for one of the larger sets.
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. (Eagle Creek won for being more versatile with their variety of 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 like sweaters, but they still provided a shocking amount of compression.
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.
These were the fanciest-looking and -feeling packing cubes I 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 or Eagle Creek cubes above, but I was still able to save a significant amount of space in a carry-on.
They're specially designed to fit perfectly inMonos luggage: The four-piece set fits in the carry-on, and the six-piece set fits the checked bags. You can also get atoiletry case ($95)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.
When I first saw these shallow, all-mesh packing cubes with their stiff wire edging and little label windows, I wasn't initially impressed, given that they cost upwards of $30 per cube. But then I tested them. Not only do they hold more than they initially seem like they will, 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 like jewelry.
To be sure, these aren't space savers, but if you want to ensure your items don't move around or get overly squished or wrinkled, these are a great option, and they come in four stylish colors.
If you're worried about packing cubes adding weight to your luggage or backpack contents, these Peak Design 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 like 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-like fabric, as well as ashoe bag.
The ultralight backpacking companyGossamer Gearrecently launched its plane travel line, and I'm a big fan. This set is shockingly light and capacious, given the wide breadth of features it offers. The half- and full-size cubes have compression, mesh, and sturdy pull zippers. The dual-chamber dirty/clean cube has a shocking 15-liter capacity and the dirty side seals. If you're going to buy this bundle a la carte, I particularly like theclear cube ($20). It zips and has multiple mesh pockets. It works both as a clear bag for liquids when you're going through airport security, or a tech pouch for chargers, makeup, or lip balm and other sundries when you're camping. I never dreamed that such a thing existed!
For the past month, this has been my favorite set of packing cubes for everything from camping to work trips, just because it's so versatile. There is no situation in which this packing cube set doesn't work. The large dirty/clean cube fits a weekend's worth of clothes for a camping trip; the half-size compression cube fits underwear and my running clothes for a work trip.Andthe entire set weighs well under a pound. I should note that it does not have a warranty, which Gossamer Gear iscareful to noteis because ultralight fabrics tend to be a bit more fragile. Still, I took them camping in the desert for five days and they were fine, so I can vouch for their durability.—Adrienne So
Unlike most 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 the best packing cubes I've found for camping, or trips where you know your clothes or the contents of your bag will get dirty.
Labels on packing cubes isn't a new concept (Dagne Dover and Calpak cubes recommended here both have them, for instance), but Beis 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 withBeis luggage, but they fit just fine in both my non-Beis carry-on and checked bags. I tested the noncompression set, which comes with a zip bag and two shoe bags, but there's also a compression set that includes the cubes only.
This is the first set of packing cubes I ever owned, and it’s what kicked off my obsession with travel organization to begin with. There's just something generally satisfying about the size and layout of these lightweight-polyester cubes with 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.
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).
This expandable soft-sided spinner from luggage stalwart Travelpro (maker of ourfavorite budget carry-on) comes with two approximately 9" x 2" 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.
Royce & Rocket (With Packing Cubes)
Royce & Rocket (Without Packing Cubes)
Bloomingdales (Carry-On, With Packing Cubes)
This bag is bound to be a godsend for anyone who's ever ended a trip with half their suitcase contents on the floor from days' worth of rummaging. It looks like a normal suitcase, but open it to reveal two fold-down shelves that are the perfect size for packing cubes. Royce & Rocket's Castle comes in carry-on size, mid-size, or full-size with a matching set of packing cubes ($75 for four). Or buy the suitcase alone and use your own packing cubes. (Though I have done this, and noted that only medium and small sizes will be able to fit.)
Do note, however, that this shelf feature adds a considerable amount of weight to the bag. I tested the mid-size version, and when I went to weigh it at Alaska Airlines' bag drop, I was shocked to find it was just a hair under the 50-pound weight limit, despite my only packing lightweight clothes and travel-sized toiletries. Also note that the shelves set up floppy and saggy when the bag is expanded, so if you arrived with your bag that way, you'll have to remember to remove items and zip the expander back up before reopening.
GoRuck Packing Cube for $25 (for 1, 10L flat):I loved the 15 x 10 x 3-inch size I tested of this rugged, 200-denier nylon cube with a mesh front. It fit almost anything I needed for any occasion, with a convenient carry handle and signature GoRuck American flag patch on the front. However, they are pricey, and unless you need them to match yourGoRuck gear, there's nothing about them that stands out above comparably priced cubes.
Amazon Basics for $16 (set of 4): This four-pack of cubes with sturdy-mesh windows and ripstop-like fabric was comparable in quality to brands four times the price. However, Bagsmart's cubes were the same price and even sturdier, so they just edged these out for the top budget slot.
Away the Insider Packing Cubes for $45 (set of 4):I like that these come in 10 trendy colors, many of which match Away'sluggage. 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 was indistinguishable from those of some of the cheaper Amazon brands, and the zippers were small.
Shacke Pak Packing Cubes for $25 (set of 6):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 like the mix of mesh for breathability and opaque fabric for privacy. They come in nine colors, but the colors are clownishly bright 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 cord covering the zipper and could not find a YKK insignia anywhere.
Gorilla Grip Packing Cubes for $22 (set of 8):These were the least expensive packing cubes I tested, and unfortunately, it showed. The material was very thin, and the zippers were janky. I do like that they come with a shoe and laundry bag, however, and when not being used they fold down quite small. They come in a range of colors, with a nice mesh window while not being totally see-through. Hand wash only.
Calpak Luka Zippered Passport Wallet for $35: 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 cash, cards, and even your phone in a pocket on the front. The only down side is that it is quite large, about the size of a contemporary paperback book, 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.
Gorilla Grip Luggage Straps for $15 (set of 4): If you tend to travel with your hard-sided checked bag while it's expanded, you might have noticed the 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 color (the company has nine to choose from) makes 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, but 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 model 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 about the size of an iPad.
I've been testingtoiletry bags and adjacent accessoriesfor the past seven months, using them daily in my bathroom and taking them on trips every few months. For the initial testing round for packing cubes, I inspected each cube or set of cubes for features and materials. I tested how smoothly the zippers zipped open and closed, and how easy it was to use any compression feature. I packed various cubes with bulky sweatshirts and sweatpants to see how many pieces I could fit in the largest cube. Then, at the end of the testing period, I packed a cube from each set in three suitcases and took them on a weeklong cross-country trip, assessing how easy they would be to pack or unpack, or if anything bothered me or my family amid the stress and unpredictability of travel.
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 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 like 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.Unlike a 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, like some of the options above.
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